Ilia is Mayor Bo’s daughter and a favorite resident among the Ordonian villagers. And she is also Link’s oldest and dearest friend. Ilia and Link have always had a close relationship, and though it goes unspoken, it is obvious to everyone who knows them well. No one comes between them. Well, no one except maybe Epona.
If there is one word to describe Ilia, it would have to be “kind.” It is in her nature to care for others. In the early morning, when Link is still exhausted from a full day on the ranch, Ilia shows some love for him and his horse, Epona, by taking her to the nearby spring for a bath. She loves to offer help to those who need it. She’s like Link in that regard, which might explain why they do so well together.
She gives Epona this special treatment one morning when it seemed especially important to do so. In one day, Link is to set off on an important trip to Hyrule Castle. How could she resist the chance to make his trip easier and better in some way?
It is this consideration that makes Link care so deeply for her. It may become overwhelming at times, such as when she gets mad at him for pushing Epona too hard when working or jumping fences, but he knows that she’s only looking out for Epona and him. Ilia keeps Link grounded.
Their bond is why Link is dogged in his pursuit of Ilia after is assaulted and kidnapped by a roving band of Bulbins. They had knocked Link out and made off with both her and Colin, and now that he has come to, he is not going to let them get away. The problem is that the chase takes him border between worlds, that being the gate to the Twilight Realm.
It is during his time in the Twilight Realm, which has invaded Hyrule, that Link learns about the full peril that Ilia and the rest of Hyrule are in. He also meets the mysterious Midna, who goads Link into helping her by manipulating his desire to rescue Ilia. The task at hand will be harrowing, but Link is not going to rest until he knows Ilia is safe.
In the grand scheme of Twilight Princess’s plot, it is clear how important Ilia truly was. She was Link’s motivation, his driving force to keep moving. All of Link’s life, Ilia had been there for him. Now he needed to be there for her. His quest to find her would develop into a much grander adventure, but it was the bond they had that initially helped him find his full courage.
Link’s quest carries him across much of Hyrule, from tall mountains to molten mines and into combat with fierce beasts. He manages to rescue Colin, along with the other Ordonian children, and as his mission leads him into Hyrule Castle Town, his long-awaited reunion with Ilia is at hand.
They finally meet, but it is not the reunion Link wanted, unfortunately. Link found Ilia while the town was trapped in the Twilight Realm, and after freeing it from its parallel prison, the first thing on his mind is to go and see her. He stands before her in Telma’s Bar. There is no reaction. Their eyes meet, but she shows none of the familiar warmth or happiness to see him. Her peace has been replaced by discouragement, mostly from a sick Zora child she has been tending to within the bar. Telma, the bar owner, greets Link and explains the situation: Ilia has lost her memory.
No one knows how or when she lost her memory, but Ilia cannot recall who she is or where she comes from. The only thing she remembers, which is a blessing for many, is her unwavering kindness. Despite her own dire situation, when she found the Zora child, a young boy clinging to life, she did all she could to help him. And she did so without any concern for her own wellbeing. Ilia’s amnesia is a problem, but Telma and Link both agree that helping the Zora child should be the first priority. Plus, saving the child might help Ilia recall something.
Link guides Ilia, Telma, and the Zora to Kakariko Village to get the child the treatment he needs. Ilia still cannot remember anything, but she is at least safe in the village with Colin and the other kids. Link needs to carry on with his quest, so he can be at ease to leave her for now. With any luck, being with the other Ordonians will help her remember something.
Link makes great strides toward restoring lasting peace to Hyrule, and fate seems to see fit to reward him for his effort. He receives a letter from Kakariko Village’s leader and shaman, Renado, urging Link to return. When Link does, Renado and a few other people explain that they may have an idea of how to restore Ilia’s memories. Apparently, during the ordeal that had caused her to lose her memories, Ilia had heard mention of an important item that was connected to Link’s quest.
This clue leads Link to the Hidden Village, where, after freeing it of many troubling Bulbins, he meets the kind, old Impaz. Impaz had saved Ilia when the Bulbins that initially kidnapped her had abandoned her. After explaining the entire ordeal to Link, she asks him to return something Ilia and hands him a handmade charm Ilia had left behind.
Returning again to Kakariko Village, Link presents the charm to Ilia. A few seconds, which feel like hours to Link, go by as Ilia stares at the charm. But at last, her eyes widen and her smile returns as she says Link’s name. Her memories come back to her. After being apart for so long, the two have a much-deserved moment along together. Their bond is as strong as ever.
Ilia might not have done much throughout story, but she meant everything to Link. Link loved all of his friends, and there was nothing that would stand in his way of protecting them. That passion, however, was brought to its full worth when Ilia was in danger. It is through Link’s dedication that people can clearly see who she was always meant to be: Ilia was a caring and kind soul who Link adored and needed in his life.
