Hey! Look! Listen!
The Legend of Zelda series has been around since 1986, making it one of the longest-running and influential video game series of all time. With over 21 main series games and 30 releases total, the series has a plethora of side characters that we either love or hate. Do you agree with this list?
1. Beedle
Beedle is a recurring character throughout the Legend of Zelda series, first appearing in The Wind Waker. He has several different businesses through the games, and is always fun to stop and chat with when you cross paths with him. He also provides discounts to his favorite customers, aka Link.
2. Kass
Kass is a travelling bard who appears throughout Hyrule in Breath of the Wild. He typically offers to share “ancient songs” with Link that have been passed down by his teacher, dedicated to the hero who defeated Calamity Ganon. Interacting with Kass will give the player access to shrine quests. Mysteriously, Kass is nowhere to be found in Breath of the Wild’s direct sequel, Tears of the Kingdom.
3. Impa
Impa is a recurring character that serves the Sheikah tribe, a protector tribe of the Hyrule Royal Family. Impa appeared in the very first Legend of Zelda game and has made appearances through 9 games total. Most Impa incarnations serve as Zelda’s bodyguard or nursemaid, but always seem to have extensive information to further Link’s quest.
IQRemix from Canada on Wikimedia
4. The Great Deku Tree
This well-known Zelda figure is the guardian of Hyrule’s forests and also protector of the Kokiri and Koroks in Ocarina of Time and Breath of the Wild, respectively. The Great Deku tree first appeared in the Ocarina of Time, also appearing in The Wind Waker, Breath of the Wild, Tears Of The Kingdom, and Echoes of Wisdom.
5. Midna
Midna is a witty, albeit bossy, character from Twilight Princess who aids Link in his journey to defeat Zant, the game’s main antagonist. She is a resident of the Twilight Realm, a descendant of the ancient Twili people, and as we discover later in the game, the Twilight Princess herself.
Kimberly Wills-Starin on Wikimedia
6. King Rauru
King Rauru is introduced in Tears of the Kingdom as the first King of Hyrule. He is of the Zonai race, and he and his wife, Sonia, aid a time-traveling Zelda in her quest to help Link defeat the Demon King Ganondorf. King Rauru is not to be confused with the Hylian Rauru, who shows up in the Ocarina of Time and The Wind Waker.
7. Prince Sidon
Prince Sidon is an incredibly charismatic side character who appears in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. He is heir to the Zora throne and the sage of water, using a trident that was wielded by his older sister Mipha, who lost her life to the battle against Calamity Ganon 100 years prior.
8. Marin
Marin is a young girl who finds Link washed up on a beach in Link’s Awakening. Her favorite pastime is singing, and she is well-loved by the animals on Koholint Island. Due to the nature of Link’s Awakening, Marin bears a striking resemblance to Princess Zelda, although she has no idea who that is.
9. Tingle
Tingle is a recurring character who first appears in Majora’s Mask and shows up in 8 games total. He is a middle-aged man who runs around in a full-body green jumpsuit and red shorts. Tingle is well-loved for his flamboyant behavior and has a soft spot for fairies.
10. Epona
How can we forget Link’s trusty steed? Epona is Link’s trademark horse, first appearing in Ocarina of Time, and showing up again in Majora's Mask, The Minish Cap, Twilight Princess, and Breath of the Wild. She is usually summoned with Link using a whistle or a song that the player learns in the game.
1. Revali
Appearing in Breath of the Wild, Revali is a master archer and champion of the Rito - and he won’t let you forget it. He is arrogant, sardonic, incredibly boastful, and never, ever wrong. It becomes abundantly clear that Revali doesn’t like Link, as he is envious of his high position and generally insecure about his own capabilities.
Douglas Muth from Philadelphia, PA, USA on Wikimedia
2. Fi
Fi is a somewhat recurring character in the series, first appearing in Skyward Sword. She is a humanoid spirit that resides inside the Goddess Sword (aka the Master Sword), who aids Link on his quest. While annoying, it can’t be denied that Fi is loyal and dedicated to Link, and her sound effect is heard in both Breath of the Wild and Tears Of The Kingdom.
Philip Terry Graham on Wikimedia
3. King of Red Lions
The King of Red Lions is an anthropomorphic sailboat that appears in The Wind Waker and Four Swords Adventures. He aids Link in his journey across the Great Sea after being captured by the Helmaroc King. Unfortunately, his assistance is seen as lackluster at best.
4. Ooccoo Jr.
Pocono Jr. is a bird-like character in Twilight Princess that allows Link to warp in and out of dungeons, returning to a specific spot instead of at the entrance. While helpful, Ooccoo’s appearance is generally considered off-putting, and her habit of squawking is annoying.
5. Nakura
Nakura is a ghostly presence in Link’s Awakening that is part of a mandatory side quest. Nakura is vague in its description of what it requires Link to do, and the side quest is more of a hindrance to the game than anything else. Link cannot enter any dungeons until he helps this ghost.
6. Bolson
Bolson is a flamboyant figure in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. He is the president of Bolson Construction, and initially appears at an abandoned house in Hateno Village. While he helps you build a beautiful little home, Bolson does not stop talking, making him incredibly annoying to interact with.
7. Guru-Guru
Guru-Guru is a travelling musician who appears in Majora’s Mask and Oracle of Seasons. While seemingly a nice old man, Guru-Guru is quite lonely and lashes out at just about anything. He has awful mood swings and can usually be found sharing his sob story to anyone who will listen.
Daniel Benavides from Austin, TX on Wikimedia
8. Chudley
Chudly is a character in Twilight Princess who runs Chudly’s Fine Goods and Fancy Trinkets Emporium, a rather expensive shop in Castle Town. He is incredibly snobby, self-important, and pompous. Later, he becomes even more annoying if the store is turned into Malo Mart, where his entire demeanor shifts to become the most customer-oriented shopkeeper to ever grace the game.
9. Jolene
Jolene is a pirate in Phantom Hourglass, constantly searching for Link’s travel partner, Linebeck. Jolene is consumed entirely by revenge, constantly chasing Link and Linebeck across the ocean and ambushing the ship. She’s also got a few special attacks, making combat with her annoying and occasionally difficult.
10. Navi
Navi is a character who shows up in Ocarina of Time as Link’s aid and companion. If you’ve ever played this one-in-a-million game, you’ll likely remember her shouting, “Hey!” “Look!” “Listen!” when prompted in a battle or for game advice. I don’t think we need to explain any further how incredibly annoying this character is.
