The Evolution of Princess Zelda

Since 1986, The Legend of Zelda series has only grown in popularity. This series has changed gaming as many know it. Often credited for perfecting game mechanics, this impactful series has left its mark on the gaming world. Throughout most of these games, one goal stands strong: save Princess Zelda. 

The iconic princess with a beloved series named after her has been featured in nearly every game. Over time, her character itself has evolved. Compared to the damsel in distress she once was, Nintendo has shown that Zelda is a powerful, independent woman. 

In the original trilogy, Princess Zelda does not have a major role. She is the title of the series, the Princess of Hyrule, but, overall, she is just a goal. Link must save Zelda to save Hyrule or vice versa. The goal became familiar. The damsel in distress trope was easy to understand and made people feel good about saving the princess. This goal has since expanded into a more complex version of its original self. 

A Powerful Reveal

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is the first 3D installment within the series. This game was revolutionary to many gamers’ childhoods at the time. However, it was also revolutionary for Princess Zelda. In this game, Link is guided by a mysterious man named Sheik. This man aids Link on his journey and teaches him many things to help defeat Ganondorf. However, it is later revealed that this man was Princess Zelda the entire time. 

In a Metroid-like reveal, Sheik turns into Zelda, the princess of Hyrule. It becomes clear that she disguised herself to hide from Ganondorf while still aiding in the fight against him. She taught Link many useful songs and guided him through the temples. The legendary hero may have been lost without her help. This huge unveiling proved that Zelda was not only a princess but a capable warrior as well. 

A Pirate Turned Princess

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker took another very different spin on Princess Zelda’s character. Early into his journey, Link meets a girl named Tetra. This stubborn and elusive girl joins the legendary hero on his quest to save his sister. Tetra invites Link aboard her pirate ship and they sail off to rescue the young girl. After fighting alongside her, the king of Hyrule reveals Tetra to be Princess Zelda. 

This reveal feels very different from Sheik’s reveal in Ocarina of Time. Tetra had no clue that she was the princess, so she is thrown into confusion. However, being the strong character that she is, she immediately jumps into her role as the princess. She goes into hiding from Ganondorf and Link must rescue her once again. After he does, Zelda returns to being Tetra and the two commence a search for a new location for Hyrule. 

A Selfless Sacrifice

In a darker turn of events, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess shows Zelda in a heavier storyline. This version of the beloved princess has grown to be one of the most popular designs. From the sheer beauty of her design to her love for her people, this princess left an impact on many fans. She makes many sacrifices in order to save the people of Hyrule. She surrenders herself to the antagonist, Zant, so that he will spare the lives of her people.

This version of Zelda deals with many great terrors and heartbreakingly difficult decisions. Yet, she continues on for her kingdom and to aid Link in saving Hyrule. In a chilling and heartbreaking cutscene, Zelda gives her soul to save Midna, the Twilight Princess, from death. In giving this great sacrifice, she proves her selflessness and proves herself as one of the strongest Zelda characters. 

The Playable Spirit

The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks is the first main series game to include a playable Princess Zelda. This, while not related to her personality, is a huge stepping-stone for her as a character. Zelda’s spirit is removed from her body and she must possess phantom armor to regain some physical form. Players require her help to complete puzzles and progress in the game. 

This iteration of Zelda follows Link throughout the entire journey to stop this game’s antagonists. During the final boss fight, the princess is still right by Link’s side and aids him in defeating the demon king. The two come out of the battle victorious and hold hands as they watch the world calm down. This playable Zelda who fights alongside Link more than proves her worth as a capable princess.

A Goddess Incarnate

During The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Zelda confesses to Link that she is the mortal reincarnation of the Goddess Hylia. She explains that she must seal herself into a deep sleep in order to keep Demise, the main antagonist, at bay. 

Although Link seemingly defeats Demise, the plan becomes futile as Zelda is kidnapped and Demise is resurrected in his true form. Eventually, Link is able to defeat this version of Demise and Zelda is restored to her true self. Although her role within the gameplay is seemingly unimpressive, being the living embodiment of goddess Hylia is a monumental display of strength. 

The Scholar and Savior

The princess that players seen in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the same princess seen in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. This game is a direct continuation of the first. Within this current duology, Princess Zelda is an impressively strong woman who is always uncovering new information.

Game director Hidemaro Fujibayashi had stated that Zelda’s story in Breath of Wild “was about struggling with feeling worthless due to not being able to meet the expectations others had for her.” Throughout the time between these games, Zelda overcame this struggle and began to fill in her role as Hyrule’s leader.

Within these games, Princess Zelda shows herself to be the most dynamic character out of all her iterations yet. She is a dutiful leader toward her people, but she is also an intrigued scholar for herself. Zelda displays massive amounts of power and the determination to learn to use and control it. This most recent version of the princess truly proves how she has grown over the decades of her existence.

Zelda’s Continued Evolution

Although much of the plot has yet to be revealed, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom marks the first official game in the series where Zelda is the main playable character. Within this game, Zelda must set out to save Link and all of Hyrule. Upon its release, it will become a historic moment in the princess’s history. 

This upcoming game is just one of many in the series that proves Zelda to be an impressive character. From the past to future games, Zelda is a key aspect of the series and makes it an amazing work.

Princess Zelda is an impressive, lovable character. She is chosen by destiny to keep and protect the Triforce of Wisdom, a piece of the series’ most powerful object. She is a main piece of the series and, over time, has shown her inspiring traits. Her selflessness, kindness, strength, and intellect have saved Hyrule as many times as Link has with his bravery and courage.