Author Topic: A Legacy of Personality: The Characters of the Legend of Zelda (Read 12617 times)

NWR_pap64 · « **on:** May 19, 2011, 04:32:46 PM »

Nintendo World Report celebrates Zelda's 25th anniversary by looking back at the characters that made it all possible.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/26239

2011 marks the Legend of Zelda's 25th anniversary. Many years ago, players experienced a legend for the first time ever that still continues to this day. The NES title was simplistic in looks and design, but would be the first in what many consider to be one of Nintendo's most prestigious game series ever.

The first character players met, besides Link, was an old man, hiding in a cave. When you meet him, he says "It's dangerous to go alone! Take this." and hands over Link's signature sword. He would be the first in a long line of characters that helped shape the legend into what it is today.

The staff at Nintendo World Report has decided to look back at the expansive list of characters that have graced all the Zelda game throughout the years, and pick the ones that left the biggest impression on them. Whether the character was dark and enigmatic or colorful and lively, these helped make the Zelda experience much more fulfilling, making use return to the world of Hyrule time and time again.

Over the course of this hectic pre-E3 time, we'll present a new character every day. Enjoy!

TurdFurgy · « **Reply #1 on:** May 19, 2011, 06:13:08 PM »

You got the quote wrong. It's "It's Dangerous to go alone! Take this.", not "It's Dangerous to go alone! Take this!" FOR SHAME!!

Anju and Kefei where great characters. It truly was a beautiful moment when they were reunited.

AV · « **Reply #2 on:** May 19, 2011, 08:51:54 PM »

I loved that subquest in Majora's Mask. Majora's Mask is an incredible experience

RABicle · « **Reply #3 on:** May 19, 2011, 10:59:16 PM »

Will this feature mention perhaps Zelda's most enduring recurring character; Kiki the monkey?

Ryan Cannon · « **Reply #4 on:** May 20, 2011, 12:07:17 PM »

Heh, Zelda's had some pretty colorful characters...

NWR_pap64 · « **Reply #5 on:** May 20, 2011, 12:19:44 PM »

Quote from: Ryan Cannon on May 20, 2011, 12:07:17 PM

Heh, Zelda's had some pretty colorful characters...

And this is just starting! Just wait till you see who shows up :p

Stogi · « **Reply #6 on:** May 20, 2011, 03:12:36 PM »

The Great Fairies?

NWR_pap64 · « **Reply #7 on:** May 20, 2011, 07:34:09 PM »

Here is today's character: The Happy Mask Salesman
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/26329

TurdFurgy · « **Reply #8 on:** May 20, 2011, 08:03:52 PM »

"It doesn't help that he had an uncanny resemblance to Zelda creator Shigeru Miyamoto..."
[font='trebuchet ms', helvetica, arial, 'liberation sans', sans-serif][/size]Are you saying that all Japanese look the same? You sir, are a racist.

[/font]
[font='trebuchet ms', helvetica, arial, 'liberation sans', sans-serif]But I have to agree. I was legitimately afraid of that character as a child. The dudes psycho... [/font][/color]

Mop it up · « **Reply #9 on:** May 20, 2011, 09:12:32 PM »

I think the old man in the original Legend of Zelda is the real hero of the game. Not only does he provide you with three different swords from his personal collection, but he also follows you around and climbs into dangerous spots in dungeons just to give you hints. Sure, he'll charge you hefty fees if you burn his various trees around the world that somehow act as doors, but you should just consider that payment for the all-powerful Magical Sword.

NWR_pap64 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 21, 2011, 02:26:20 AM »

Quote from: TurdFurgy on May 20, 2011, 08:03:52 PM

"It doesn't help that he had an uncanny resemblance to Zelda creator Shigeru Miyamoto..."

Are you saying that all Japanese look the same? You sir, are a racist.

But I have to agree. I was legitimately afraid of that character as a child. The dudes psycho...

I remember reading somewhere (either Nintendo Power or some other magazine) that the Mask Salesman was somewhat inspired by Miyamoto, hence why I made the comment. If you have learned about Miyamoto, then learn about the Mask Salesman you realize that maybe the development team was saying something about Miyamoto indirectly with this character. Miyamoto HAS been known for kidnapping random people, you know :p .

I also heard that the creepy Link statue from Majora's Mask (the one that appears when you play the Elegy of Emptiness, this statue:http://images.wikia.com/jadusable/images/a/a2/359px-Link_Statue.png) was also inspired by Miyamoto.

NWR_pap64 · « **Reply #11 on:** May 21, 2011, 09:15:11 PM »

Today brings us our first character from Wind Waker, courtesy of Zach Miller:
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/26330

Killer_Man_Jaro · « **Reply #12 on:** May 22, 2011, 02:26:29 AM »

I must congratulate you on the articles so far. By the end of the feature, I think you might convince some of the naysayers who claim that Zelda never has interesting characters to reconsider their stance. Although there's one correction to be made: the abstract for the latest entry, 'Meet Makar, the Earth Sage', is wrong, as he's actually the Wind Sage -- the Earth Sage is Medli, the Rito girl.

