The fairies of The Legend of Zelda series have been depicted in a few different ways. From the glowing winged balls of light appearing in the majority of Zelda games to those sad little humanoids dressed in white seen in The Wind Waker. We also can’t forget the Great Fairies bathing in their various fountains. However, the most iconic fairy of them all would have to be Navi from Ocarina of Time. She mimics the ball of light aesthetic, choosing blue as her color. But what if behind that blue glow is a little humanoid with a sophisticated design? Elufae brings this concept to life and creates a new design for the beloved companion.
Using blue as the main color scheme, Navi is given blue hair, eyes, and clothes, all in slightly different shades. Navi’s hair is a mid-blue tone styled with bangs and two twirling buns. Light-blue star-shaped flowers sprinkle through the strands, giving the illusion of sparkling magic. Her eyes are a bright blue, dressed with thick black lashes. And for the last touch of blue, Navi’s outfit combines a light, almost pastel blue with a touch of gold.
Navi’s outfit is simple but effective. The strapless dress mimics the petals of a flower and is adorned with the same flowers in her hair. Two arm sleeves puff out in a flowing, transparent fabric, giving her design an ethereal quality. Both the dress and the sleeves are accompanied by gold. Cuffs hold up the sleeves and a shimmering belt wraps around her waist. These are a nice touch to break up the blue without being distracting. Gold is also used for a gorgeous necklace and the tips of blue stockings, which you can see just at the bottom of the piece. Altogether, they give Navi a natural yet magical appearance, perfect for a Kokiri companion.
We never see Navi outside of assisting Link on his journey to save Hyrule, but I can imagine that, before she was summoned by the Great Deku Tree, she was a playful spirit enjoying the elements of the forest. Elufae’s piece emits some of this playful quality by using bends and curves to keep it moving. Her wings flutter with motion and magical dust sparkles like a spinning pixie. It wouldn’t be too hard to imagine not only Navi but other Kokiri fairies adopting a similar design and fluttering around their companions.
Of course, we can’t talk about Navi without mentioning her most iconic line. “Hey! Listen!” Did you hear that in her little chirpy voice? When I first looked at Elufae’s work, I heard Navi’s cry in my ear as if the artwork was calling out to tell me something. By having Navi’s mouth opening framed by her two hands, Elufae captures Navi mid-shout. “Hello! Look! Hey! Listen! Watch out!” From the glimmer in her eye, I imagine that she’s telling Link to “Watch out!” but any of her cries could fit. What do you think Navi is shouting at Link this time?
