The Legend of Zelda is a gaming franchise that includes over twenty titles, many characters and multiple layers of narrative. From the overarching stories that span the entire series, to the quest-laden tales unique to each game, players are treated to a range of fantastical characters.
Each game in the franchise is ripe with unique secondary characters that provide the depth players have come to expect in the world of Hyrule. Following the journey of the Hero of Time, Link, fans of the franchise are gifted to numerous good, evil and ambiguous story arcs. Here is a list of ten of the best supporting character arcs from all games in the Legend of Zelda series.
10 Epona
When Ocarina of Time was first released on the Nintendo 64 in 1998, the world of Hyrule was one of the biggest that could be explored on any console. While small compared to modern maps, it was large for its time, and with no means of teleport players were introduced to a character that offered – at the time – a uniquely fantastical experience, Epona.
Link’s friend and regular means of transport began her life in Lon Lon Ranch where she chooses the Hero of Time. Returning in Majora’s Mask, The Minish Cap and Breath of the Wind, Epona continues to aid the player and expand on the story.
9 Ghirahim
Ghirahim is a recurring enemy whose evil exploits are test that of the Link and Hyrule. First appearing in Skyward Sword, this demon is a member of the Sword Spirits and is known as the Demon Lord Ghirahim.
Making an additional appearance in Hyrule Warriors, this antagonist’s story tells of an arrogantly confident ruler, bent on summoning his mentor, the true Demon King, Demise. Like many who come up against Zelda and the Hero of Time, Ghirahim’s fall from grace is harsh and swift.
8 Medli
For fans of The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, an introduction is hardly needed for this unique-looking character who holds lofty titles. Medli is a member of the beaked people known as the Rito. And, while an apprentice attendant to her folk’s deity, Valoo, she soon develops into the Rito Sage of the Earth and the Sage of the Earth Temple. Along her way to high status, Medli assists Link in his quest to complete the Dragon Roost Cavern and the Earth Temple.
7 Fi
Another character with lofty titles sent to aid the Hero of Time in his adventures, Fi is a benevolent spirit in humanoid form. Known as both the Spirit of the Sword and The Goddess Sword, Mistress Fi appears to offer council and guidance during the events of Skyward Sword and Breath of the Wild.
Fi plays a key role in toppling the evil being Demise, appearing to Link in a dream and providing foresight into the events that were to unfold.
6 Groose
A character with a small part to play in his only appearance in the Zelda series. Groose, a member of Knight Academy on the isle of Skyloft pops up in Skyward Sword to display some overbearing vanity.
While not an antagonist, Groose is a low-level irritation whose affection for Princess Zelda leads him to treat Link with Distain. Initially, this egotistical character appears nothing more than a nuisance, but in one of the shortest redeeming arcs in the entire Zelda series, Groose succeeds in aiding Link.
5 Agahnim
Not the primary antagonist of A Link to the Past, but certainly an intriguing one. Agahnim is an evil dark wizard serving as an apprentice to the great, powerful, and often-present Ganon. Or so it seems.
As an apprentice, Agahnim captured the Seven Maidens and uses their power to break the seal of the Sacred Realm. During his ill deeds, this wicked wizard proves his steel by facing Link and showing his resilience to the hero’s Master Sword. While the identity of every iteration of Agahnim is not clear, the version featured in A Link to the Past was eventually revealed to be none other than Ganon in disguise.
4 Navi
If riding Epona is one of the highlight experiences of Ocarina of Time, then Navi is perhaps one of the most irritating. Admittedly, this is mainly due to her ability to stop Link in his tracks with a sharp ‘hey’. This aside, she is hugely helpful and an ever-present companion to the Hero of Time in this N64 release. Navi is initially summoned by the Kokiri Village’s ancient and wise Deku Tree. She is commanded to accompany Link of his quest to save Hyrule and her journey begins.
3 Kaepora Gaebora
This reoccurring wise old owl is a character of great interest and mysterious intrigue. Like many well-established characters, Kaepora Gaebora was first featured in Ocarina of Time. Appearing to deliver news and guide the series hero in the right direction, there is speculation about the great bird’s origins.
With subsequent appearances in Majora’s Mask and Four Swords Adventures, Kaepora Gaebora is rumored to have once been the ancient sage, Rauru. Responsible for building the temporal affecting Temple of Time, this great builder then resided in the Temple of Light before emerging as the owl, Kaepora Gaebora.
2 Impa
In the same vein as the series’ titular character Princess Zelda and the playable Hero of Time, Link, the character Impa holds legendary status. Appearing in the first game in the franchise, she is a recurring character whose family have historically protected the monarchs of Hyrule.
Impa’s story is overarching and told in several Zelda games. Typically serving as a bodyguard for Princess Zelda, over the generations and different iterations of this secondary hero players learn more about her warrior prowess and Sheikah roots.
1 Midna
Perhaps one of the most intriguing characters both aesthetically and narratively, Midna began her journey alongside Link in 2006’s Twilight Princess. For those familiar with the role of Navi in Ocarina of Time, this later side-kick of Link may appear to be nothing more than a helpful hand offering useful tips. But, as players of the game will discover, there is much more to Midna.
Midna’s people, the Twili, are descended from ancient and evil magic-wielding beings that were once banished to The Twilight Realm. Overthrown by a usurper, as the story unfolds, Link discovers that Midna is in fact the Leader of the Twili and the true Twilight Princess. From main characters to supporting characters, The Legend of Zelda is fully packed with narrative that fans of fantasy gaming are sure to enjoy.