The Legend of Zelda

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The Legend of Zelda is a legendary action-adventure video game series created by Nintendo. Following the adventures of Link as he rescues Princess Zelda and saves the kingdom of Hyrule from various threats, the series is renowned for its exploration, puzzle-solving, and epic storytelling.

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IP Overview & Key Facts

IP Key Facts

Essential information and quick stats.

Full Name

The Legend of Zelda

Format

video-game

Release Year

1986

Current Status

Active franchise with regular new releases

Country of Origin

Japan

Original Work

video-game

Genre

video game, adventure, Nintendo, fantasy, exploration, puzzle, action, RPG

Story, World & Core Themes

Explore the narrative, setting, and ideas that shape The Legend of Zelda.

Story

High-level synopsis and narrative focus.

World

Setting, cultures, and distinctive elements.

A sprawling fantasy realm filled with diverse races like Hylians, Zoras, Gorons, and Rito. From the vast fields of Hyrule to the skies above and the depths below, the world is rich with ancient ruins, magical artifacts, and dungeons testing courage and wisdom.

Themes

Core ideas and recurring motifs.

Courage vs. Power, The Cycle of Destiny, Exploration & Discovery, Good vs. Evil

Cultural Impact Timeline

High-level milestones showing The Legend of Zelda's global influence.

Creation Background

Miyamoto wanted to create a game about exploration and adventure

Cultural Impact

Defined action-adventure genre, influenced countless games

Legacy

One of the most influential video game series of all time

Major Milestones

1986: Original Legend of Zelda released,1991: A Link to the Past defines series formula,1998: Ocarina of Time revolutionizes 3D gaming,2017: Breath of the Wild redefines open-world gaming,2023: Tears of the Kingdom pushes boundaries further

Awards

Countless Game of the Year awards, industry recognition

Key Characters

Meet representative characters from The Legend of Zelda.

Link

“...”

The legendary hero chosen by the Triforce of Courage to save HyruleView Profile

Princess Zelda

“Link... Thank you for saving Hyrule.”

The wise princess of Hyrule who bears the Triforce of WisdomView Profile

Explore all The Legend of Zelda characters

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the main character of The Legend of Zelda?▼

The main playable character is Link, a courageous Hylian hero who usually wears a green tunic and wields the Master Sword. Despite the title, you do not play as Zelda; she is the princess whom Link often rescues.

What is the Triforce?▼

The Triforce is a sacred relic left behind by the Golden Goddesses. It consists of three triangles representing Power (Ganon), Wisdom (Zelda), and Courage (Link). Whoever holds all three parts can grant any wish.

Who is the main villain in The Legend of Zelda?▼

The primary antagonist is Ganon (or his human form, Ganondorf). He is the embodiment of hatred and malice, wielding the Triforce of Power and constantly seeking to conquer Hyrule.

Is there a connected timeline in the Zelda series?▼

Yes, there is an official timeline that splits into three branches after Ocarina of Time: the Fallen Hero timeline, the Child timeline, and the Adult timeline. Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are placed at the far end of all timelines.

What genre is The Legend of Zelda?▼

It is primarily an action-adventure series that blends combat, exploration, puzzle-solving, and role-playing elements. It is one of the most influential franchises in the genre.

Who created The Legend of Zelda?▼

The series was created by Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka. It was inspired by Miyamoto's childhood explorations of caves and forests near his home in Kyoto.

What is the Master Sword?▼

The Master Sword, also known as the Blade of Evil's Bane, is Link's legendary weapon. It is the only weapon capable of defeating Ganon and is often found resting in a stone pedestal in the Lost Woods.

Are all Links the same person?▼

No, most Links are different individuals who are reincarnations or descendants of the hero's spirit. They appear when Hyrule is in danger. However, some games feature the same Link (e.g., Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask).

Where does The Legend of Zelda take place?▼

Most games take place in the fantasy kingdom of Hyrule. However, some games feature other lands like Termina (Majora's Mask), Koholint Island (Link's Awakening), or the Great Sea (Wind Waker).

Which Zelda game should I play first?▼

Breath of the Wild is a great entry point for modern open-world fans. For a classic 3D experience, Ocarina of Time is legendary. A Link to the Past is considered the best 2D entry.

Official & Related Links

Find official resources and trusted references to learn more.

Official Website

Visit Official Site

Twitter

@NintendoAmerica

Facebook

Nintendo

Instagram

@nintendo

Youtube

Nintendo

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Nintendo Switch OnlineVarious gaming platforms

Characters Page

https://www.enjoyip.com/franchises/the-legend-of-zelda/characters

Works Page

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Collectibles Page

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Experiences Page

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