Editing Princess Zelda (section)

===''The Legend of Zelda'' series===
Princess Zelda has appeared in most of ''The Legend of Zelda'' games, but there have been several games where she does not make an appearance, such as ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening|Link's Awakening]]'' (1993),<ref>{{Cite web |last=Webster |first=Andrew |date=2019-09-19 |title=The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening is like a brand-new Zelda adventure on Switch |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/9/19/20871958/legend-of-zelda-links-awakening-review-nintendo-switch-updates-graphics |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=The Verge |language=en |archive-date=2024-01-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107180812/https://www.theverge.com/2019/9/19/20871958/legend-of-zelda-links-awakening-review-nintendo-switch-updates-graphics |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask|Majora's Mask]]'' (2000), where she only appears in a flashback,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dring |first=Chris |date=2015-02-16 |title=The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask review – definitive take on one of Nintendo's best |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/feb/16/legend-zelda-majoras-mask-review-nintendo-3ds |access-date=2024-01-07 |work=The Observer |language=en-GB |issn=0029-7712 |archive-date=2024-01-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107175740/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/feb/16/legend-zelda-majoras-mask-review-nintendo-3ds |url-status=live }}</ref> and ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes|Tri Force Heroes]]'' (2015).<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Hilliard |first=Kyle |date=2015-10-23 |title=The Legend of Zelda: Triforce Heroes Preview - You Won't Be Saving Zelda Or Playing Two-Player Co-Op |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/the_legend_of_zelda_triforce_heroes/b/3ds/archive/2015/06/17/you-won-39-t-be-saving-zelda-in-triforce-heroes.aspx |access-date=2024-01-07 |magazine=Game Informer |language=en |archive-date=2024-01-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107180414/https://www.gameinformer.com/games/the_legend_of_zelda_triforce_heroes/b/3ds/archive/2015/06/17/you-won-39-t-be-saving-zelda-in-triforce-heroes.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> Due to being the titular character, it is a common misconception amongst non-players that Zelda is the protagonist of the series, when she is almost always a [[Non-player character|non-playable character]].<ref name=":0" />

Zelda made her debut in the original ''[[The Legend of Zelda (video game)|The Legend of Zelda]]'' (1986), where she is kidnapped by Ganon, who seeks to steal the Triforce of Wisdom. Before her capture, she scatters the eight pieces of the Triforce of Wisdom across the land and sends her nursemaid Impa to find Link, who eventually rescues her.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Alexander |first=Cristina |date=2023-08-25 |title=How to Play The Legend of Zelda Games in Chronological Order |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/the-legend-of-zelda-games-in-order |access-date=2023-11-19 |website=[[IGN]] |language=en |archive-date=2023-07-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730144902/https://www.ign.com/articles/the-legend-of-zelda-games-in-order |url-status=live }}</ref> She returns in the sequel, ''[[Zelda II: The Adventure of Link]]'' (1987), where Link discovers that she has been cursed into an eternal slumber and can only be revived by the Triforce of Courage.<ref name=":2" /> Link breaks the curse by retrieving the Triforce and use its power to awaken her.<ref name=":14">{{Cite web |last=Mackey |first=Bob |date=2013-11-22 |title=The Legend of Zelda Timeline |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/legend-of-zelda-timeline/ |access-date=2023-11-20 |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |language=en |archive-date=2023-11-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118000951/https://www.gamesradar.com/legend-of-zelda-timeline/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Zelda rewards Link with a kiss at the end of the game.<ref name=":13" /> In ''[[A Link to the Past]]'' (1991), Zelda is one of seven maidens descended from sages who sealed away Ganon during the Imprisoning War, a battle fought against Ganon's army.<ref name=":14" /> After being kidnapped by the dark wizard Agahnim, she telepathically pleads with Link to rescue her. After, she and the other maidens assist Link in breaking the seal on Ganon's tower so that Link may defeat the villain.