Breath of the Wild: Characters

Link

Link stands again as Hyrule’s legendary hero and the Hylian Champion. Renowned for his exceptional sword skills 100 years ago, the Royal Family appointed him as Princess Zelda’s personal knight. During the Great Calamity, he sustained grave injuries while defending the princess. Sheikah allies carried him to the Shrine of Resurrection, where he slept and healed for a century.

Link awakens with no memory of his past, clutching the vital Sheikah Slate. Guided by mysterious voices, the spirit of the Old Man, and the sprawling world itself, he embarks on an epic journey across Hyrule. He must confront Ganon’s corrupted forces while piecing together his own past by visiting locations that trigger lost memories. His quest involves mastering survival skills like cooking and hunting, taming the four Divine Beasts Ganon seized, reclaiming the Master Sword hidden deep within the Lost Woods, and ultimately realizing his full potential.

Only then can he face Calamity Ganon and restore hope to the ravaged kingdom. Link’s steadfast silence remains a defining trait, allowing players to fully project themselves onto his path of rediscovery and heroism.

Princess Zelda

The intelligent and deeply devoted Princess of Hyrule bears the weight of her kingdom’s fate. Before the Calamity, she wrestled with immense pressure to awaken the sacred sealing power passed down through her royal bloodline, a power tied to the goddess Hylia. Feeling inadequate in this divine duty, she passionately pursued research into ancient Sheikah technology, studying the Guardians and Divine Beasts as a potential alternative defense against Ganon’s prophesied return.

Link’s recovered memories reveal her complex relationship with her demanding father, King Rhoam, her earnest interactions with the Champions, and her growing connection with Link. When the Calamity struck and destroyed their plans, Zelda’s desperate act to protect the fallen Link finally awakened her dormant power. For one hundred years, she has valiantly contained Calamity Ganon’s overwhelming malice within Hyrule Castle, her own strength the only barrier preventing the Calamity’s complete resurgence. Upon Link’s awakening, her telepathic voice reaches out, guiding him and holding onto hope for Hyrule’s salvation.

Calamity Ganon / Dark Beast Ganon

The ultimate antagonist of Breath of the Wild, Calamity Ganon represents a primal force of pure malice and destruction that has haunted Hyrule in cyclical appearances for ages, likely stemming from Demise’s ancient curse. Its return 100 years ago triggered the Great Calamity. With cunning foresight, Ganon seized control of the Sheikah’s own creations – the Guardians and the four Divine Beasts – turning Hyrule’s ultimate defense into its greatest weakness, leading to the kingdom’s ruin and the deaths of the Champions.

Although Princess Zelda successfully sealed Ganon’s core within Hyrule Castle using her sacred power, its malevolent influence pervades the land. It corrupts Guardians, empowers monsters across Hyrule, causes the periodic Blood Moon that resurrects fallen enemies, and spawned the elemental Blight Ganons to maintain control over the Divine Beasts.

Link’s final challenge involves confronting Ganon’s monstrous, spider-like Calamity form within the castle’s sanctum. After overcoming this, he must face Ganon’s final, colossal Dark Beast form – a creature of pure malice resembling a giant boar – across the fields of Hyrule, requiring Zelda’s assistance and the power of Light Arrows to vanquish.

King Rhoam Bosphoramus Hyrule (Old Man)

The last King of Hyrule before the Great Calamity brought ruin to his kingdom. When Link awakens, he first encounters the King’s spirit disguised as a resourceful Old Man living atop the isolated Great Plateau. In this guise, he teaches Link essential survival skills like hunting and cooking and oversees Link’s completion of the Plateau’s four Shrines.

Once Link proves capable, the Old Man reveals his spectral form and true identity as King Rhoam Bosphoramus Hyrule. His spirit lingered for a century, bound by regret over his failure to prevent the Calamity and his past sternness towards Zelda, often prioritizing her sacred power training over her aptitude for research. He provides Link with vital context about the events of 100 years ago, explains the mission to free the Divine Beasts and defeat Ganon, and entrusts Hyrule’s future to the returned hero by gifting him the indispensable Paraglider. With his message delivered, the King’s spirit finally finds peace. Players can find his diary later, offering more personal insights.

