The Adventure of Link: Characters

Link

Role: Protagonist / Player Character

Significance: Now a 16-year-old youth, Link discovers the crest of the Triforce emblazoned upon his hand, marking him for a perilous destiny. Tasked by Impa, he must journey across a vast Hyrule, conquer six dangerous palaces to retrieve ancient crystals, unlock the path to the Great Palace, and claim the lost Triforce of Courage. Unlike his previous adventure, Link now gains experience points from defeating enemies, allowing him to level up his Attack strength, Magic power (reducing spell costs), and Life (reducing damage taken). His journey demands mastery of both enhanced sword techniques (like the Downward and Upward Thrusts) and a repertoire of potent magic spells.

Princess Zelda I (The Sleeping Princess)

Role: Quest Objective / Historical Figure

Significance: The central figure of the “Tragedy of Zelda I,” this princess hails from Hyrule’s distant past. When her brother, the Prince, tried to force the secrets of the Triforce from her, a collaborating Magician cast an unbreakable sleeping spell upon her. Overcome with remorse, the Prince laid her upon an altar in the North Castle and decreed that all future princesses of the Royal Family would bear her name, hoping the tragedy would never be forgotten. Link’s quest is driven by the need to acquire the Triforce of Courage and reunite the three Triforces, the only power strong enough to break the ancient curse and awaken her from her endless slumber. She remains on the altar throughout the game, a constant reminder of Link’s goal.

Impa

Role: Quest Giver / Royal Confidante

Significance: The wise and aged nursemaid of the current Royal Family, and Link’s trusted guide from his first adventure. Recognizing the Triforce crest on Link’s hand, Impa understands his destiny is tied to the sleeping Princess Zelda I. She reveals the legend, entrusts Link with a locked chest containing six vital crystals and an ancient Hylian scroll detailing his quest, and sends him forth from the North Castle. Impa acts as the primary catalyst, setting the entire adventure in motion based on her knowledge of Hyrule’s history and legends.

Wise Men (Magic Teachers)

Role: Spell Granters

Significance: These crucial figures are hidden away in secret chambers within Hyrule’s towns, often requiring exploration or minor puzzle-solving to reach. Each Wise Man imparts one of eight essential magic spells upon Link, vastly expanding his capabilities.

• Rauru Town: Teaches Shield (Reduces damage from projectiles).
• Ruto Town: Teaches Jump (Increases jump height significantly).
• Saria Town: Teaches Life (Restores some health).
• Mido Town: Teaches Fairy (Transforms Link into a Fairy to fly and pass through keyholes; requires helping the sick child first).
• Nabooru Town: Teaches Fire (Shoots fireballs from the sword).
• Darunia Town: Teaches Reflect (Allows shield to block beams and potent magic).
• New Kasuto: Teaches Spell (Turns weak enemies into Bots; opens the path to the Great Palace).
• Hidden Cave (near Great Palace): Teaches Thunder (Powerful screen-clearing attack; needed for the final stages). Finding all Wise Men is mandatory for completing the game.

Healers (Old Women in Towns)

Role: Health Restoration

Significance: Instantly recognizable, often clad in red or blue dresses, these kind women reside inside homes in nearly every town. Speaking to them prompts them to offer Link rest, fully restoring his health (Life meter) free of charge. They are invaluable pit stops for recovery before tackling dangerous areas or after tough battles.

Magic Restorers (Old Men)

Role: Magic Restoration

Significance: Less common than Healers, these NPCs (typically old men, sometimes found in caves or less obvious buildings) perform a similar function but restore Link’s Magic meter instead of his Life. Crucial for replenishing magic reserves, especially before entering spell-intensive palaces or areas.

Bagu

Role: Gatekeeper / Key Item Provider

Significance: Found living in a solitary cabin in the Tantari Woods north of the river (the area generally requires the Hammer to access). Bagu is initially needed to progress south. He provides Link with a Note, which must be shown to the River Man in Saria Town.

River Man

Role: Ferryman / Gatekeeper

Significance: Located by the dock in Saria Town. He initially blocks Link’s passage south across the river. Only after Link presents Bagu’s Note will the River Man agree to ferry him, opening access to Midoro Swamp and the southern portion of Western Hyrule.

Bridge Builder

Role: Obstacle Remover / Progression Helper

Significance: An old man residing in a cabin near Darunia Town in Eastern Hyrule. A vital bridge leading south towards the Great Palace is destroyed. This man offers to magically repair it, but only if Link pays him 500 experience points. Saving up and paying this toll is necessary for reaching the final stages of the game.

Woman and Sick Child (Mido Town)

Role: Conditional Access Provider

Significance: This woman blocks entry into a house in Mido Town because her child is gravely ill. To gain access (and reach the Wise Man within who teaches the Fairy spell), Link must first retrieve the Water of Life from a cave near Nabooru Town and deliver it to her. This interaction highlights how helping Hyrule’s citizens can directly benefit Link’s quest.

Error

Role: Hint Giver / Cult Figure

Significance: Perhaps the most famous NPC in Zelda II, Error resides in Ruto Town. His iconic, seemingly nonsensical greeting, “I AM ERROR,” has sparked decades of fan discussion regarding translation errors, programmer jokes, or deeper meanings. Despite his bizarre introduction, Error serves a practical purpose: after Link has met Bagu (which triggers an internal game flag), Error provides crucial directions to the third dungeon: “SOUTH OF KINGS TOMB IN MIDORO IS ISLAND PALACE.”

Townspeople (General)

Role: Hint Givers / World Building

Significance: The numerous unnamed NPCs inhabiting Hyrule’s towns add life and atmosphere. They provide a wide range of hints – some direct, many cryptic (“Eyes of stone statue hide secrets,” “Magic key opens locks in palaces,” “If all else fails use fire,” “Ask Bagu in the forest north of river”). Their dialogue often reflects the local dangers or recent events, making Hyrule feel more dynamic. Listening carefully to them is often key to uncovering secrets or figuring out the next step.

Ganon’s Minions

Role: Primary Antagonists / Enemies

Significance: Although Ganon was defeated in the first game, his loyal followers remain active and seek his resurrection. Their dark ritual requires the blood of the hero who carries the Triforce crest – Link. By sprinkling Link’s blood upon Ganon’s ashes, they hope to revive their Demon King. These minions are represented by the diverse and dangerous monsters Link encounters across Hyrule, from lowly Bots and Octoroks to formidable Iron Knuckles, Dairas, and Fokkeru. They relentlessly pursue Link, making travel treacherous and forcing him to grow stronger to survive.

Dark Link (Link’s Shadow)

Role: Final Boss

Significance: Located within the deepest chamber of the Great Palace, Dark Link serves as the ultimate test before Link can claim the Triforce of Courage. This mysterious entity is a perfect shadow duplicate of Link, possessing the same appearance and abilities. It silently mimics Link’s movements, making it incredibly difficult to land a blow. Defeating Dark Link often involves exploiting brief moments of vulnerability, such as during his jumps, or utilizing clever positioning (like the corner strategy). More than just a physical battle, Dark Link represents the hero confronting his own inner darkness, a final trial of worthiness for the Triforce of Courage.

Old Man (Triforce Guardian)

Role: Final Reward Giver

Significance: After the climactic battle against Dark Link, Link enters a final chamber where a lone, ancient Old Man awaits. This venerable figure is the final guardian of the Triforce of Courage. Recognizing Link’s proven valor in defeating his own shadow, the Old Man bestows the sacred triangle upon him without further conflict. He represents the wisdom and judgment of the ages, confirming Link’s success and granting him the power needed to fulfill his destiny.