Zelda’s Most Despicable Characters: Ranking the Worst of Hyrule

Summary

Tingle is a quirky ally with fairy obsessions, earning love or hate from Zelda fans due to his high service fees.
Revali from Breath of the Wild is a champion who belittles Link, but provides crucial help and eventual reconciliation.
Ghirahim from Skyward Sword is a sadistic demon prince who torments Link and pursues Zelda relentlessly.

The Legend of Zelda is a renowned series, brimming with tales of myth and valor that have captivated fans for generations. The storyline set in Hyrule and its connected territories has experienced numerous changes over time, and the various iterations of hero Link are consistently faced with new challenges to conquer and characters to interact with.

As a devoted fan, I can attest that the franchise is renowned for its captivating characters. While legendary heroes like Link and Zelda undeniably hold a special place in our hearts, it’s the peculiar, endearing NPCs such as Beedle and Agitha who frequently leave lasting impressions on us. However, not all characters are as adorable as these two. There are some truly despicable NPCs that Link must face during his quests to save Hyrule.

10. Tingle

A Strange And Greedy Man

First Appearance: Majora’s Mask

Tingle stands out among the secondary characters in “The Legend of Zelda” series, often sparking passionate responses from fans, whether they view him favorably or otherwise. In the games, Tingle is particularly famous for his fascination with fairies and proficiency in creating maps and charts. These talents make him a valuable asset to Link, especially during his journey in “Wind Waker,” where accurate navigation of the Great Sea’s vast expanse is crucial.

Unfortunately, although Tingle has useful abilities, his fairy-themed fantasies often make him difficult to work with, even for other NPCs. In the game Wind Waker, he’s actually imprisoned for theft, and Link must free him so that they can collaborate. Despite the fact that Tingle’s chart-reading skills are crucial in the search for the legendary Triforce, he demands extremely high fees for his assistance.

9. Revali

A Callous Champion

First Appearance: Breath of the Wild

In the game’s timeline, the Four Champions of Hyrule were valiant warriors who were unfortunately vanquished by Calamity Ganon prior to the story’s commencement. Despite their heroic stature, Revali, one of the Champions, emerges as an unpleasant character. This Rito Champion frequently puts down Link, seizing every chance to outshine him and make him feel inadequate. Even when Link travels through time to free Revali’s spirit from the Divine Beast, the deceased champion remains dismissive, swiftly justifying his defeat and criticizing Link’s skills.

After Link vanquishes the Blight within Revali’s Divine Beast, there is a partial mending of the relationship between the two protagonists. The ability that Revali grants Link proves indispensable in traversing the realm of Hyrule. Those who delve into the Champions’ Ballad DLC will gain insight into Revali’s internal struggles and fears, which may lead them to show him a touch more understanding and compassion.

8. The Happy Mask Salesman

Far Too High A Price

First Appearance: Ocarina of Time

Initially introduced as a manager for a side quest in trading during “Ocarina of Time,” players may recognize the mysterious Happy Mask Salesman more from his role in the subsequent game, “Majora’s Mask.” In this game, set in the bizarre land of Termina, which is under the grip of terror caused by the titular Mask – a powerful artifact with immense evil energy that was recently taken from the Salesman.

In the game, The Happy Mask Salesman seems helpful, leading Link in his mission to retrieve the mask and save Termina. But, his intentions are questionable throughout, as we never learn how he got Majora’s Mask or what plans he has for it once Link retrieves it. This mysterious artifact is dangerous, adding an element of uncertainty to the Salesman’s true goals.

7. Vaati

An Evil, Ambitious Mage

First Appearance: Four Swords

As a seasoned gamer, I must confess that while Ganondorf has had his fair share of opportunities to wreak havoc across Hyrule, the enigmatic Vaati stands out as a villain that leaves an indelible mark. This Minish wind mage, initially captivated by the malevolence simmering within human hearts, eventually succumbed to corruption. The allure of darkness only served to fuel his insatiable hunger for power.

In the realm of Four Swords, I found myself face-to-face with a character named Vaati for the first time. By then, his thirst for power had grown so immense that it consumed him entirely. He was an unyielding, ruthless, and heartless sorcerer who held no bounds in his quest to impose his monstrous will upon the world around us.

6. Yuga

An Artist Of Evil

First Appearance: A Link Between Worlds

In a chilling twist, I’m a cunning sorcerer who employs dark, brush-wielded spells to ensnare the Seven Sages within canvases, draining their potent energy. Pushing boundaries even further, I revive the infamous Ganon and aim to merge with this legendary evil, seizing its power for myself. A shocking revelation unfolds, revealing that my actions are orchestrated by Princess Hilda of Lorule, in a treacherous plot to pilfer Hyrule’s Triforce and harness it to rescue her own world.

