Daily Debate: Which Princess Zelda Is Your Favorite?

Posted on April 28 2018 by Judy Calder

Princess Zelda has been presented to us in many different designs in The Legend of Zelda games, and whether she appears as a regal monarch or as a feisty sailor, she has certainly left an impression on avid fans.

In 1986 we saw the first design of Hyrule’s Princess in the Legend of Zelda (NES). She was pretty yet plain and very much the damsel in distress, but with each new game that was released, Princess Zelda’s appearance became more intricate. Likewise, her character developed. By the time Ocarina of Time was released, the Princess showed that she was more than capable of taking care of herself, by passing herself off as Sheik while Link slept in the Chamber of Sages and Ganondorf terrorized Hyrule.

Then, in The Wind Waker, we saw a new variation of Zelda in the form of Tetra, the feisty pirate Captain who is unaware of her royal identity. She sets out to help Link rescue his little sister from the clutches of the Helmaroc King. Twilight Princess showed us a very self-sacrificing Zelda, who was willing to give everything up for the sake of her people when the Usurper King, Zant invaded her kingdom. In Skyward Sword, we learn that Zelda, who isn’t a Princess in this game, is in fact the reincarnation of the Goddess Hylia and so she sets bravely out to retrieve her memories as the Goddess and in turn attempt to seal Demise away until her Chosen Hero can destroy him. And Breath of the Wild brought us a much more emotional Princess Zelda, who struggled to bring forth her sacred power until the time came that she had to save Link from death after the attack of a Guardian.

Each version of Zelda has been well received by the gaming community, but each fan will have a favorite! I prefer the design of Princess Zelda in Twlight Princess, even with her brunette hair. As for her character, I love Princess Zelda from Ocarina of Time, particularly in the guise of Sheik!

Which version of Princess Zelda is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!