Daily Debate: Do You Prefer Sheik or Tetra as Zelda’s Alter Ego?

The legendary Princess Zelda, for whom the iconic Nintendo series is named, rarely joins Link directly in his adventures during mainline Zelda games. With few exceptions, the princess is relegated to the damsel in distress role, awaiting rescue or assistance from Link. Noted, she has broken away from this slightly in more recent games, but it’s still mostly true. It could even be argued that Breath of the Wild 2 may be the first real deviation from this norm. Aside from this, there are two beloved and significant exceptions to this trope: Zelda’s alter-egos — Sheik and Tetra.

Both of these characters, disguised personas of Zelda, play crucial roles in their respective games, and more importantly, they add depth and nuance to the often all-too-regal princess. Along the way, they have become fan favorites, and therefore in today’s Daily Debate, we ask you: Do you prefer Sheik or Tetra as Zelda’s alter ego?

In The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Princess Zelda disguises herself as a male warrior of the Sheikah tribe, allowing her to survive the seven years when Hyrule is under Ganondorf’s rule and without Link. This character, Sheik, eventually appears to the legendary hero to guide him in his efforts to defeat the King of Evil. He teaches Link the various songs required for warp travel and gives key advice such as finding the Sages and suggesting he enter the Spirit Temple as a child. However the most memorable moment probably comes at Kakariko Village, where Sheik and Link battle a mysterious shadow monster, which ultimately proves too powerful for them.

In The Wind Waker and to a lesser extent Phantom Hourglass, Princess Zelda presents herself as Tetra, the young, swashbuckling pirate who is always on the lookout for treasure. While she tries very hard to project a carefree attitude, consumed by pirate duties, she sometimes reveals a deep empathy and compassion; this is clearest when she worries for the safety of Outset Island, expressing her concern that it will meet the same fate as Greatfish Isle. Interesting to note, Tetra is an orphan when the game narrative begins, inheriting her pirate crew from her late mother. While Zelda’s mother never directly appears in any game, this is the first game wherein her family situation is so deeply developed in her character and is likely the source of her empathy for others.

Tetra has several key moments in which she helps Link survive his adventure. During Link’s early encounter with Ganondorf, when he lacks the requisite strength to win, it is Tetra that comes to his aid. When Link faces off against Ganondorf in what many consider the most epic setting in the series, Zelda comes to his aid, bouncing light arrows from his shield to help Link win. Now in this instance, it is Zelda not Tetra who helps Link, but one can make a strong argument that it is the princess persona that is the true disguise in this game and not the other way around. Tetra seems to be the character’s true identity as she returns to such immediately after the battle and remains so into the sequel that follows. So in that sense, it is indeed Tetra that is helping Link.

Perhaps we will get more alter-identities of Princess Zelda in future games. Both Tetra and Sheik have added much needed development to the lore and character of the series’ most central characters.

The time has come for you to cast your vote! Do you prefer Sheik or Tetra as Zelda’s alter ego? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Image Credit: Urbantecno

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