Makar gets kudos from me simply because he was responsible for some of the best music in the game. The forest ceremony scene, and the scene where Link, Makar and the spirit of Fado all play the Wind God's Aria one last time to power up the Master Sword are both very memorable, largely because of the amazing little Celtic violin pieces that Makar plays during them.

As for the other characters, all I'll say is that the quest to reunite Kafei and Anju has to be the longest and most convoluted side-quest of any Zelda game, even trumping the various trading sequences. I don't think I ever managed it without an FAQ.

TalesOfFan · « **Reply #13 on:** May 22, 2011, 02:38:40 AM »

Kudos for including Makar, he's one of my favorites as well.

NWR_pap64 · « **Reply #14 on:** May 22, 2011, 02:55:11 AM »

Thank you very much for the kind words! Though, Andrew Brown, Zach Miller and Josh Max helped out on this as well, so they too should receive some praise.

I checked the page and the correction has been made. Thanks for letting us know and sorry for the confusion.

Yeah, the Anju and Kafei sidequest is easily the biggest in Majora's Mask, perhaps just as big as the main quest itself. But it is also the one that uses all of the characters effectively and ties itself into the narrative better than the other side quests.

NWR_pap64 · « **Reply #15 on:** May 22, 2011, 11:39:42 PM »

Here's today character: The Shop Keeper from Link's Awakening:
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/26331

Stogi · « **Reply #16 on:** May 23, 2011, 02:18:00 PM »

This feature kicks ass. Though it could go on for ages.

Ceric · « **Reply #17 on:** May 23, 2011, 02:26:35 PM »

We all know that Bow-Wow was the most interesting character in Link's Awakening.

TurdFurgy · « **Reply #18 on:** May 23, 2011, 11:56:03 PM »

Purlo? That's an interesting choice. I agree with Unagi, this could go on for a while, of course I personally wouldn't mind if every single character was done.

AV · « **Reply #19 on:** May 24, 2011, 07:42:04 AM »

man i totally forgot about purlo. I loved that clawshot mini-game

Stogi · « **Reply #20 on:** May 24, 2011, 09:06:55 AM »

Hmmm...I would have picked Jovani from TP (the guy who sold his soul for wealth) simply because of his creepiness and the seriousness of his topic, but purlo's a good choice too.

The Yeti wouldn't be a bad choice either.

Ceric · « **Reply #21 on:** May 24, 2011, 09:20:11 AM »

Agitha.

NWR_pap64 · « **Reply #22 on:** May 25, 2011, 12:22:06 PM »

Sorry for not updating this, but here you go, today's character:
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/26333

Ceric · « **Reply #23 on:** May 25, 2011, 12:37:47 PM »

Link's Uncle is a good character. This is the first time Link has Family and I don't think he has any again till Wind Waker, I haven't played most the mobile games so someone can correct me.

TurdFurgy · « **Reply #24 on:** May 25, 2011, 02:21:23 PM »

Link's uncle didn't die. At least, I don't think he did. I'm pretty sure I seen him in the credits with link. But up until that point I think we all assumed that he died.

Ceric · « **Reply #25 on:** May 25, 2011, 02:30:39 PM »

Quote from: TurdFurgy on May 25, 2011, 02:21:23 PM

Link's uncle didn't die. At least, I don't think he did. I'm pretty sure I seen him in the credits with link. But up until that point I think we all assumed that he died.

No Pics Didn't Happen

NWR_pap64 · « **Reply #26 on:** May 25, 2011, 04:06:59 PM »

Actually, you guys are both right. Link's uncle DID die...but was brought back to life using the power of the Triforce.

Ceric · « **Reply #27 on:** May 25, 2011, 04:14:39 PM »

Quote from: NWR_pap64 on May 25, 2011, 04:06:59 PM

Actually, you guys are both right. Link's uncle DID die...but was brought back to life using the power of the Triforce.

Spoiler Spoiler....

Mop it up · « **Reply #28 on:** May 25, 2011, 08:06:58 PM »

I've always wondered how he would have finished his sentence of "Zelda is your..." Sister? Destiny? Only hope? We may never know... and perhaps that is the beauty of it.

Ceric · « **Reply #29 on:** May 25, 2011, 10:41:11 PM »

Quote from: Mop it up on May 25, 2011, 08:06:58 PM

I've always wondered how he would have finished his sentence of "Zelda is your..." Sister? Destiny? Only hope? We may never know... and perhaps that is the beauty of it.

"Zelda is your..."
Mother.
Time Travel for the Win.

Toruresu · « **Reply #30 on:** May 25, 2011, 10:52:17 PM »

"Zelda is your..."

For some reason I always thought he could've said "sister".

Shaymin · « **Reply #31 on:** May 25, 2011, 11:01:47 PM »

Quote from: Ceric on May 25, 2011, 10:41:11 PM

"Zelda is your..."
Mother.
Time Travel for the Win.

