The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild did many things right. Emphasis on MANY. But arguably more than anything else, they showed just how vibrant and full of life the realm of Hyrule is. Now sure, all Zelda games have memorable characters, but Breath of the Wild gave a voice to them for the first time. We got to truly hear them and not just imagine what their voices would be like. Zelda especially came off well, as did the four Champions and many other characters. So, it made us here at the Nintendo Entertainment Podcast wonder…what are the best The Legend of Zelda supporting characters?

Like we said above, Legend of Zelda games are known for their characters, but which ones stand out the most? For this list, any TRUE Zelda game is available for picking from. The only catches are that they can’t be villains or Link…cause Link is the main character…despite the series being named after Zelda…moving on.

So, Zelda fans (and NEP hosts) Todd, Tyler and Will are here to each give you their favorite top two Zelda supporting characters. This should be fun:

Todd’s Picks

History with Legend of Zelda: Tri-Force Todd here, and I’ve been a Legend of Zelda fan since pretty much the beginning. My childhood was born on the handheld Zelda titles, and once I got consoles, I got them as well. I made sure to pre-order or pre-purchase many of the recent Zelda games, including buying Twilight Princess before I even had a Wii! It was worth it. So, who are my top 2 supporting characters in Zelda? Well…

2. Mipha

It says a lot when a new character makes a big impact on you for one reason or another, and though all the Champions of Breath of the Wild were great, Mipha stood out to me the most, and it was for a very simple reason…she had the backstory you cried over.

While it’s known to the fanbase that Link is a player of sorts (seriously, look at how many women he had in Ocarina of Time, Majora’s Mask, etc.), with Mipha, we really got to see just how deep their relationship went. She didn’t like Link, she loved him. So much so that she made Zora Armor for him, which in their culture was their version of an engagement ring. She wanted to be with him forever, and yet fate wouldn’t allow that to happen.

Through the various memories, and the final conversation with her after freeing her spirit from the Divine Beast Vah Ruta, we got to see just who Mipha was. She was a kind, compassionate soul, one who understood the honor and duty of being a Champion, yet one who also knew her feelings. She loved Link and would do anything to protect him, and though he technically didn’t show it, you could feel Link’s heartbreaking when he saw Mipha again and knew they couldn’t see each other again after that.

And yes, it broke my heart too.

1. Midna

Yes, I do see the irony that both my picks are female characters that start with the letter “M”, it’s completely coincidental!!!

Anyway, if Mipha was the kind girl you couldn’t help but fall in love with, Midna was the mysterious and mischievous girl you desperately wanted to know more about. Twilight Princess is my favorite Legend of Zelda game of all time, and Midna was a big reason why.

From the moment we met her, we knew that Midna was special, but she was also a bit…mean, in a good way. She only helped Link because she felt it would help her in the long run. She would offer hints and directions, and would even ride Link when he was in Wolf Link form. It was an interesting relationship.

But, like any good character, it was one that grew and evolved. We soon learned the tragic backstory of how she was the true ruler of the Twilight Realm, and was deformed and cursed by Zant as he made a bid for the throne. What’s more, though she thought herself better than Link and the “Realm of Light” at first, she soon grew to truly care for Link, and was humbled by the sacrifice Zelda made to save her. So she did everything she could to stop both Zant and Ganondorf, including risking her own life to save Link and Zelda.

And then…in another heartbreaking moment…she left. Knowing that the Twilight Realm and Realm of Light couldn’t mix, even though she clearly had feelings for Link. I’ll miss you Midna!

So yeah, those are my favorite Legend Of Zelda supporting characters. Over to you Will!

William’s Pick

History With Zelda: I was young when I saw my brother play A Link to the Past on the Super Nintendo. I witness the rest of the games, but it was until the GameCube that I had my first experience with Wind Waker. Since then, I’ve been a home console Zelda player ever since. While I’m not too renown on the series’ great cast, there are two characters that are pronounced to me.

2. Princess Ruto

Okay, hear me out. Yes, I’m aware of the infamous reputation of the Water Temple in Ocarina of Time. When meeting with Ruto for the first time, she was a downright spoiled princess who insisted that you carried her throughout the dungeon. Only to declare to make Link her husband at the end of it all. What’s a man supposed to think?! A definition of a Tsundere Princess.

Even with Link’s time skip, she still held strong feelings for him but knew that she had to set them aside for the Kingdom of Hyrule. This is even more sad when she became the Sage of Water. Knowing that her engagement will never be due to her duties, you can’t help but feel for the princess. She is spunky, honest, and knows her role. Though she pompous, she will live up to her role of Princess and do what is best. That doesn’t mean she will let Link get away.  Link, how many women have you left in your incarnations?!

1. Impa

Zelda’s Attendant Bodyguard and Remaining Sheikah.

Her character is that of a stalwart knight who will do nothing to protect Princess Zelda. Seeing her ride off with Zelda in  Ocarina of Time fleeing from Ganon, it sets the tone for the rest of the game. Throughout her incarnations, she is an ally that you really don’t want to mess with. Even with Hyrule Warriors, she only exudes pure strength. Heck, she uses a giant sword like its nothing. A real samurai bodyguard. 

For the games themselves, she passed the teachings of Sheikah to Zelda to defend herself in Ocarina of Time. After escorting Link to the Shadow Temple, she takes up the role of being the Shadow Sage knowing that she cannot be by Zelda’s side.  Another example is in Skyward Sword. She guarded Zelda through her journey, but also guided Link at the same time. To find out that the same old lady in the Temple, is the same Impa who gave you lip on your poor performance of protecting Zelda. Impa understands the meaning of sacrifice and places duty before all else. She is another who guides Link and the players to their destination. Serving as both a guide and bodyguard to the royal family. Impa is a supporting character that deserves the utmost respect.

Tyler, want to finish it off?

Tyler’s Picks

History with Zelda: I fell in love with the Zelda with Wind Waker on the GameCube, although I didn’t fully appreciate the series for what it is until I revisited Ocarina of Time. Ocarina still stands out as my favorite Zelda title, and definitely is on my Top 10 all-time list. While there have been so many coming of age stories throughout history, Ocarina of Time‘s tale struck an emotional chord and played a huge role in making me the person I am today. 

2. The Great Deku Tree

The Great Deku Tree guides link in Breath of the Wild, Ocarina of Time, and Wind Waker, giving the young hero the knowledge he needs to begin his journey. In Ocarina of Time, The Great Deku Tree is particularly indispensable. He gives himself up to stop Ganondorf from receiving the Kokiri Emerald, informs Link of his destiny, and gives him Navi as a companion. He watches over the Master Sword in Breath of the Wild as well, keeping the blade safe so Link can retrieve it when he is ready.

Plus, have you seen his mustache? That’s legendary in its own right! 

1. Medli

I’ve always loved Medli… I’d be lying if I said third grade Tyler didn’t have a huge crush on her. She has all the makings of a true hero, willing to put herself in danger to protect others. When she learns that her role in life is even more important than attending Valoo and Prince Komali on Dragon Roost Island, Medli doesn’t hesitate to answer the call. She embraces her role as the Earth Spirit and joins Link in one of the most unique dungeons in Zelda history. 

If I’m being completely honest though, I love Medli because her harp song is one of the most beautiful pieces in gaming. 

So…what do you think of our lists? Who are YOUR favorite Legend of Zelda supporting characters? Let us know!