Daily Debate: Who is the Most Motherly Figure in the Zelda Series?
Posted on May 09 2021 by Heather Beard
Happy Mother’s Day to all of the amazing mothers, moms-to-be, and mother figures out there! Today is a day when we celebrate those that we call “Mother,” and I thought it would be the perfect time to discuss who the most motherly figure in The Legend of Zelda is.
My pick for most motherly is the Chief of the Gerudo, Champion of Vah Naboris, Urbosa. We are introduced to Urbosa in Breath of the Wild, and she is often depicted as a level-headed but fierce woman. In her journal, she speaks highly of Princess Zelda and often refers to her as “her little bird.” She is compassionate, caring, and willing to die for those that she loves. She is the epitome of selfless.
Urbosa is also a prominent figure in Zelda’s life, especially after the death of her mother. Urbosa takes a motherly approach towards the princess, and it’s very obvious in Breath of the Wild‘s memory sequences. Urbosa worries about the well-being of her people, but also Zelda’s. Urbosa speaks to Link, much like a mother would, asking if the appointed knight and Zelda are getting along. She recalls memories of Zelda’s youth to Link, and in the end calls her special, brushing her hair away from her face much like a mother would. Urbosa was a mother-figure to Zelda long before her mother passed, as Urbosa and Zelda’s mother were very close friends. Urbosa was always there for Zelda until the very end.
As a mother myself, I see a lot of these motherly qualities in Urbosa. As a mother, you need to be selfless; there is always someone that you are putting before your own well-being. Urbosa did this for her people, for Zelda, and for the whole of Hyrule. Mothers are protective of their children. Zelda was not Urbosa’s child, but she protected Zelda until the end, and entrusted Link to do the same. Urbosa is a prime example of what a great motherly-figure in the Zelda series should be!
What do you think? Who is the most motherly figure in the Zelda series? Let us know in the comments below. Happy Mother’s Day once again to all of the mothers in the Zelda community!
Hi I’m Heather! I’m Senior Editor and Art Director at Zelda Dungeon and I’ve been a member of the ZD team since 2019. I am a graphic designer, artist, and nerdy mom to an awesome little boy. When my nose isn’t in a book, working on my novel or watching anime you can find me curled up with my cats Mandy-Lynn and Daisy Mae.