Mipha

The gentle and compassionate Zora Champion, Princess of the Zora, and elder sister to Prince Sidon. Chosen to pilot the elephantine Divine Beast Vah Ruta, Mipha possessed an extraordinary gift for healing, unmatched among her people. Known for her quiet grace and inner strength, she held a deep, tender affection for her childhood friend, Link, demonstrated by her crafting the Zora Armor for him – a traditional symbol of Zora betrothal.

Despite her peaceful nature, she was a skilled warrior who wielded the elegant Lightscale Trident. She met her end battling Waterblight Ganon within Vah Ruta. Once Link frees her spirit, she gratefully bestows upon him “Mipha’s Grace.” This invaluable ability automatically revives Link with full health and temporary bonus hearts should he fall in battle, recharging after a set time. Her memory is deeply cherished in Zora’s Domain.

Daruk

The mighty, courageous, and jovial Goron Champion, selected to pilot the immense, lizard-like Divine Beast Vah Rudania as it climbed Death Mountain. Daruk embodied Goron strength and brotherhood; he was incredibly strong, capable of easily wielding the massive Boulder Breaker, and fiercely loyal to his friends and protective of his fellow Gorons. He was famous for his unwavering bravery and his signature defensive power, Daruk’s Protection.

Known for his booming voice and encouraging shouts, Daruk faced Fireblight Ganon within Vah Rudania. Once freed, his spirit enthusiastically grants Link “Daruk’s Protection.” This powerful ability creates a formidable red energy shield around Link while he holds his guard (ZL), automatically blocking almost any attack and reflecting projectiles. The ability holds three charges that regenerate over time. Despite his immense bravery, Daruk harbored a comical fear of dogs.

Revali

The exceptionally gifted, highly skilled, but notably arrogant Rito Champion, chosen pilot of the avian Divine Beast Vah Medoh. Revali was widely considered the most talented archer and aerial combatant among the Rito, wielding his Great Eagle Bow with unparalleled mastery. His immense pride in his abilities often translated into haughtiness, especially towards Link, whom he seemed to view as a rival.

Revali felt Link’s status as the chosen hero was unearned compared to his own hard-won skills, exemplified by his unique self-taught technique, the powerful updraft known as Revali’s Gale. He fell in battle against Windblight Ganon inside Vah Medoh. Upon being freed, Revali, with perhaps a hint of lingering rivalry, grants Link the use of “Revali’s Gale.” This extremely useful ability allows Link to create strong vertical wind currents anywhere, launching him high into the air for extended paragliding or reaching high ledges. It holds three regenerating charges.

Urbosa

The proud, noble, wise, and formidable Gerudo Champion, Chief of the Gerudo tribe, and pilot of the imposing camel-shaped Divine Beast Vah Naboris. A towering warrior with a commanding presence, Urbosa was a close confidante of the late Queen of Hyrule and served as a protective, almost maternal figure for Princess Zelda, offering guidance and support. She possessed exceptional combat skill, expertly wielding the Scimitar of the Seven and the Daybreaker shield.

Furthermore, Urbosa had the unique innate ability to command the power of lightning itself. Aware of the Gerudo’s historical connection to Ganon’s recurring manifestations, she readily accepted her duty as Champion. She met her end fighting Thunderblight Ganon within Vah Naboris. Once her spirit is freed, she bestows upon Link “Urbosa’s Fury.” This potent offensive ability allows Link to unleash a wide area-of-effect lightning strike after performing a charged attack, stunning enemies and dealing significant damage. It holds three regenerating charges.

Prince Sidon

The vibrant, charismatic, and eternally optimistic Prince of the Zora, younger brother of the late Champion Mipha. Deeply concerned about the endless rains and threat from the malfunctioning Vah Ruta, Sidon takes proactive measures, seeking a Hylian strong enough to use Shock Arrows against the Divine Beast. He encounters Link on the path to Zora’s Domain and becomes an immediate, encouraging ally.

