The Ghosts in The Legend of Zelda That Left the Biggest Impression on Me

With the end of October now upon us and Halloween night only a few hours away, we’ve finally reached the climax of the spooky season. And in looking at the many characters and creatures of the Zelda series, many scary souls can definitely cater to the spirit of Halloween.

Aside from terrifying monsters like Poes, ReDeads, and Wallmasters, we’ve also seen many friendly ghosts play a role in supporting Link with his quests or asking for his assistance. I have always been fascinated with these pleasant spirits for their overall characters, their stories, and their uniqueness, whether they play a huge part in a game or just a minor one. So, in honor of Halloween, here are the top five ghost characters from the Zelda series that distinctly stood out to me during my first time playing through each game.

 

5. ??? and Phoeni from Majora’s Mask, Oracle of Ages, and Skyward Sword

Inspired by Japanese folk tales of ghost hands rising out the toilet and grabbing the person sitting on it, Phoeni and ??? are amusing characters that do the exact opposite when they emerge from their hiding place. In Majora’s Mask, the player can earn a Piece of Heart for giving ??? paper; meanwhile, giving the hand a piece of stationary in Oracle of Ages ignites a trading sequence.

Phoeni, while similar to ??? in appearance and setting, is slightly different for having an actual name and motivations. Once she receives Cawlin’s letter during one of Skyward Sword‘s side quests, she stays with him every night, believing he has feelings for her. While that is slightly creepy, it’s nothing compared to the original lore of these toilet ghosts. 

I can’t imagine a ghost hand coming out of the toilet, but the appearance of these characters in these Zelda games is interesting enough due to their eccentricity. These ghosts add humor and lightheartedness to their games, which is a stark contrast to the folklore they came from. They are characters that I always enjoy seeing and I hope one day they make a return in a future Zelda game.

 

4. Dampé the Gravekeeper from Ocarina of Time

While Dampé has made several appearances throughout the Zelda series, Ocarina of Time is the only game in which he appears as a ghost. After Link becomes an adult, we read in Dampé’s diary that he had found a hidden treasure somewhere in the graveyard. So, we go to his grave and race him to earn the Hookshot. It remains a mystery as to how the gravekeeper passed away, but the mini-game is a fun, little challenge despite the dark times presented during that part of the game. 

I will always remember my first playthrough of Ocarina of Time, and how horrified I was seeing Hyrule Castle Town destroyed and filled with ReDeads. Then, arriving at Kakariko Village, something about the atmosphere of that once-quaint town seemed unsettling. With this new reality in motion, it truly felt like the end of times. I’m not the type to accept change so easily; yet in Ocarina of Time, I was thrown suddenly into such a different version of the world and was expected to fix its many problems. It’s a lot of pressure for a hero who’s suddenly an adult overnight!

Yet despite all of this, Dampé was still the same gravekeeper who wants to play a game with a friend — whether that’s the Gravedigging Tour in the past or a new racing him in the present. It was oddly soothing to see a familiar face waiting for me to play a mini-game after being thrown into a dark world. Seeing Dampé’s face eased my anxiety as a kid who was frightened of the drastic changes in the game. 

Ironically enough, Dampé the gravekeeper is terrified of ghosts in Majora’s Mask.

 

3. Kamaro the Dancer from Majora’s Mask

While Link’s three primary transformation masks in Majora’s Mask represent spirits of those who passed, I want to instead focus on another ghost who stood out to me from the game. In Termina, by the entrance Snowhead, we hear a haunting tune precisely after midnight and meet Kamaro, a strange ghost performing an unusual dance. Kamaro woefully explains how he yearns to teach his dance to others before Link plays the “Song of Healing.” As a result, Link earns the Kamaro Mask, which he can wear to teach the dance to the Rosa Sisters, thus honoring this dancer’s last wish. 