<ref name=":15">{{Cite web |last=Needleman |first=Ariel |date=2017-07-04 |title=Ranking The Different Versions Of Princess Zelda From Worst To Best |url=https://www.thegamer.com/ranking-the-different-versions-of-princess-zelda-from-worst-to-best/ |access-date=2023-11-20 |website=TheGamer |language=en |archive-date=2023-07-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230723182632/https://www.thegamer.com/ranking-the-different-versions-of-princess-zelda-from-worst-to-best/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Zelda initially appears as a child and later as an adult in ''[[Ocarina of Time]]'' (1998). Suspicious of Ganondorf's intentions, she sends Link on his quest to open the door to the Sacred Realm to obtain the [[Master Sword]] and Triforce. When Ganondorf reveals his wicked intentions, Zelda flees Hyrule Castle and goes into hiding, giving Link the Ocarina of Time. Seven years later, she poses as a mysterious Sheikah named Sheik and guides him on his quest to save Hyrule's Sages from Ganondorf.<ref name=":15" />

In [[The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages|''Oracle of Seasons'' and ''Oracle of Ages'']] (2001), Zelda only appears after inputting a secret code that is obtained upon completion.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-11-21|title=Legend Of Zelda Games That Don't Actually Have Zelda In Them|url=https://screenrant.com/legend-zelda-games-no-princess-character-disguise/|access-date=2021-12-14|website=[[Screen Rant]]|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-12-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213032635/https://screenrant.com/legend-zelda-games-no-princess-character-disguise/|url-status=live}}</ref> After sensing danger in the lands of Holodrum and Labrynna, she sends her handmaiden Impa to protect [[Recurring characters in The Legend of Zelda series#Din|Din]] and [[Recurring characters in The Legend of Zelda series#Nayru|Nayru]], the Oracle of Seasons and Ages, respectively. In the full linked game, Zelda is captured by [[Recurring characters in The Legend of Zelda series#Twinrova|Twinrova]], who plans to sacrifice her in order to resurrect Ganon, but Link intervenes and defeats him in the final boss battle.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-09-20|title=The Oracle Games Were Some Of Zelda's Finest Hours|url=https://www.thegamer.com/the-oracle-games-were-some-of-zeldas-finest-hours/|access-date=2022-01-30|website=TheGamer|language=en-US|archive-date=2022-01-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220130224453/https://www.thegamer.com/the-oracle-games-were-some-of-zeldas-finest-hours/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Four Swords|Four Swords]]'' (2002) presents Princess Zelda as one of many descendants protecting the seal on the Four Sword. While taking Link to the Four Sword Sanctuary, which seals the evil sorcerer [[Recurring characters in The Legend of Zelda series#Vaati|Vaati]], she senses the seal's power is diminishing and is captured by [[Vaati]], who takes her to his Palace of Winds to marry her. She is again rescued by Link and they seal Vaati away.<ref name=":15" /> Zelda's incarnation in ''[[The Wind Waker]]'' (2002) is unaware of her royal identity and lives as the pirate captain Tetra.<ref name=":7" /> When Link's younger sister Aryll is kidnapped by the Helmaroc King, she agrees to help him explore the islands with her pirate crew.<ref name=":2" /> Ganondorf discovers Tetra's true identity when the Triforce of Wisdom is repaired.<ref name=":16" /> In the final boss battle against Ganondorf, she assists Link by using his bow to shoot arrows of light.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Harmon |first=O'Dell |title=Moments: Wind Waker's Last Battle |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2012/11/07/moments-wind-waker-39-s-last-battle.aspx |access-date=2024-01-07 |magazine=Game Informer |language=en |archive-date=2024-01-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107225829/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2012/11/07/moments-wind-waker-39-s-last-battle.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> In ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures|Four Swords Adventures]]'' (2004), Zelda fears Vaati's return and attempts to reseal him. While doing so, Dark Link captures Zelda and her six maidens. To save them, Link uses the Four Sword but accidentally frees Vaati.