Daily Debate: What Is The Best Shield Design In The Legend of Zelda Franchise?
Posted on November 12 2018 by Sean Gadus
The sword and shield are fantasy gospel. It’s hard to think of two components of the genre that are more closely linked. The offensive qualities of the sword, designed for speed and attack, are thematically complemented by the protection and stability of the sturdy shield. Together, the two items provide a balanced combat style perfect for a hero!
Throughout The Legend of Zelda‘s long history, the design and emblems featured on shields have changed drastically over time. The original shield in 1986’s seminal NES masterpiece featured a simple cross design on it, reminiscent of shields used by medieval crusaders and knights. A Link To The Past crucially introduced the iconic bird crest, which would go on to be a defining feature of many of Link’s most iconic shields. Throughout the years, especially with the introduction of breakable shields in Skyward Sword and Breath of the Wild, there have been a more variety in terms of shields, with more choices for how players outfit the legendary hero.
Which shield design is your favorite? While the Hylian Shield is a favorite, having iconic roles in Ocarina of Time, Twilight Princess, and Breath of the Wild, there are many great choices in the deep history of the series!
My personal favorites are the original Mirror Shield from Ocarina of Time and the Goddess Shield from Skyward Sword. The polished Mirror Shield was beautifully designed, with a crescent moon etched into the reflective surface (though it was later changed for its passing resemblance to a similar Islamic symbol). The Goddess Shield, a beautiful purple colored shield, has the power to repair itself, as well as deflect elemental attacks. It’s purple color imparts the “fantasy” tone of the game, straying from the realism presented in some of the other Zelda games.
Which shield design is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
Featured Art By BLUEamnesiac
Sean Gadus is a Senior Editor at Zelda Dungeon. His first Zelda game was Ocarina of Time, and he loves all of the 3D Zelda games from 1998-2011. The final battle of Tears of the Kingdom is one of his favorite final battles in the entire series. He wants to help build a kinder, more compassionate world. You can check out his other written work at The-Artifice.com.
