Summary
For nearly forty years,The Legend of Zeldahas been responsible for some of the industry’s most influential video games, as the series has expertly combined strong world design witha rich, complex mythology. And one of the key parts of that mythology has been the spectacular cast of legendary, iconic figures that have become superstars in the video game industry and are one of the most diverse casts in gaming.
From Link to Zelda, all the way to incredible support characters like Midna and Epona, this long-running series has seen some of the most popular and beloved characters of all time become legends in the industry. Spin-offs and appearances inSmashandMario Karthave solidified their legacy, as they have become a permanent part of pop culture. These characters have been ranked based on their importance to the franchise and impact on the series, both in terms of story and gameplay systems.
Link has had numerous forms of transportation across the lands, but none are as iconic as Epona, the legendary horse that has assisted the Hero of Hyrule faithfullysince 1998’sOcarina of Time. This mighty steed has been one of Link’s most recognizable companions for over two decades, having played a large role in several majorZeldagames.
Since first appearing inOcarina of Time, Epona has gone on to appear inTwilight Princess,Breath of the Wildand several other titles, showcasing just how important this iconic horse is in theZeldafranchise. As a mount, Epona would have a major influence on futureZeldacompanions, as characters like King of Red Lions and the Loftwings would make use of similar systems.
Link’s Awakeningis one of the most remarkable, emotionally charged video games of all time, and when it came time for Nintendo to build a complete remake on the Switch, they knew that the key was making sure all the characters retained their charm. In what is still one of the bestZeldagames of all time, the young Marin rescues Link afterbeing shipwrecked on Koholint Island, where he embarks on a long, arduous journey to wake the Wind Fish and end the dream that has stranded him there.
While she exists only as dreams in Link’s mind, Marin is still one of the most delightful characters in the series, as her sweet personality shines through beautifully. This gut-wrenching story of heartbreak and friendship is made all the more tragic when players connect with Marin, as she isn’t just a dream, but someone who feels devastatingly real. Marin is an integral part ofLink’s Awakening, and a major element of the types of stories the series would explore moving forward.
TheZeldafranchise has shied away from companion characters in recent entries, asBreath of the WildandTears of the Kingdommostly focused on Link exploring the kingdom of Hyrule solo. But one of the best aspects of the classic games has consistentlybeen the companion characters, and Link’s best partner in his grand adventures was easily Midna, who accompanied the Hero of Hyrule during the events ofThe Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.
Midna is a delightful little imp that sometimes blurs the line between antagonist and protagonist, as she exudes a sort of devious charm throughout the game. Her mischievous nature, perfect design and complex relationship with Link lead to some ofTwilight Princess’most memorable moments, and the emotional grand finale that sees her say goodbye in her true form is one of the most outstanding moments in the entire franchise.
3Ganon
Link’s Longtime Rival Is One Of The Most Iconic Video Game Villains Of All Time
In terms of long-running video game villains, there may not be one more iconic or integral to a series than Ganon, the Gerudo thief who has tortured Link and Zelda for almost forty years. With his legendary design, complex backstory and never-ending quest for power, Ganon is still one of the most recognizable and influential video game villains of all time.
Ganon has been Link’s arch nemesis since 1986, as the Prince of Darkness has tortured the land of Hyrule through multiple incarnations and rebirths. Thislegendary video game villainhas been portrayed in a multitude of different ways, from a power-hungry despot to a tragic figure doomed to hate everything in sight. And this ability to reinvent himself has been a key to making Ganon one of the industry’s most iconic villains.
In terms of video game royalty, Princess Zelda may be the most iconic princess in the industry, as she has been a key figure in gaming ever since her debut in 1986. Giving her namesake to one of the most storied series in video games is remarkable, as the name holds a ton of weight, as Zelda herself has gone on to influence the very foundation of the franchise’s mythology and ever-evolving legacy.
As she is the literal legend ofZelda, the Princess of Hyrule has had a profound, tangible impact on the series, even if she doesn’t appear in every single game in the franchise. She’s been everything from a warrior to a pirate ship captain, all the way to a diplomat and the slayer of evil herself, havingbeen reincarnated multiple times, yet still retains all the bravery, heroism and honesty that has defined her since 1986. Her theme is one of the most emotional pieces of music ever conceived, and she continues to be an integral part of the franchise almost forty years later.
Having led the series since 1986, no character has appeared in moreZelda-related products than Link,as this brave young herohas destroyed evil and saved the land of Hyrule more times than anyone else. The green-clad Hero of Hyrule has been one of the industry’s most recognizable beacons of hope for decades, as his fight against the encroaching hands of darkness has remained one of the most beloved on the market through multiple home and handheld console generations.
Link has led numerous spin-offs, appeared inSmashandMario Kart, and is still one of the most legendary video game icons of all time, having played a huge part in every decade of gaming since the 1980s. His longevity, strong character and continued presence in all forms of media have helped elevate him into something more than just a video game character. Link is one of the key figures in video games, as he has become woven into the very fabric of the industry, solidifying him as theLegend of Zelda’smost iconic character.