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-06-07|title=15 years later, Four Swords Adventures is still the best multiplayer Zelda game|url=https://www.destructoid.com/15-years-later-four-swords-adventures-is-still-the-best-multiplayer-zelda-game/|access-date=2022-01-30|website=Destructoid|language=en-CA|archive-date=2022-01-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220130235336/https://www.destructoid.com/15-years-later-four-swords-adventures-is-still-the-best-multiplayer-zelda-game/|url-status=live}}</ref> After Link rescues Zelda, Ganon is revealed to be behind the plan. Following Vaati's defeat, Zelda helps Link to defeat Ganon by giving him the Magic Bow.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-07-07|title=Legend Of Zelda: Every Version Of Ganon Ranked By Power|url=https://www.thegamer.com/legend-zelda-ganon-versions-ranked-power/|access-date=2022-01-30|website=TheGamer|language=en-US|archive-date=2022-05-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529193921/http://www.thegamer.com/legend-zelda-ganon-versions-ranked-power/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap|The Minish Cap]]'' (2004), Zelda is petrified by Vaati, who shatters the Picori Blade and breaks the seal, allowing evil to spread across Hyrule. Link is tasked with saving Zelda by restoring the Picori Blade.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Crites|first=Jacob|date=2011-12-19|title=Review: The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap (3DS eShop / GBA)|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/3ds-eshop/legend_of_zelda_the_minish_cap_gba|access-date=2022-01-31|website=Nintendo Life|language=en-GB|archive-date=2022-01-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131092022/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/3ds-eshop/legend_of_zelda_the_minish_cap_gba|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Twilight Princess]]'' (2006) centers around the Twilight King Zant's invasion of Hyrule, where Zelda is forced to surrender. When Link is transformed into a wolf by the Twilight Realm's power, he and his companion [[Midna]] work together to free Hyrule by first defeating Zant and then Ganondorf.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Crossley |first=Rob |date=1 March 2016 |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD Review |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-review/1900-6416369/ |access-date=2024-01-06 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-06-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616231007/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-review/1900-6416369/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Zelda appears as one of the game's bosses, having been possessed by Ganondorf's dark magic.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fahey |first=Mike |date=2015-12-17 |title=New Zelda Statue Captures The Princess In Her Most Disturbing Moment |url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2015/12/new-zelda-statue-captures-the-princess-in-her-most-disturbing-moment/ |access-date=2024-01-06 |website=Kotaku |language=en-AU |archive-date=2024-01-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106213803/https://www.kotaku.com.au/2015/12/new-zelda-statue-captures-the-princess-in-her-most-disturbing-moment/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> In the final boss battle, she accompanies Link on horseback and helps him in combat by stunning Ganondorf with Light Arrows.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2022-01-27|title=Zelda: Every Twilight Princess Boss, Ranked By Difficulty|url=https://www.cbr.com/zelda-every-twilight-princess-boss-ranked-difficulty/|access-date=2022-01-31|website=[[Comic Book Resources]]|language=en-US|archive-date=2022-01-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131060939/https://www.cbr.com/zelda-every-twilight-princess-boss-ranked-difficulty/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Phantom Hourglass]]'' (2007) continues Zelda's storyline as Tetra. When she is turned to stone and kidnapped by a Ghost Ship, Link jumps overboard and is rescued by a fairy named Ciela. In order to save Tetra, he must sail with Ciela and a sea captain named Linebeck to find the guardians of Power, Wisdom, and Courage.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Miller|first=Zachary|date=5 October 2007|title=The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass Review - Review|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/14526/the-legend-of-zelda-phantom-hourglass-nintendo-ds|access-date=2022-01-31|website=Nintendo World Report|archive-date=2022-01-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131223637/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/14526/the-legend-of-zelda-phantom-hourglass-nintendo-ds|url-status=live}}</ref> In ''[[Spirit Tracks]]'' (2009) Zelda meets Link at his graduation ceremony as a railroad engineer. After being attacked by villainous Chancellor Cole, her spirit is separated from her body and she accompanies Link on his quest.