Princess Zelda, holder of the Triforce of Wisdom, has always been a central and pivotal character of the Zelda series since the very beginning. She is a prominent member of the royal family, with a duty of protecting the inhabitants of Hyrule. Though, have you ever wondered what Zelda would be like without her regal status? With the release of Skyward Sword in November 2011, we would all be introduced to a new side of Zelda.
In Skyward Sword, Zelda is not a princess, but rather an ordinary girl with an important destiny. She is also the earliest incarnation of Zelda to appear in-game, making her the “original.” When I first saw Zelda’s character design for Skyward Sword, I fell in love immediately. I couldn’t get over how cute she appeared with her fringe bangs and that classic pink dress. I’m also a blonde with bangs, so this was another reason why I found myself instantly attracted to her design. When I heard there would be a Zelda and Loftwing amiibo to go along with the Switch release, I was beyond thrilled!
I’m not shy to admit that she is my favorite iteration of Zelda. It’s not that I disliked previous versions of the princess, but there was a certain charm to Zelda in Skyward Sword that seemed cozy yet familiar which set her apart from the rest in my eyes. The occasional dialogue options that Link has with Zelda make it feel like you, the player, are also speaking with her on a personal level.
The relationship between Zelda and Link is interesting and unique. The two are childhood friends who share a close, tight-knit bond with each other. Zelda seems to harbor some romantic feelings towards Link, which is teased at several points throughout the game. That being said, Zelda is rarely seen without Link by her side. She complements Link very well, despite their contrasting personalities.
Link is clearly the more quiet and reserved of the pair. Then, you have Zelda, who is more boisterous and outgoing. She’s also quite bold, and not afraid to speak her mind. Similar to Link, I am introverted, more withdrawn, and a bit lazy at times. I’m slightly jealous of him, as I wish I had a close friend like Zelda. It would be nice to have a friend who is more outgoing and could give me an occasional nudge to get me out of my shell.
We are first introduced to Zelda singing a tranquil song, “The Ballad of the Goddesses,” while strumming along on the Goddess’s Harp. A blue Loftwing descends from the sky and perches next to her. She daintily places a letter in its mouth, leaving us to wonder who will be the lucky recipient of the letter. Of course, it is none other than our sleepy hero, Link.
In the letter, Zelda reminds Link that the Wing Ceremony is taking place and that he promised to meet with her beforehand. There is a hint of cheekiness in her letter to Link, giving us a glimpse of the close connection between the two.
The Wing Ceremony is an event held annually in Skyloft for students enrolled in the Knight Academy. It is divided into two parts: the race and a formal ceremony. The winner of the race gets elected to play as the Chosen Hero in the ceremony, where they will receive a gift from whoever is playing the role of the Goddess. I think we have an inkling of where this is heading.
Zelda and Link are both students of the Knight Academy on Skyloft, which is run by Zelda’s father, Headmaster Gaepora. Zelda has been chosen to play the role of the Goddess Hylia, a pivotal role in the ceremony. For the occasion, she is garbed in a pink dress along with the Goddess’s Harp, which is said to have belonged to the Goddess Hylia. Zelda also wears a handmade wrap, which doubles as a Sailcloth, that will be awarded to the winner of the race — the Chosen Hero. She’s confident about her part in the ceremony, but worries that Link is not prepared for the big race due to his laziness and negligence.
Though Zelda is frustrated at Link for his behavior and doesn’t hesitate to call out his nonsense, it is only because she wants the best for him. She is a sweetheart to the core and cares deeply for those who are close to her — especially Link. Zelda realizes that Link has great potential inside him, and doesn’t want him to put it to waste. Though, to be honest, it’s really because she wants to be paired with Link in the Ceremony. She wants Link to be her Chosen Hero.
Zelda can be a bit possessive of Link at times. Her father Gaepora recalls the time when Link first bonded with his Loftwing, and Zelda became jealous of the bond they shared. She was afraid of losing Link but ultimately realizes that nothing can come in the way of their relationship. Zelda goes out of her way to help and save Link whenever possible, even diving off a cliff to save him after imprudently pushing him off. She’s always defending Link from Groose’s crude insults and mockery, putting the bully in his place each time.
When Zelda sees that Link won the race, she is completely ecstatic and immediately jumps down to Link’s Loftwing to congratulate him. She happily gives Link the handmade Sailcloth she personally made, which symbolizes the Sailcloth the Goddess gifted to her Hero. Next, we are greeted with a flirtatious Zelda and an unsuspecting Link. Our Hero is clueless about what comes next in the ceremony. Zelda teases Link by leaning in close for a kiss. Wow, is she actually going to do what I think she is? Nope. Zelda pushes Link off the top of the statue, forcing him to land on the ground with his Sailcloth. She should really lay off those cliffs for a while.
After Link’s victory, Zelda proposes that the two of them fly around the clouds together on their Loftwings. It’s a beautiful, perfect day. What could possibly go wrong? A peaceful flight in the sky turned out to be a nightmare, as suddenly a dark twister pulls Zelda and her Loftwing out of the sky and below the clouds. She would be separated from Link, for probably the first time in her life. From here on, Zelda’s life would never be the same — it would be changed forever.
When Zelda finally comes face to face with Link on the Surface, it is anything but a happy reunion. Link is greeted with a more serious Zelda — a sharp contrast from the bubbly, jubilant girl that Link once knew. Zelda reveals the truth about everything to Link — the truth about their destinies, but more importantly, her true identity as the mortal reincarnation of the Goddess Hylia. Knowing that Link possesses an “unbreakable spirit,” Zelda regretfully admits that she used Link in an act to bring about Demise’s destruction.
In order to repent and atone for her actions, she performs the most selfless act: she encapsulates herself within a crystal in order to prevent Demise from breaking free of the seal that binds him. Even though Zelda informs Link of her true self as the Goddess Hylia, she reminds him that she is still his Zelda. This new revelation does not change or take away all of their memories spent on Skyloft together. Before parting ways once again, Zelda requests that Link wake her up once Demise is finally gone, just like how she was always the one to be Link’s alarm clock back on Skyloft.
Luckily, Zelda and Link’s separation was not permanent, and the two do eventually get the happy reunion they deserve. After Link seals away Demise within the Master Sword, Zelda and Link return to their own time, where Zelda reflects back on the dream she had on Skyloft. Ever since she was a child, Zelda always wondered what mysteries and life awaited beyond the clouds. She even shared these personal thoughts and feelings with Link on Skyloft during the search for his Loftwing.
Zelda is at peace knowing that her dream has come true and relishes in the moment, taking in the warm sunlight on the Surface. At this moment, Zelda knows that she wishes to remain here forever, watching over the Triforce. As the Goddess Hylia, she is prepared to watch over the Triforce alone, as it is her duty to ensure it does not fall into evil hands. Link could not bear the thought of leaving Zelda alone, so he decides to remain on the Surface with her. The two watch as their Loftwings fly away together towards Skyloft. Truly, a beautiful and rewarding ending to an amazing game.
Skyward Sword is 10 years old on November 18, 2021! We’re celebrating with dedicated articles all week.
