The Legend of Zelda: Most Important Side Characters

Highlights

Side characters in
Legend of Zelda
, like King of Red Lions and Great Deku Tree, play vital roles in fleshing out the series’ rich world.
Characters like Tingle and Beedle, though polarizing, are important in providing key items and services to Link during his adventures.
Iconic characters like Epona and Impa have made significant appearances in multiple
Zelda
games, shaping the lore and storylines.

As a long-time fan of the Legend of Zelda series, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing the evolution of some truly remarkable side characters. Among them all, there are a few who stand out as absolute pillars of the franchise, each with their unique roles and captivating stories.

In the popular Legend of Zelda series, while Princess Zelda and her protector Link take center stage, a host of other Zelda characters also appear, who are cherished by fans and often have significant impacts on the game storylines – occasionally spanning multiple titles as well.

While the supporting characters might not match the main characters in brilliance within the Legend of Zelda series, they are adored and play a crucial role in making the vast and intricate universe feel more real and immersive.

10 King of Red Lions

A Talking Boat

First Appearance: Wind Waker

In the game Wind Waker, you’ll encounter the Red Lion King for the first time, but this fascinating character has also appeared in numerous other games, including spin-offs like Hyrule Warriors. What sets King of Red Lions apart is that he serves as both a means of transportation for Link and a loyal companion, due to his ability to communicate.

In the expansive seascape of The Wind Waker, the Red Lion King serves as a boatman, transporting Link from one island to another. This crucial mode of transportation enables Link’s global adventures while also keeping him companionable during lengthy voyages at sea.

9 Great Deku Tree

Not Just a Really Big Tree

First Appearance: Ocarina of Time

The Great Deku Tree is a giant talking tree. That’s cool already, but it’s also a giant talking tree with massive relevance to the nation of Hyrule and the world of the Legend of Zelda game franchise. With appearances across the franchise, from mainline games such as Wind Waker and Breath of the Wild to spin-offs like Hyrule Warriors and Freshly-Picked Tingle’s Rosy Rupeeland, the Great Deku Tree is a stalwart of the franchise.

In the heart of the forest dwells the venerable Great Deku Tree, who nurtures and protects all its inhabitants, such as the Kokiri and the Koroks. During the events of “Ocarina of Time,” he also tasks Link with his journey.

8 Tingle

The Guy People Love To Hate

First Appearance: Majora’s Mask

Among Zelda enthusiasts, Tingle is a character who elicits a strong divide in opinion. Some fans adore his unique look and eccentric lifestyle, whereas others strongly dislike him and believe he should not have been created as a character at all. Therefore, it would be an exaggeration to describe him as universally beloved.

While Tingle may not always be popular due to his unique character traits, he holds significant importance within certain Zelda games. In fact, he has been featured as a playable character in some Zelda spin-offs. Known for selling crucial maps and charts, Tingle stands out as one of the most essential side characters in the Zelda series.

7 Beedle

In All the Right Places

First Appearance: Wind Waker

In the game ‘Wind Waker’, Beedle debuts as a versatile merchant, dealing in various goods including quest items. Unlike other stationary merchants, Beedle is a traveler, appearing in numerous locations throughout the games he’s featured in. This makes him an indispensable ally for Link during his adventures due to his mobility.

Beedle occasionally uses ships or airships for travel, but in “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” he’s only been seen traveling on foot. However, Beedle is a frequent companion to Link during his adventures and has provided him with numerous vital items throughout their long relationship.

6 Dampé

A Digger With Depth

First Appearance: Ocarina of Time

Initially, Dampé appears to be a common old gravedigger, but upon closer examination, it becomes clear that he knows much more than he reveals. With roots in various games like ‘Ocarina of Time’, ‘Majora’s Mask’, and the latest version of ‘Link’s Awakening’ for Nintendo Switch, Dampé demonstrates a depth of understanding beyond his simple exterior.

Dampé frequently engages in helpful activities with Link, often proposing games, offering potent artifacts, and occasionally sharing secret insights.

5 The Postman

The MVPostman

First Appearance: Majora’s Mask

In the world of Zelda, there’s a consistent character named The Postman, who, unsurprisingly, serves as a postman. What sets him apart is his unique ability to deliver letters and items to Link, no matter where he is – much like Skyrim’s Courier, he can traverse diverse locations with ease.

In various installments of the Legend of Zelda series, the Postman has made an appearance. He provides comic relief in some instances while being serious in others. Regardless, he consistently delivers mail and vital objects for quests to Link throughout time without faltering, making him truly indispensable.

4 Biggoron

Big Sword Guy

First Appearance: Ocarina of Time

In essence, as the name “Biggoron” implies, he’s an incredibly large Goron. This towering Goron figure is a delightful addition to any game. However, Biggoron is not merely a charming cameo; he plays a significant role by enabling Link to craft a potent sword for his journey.

In various games from the Zelda series, such as Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, Biggoron’s Sword is a potent weapon that frequently appears.

3 Epona

The GOAT of Horses

First Appearance: Ocarina of Time

For quite some time, Link found himself traversing various locations in Hyrule, including Gerudo deserts, on foot. There were occasional boat rides, but it wasn’t until the game known as “Ocarina of Time” that he gained a significant increase in his travel pace, essentially making his journey faster.

Initially discovered as a young foal, Epona blossomed into an impressive steed, gracing numerous games within the Zelda series. While she doesn’t often speak – except in Twilight Princess, where Wolf Link can converse with her – she remains a steadfast ally for Link, even carrying him on her back when needed.

2 Twinrova

(Mostly) Evil Witches

First Appearance: Ocarina of Time

In the annals of Hyrule, I find myself captivated by the duo known as Twinrova – Koume and Kotake, two witches who often tread on the darker side. These formidable Gerudo sorceresses held significant influence over their people, secretly pulling the strings. Moreover, they played a pivotal role in nurturing Ganondorf, the colossal adversary that has haunted the Legend of Zelda series throughout its history.

Over time, these twin characters have been featured across various games within the series, often portrayed as antagonists. However, they switched sides and became helpful in the game “Majora’s Mask“, assisting Link on his journey. The twins, Twinrova, also made a brief appearance in the latest release, “Tears of the Kingdom“.

1 Impa

The Dedicated Nursemaid

First Appearance: The Legend of Zelda

As a dedicated Zelda gamer myself, it’s hard to overlook Impa. She’s more than just a side character, she’s a recurring figure who significantly impacts the storylines of several Zelda games. From my gaming experiences, I can confidently say that she’s been instrumental in titles like Skyward Sword, Breath of the Wild, and Ocarina of Time.

In various forms, Impa has served as a Sage, a caregiver for Princess Zelda, a warrior, and even a general on one occasion. Regardless of her different roles, there’s one constant truth: Impa holds significant importance not only to Princess Zelda but also to the entire realm of Hyrule.

2024-08-14 08:34