Impa: Difference between revisions

In the first game of the series, ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'', Impa was the first one to inform [[Link]] of Princess Zelda's plight, and how she was captured by [[Ganon]] and spread the [[Triforce Shard|pieces]] of the [[Triforce of Wisdom]] across the land. Impa sends Link on his journey to collect the Triforce of Wisdom, and, in turn, save Zelda. She is never actually seen in game; only in a part of the story that happens before Link starts his quest. Because of this, there are no sprites to be found of her, only artwork.

Years after the events of ''The Legend of Zelda'', Link asks Impa about a mark resembling the [[Triforce]] that appears on the back on his hand. She takes him to the [[North Castle]] and explains that a sleeping spell was cast on a previous princess and that Link must locate the [[Triforce of Courage]] to awaken her. According to Impa, he must place crystals in six [[dungeon|palaces]].{{Ref|AoL|1|Title Screen}}

Impa appears in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|Ocarina of Time]]'' as the loyal [[Sheikah]] body guard, or nursemaid, of Princess Zelda. She is depicted as a woman with a sturdy build, short white hair in a small ponytail and red eyes. Her appearance is quite younger than some of the other games she appears in. She was born and raised in [[Kakariko Village]], and still maintains a watchful eye over the village despite her duty to the [[Royal Family of Hyrule|Royal Family]].

Link first meets Impa after sneaking past the guards in [[Hyrule Castle]] to meet with Princess Zelda. Impa then teaches Link [[Zelda's Lullaby]] because of what Zelda's dream had foretold. She then escorts Link out of the castle. After they are safely outside the Castle, Impa advises Link to go to Kakariko Village and see what clues he can find that lead to the [[Goron's Ruby|Spiritual Stone of Fire]].

In ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons|Oracle of Seasons]]'' and ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages|Oracle of Ages]]'', Impa is the Royal Nurse for Princess Zelda and has cared for her since her birth.{{Ref|name=nurse|OoS|758|Impa}}

Of the Sheikah race from the ''Zelda'' series, Impa bears all their markings and style of dress. An enemy of [[Ghirahim]], Impa saves Zelda from Ghirahim and continues to evade him and protect her from the Demon Lord. She is a wielder of magic and uses it to defend Zelda in battle, although she is clearly no match for him,  who can break her barriers with ease.

In the end of ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword|Skyward Sword]]'', [[Zelda]] begs Impa to follow her back to [[Skyloft]]. Impa refuses, saying that as the "servant of the goddess" she must remain in her regular time era. Impa then tells Zelda to not worry because they will meet again when the time comes. Zelda then gives Impa one of her bracelets as a parting gift. Once Zelda travels back to her current time era, she sees that the old woman at the [[Sealed Temple]] has her bracelet. She realizes that she actually was with Impa the whole time. Impa then disappears.

Impa makes an appearance in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds|A Link Between Worlds]]''. She appears to take on her classical role as the aid to the princess and she wears familiar clothing.

She is later revealed as one of the seven descendants of the Seven Sages. She is captured by [[Yuga]] and held within his possession.

 

After Link journeys into [[Lorule]], the seven sages are scattered throughout the [[overworld]]. Impa's painting is hidden deep within [[Turtle Rock (A Link Between Worlds)|Turtle Rock]]. Link will need to traverse through the dungeon and defeat the boss [[Grinexx]] in order to save her.

Impa can be found in [[Kakariko Village (Breath of the Wild)|Kakariko Village]] where she serves as the village elder. After surviving the Calamity 100 years ago, she awaits for Link's arrival. After Link completes the first four shrines on the [[Great Plateau]], Link is advised to visit Impa by [[King Rhoam]] during the cut-scene at the [[Temple of Time (Breath of the Wild)|Temple of Time]]. Upon Link's arrival, she is pleased to see him, but soon discovers that Link has lost all of his memories.{{Ref|''...So you're finally awake. It has been quite a long time... Link. I am much older now, but... you remember me, don't you?'' - '''Impa''', ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild|Breath of the Wild]]''.}}{{Ref|''What is the matter? You are looking at me as though I am a stranger to you. Those eyes... They lack the light of familiarity. It is I, courageous one, Impa. Surely you must at least remember the name Impa?'' - '''Impa''', ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild|Breath of the Wild]]''.}}{{Ref|''I see... So you have lost your memory.'' - '''Impa''', ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild|Breath of the Wild]]''.}} Impa has a message from [[Zelda]] that she was given 100 years ago and has waited to tell Link, and once heard, Link will need to be prepared to his his life.{{Ref|''Well, it matters not. In fact, that may actually be a blessing in disguise for the time being.'' - '''Impa''', ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild|Breath of the Wild]]''.}}{{Ref|''Dearest Link... Please come a bit closer. A hundred years ago... Yes... A hundred years ago, the kingdom of Hyrule was destroyed. After you fell, Princess Zelda's final wish was to place you in a sacred slumber. And then...all alone... Alone she went to face Ganon. Before Princess Zelda went to nobly meet her fate...she entrusted me with some words she wished to say to you. I have been waiting 100 years to deliver the princess's message. However! These words, which the princess risked her life to leave you... Well, if you are to hear them... You must be prepared to risk your life as well. But I am afraid that burden may be too much to bear while you are still without your memories. I leave the choice to you. When you feel you are ready to receive the princess's message, return to me.'' - '''Impa''', ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild|Breath of the Wild]]''.}}{{Ref|''The words that the princess risked her life to impart to you...I cannot pass them on to someone who lacks conviction. Are you prepared to risk your life for the greater good?'' - '''Impa''', ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild|Breath of the Wild]]''.}}{{Ref|''There was a time when you would have fearlessly charged forward on such a challenge without a moment's hesitation. Well, it is what it is. In any case, please return here once your heart remembers what your mind has forgotten.'' - '''Impa''', ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild|Breath of the Wild]]''.}}{{Ref|''Not a memory to your name, yet you are as intent as ever to charge forward with only courage and justice on your side. You have not changed a bit. Once a hero, always a hero. Very well. Since you have lost your memory, I will recount for you all that has happened...'' - '''Impa''', ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild|Breath of the Wild]]''.}}

[[File:Impa-AOC.PNG|thumb|right|<center>Impa carrying the [[Sheikah Slate]], as shown in ''Age of Calamity''.</center>]]

*Impa's name comes from the verb "to impart", referring to her original role as the one who delivers [[Link]]'s "linking" ability to [[Zelda]].{{Ref|[[Interview:Hyrule Historia|Hyrule Historia]]|There's also a character that would pass that information on to Zelda: an old lady named "Impa." Her name comes from the verb "to impart."|[[Shigeru Miyamoto]]}}

File:Link-and-Impa.png|[[Link]] discovers an ailing Impa from ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]''