Recognizable by his heroic poses and signature gleaming smile, Sidon uses his influence to overcome the skepticism of some Zora elders regarding Hylian help. He demonstrates considerable bravery and swimming prowess by personally escorting Link across the reservoir during the dangerous assault on Vah Ruta, allowing Link the opportunity to disable its mechanisms. His unwavering faith (“I believe in you!”) provides significant moral support.

Yunobo

A young Goron miner from Goron City, notable for being a direct descendant of the Champion Daruk. Like his ancestor, Yunobo possesses the ability to use Daruk’s Protection, although he initially lacks control over it. He starts off quite timid, easily startled by monsters and perilous situations, often needing reassurance from Link.

However, when the Gorons’ livelihood and safety are jeopardized by Vah Rudania’s activity on Death Mountain, Yunobo finds his inner courage. Guided and protected by Link, he bravely agrees to be loaded into ancient Goron cannons. Link then aims and fires Yunobo like a living cannonball, utilizing his protective ability to strike and damage the Divine Beast during the treacherous mountain ascent, allowing Link to eventually board it. His participation marks significant personal growth.

Teba

A skilled Rito warrior known for his pragmatism and dedication to protecting Rito Village. Husband to Saki and father to the young Tulin, Teba initially expresses skepticism about Link’s ability to help appease the threatening Divine Beast Vah Medoh circling above their home. He demands Link prove his aerial archery skills in a challenging test at the Flight Range.

Once Link demonstrates his capability by hitting numerous targets while paragliding, Teba gains respect for the Hylian and agrees to assist in a direct assault. He courageously flies alongside Link towards Vah Medoh, drawing the fire of its cannons and providing covering support while Link uses Bomb Arrows to disable the Divine Beast’s defenses, ultimately allowing Link to board. Teba values competence and bravery in action.

Makeela Riju

The remarkably young Chief of the Gerudo, who assumed leadership of her people in Gerudo Town after the untimely passing of her mother. Despite her age, Riju carries her responsibilities with impressive dignity, wisdom, and determination, guided by her steadfast advisor Buliara. She deeply cares for her people and her beloved personal Sand Seal, Patricia.

Concerned by the giant sandstorms and erratic behavior caused by the nearby Divine Beast Vah Naboris, Riju recognizes the need for outside help. She entrusts Link with the perilous mission of retrieving the Thunder Helm – a sacred Gerudo artifact capable of repelling lightning, stolen by the Yiga Clan. Once Link recovers the Helm, Riju displays immense courage by riding Patricia alongside Link into the sandstorm towards Vah Naboris, using the Helm’s protective aura to create a safe zone, allowing Link to accurately fire Bomb Arrows at the Divine Beast’s feet and disable it.

Impa

The venerable elder of the surviving Sheikah loyalists, residing as the leader of Kakariko Village, and the younger sister of the researcher Purah. Now well over 100 years old, Impa serves as a living link to the era of the Great Calamity, having been a close advisor to the Royal Family then. When the amnesiac Link arrives, Impa recognizes him as the Hylian Champion.

She becomes his primary source of guidance, recounting the history of the Calamity, the roles of the Champions and Divine Beasts, and the importance of the Master Sword. Impa sets Link upon his main quests: freeing the four Divine Beasts and recovering his lost memories by seeking out the locations depicted in the photographs stored on his Sheikah Slate. Her wisdom and knowledge of prophecy are invaluable to navigating Hyrule’s predicament. She is also connected to a quest involving a stolen Sheikah heirloom.

Purah

The exceptionally brilliant, incredibly energetic, and ancient director of the Hateno Ancient Tech Lab, located in Hateno Village. Purah is Impa’s older sister and a leading expert on ancient Sheikah technology. Her research into anti-aging runes had unintended consequences, causing her to physically regress to the appearance of a young girl, though she retains all the knowledge and eccentric personality accumulated over her 120+ years.

Purah plays a crucial role in restoring functionality to Link’s Sheikah Slate. She reactivates the Camera Rune (needed for the Hyrule Compendium and memory quest), the Compendium itself, and offers powerful upgrades like the Sheikah Sensor + (which can track specific items, shrines, or creatures) and enhancements to the Remote Bomb and Stasis runes (Stasis+ can freeze enemies briefly). Known for her signature pose and catchphrase “Snap!”, her lab, run with her assistant Symin, is a vital stop for Link.