Alright, I admit it; I was a weird kid. I used to imitate Kamaro’s dance and everyone I know would look at me strangely; but that’s what makes this ghost dancer so memorable! While Kamaro is a simple side character in the Bomber’s Notebook, I always remember him simply because of his unique tune and dance. Majora’s Mask is known for its darkness, but it also displays themes of friendship and self-healing, which I think is evident when we play the “Song of Healing” for Kamaro. Listening to his story and his cry for help, and then aiding him with his healing process reflect traits I naturally express when I see a friend in need. 

It’s such a quick and short encounter, yet it’s one moment that I always reminisce about whenever I think about Majora’s Mask.

 

2. Ghost (Nakura) from Link’s Awakening

After completing the Angler’s Tunnel in Link’s Awakening, a mysterious ghost (named Nakura in the Link’s Awakening manga) begins to follow Link. And the player cannot get very much farther into the game until they take him back to his house. Once Nakura returns to his dilapidated house by Toronbo Shores, he is finally ready to go back to his grave, but not before telling Link to find a reward underneath the pots. In the Game Boy version of the game, we find a Secret Seashell, whereas in the Switch version, we earn a Seashell and a Fairy Bottle. While this diversion on the main quest is a quick one, it is clear in such a short amount of time that this particular ghost wanted to see his home one last time before finally making peace. 

I remember, playing Link’s Awakening for the first time, how heavy with sorrow I felt when I first encountered this house before Nakura made his appearance. Whose house was this? What happened to them? This abandoned house made me question its significance and made me curious if I would ever meet the character who lived here. I was led into further confusion when Nakura emerged from nowhere; and it didn’t help that I couldn’t get far in the game until I fulfilled his purpose. 

This simple quest pulled at my emotions when we finally visited his house together. Yes, Nakura awards the player with a Secret Seashell that helps them earn the Koholint Sword. However, the quest to bring the ghost home was more rewarding for the simple fact that it comforted me knowing he found his peace after returning to his grave. The quest serves us a reminder that home, wherever that may be, offers us warmth, solitude, and even old memories that make us nostalgic.

 

1. The Hero’s Shade from Twilight Princess

The Hero’s Shade, according to Hyrule Historia, is the Hero of Time from Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask; hence it is a given that this spirit plays a significant role in aiding Link throughout Twilight Princess. A lone warrior not remembered, the Hero’s Shade teaches Link new sword techniques as a way to move on from his regrets. Once Link learns all the skills, the Hero’s Shade can finally make peace and find solace in knowing his abilities have been inherited by the next descendent of the hero.   

The Hero’s Shade is my favorite character from Twilight Princess because of who he is. This was the first time I had witnessed a connection between two different Zelda games, and the Hero’s Shade is someone I find relatable. Perhaps it’s because Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask are my favorite games in the series and I feel further connected to this version of the hero. After all, we did save Hyrule and Termina together! However, I moreso relate to his pain for being forgotten. It’s an irrational fear that I have: to not be remembered for your achievements after you pass away.

Like many others, I, too, am someone filled with many regrets, but like the Hero’s Shade, I must make peace with them.

I alway looked forward to meeting the Hero’s Shade during my playthroughs of Twilight Princess, not only for the new sword abilities but also for the reminder to live life to the fullest and not to hold myself back from the dreams I want to achieve. His most memorable quote, “A sword wields no strength unless the hand that holds it has courage,” is a motto that I will always live by.

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Not all ghosts are scary and evil; that is clearly evident with these spirits I have listed. While most of these characters are minor, I remember them most for their stories, the humor they provide, and connections I personally find with them. Some of them helped me ease my anxiety when I was young, others gave me life lessons when I got older, and some gave me a laugh when I needed it most. These qualities are what makes these ghosts so memorable to me.

And so I ask you: who are your top five memorable ghosts in the Zelda series? Share your lists in the comments below!

Jill Rosado is an editor at Zelda Dungeon. She has a love for anime, lo-fi, and witchcraft. When she is not nerding out, she is often planning her next vacation.

Featured Artwork: cfowler7-SFM, CoyoteEsquire, JoeHoganArt, Talia Benson