The Legend of Zelda has always boasted a well-rounded cast of inspirational female characters. Last year on International Women’s Day I made an article about a few of these ladies who made an impact on me, but of course, there are still so many more to talk about! From fearsome warriors to kindhearted princesses, The Legend of Zelda has a variety of inspirational women to look up to and learn from!
Zelda (Breath of the Wild)
This specific incarnation of the titular princess has only been around for about three years at the time of writing this, but her impact on Zelda fans everywhere is clear from all the cosplay, fan art, and other displays of affection she has received. She is a smart, inquisitive young woman, yearning for her independence and figuring out her role in the story at hand. She’s complex and multidimensional, leaving us wanting to learn more about her!
Tetra (The Wind Waker)
Tetra is the pirate QUEEN! Taking charge of her own pirate crew and commanding respect and authority with her sharp wit and determination, Tetra is a girl you can always rely on. She’ll put up a fight and never give up, even if the circumstances are grim. Despite her rough exterior, she does show compassion throughout her interactions with Link, which takes just as much strength.
Marin (Link’s Awakening)
It took me a little while to understand what the big fuss about Marin was. I recently started playing through Link’s Awakening for the first time this year and she was hardly included in the beginning. Then one little cutscene changed everything. When Link arrived, she finally had a friend she could confide in. She shared her dreams and my goodness I’m glad she did, and I will do all I can to help her achieve them.
Ruto (Ocarina of Time)
She is royalty and she knows it. Confident and regal, this princess knows how to handle herself in a sticky situation — literally. She helps Link navigate the innards of Lord Jabu-Jabu in search of the Zora’s Sapphire. Though she’s certainly a little snooty and stubborn at first, she accepts Link’s assistance and grows fond of the young hero, showing she can be equally as affectionate.
Saria (Ocarina of Time)
A childhood friend of Link’s who quickly became one to us as well. Sweet, merry, and caring, it was so hard to say goodbye to this beloved friend after the first trial in the Great Deku Tree. Still, thoughtful as ever, Saria gifts Link with a special ocarina so she will always be with him, even when they are worlds apart.
Aryll (The Wind Waker)
The sweetest girl on Outset Island, Aryll’s love for her big brother knows no end. She always watches out for him and supports him in whatever his future may lead to. The sheer impact it not only makes on Link but the whole island when Aryll is taken is blatantly noticeable, as all the islanders have lost their precious ray of sunshine. Still, even when taken prisoner, Aryll keeps a brave face, knowing that her brother will come to her rescue someday.
Makeela Riju (Breath of the Wild)
The pressures of leading a group of people can be strenuous on anyone, but Riju, still just a young woman, keeps up appearances and takes command of the Gerudo people. Of course, these duties do weigh heavily upon her, but her love for her people and the example of her role model, Urbosa, keep her standing strong in these harsh times.
Impa (Ocarina of Time)
Another incarnation of Impa once again shows her loyalty through and through. Impa has practically raised Princess Zelda in Ocarina of Time which can clearly be seen through her actions as well as Zelda’s (as Sheik). Though we never get any on-screen moments between the two other than them fleeing the castle, their dialogue makes it clear that their relationship is as strong as a mother and child.
Telma (Twilight Princess)
Telma is an incredibly strong woman. I’m not necessarily talking about her physical strength (though she is certainly not one you would want to cross), but her bravery and confidence is something to be admired. She took it upon herself to help Ilia and Ralis in a time of crisis when all the soldiers of Hyrule were too terrified and went running home like cowards.
Anju (Majora’s Mask)
We’ve talked about some women who have been through trying times, but Anju — Anju has seen some things. She’s been through so much, worrying about her fiancé; that he’s run off, that he’s abandoned her — all of these thoughts while the moon above grows closer and closer. All this worry to find out that her beloved had been transformed into a child! Still, her love for him is stronger than anything else, and she still chooses to be with him in what they can only assume are their final hours together.
Tatl (Majora’s Mask)
Tatl started off rather snobbish, bullying Link into helping her while going through traumas of his own. Upon seeing Skull Kid about to bring the moon down on Termina, she begins to waver but still cares for her friend. She helps Link and tells him that deep down, Skull Kid is just a lost soul who needed her and her brother’s help. In the end, she assisted Link in saving Skull Kid from himself and could resume their friendship once again.
Rutela (Twilight Princess)
Rutela was queen of the Zoras, but her life was sadly cut short. However, even from beyond the grave, she still continues to watch over her son. She finds the chosen hero and guides him to Prince Ralis, requesting his aid to protect her only child. After Ralis is brought to Kakariko and fully healed, Rutela, like any good mother, still watches over her child as he grows into the king he was destined to be.
Princess Zelda the First
And lastly, I can’t go without mentioning the woman who was at the start of it all, the original Princess Zelda. Now, if you went into the game without any assistance from the manual or have never gotten a chance to take a look at the Hyrule Historia, she may just seem like a reward for the player’s efforts at the end of the game. However, she is so much more. Behind the scenes, she protected the piece of the Triforce bestowed upon her by her father with all her life, standing up to her brother’s wicked ways. I for one think her story of bravery is worth sharing.
We’ve talked about a few more amazing women of Zelda today, but even with this article and the last, there are still so many more to cover! Link’s Grandmother, Yeta, Paya, or any of the incarnations of our beloved Princess Zelda (just to name a few) are wonderful examples of what good characters should be. They have always stood out to me as inspirational characters who are helping to shape the roles of strong female leads in future media. Now I would like to know, which female character stands out to you?