Robbie (or Robbe)

Another veteran Sheikah researcher, Robbie heads the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab situated in the remote northeastern Akkala region. Like Purah, he’s well over a century old but maintains a youthful vigor, albeit less dramatically altered in appearance. Robbie possesses a unique, almost rock-and-roll persona, complete with distinctive goggles, energetic shouts (“Yeahhh!”), and an obsessive passion for researching Guardians and ancient technology.

His lab houses a massive Ancient Oven named Cherry, which he affectionately refers to as his wife (much to the chagrin of his actual Hylian wife, Jerrin). After Link undertakes the task of carrying the ancient blue flame across Akkala to reignite the lab’s furnace, Robbie and Cherry offer the invaluable service of crafting powerful Ancient equipment. Using Guardian parts and Rupees, Link can acquire Ancient Arrows, durable Ancient Shields, powerful Ancient Weapons, and the coveted Ancient Armor set, which offers high defense, Guardian resistance, and boosts damage dealt by Ancient weapons.

Kaneli

The wise elder who serves as the chieftain of the Rito people in Rito Village, located in the Tabantha Frontier region. Often found contemplating atop the village’s highest perch near the Akh Va’quot Shrine, Kaneli possesses extensive knowledge of Rito history, legends, and the looming threat posed by Divine Beast Vah Medoh circling above.

He recognizes Link as the Hylian Champion upon his arrival and provides crucial context about the situation. Understanding that direct action is required, he guides Link towards seeking the help of the skilled Rito warrior, Teba, thereby initiating the questline to appease Vah Medoh and free the spirit of Champion Revali.

Bludo

The elderly and notably grumpy Boss of Goron City, situated on the fiery slopes of Death Mountain in the Eldin region. Bludo’s leadership and temperament are significantly affected by chronic back pain, for which Link can undertake a side quest to find painkillers. He holds deep concern for his people and the disruption caused by Divine Beast Vah Rudania’s rampage, which halts the Gorons’ vital mining operations and threatens the city with increased volcanic activity.

He tasks Link with stopping the Divine Beast but requires the assistance of the young Goron Yunobo, Daruk’s descendant. Despite his often-gruff exterior, Bludo embodies Goron toughness and expresses immense gratitude once Link resolves the crisis threatening his city and people.

King Dorephan

The majestic, long-reigning King of the Zora, ruling from the ornate throne room nestled behind waterfalls in Zora’s Domain. Father to the late Champion Mipha and the current Prince Sidon, King Dorephan is physically imposing, towering over other Zora, and possesses immense wisdom accrued over his very long lifespan, including firsthand memories of the events leading up to the Great Calamity.

While still mourning the loss of his beloved daughter Mipha, he governs his people with strength and judiciousness. He carefully assesses Link’s character and connection to Mipha before fully entrusting him with the dangerous task of calming the malfunctioning Divine Beast Vah Ruta. As a sign of trust and necessity, he gifts Link the Zora Armor meticulously crafted by Mipha, which grants the crucial ability to swim up waterfalls. King Dorephan provides invaluable historical context regarding the Zora, the Calamity, and the ancient hero Ruta.

Master Kohga

The self-proclaimed “Top Banana” and surprisingly inept leader of the Yiga Clan, a rogue faction of Sheikah who abandoned their duty to serve Calamity Ganon. Residing deep within the Yiga Clan Hideout hidden in Karusa Valley within the Gerudo region, Master Kohga displays extreme laziness, narcissism, and an obsession with naps and Mighty Bananas.

Despite his clan’s menacing presence throughout Hyrule, Kohga himself serves as a notably comical boss encounter. His battle tactics are predictable and rely heavily on flashy moves that ultimately backfire, leading to his rather humiliating self-defeat. Overcoming him is necessary for Link to recover the stolen Thunder Helm, a Gerudo artifact essential for safely approaching Divine Beast Vah Naboris.