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Stone|first=Abbie|date=2021-06-24|title=Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks was a flawed series entry that shined a long-overdue spotlight on its title character|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/uk/legend-of-zelda-spirit-tracks-retrospective/|access-date=2022-02-01|website=[[GamesRadar+]]|language=en|archive-date=2022-02-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201234610/https://www.gamesradar.com/uk/legend-of-zelda-spirit-tracks-retrospective/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Spirit Tracks'' features Zelda as a playable cooperative character. In her spirit form, she can possess Phantom Knights and perform various tasks to help Link restore the Spirit Tracks.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Welsh |first=Oli |date=2009-12-08 |title=Page 2 {{!}} The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/the-legend-of-zelda-spirit-tracks-review?page=2#:~:text=In%20gameplay%20terms,%20Zelda%20only,of%20the%20game's%20regular%20temples. |access-date=2024-01-05 |work=Eurogamer.net |language=en |archive-date=2024-01-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105235412/https://www.eurogamer.net/the-legend-of-zelda-spirit-tracks-review?page=2#:~:text=In%20gameplay%20terms,%20Zelda%20only,of%20the%20game's%20regular%20temples. |url-status=live }}</ref>

Though not a princess in ''[[Skyward Sword]]'' (2011), Zelda is presented as the reincarnation of the goddess Hylia and a close childhood friend to Link. When she is spirited away in a tornado conjured by the demon lord Ghirahim, Link travels to the Surface and reunites with her after opening the Gate of Time. Ghirahim drags Zelda to the past and uses her power to release the antagonist Demise to change past events. After Link defeats Demise in battle, he and Zelda remain on the Surface to establish Hyrule Kingdom.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-07-20|title='Skyward Sword' Ending Explained: And So 'The Legend of Zelda' Begins|url=https://collider.com/skyward-sword-ending-explained/|access-date=2022-02-02|website=Collider|language=en-US|archive-date=2023-05-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230521150017/https://collider.com/skyward-sword-ending-explained/|url-status=live}}</ref> In ''[[A Link Between Worlds]]'' (2013), Zelda entrusts the Pendant of Courage to Link when the sorcerer Yuga begins capturing the descendants of the Seven Sages. After Yuga turns Zelda into a painting and casts her into the dying world of Lorule, Link follows him into Lorule to rescue Zelda and the sages.<ref name=":15" /> Princess Hilda of Lorule conspires with Yuga to steal the Triforce of Wisdom and Triforce of Courage to save her own kingdom, but eventually makes amends by returning Link and Zelda to Hyrule, where they use the Triforce to restore Lorule.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McEvoy |first=Sophie |date=2023-02-23 |title=The Legend Of Zelda: 6 Villains Who Weren't Always Evil |url=https://gamerant.com/legend-zelda-villains-werent-always-evil/ |access-date=2023-11-20 |website=Game Rant |language=en |archive-date=2023-05-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531233319/https://gamerant.com/legend-zelda-villains-werent-always-evil/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In the backstory of ''[[Breath of the Wild]]'' (2017), Zelda's story is revealed in a series of Link's memories. When Calamity Ganon attacks Hyrule using ancient Sheikah machinery, Zelda awakens her sacred power while protecting Link, sending him to the Shrine of Resurrection and sealing Calamity Ganon and herself in Hyrule Castle. After a century, she awakens Link and in the final battle, gives him the Bow of Light to defeat Dark Beast Ganon.