Despite taking place over multiple eras and split over multiple timelines, theLegend of Zeldaseries is famous for its recognizable returning characters. Besides the likes of the main cast (including such famous figures as Link, Zelda, and Ganon), there are tons of familiar faces spread across the games.
The characters on this list must have appeared at least three times (sinceOcarina of TimeandMajora’s Maskshare almost entirely the same character assets).Hyrule may have seen its fair share of disasters and dangers, but through it all, its people are here to stay.
16Biggoron
He’s big, he’s a Goron, and his name is Biggoron. While he is quite a memorable character (being a literal giant), Biggoron’s work precedes him. This smith is responsible for Biggoron’s Sword, a huge, two-handed weapon of such fine quality that it remained intact (if not unbreakable)by the time ofTears of the Kingdom.
Appearances
15The Pirate Crew (Niko, Zuko, Mako, Gonzo)
Nothing cries adventure quite like a pirate ship, and this crew has seen its fair share of adventures. Generally, these lads are confined to areas with plenty of oceans to sail on and so tend to forgo the land-based adventures.Four Swordsis an exception.
14The Townsfolk (Mamamu Yan, Anju, Mutoh, Bremor)
Every adventure needs normal folks to make all the dangers of caves, haunted temples, and whale bellies seem all that more frightful. The often-lazy builders have been sighted all across the land, usually bunking off away from their boss, Mutoh, especially when there’s construction to be done. Hyrule’sfirst chronological appearanceinThe Minish Capwas occupied by many of the same people fromOcarina of Time, including Anju and Mamamu Yan.
13Great Deku Tree
First seen inOcarina of Time, the story of the Great Deku Tree is one of death and rebirth. Link’s oaken father figure passes away at the start of the adventure (but is cutely replaced by a Deku Sprout that grows into the tree seen inThe Wind Wakeran era later). Other great trees have appeared throughout the series, such as the two guardian trees in theOracleentries.
12Malon, Ingo, & Talon
TheZeldaseries has become famous for its inclusion of horses, and where there are horses, there are ranchers. Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of the characters, swears that this family of horse wranglers has nothing to do with theItalian plumber brothers, but many have noticed their resemblance.
11Happy Mask Salesman
Being a traveling salesman, it makes sense that the Happy Mask Man would get around. This guy takes his mask shop franchise seriously, having appeared in two parallel dimensions and over a gap of hundreds of years. With such terrifying facial expressions (especially when angry), it’s no wonder that he got a fascination for “happy masks.”
10Dampé
Dampé may not be much to look at, but he sure is good at digging graves. It’s possible that he got so good at throwing up earth that he discovered (or perhaps created) a few secret passageways in his time. The one found at the bottom of his grave (after Link becomes an adult) evenleads to glorious treasure(the hookshot).
9Impa
Bodyguard, master of stealth, and lifelong friend: Zelda’s attendant has appeared in various sizes and ages over the eons. While she may not be the exact same person each time, it seems that Zelda’s protector is always chosen for her familiar name. And regardless, her role is always to protect the Princess of Hyrule.
8Koume and Kotake
The twin sisters of fire and ice are the reason many in Hyrule fear the Gerudo. The surrogate mothers of Ganon have gone to terrible ends (twice) to bring forth the demon king into the land of the living. They helped him into the world inOcarina of Time,then resurrected him duringSeasons and Ages. However, it is unclear how they themselves returned to the mortal realm after their defeat at the Spirit Temple.
7Maple & Syrup
Witches aren’t all evil in the Zelda series. Some just like thecreepy bats ‘n broomsticks aesthetic, and some can be charming and helpful. Maple gets around in theZeldagames, probably thanks to her flying vehicle of choice (broom, vacuum cleaner, occasionally a UFO). Syrup also had a few more separate appearances away from her apprentice inLink’s AwakeningandThe Minish Cap.