Hestu

An oversized, music-loving Korok distinguished by his perpetual enthusiasm and signature maracas. Link first encounters Hestu in distress, usually near Dueling Peaks Stable or Kakariko Village, having had his precious maracas stolen by nearby monsters. Once Link retrieves the maracas, Hestu reveals his unique gift: the ability to expand Link’s inventory stash for weapons, bows, and shields.

This invaluable service requires Link to collect Korok Seeds, which are hidden literally everywhere across Hyrule by hundreds of smaller Koroks. Hestu relocates several times (often found at Riverside, Wetland, or Woodland Stables) before finally settling in the Korok Forest. Each inventory upgrade requires progressively more Korok Seeds. Collecting all 900 seeds prompts Hestu to reward Link with “Hestu’s Gift,” a humorous, golden… pile of something, along with a final celebratory dance.

Kass

A wandering Rito bard easily recognized by his distinctive concertina music, often heard before he is seen. Kass travels throughout Hyrule, typically found near stables or points of ancient significance, diligently researching and performing ancient songs. These songs were passed down from his Sheikah teacher, a court poet who served the Royal Family during the time of the Calamity and held unrequited feelings for Princess Zelda.

Many of Kass’s songs contain cryptic riddles or verses that, when deciphered by Link, reveal the locations of hidden Ancient Shrines, thus initiating Shrine Quests. Kass provides valuable lore snippets related to Hyrule’s history, the Calamity, the hero, and the princess. Completing all the Shrine Quests associated with his songs allows Kass to finish his teacher’s unfinished final piece and fulfill his master’s last wishes, after which he returns home to Rito Village to perform for his own children.

Beedle

The ever-present and incredibly enthusiastic traveling merchant, a recurring character in the Zelda series, instantly recognizable by his enormous backpack shaped like a beetle and his signature mannerisms. Beedle tirelessly roams the roads between stables and villages across Hyrule, offering Link a consistent and convenient source of essential goods like arrows of various types, basic cooking ingredients, restorative elixirs, and, fittingly, various insects.

His inventory might have slight variations depending on the specific stable or weather conditions. He greets potential customers with an exuberant “Ooooh!” or “Saaaail!” and bids them farewell with a drawn-out “Byeeeeee!” or hearty “Thank you!”. Beedle is particularly obsessed with collecting rare beetles, especially the Energetic Rhino Beetle, and will react with comical levels of distress or even try to bargain with Link if he sees one in Link’s inventory that Link refuses to sell.

Kilton

A mysterious and highly eccentric merchant completely fascinated by Hyrule’s monstrous inhabitants. Link typically first encounters Kilton at Skull Lake in the Akkala region, usually at night. After this initial meeting, Kilton’s peculiar shop, the “Fang and Bone”—a patchwork stall carried by a large balloon—begins appearing on the outskirts of various villages and settlements, but only during nighttime hours.

Kilton operates outside the normal Hylian economy; he doesn’t accept Rupees. Instead, he trades unique monster-related items for a special currency called “Mon,” which Link earns exclusively by selling Kilton collected monster parts (like Bokoblin Fangs, Moblin Guts, or Lynel Hoofs). His unique inventory includes masks that allow Link to temporarily blend in with specific monster types (Bokoblin, Moblin, Lizalfos, Lynel), unusual weapons like the Spring-Loaded Hammer, monster extracts for cooking, and eventually the Dark Link armor set. Kilton also keeps track of Link’s progress in defeating every overworld mini-boss (Stone Talus variants, Hinox/Stalnox variants, and Moldugas), rewarding him with prestigious Medals of Honor for vanquishing all of each type.

Great Fairies (Tera, Kaysa, Mija, Cotera)

Four immense, powerful, and incredibly flamboyant fairy beings who dwell within large, sealed flower buds hidden in specific remote locations across Hyrule: Tera in the Gerudo Desert, Kaysa near Tabantha Tower, Mija near Lake Akkala in the Akkala region, and Cotera near Kakariko Village.