Yet, Yuga deceives Hilda, aspiring to seize absolute power, thereby casting both realms into shadow. This self-centered sorcerer disregards everyone else, and in his pursuit of so-called true beauty, he endangers not one but two worlds.

5. Null

The Devouring Void

First Appearance: Echoes of Wisdom

Among the oldest entities in the franchise’s history, Null, a solitary primordial being, dwelt in the void before Hyrule’s creation. This creature thrived on seclusion and consumed anything or anyone that ventured into its domain. Eventually, the three Golden Goddesses imprisoned Null, thus enabling Hyrule to develop and prosper.

This malevolent entity aspires for nothing less than the complete annihilation of all, sparing no effort in its pursuit. It exploits Rifts to shatter the realm of Hyrule into fragments. Moreover, it resorts to a detestable tactic by producing replicas of beings to sow discord and advance its destructive agenda.

4. Zant

The Mad King Of Twilight

First Appearance: Twilight Princess

As a gamer, I can’t help but be captivated by the unique charm of Twilight Princess. The game’s haunting ambiance and distinctive style are truly unforgettable, and no character embodies this more than the formidable Twilight King Zant. This powerful sorcerer, burdened by the plight of his people trapped in the Twilight Realm, has become a relentless zealot for Ganondorf. Now, he sows despair and darkness under his banner.

Initially, Zant presents himself as a composed despot, but when Link and Midna challenge him with their maximum force, his mask of composure shatters. The ruthless monarch becomes enraged and lashes out in a violent rage, only to be ultimately destroyed by the Fused Shadow. Throughout his reign over the Twilight and Hyrule realms, Zant was a cruel king who brought about an era of sorrow for both lands alike.

3. Ghirahim

A Sadistic Sword

First Appearance: Skyward Sword

From the moment Link encounters Ghirahim, it’s clear that this demon prince possesses some truly loathsome traits. He is arrogant, merciless, and takes pleasure in inflicting suffering on others whenever he can. Every chance he gets, Ghirahim revels in causing pain, making him a truly wicked character. His unwavering devotion to his master Demise fuels his relentless pursuit of Zelda across the world, constantly coming up with new methods to torment Link throughout their journey together.

As Zelda eludes Ghirahim’s harsh actions, the demon grows increasingly frantic and volatile, making encounters between him and Link particularly daunting. Beyond his overt cruelty, Ghirahim is unsettlingly erratic, causing players to feel uneasy whenever he emerges on the scene.

Ghirahim’s attempts to capture Zelda only serve to make him more unstable and fearsome when confronted by Link. His combination of extreme cruelty and unpredictable behavior leaves players in a constant state of tension when he appears.

2. Demise

The Root Of All Evil

First Appearance: Skyward Sword

In the game Skyward Sword, Demise’s on-screen appearance may be limited, but his impact on the series as a whole is incredibly profound. This ancient Demon King initiates one of the earliest conflicts with Link, aiming to rule the world. Equipped with the mighty Master Sword, Link manages to vanquish him.

In his final breaths, Demise imposes a doom upon Link and Zelda that echoes across all timelines, leaving their future selves shrouded in darkness and enduring hardship for eternity. The majority of catastrophic threats faced by these two heroes in every game within the series can be traced back to the malice and resentment of this wicked spirit.

1. Ganon

The Prince of Darkness

First Appearance (As Ganon): The Legend of Zelda
First Appearance (As Ganondorf): Ocarina of Time

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but marvel at the formidable foe that is Ganon, the ultimate antagonist in the Legend of Zelda series. Wielding the Triforce of Power, he stands as the sworn enemy of the noble Kingdom of Hyrule. Whether appearing as a terrifying beast or the cunning humanoid villain, Ganondorf, this adversary tirelessly seeks to seize control of the entire Triforce and elevate himself to a power equal to that of the gods themselves.

Across all his incarnations, Ganon stands out for his brutality, relentless desire for power, and unquenchable hunger for dominance. Kindness or compassion are traits he never displays as he tirelessly seeks the Triforce. His immense, unyielding evil frequently looms over Hyrule, threatening to engulf it entirely. Many of the realm’s greatest calamities can be traced back to this fiend, earning him a place among the most despised figures in the annals of Hyrule’s history.

2025-05-10 11:25