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carpenter |first=Nicole |date=2023-05-11 |title=Do I need to play Breath of the Wild before Tears of the Kingdom? |url=https://www.polygon.com/legend-zelda-tears-kingdom/23719659/zelda-tears-kingdom-breath-wild-botw-2-need-to-play-before-totk-story |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-01-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107224652/https://www.polygon.com/legend-zelda-tears-kingdom/23719659/zelda-tears-kingdom-breath-wild-botw-2-need-to-play-before-totk-story |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lambie |first=Ryan |date=2017-04-11 |title=The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Spoilers - Where Next for the Series? |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/games/the-legend-of-zelda-breath-of-the-wild-spoilers-where-next-for-the-series/ |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=Den of Geek |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-01-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107224652/https://www.denofgeek.com/games/the-legend-of-zelda-breath-of-the-wild-spoilers-where-next-for-the-series/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In the sequel, ''[[Tears of the Kingdom]]'' (2023), Zelda and Link accidentally awaken Ganondorf beneath Hyrule Castle, where she consequently falls into an abyss and disappears into the distant past. In the time of the Zonai, she meets Hyrule's first king Rauru and his wife Sonia, who help her to use her sacred power to restore the decayed Master Sword. Aware of Ganondorf's threat, she sacrifices herself by swallowing a Secret Stone, transforming into the Light Dragon, which provides her with the immortality to return the Master Sword to Link.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Watts |first=Steve |date=25 May 2023 |title=Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom Inverts One Of The Oldest Story Tropes |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/zelda-tears-of-the-kingdom-inverts-one-of-the-oldest-story-tropes/1100-6514567/ |access-date=2023-05-28 |website=[[GameSpot]] |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-05-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528232022/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/zelda-tears-of-the-kingdom-inverts-one-of-the-oldest-story-tropes/1100-6514567/ |url-status=live }}</ref> After Ganondorf's defeat, she is transformed back into a Hylian by the power of time and light.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Marks |first=Tom |date=2023-05-23 |title=The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Ending Explained |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/the-legend-of-zelda-tears-of-the-kingdom-ending-explained |access-date=2023-05-29 |website=[[IGN]] |language=en |archive-date=2023-05-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529063013/https://www.ign.com/articles/the-legend-of-zelda-tears-of-the-kingdom-ending-explained |url-status=live }}</ref>

In ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom|Echoes of Wisdom]]'' (2024), Zelda is featured as the protagonist.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dinsdale |first=Ryan |date=2024-06-18 |title=The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom Announced for Nintendo Switch With Zelda as Protagonist |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/the-legend-of-zelda-echoes-of-wisdom-announced-for-nintendo-switch-with-zelda-as-protagonist |access-date=2024-06-18 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=2024-06-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618143419/https://www.ign.com/articles/the-legend-of-zelda-echoes-of-wisdom-announced-for-nintendo-switch-with-zelda-as-protagonist |url-status=live }}</ref> It is the first mainline ''Zelda'' game developed by Nintendo to feature Zelda as the player character. Zelda's weapon is the magical Tri Rod and she uses her power of Wisdom to duplicate objects and enemies, called echoes, to fight alongside her.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=2024-06-18 |title=New Legend of Zelda game finally makes Zelda the playable hero of Hyrule |url=https://www.polygon.com/24180883/legend-of-zelda-echoes-wisdom-nintendo-switch-release-date |access-date=2024-06-18 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-06-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625000857/https://www.polygon.com/24180883/legend-of-zelda-echoes-wisdom-nintendo-switch-release-date |url-status=live }}</ref> Aided by a fairy named Tri, she can explore Hyrule, recover Link's weapons, and transform into a spectre of Link, which allows her to briefly engage in active combat.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stone |first=Sam |date=2024-10-01 |title=How Echoes of Wisdom Changes the Classic Zelda Formula |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/games/zelda-echoes-of-wisdom-thinking-gamers-zelda/ |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=Den of Geek |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-12-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225100530/https://www.denofgeek.com/games/zelda-echoes-of-wisdom-thinking-gamers-zelda/ |url-status=live }}</ref>