Link must coax each Great Fairy out of her fountain by paying an initial, escalating fee in Rupees (starting at 100 and reaching 10,000 for the fourth). Once awakened, these benevolent (if slightly overwhelming) fairies offer Link the crucial service of upgrading his various pieces of armor. Each upgrade level significantly increases the armor’s defense rating and requires specific quantities of monster parts, gemstones, or other materials. The number of Great Fairies Link has awakened determines the maximum upgrade level possible (up to four stars). Reaching level two on all pieces of an armor set typically unlocks a powerful set bonus effect, making their service essential for tackling Hyrule’s tougher challenges.

Malanya, the Horse God

A unique and powerful deity residing within a hidden fairy-like fountain near Highland Stable in the Lake Hylia region, south of Hyrule Field. Malanya appears similar in form to the Great Fairies but serves a distinct and vital purpose: resurrecting registered horses that have unfortunately died during Link’s adventures.

To unlock Malanya’s services, Link must first provide an offering to appease the somewhat demanding Horse God, typically an Endura Carrot. Once the fountain is active, bringing a deceased horse back to life requires another offering, ensuring that players need not permanently grieve the loss of their favorite equine companions due to misadventure or fierce combat. Malanya’s presence adds a unique element to the game’s horse mechanics.

Blight Ganons (Waterblight, Fireblight, Windblight, Thunderblight)

Malicious Scourges created by Calamity Ganon, representing twisted amalgamations of ancient Sheikah technology and pure Malice. Ganon dispatched these entities 100 years ago to infest the four Divine Beasts, successfully overwhelming and killing the Champions trapped inside. Each Blight Ganon serves as the primary boss within its respective Divine Beast, acting as a major obstacle to Link reclaiming the machine.

They embody corrupted elemental powers: Waterblight Ganon utilizes ice blocks and a long spear within Vah Ruta; Fireblight Ganon wields a massive flaming sword and creates intense fireballs within Vah Rudania; Windblight Ganon fires cannon-like blasts and summons tornadoes within Vah Medoh; and the notoriously swift Thunderblight Ganon uses lightning strikes and blindingly fast attacks within Vah Naboris. Defeating each Blight purifies the Divine Beast, frees the corresponding Champion’s spirit, and grants Link their powerful ability, significantly aiding his quest against the Calamity itself. Rematches against stronger versions are possible via DLC.

Yiga Clan

A treacherous clan of ninja-like assassins composed of Sheikah who betrayed their ancient mandate to protect the Royal Family of Hyrule, instead choosing to align themselves with Calamity Ganon. Led by the bumbling Master Kohga, the Yiga Clan operates from a secret hideout deep within the Gerudo region’s Karusa Valley. Their primary goal is to eliminate anyone who opposes Ganon, especially Link.

Yiga members frequently ambush Link throughout Hyrule, often disguising themselves as harmless travelers before revealing their allegiance with a sinister laugh and attacking. Their ranks include agile Footsoldiers who wield sickles or duplex bows capable of firing multiple arrows, and tougher, teleporting Blademasters who use large Windcleavers to create damaging vacuum waves. They are known for their distinctive red outfits, reverse Sheikah eye symbol, and their comical obsession with Mighty Bananas. They pose a persistent threat on the roads and during specific quests, especially after Link has been identified by them.

Guardians (Corrupted)

Highly advanced, autonomous mechanical weapons originally created by the Sheikah 10,000 years ago as a sophisticated defense system against Calamity Ganon. Ironically, during the Great Calamity 100 years prior, Ganon’s Malice proved capable of corrupting their programming, turning these powerful protectors into Hyrule’s most feared and devastating enemies, instrumental in the kingdom’s downfall.

Various types now litter the landscape or actively patrol: the iconic, multi-legged Guardian Stalkers roam Hyrule Field and other open areas; stationary Guardian Turrets defend strategic locations, particularly around Hyrule Castle; Guardian Skywatchers patrol the airspace above key zones; and smaller, more agile Guardian Scouts serve as combatants within Ancient Shrines and Divine Beasts. Their most terrifying weapon is their potent laser beam, which locks onto targets before unleashing a devastating blast. Learning to parry these beams precisely with a shield, targeting their single glowing eye (especially with Ancient Arrows), or using the Master Sword (which glows in their presence, dealing bonus damage) is crucial for survival and for harvesting their valuable Ancient Materials needed for crafting powerful gear at the tech labs.