The Legend of Zelda Animated Series is a 1989 American cartoon adaptation of Nintendo’s popular video game franchise. Produced by DIC Entertainment and distributed by Viacom Enterprises, the series aired from September 8 to December 1, 1989, totaling 13 episodes.
Series Overview
The storyline follows the adventures of Link and Princess Zelda as they defend the kingdom of Hyrule from the evil wizard Ganon, who seeks to obtain the Triforce of Wisdom. The series draws inspiration from the first two games in the franchise: The Legend of Zelda and Zelda II: The Adventure of Link. Notably, this adaptation portrays Link as a vocal and somewhat brash character, differing from his typically silent persona in the games. His catchphrase, “Well, excuse me, Princess!” became a memorable aspect of the show.
Broadcast History
Each episode of the animated series was originally broadcast on Fridays as part of The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!, replacing the usual Mario-centric cartoons for that day.
Watch The Series
To view all episodes of the series, click the Playlist icon located at the top right of the video.
Episode Guide
- The Ringer: Ganon disguises himself to enter a magic contest at Hyrule Castle, aiming to steal the Triforce of Wisdom.
- Cold Spells: Spryte’s unauthorized use of the Triforce’s magic leads to unintended consequences, including Ganon’s temporary acquisition of the artifact.
- The White Knight: A pompous prince named Facade arrives, seeking to impress Zelda, but his cowardice is revealed during a confrontation with Ganon.
- Kiss ‘N Tell: Link is transformed into a frog after receiving a kiss from a disguised Gibdo, leading to a quest for a cure.
- Sing for the Unicorn: Ganon kidnaps the King of Hyrule using a captured unicorn, prompting Link and Zelda to mount a rescue mission with the unicorn’s owner.
- That Sinking Feeling: Ganon’s forces attempt to sink the castle by tunneling underneath, leading to subterranean battles.
- Doppelganger: An evil reflection of Zelda emerges from a magical mirror, causing chaos until Link and Zelda can set things right.
- Underworld Connections: Link and Zelda journey into the Underworld to retrieve pieces of the Triforce stolen by Ganon.
- Stinging a Stinger: Link is tricked into exchanging his sword for a fake, leaving him defenseless against Ganon’s schemes.
- A Hitch in the Works: Ganon sabotages the castle’s new water park, leading to mechanical mayhem that Link and Zelda must resolve.
- Fairies in the Spring: Mysterious disturbances in the kingdom’s water supply lead Link and Zelda to discover and aid a hidden fairy community.
- The Missing Link: Link is captured by Ganon, and Zelda must venture into the Underworld to rescue him, showcasing her bravery and combat skills.
- The Moblins Are Revolting: Ganon’s minions, the Moblins, attempt a coup in his absence, forcing Link and Zelda to quell the uprising.
Main Characters
Link: The courageous hero tasked with protecting the Triforce of Wisdom. In this series, he is portrayed as a confident and occasionally cocky teenager, often seeking affection from Zelda.
Princess Zelda: The intelligent and resourceful princess of Hyrule, who actively participates in defending her kingdom alongside Link.
Ganon: The primary antagonist, a malevolent wizard intent on conquering Hyrule by uniting the Triforces of Power and Wisdom.
Spryte: A loyal fairy companion to Link and Zelda, providing assistance and occasional comic relief.
King Harkinian: Zelda’s father and the benevolent ruler of Hyrule, often oblivious to the dangers posed by Ganon.
Cultural Impact and Reception
The series has been met with mixed reviews over the years. Some fans appreciate its nostalgic value and unique take on the characters, while others criticize its deviation from the source material and the portrayal of Link’s character. Despite this, it has maintained a cult following and remains a notable part of The Legend of Zelda franchise’s history.
Availability
The complete series has been released on DVD and is available for purchase through various retailers. Additionally, episodes can be streamed on platforms like Amazon Prime Video.
Additional Appearances
Link and Zelda also appeared in episodes of another Nintendo-related series, Captain N: The Game Master, further expanding their presence in animated adaptations during that era.