In some timeline, Link is his own father, mother, grandfather and the bartender to which he's confessing the first 3.

Ceric · « **Reply #32 on:** May 25, 2011, 11:16:04 PM »

Quote from: Shaymin on May 25, 2011, 11:01:47 PM

Quote from: Ceric on May 25, 2011, 10:41:11 PM
"Zelda is your..."
Mother.
Time Travel for the Win.

In some timeline, Link is his own father, mother, grandfather and the bartender to which he's confessing the first 3.

I actually trimmed that down. It was going to say that OoT Link was his father and keep going from their.

NWR_pap64 · « **Reply #33 on:** May 26, 2011, 05:07:11 PM »

Here's today's character...

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/26334

Ian Sane · « **Reply #34 on:** May 26, 2011, 07:45:12 PM »

I always figured Link's uncle was going to say something to the effect of "Zelda is your... responsibility now" or something like that. At the time I took it to mean that he was entrusting the quest to rescue Zelda to Link.

AV · « **Reply #35 on:** May 26, 2011, 08:40:34 PM »

Quote

In this game, he can be attacked by dropping various seeds down the loo, or even bombed. To make him even creepier, if Link manages to fall down his hole, he does not survive the drop. Was it the smell? Did eat him? Nobody knows.

[/color]
[/color]WHAT !!!!!!! I didn't know that.

TurdFurgy · « **Reply #36 on:** May 26, 2011, 11:18:25 PM »

That hand scared the living doody out of me the first time I saw him. I say "doody" because I was a wee lad at the time. I mean it scared me. Like some demonic soul appeared out of nowhere just to drag me to hell. Now older and somewhat wiser, I can find the strange humor there.

NWR_pap64 · « **Reply #37 on:** May 27, 2011, 07:36:39 PM »

Here is today's character, from Wind Waker it's Medli!
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/26372

Traveller · « **Reply #38 on:** May 27, 2011, 07:49:10 PM »

Medli was awesome!

Mop it up · « **Reply #39 on:** May 27, 2011, 10:40:17 PM »

Medli is okay but she sure is ugly.

TalesOfFan · « **Reply #40 on:** May 28, 2011, 12:03:54 AM »

Quote from: Mop it up on May 27, 2011, 10:40:17 PM

Medli is okay but she sure is ugly.

I always thought her character design was really cute.

Ceric · « **Reply #41 on:** May 28, 2011, 08:52:44 AM »

Quote from: Mop it up on May 27, 2011, 10:40:17 PM

Medli is okay but she sure is ugly.

I think you're jealous. Does she show up in any of the other adventures this Link has?

Goldmund · « **Reply #42 on:** May 29, 2011, 03:26:11 AM »

Just registered to say: I love this feature. I had almost forgotten about how much in love I was with the characters of Wind Waker, or Zelda games in general. There's been so much fighting about art styles in the wake of Twilight Princess (and Skyward Sword, later on) that what's been drawing me to these games in the first place took a back seat. I could walk around Windfall Island for hours on end. In fact, I will, right now.

NWR_pap64 · « **Reply #43 on:** May 29, 2011, 02:37:00 PM »

Sorry for the delay of today's character, I was out yesterday and came home to sleep. Here is today's character:
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/26374

TurdFurgy · « **Reply #44 on:** May 29, 2011, 02:59:36 PM »

That kid is intimidating.

gbuell · « **Reply #45 on:** May 29, 2011, 03:13:14 PM »

Malo is one of the freakiest Zelda characters ever.

NWR_pap64 · « **Reply #46 on:** May 29, 2011, 10:39:19 PM »

Since yesterday I was late with the Malo page, here is another page, Aaron talks about the infamous I AM ERROR from The Adventure of Link:
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/26431

TurdFurgy · « **Reply #47 on:** May 30, 2011, 01:56:51 AM »

I just beat Fracktail a few days ago and I totally missed that!
But yeah, It's pretty cool how such a small character is so famous.

NWR_pap64 · « **Reply #48 on:** May 30, 2011, 09:33:24 PM »

Well, the final character of this feature has been posted... It's Tingle
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/26444

Before anyone says anything, I decided to write about him because I feel he is one of the few characters in the franchise that has gained so much notoriety. This feature is about how the characters, big or small, can leave a deep impression on the game and the player, and Tingle has done that, regardless if we want to admit it.

TurdFurgy · « **Reply #49 on:** May 30, 2011, 10:51:44 PM »

Are you ending this feature already? But you just got started.

...anyway, Tingle never bothered me that much, but he most certainly leaves an impression.

StrawHousePig · « **Reply #50 on:** May 30, 2011, 11:06:22 PM »

I think Tingle's great. Lettin' it all hang out, drunk as a skunk and rocking some wicked gin blossoms.

gbuell · « **Reply #51 on:** May 31, 2011, 09:17:44 AM »

Tingle's hilarious, and anyone who is truly upset by his existence needs to lighten up.

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Author Topic: A Legacy of Personality: The Characters of the Legend of Zelda (Read 12617 times)