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Sarah here, teaching English around the world. Living life and seeing things.
Since 1986, The Legend of Zelda has held a place in everyone’s hearts. A heroic boy, clad in a green tunic, with an all-powerful sword that can seal the darkness away. A powerful princess who guides you on your journey. Many side characters, weapons and enemies to challenge you on your journey. Every game is familiar but different, and it has stood the test of time.
From menacing monsters to heroic horses, many parts of the Zelda franchise have become ingrained in pop culture. The Legend of Zelda is an influential game that holds special memories for many of us. And with Tears of the Kingdom mere days away, we’re all pretty excited! Here are some of the most memorable things about the games, including special memories from some of our writers!
Ganon/Ganondorf
Ganon is possibly one of the oldest and most recognisable villains in video game history. His lore has evolved throughout the years, but one thing is for certain. As soon as you see that giant boar coming towards you, you know you’re in for a tough fight!
While Ganon’s backstory and appearance might have changed a little since his first ever outing, his main objective is always the same, world domination. He possesses the Triforce of Power, which gives him incredible strength, magical abilities and makes him almost indestructible. But thankfully, Link has a variety of weapons, such as light arrows and the Master Sword that can seal him away for all eternity. Or until the next game is released.
Ganon usually comes in one of two forms (or sometimes both!). His first appearance was as Ganon, a giant blue boar. Ganon usually takes the form of some sort of boar or pig, but he also has his human form, which is referred to as Ganondorf. He is a formidable foe who holds great power and magic and can put up one hell of a fight as the final boss. And seeing Ganondorf in Ocarina of Time for the first time is a memory that will stick with many players!
Whether you’re fighting him as Ganon or Ganondorf, he’s an iconic villain that is always evolving and makes the perfect nemesis to Link and Zelda.
Ocarina of Time by Sarah Taylor
The Ocarina of Time will always hold a special place in my heart. Not only was it one of the first Zelda games I played, but it was one of the first video games I played in general! I remember being a kid and getting through the Great Deku tree and thinking “Wow! I’m doing so well!” – little did I know I’d have to tackle the water temple further down the line. Everything from the story to the music to the characters is special. I even begged my parents to buy me an ocarina of my own.
There are so many moments in that game that are special and memorable. Sneaking past the guards in Hyrule Castle to visit Zelda for the first time was always fun, trying to time your movements perfectly. Getting to ride Epona for the first time and making your great escape from Lon Lon Ranch is also one of my favourite memories. But mostly, I loved exploring Hyrule. At the time, it was one of the biggest games with so many hidden things to find. It seems small now when we look back on it, and the graphics may be a little dated. But the simplicity and nostalgia of it hold strong and make it a game that I can go back to time and time again and never get bored.
Monsters
Octoroks, Lizalfos and Keese oh my! These are just some of the incredible monsters that you can find throughout Hyrule. Some of them have been in the game since the beginning, like Octoroks and Keese. Others are a newer edition to the games, like Lizalfos and Bokoblins. But regardless of whether they’re old or new, the monsters in The Legend of Zelda franchise are both creative and fun.
Travelling through Hyrule is always fun, and finding new parts makes it more entertaining and challenging, but one of the best things is stumbling across some new enemies and having to take them on. Not only is it a good way to practice your fighting skill, but it’s a great way to collect rupees, monster parts and anything else you might need to complete your quest. Some are a little more difficult to defeat, such as Lynels and Guardians. Others, like Stalfos and Keese, are a bit easier to take down. Either way, the uniqueness of the monsters, how they contribute to the game, and the fun ways you have to take them down is always one of the best parts of any Zelda game.
Link’s Awakening by Ryan Sabroski
My favorite moment in The Legend of Zelda franchise comes from the Links Awakening remake. Somewhere a few hours into the game Link and Marin have a conversation on the beach. It’s a one-sided conversation, as most are in Zelda, but Marin spills her guts out to Link about all her dreams and how she yearns to leave Koholint Island. “If I was a seagull, I would fly as far as I could! I would fly to faraway places and sing for many people! …If I wish to the Wind Fish, I wonder if my dream will come true…”.
It’s a simple scene and over quick but its simplicity is what makes it so impactful. It’s just pure and sincere emotion. We’ve all shared Marin’s wish at one point or another in our lives and that’s what is so powerful about that scene and The Legend of Zelda as a whole; It gives us a chance to explore our own dreams and fantasies in grand adventure but also in a safe and understanding way.
Music
Music is an important part of Zelda. The soundtracks are usually thrilling, exciting and emotive. The main theme is easily recognisable, and some musical elements instantly remind you of the game. If you hear the music for opening a chest, you know it’s from Zelda, even if you haven’t played the game.
As with many games, the music has evolved and has changed with technology. But the main theme has been used in almost all games. Whether you hear it as a simple electronic track, or as a full orchestral score, it brings back memories of Hyrule, fighting enemies and saving the day.
But the soundtrack isn’t the only musical aspect of some of the games. Games like Ocarina of Time and The Wind Waker have music as an essential part of the story. Have a quest to complete but it needs to be nighttime? No problem, the Sun’s Song can help with this. How about changing the direction of the wind when out at sea? Never fear, the Wind’s Requiem will get that sorted for you. Among many other songs and mystical powers, music can be an essential part of the games, not just as a beautiful soundtrack, but also necessary to complete the game.
The Wind Waker by Bradley Gammel
My favorite Zelda game is The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. Wind Waker was a marvelous game and underrated upon its release. I received it and the strategy guide for Christmas. Making it one of my first GameCube games and my first ever 3D Zelda games. The nostalgia that I have for the game is strong and makes Toon Link my favorite version of the hero.
A Hero’s Return
There are many more things about The Legend of Zelda that we all love. Too many to write about in a single article. But whether your favourite thing is riding around Hyrule on Epona, taking on some horseback archery challenges, or trying to rid the lands of all Bokoblins, there’s always something that brings us back to our favourite games, and keeps us excited for the next in the series.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom will be released worldwide on Friday 12th May.
Sarah here, teaching English around the world. Living life and seeing things.
