Princess Zelda has played a big role in the franchise that bears her name, but each iteration brings something different to the table.

There are many discussions on the various iterations of both Link and Zelda throughout the Legend of Zelda games. Princess Zelda is an interesting one because she is typically non-playable, but still is essential to the entire formula.

The 2D games have a harder time fleshing out her character for a variety of reasons. The 3D games, however, shine in giving us some excellent versions of Zelda.

So, which is your favorite?

The Various Princesses Zelda

My first encounter with Zelda was in Ocarina of Time when you meet her as a kid in the courtyard. This was an ambitious version of Zelda who saw clearly how Ganondorf had infiltrated the kingdom.

I didn’t complete the game until much later in life. I always thought her character showed a lot of growth throughout the game. She grew from a reckless youth to a wise protector in the form of Sheik.

This contrasted heavily from my second encounter with Zelda in Wind Waker. 

At the time, the reveal of Tetra being Zelda was shocking to me. And yet, her reckless nature as a pirate was a lot of fun to see.

The two versions that have always stood out to me have been Zelda from Twilight Princess and Skyward Sword.

Twilight Princess is stoic and puts on her best face despite her perceived failures in protecting the kingdom. She still aids when she can, and literally gives all she has to the cause of Hyrule.

As for the Skyward Sword iteration, this is the most expressive version pre-Breath of the Wild. She’s goofy at times but has no problem putting her foot down to stand up to Groose.

She delivers what I consider to be the most emotional scene in the franchise when, speaking as Hylia incarnate, she seals herself away for the betterment of the world. 

Breath of the Wild’s Zelda is an interesting one because she, once again, is playing a crucial role in saving Hyrule. She doesn’t want to sit within the confines of the castle but rather is one of the more proactive iterations.

Admittedly, I haven’t finished the game so I can’t speak to the ending. I have, however, heard many great reviews on Zelda in the end. 

What do you think?

I think my favorite iteration of Princess Zelda is Twilight Princess. This game features a lot of more complex topics and Zelda’s depiction is phenomenal amid that backdrop.

I’m also a huge fan of the Skyward Sword version because it really was the first time the game conveyed Zelda in a more expressive manner.

What do you think? Which version of Zelda is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below or by joining our Discord channel.

Featured Image: Zelda Dungeon