Skyward Sword brings us a vibrant cast, from the lofty heights of Skyloft to the mysterious lands below the clouds. Get ready to meet the heroes, villains, and quirky residents who make this adventure unforgettable!
The Main Heroes
Link
Our hero starts not as a legendary warrior, but as a hopeful, sometimes sleepy, student at Skyloft’s Knight Academy. He shares an incredibly close bond with Zelda and his rare Crimson Loftwing. Thrust into an epic quest when Zelda is torn from the sky, Link bravely accepts his destiny as the Goddess Hylia’s chosen hero, wielding the Goddess Sword (and later, the Master Sword) against the forces of darkness threatening to consume both sky and surface. He’s quiet, but his courage speaks volumes!
Zelda
Forget the damsel-in-distress trope (mostly)! This Zelda is Link’s vibrant childhood friend, full of warmth, mischief, and a deep connection to the legends of the Goddess. As the daughter of Headmaster Gaepora, she plays a key role in Skyloft’s traditions. Her sudden disappearance kickstarts Link’s adventure, but she’s on her own pivotal journey, discovering her true identity as the mortal reincarnation of the Goddess Hylia and embracing her sacred duty to protect the world.
Fi
Residing within the Goddess Sword, Fi is an enigmatic spirit created by Hylia herself to guide the chosen hero. She speaks in precise, analytical terms, often calculating probabilities and offering vital information, enemy analysis, and dowsing abilities. While seemingly emotionless, Fi shows unwavering loyalty to Link (her “Master”) and experiences her own subtle form of growth throughout their journey, culminating in one of the series’ most touching farewells.
Key Figures & Allies
Groose
Initially, Groose is Link’s over-the-top rival at the Knight Academy, complete with a towering pompadour and an obvious crush on Zelda. His jealousy fuels his bullying antics towards Link. But when Zelda disappears, Groose shows surprising depth. Following Link to the Surface, he undergoes a fantastic character arc, transforming from a comical antagonist into a genuinely brave and resourceful ally, even inventing the legendary “Groosenator” to aid in the fight!
Impa
A mysterious and stern member of the Sheikah tribe, Impa serves as Zelda’s protector throughout her journey on the Surface. She is fiercely dedicated to her mission and initially distrustful of Link’s ability to fulfill his destiny. Encountered in various locations and timelines, Impa is a powerful warrior who plays a crucial role in guiding Zelda and ensuring the hero’s path converges with hers at the right moments. Her connection to the past and future is profound.
Gaepora
Zelda’s kind and wise father, and the respected Headmaster of the Knight Academy in Skyloft. He possesses deep knowledge of Skyloft’s history and the legends of the Goddess Hylia. Gaepora supports Link and worries deeply for his daughter, providing crucial information and guidance early in the adventure. (And yes, he totally looks like a certain wise old owl from another timeline!)
Levias
The colossal, ancient sky spirit resembling a whale who serves as the Warden of the Skies, appointed by Hylia long ago. Residing within the turbulent Thunderhead, Levias holds a piece of the vital Song of the Hero. Link must first cure him of a parasitic infection (Bilocyte) with the help of some delicious Pumpkin Soup before the wise spirit can offer his guidance.
Faron
The Water Dragon, an ancient and serene servant of the Goddess Hylia who watches over the Faron Woods region. She resides within the Great Tree and later Lake Floria. Link must earn her trust and gather Sacred Water to gain her part of the Song of the Hero. She cares deeply for the Kikwi and Parella under her protection.
Eldin
The powerful Fire Dragon who guards the Eldin Volcano region. This ancient servant of the Goddess lives atop the Volcano Summit. He’s initially quite grumpy and tests Link’s courage before agreeing to teach him his part of the Song of the Hero.
Lanayru
The wise Thunder Dragon residing in the Lanayru Province. When Link first reaches him, Lanayru is gravely ill due to the effects of time in the desert. Link must undertake a quest involving Timeshift Stones and a Tree of Life fruit to restore the dragon’s health before he can learn his part of the Song of the Hero.
The Forces of Darkness
Demon Lord Ghirahim
The primary antagonist for much of the game, Ghirahim is flamboyant, arrogant, sadistic, and utterly captivating. He pursues Zelda relentlessly across the Surface, engaging Link in multiple dramatic duels. With his unsettling mannerisms, teleportation abilities, and mastery of demonic blades, Ghirahim proves a formidable and persistent foe. He refers to himself as a Demon Lord but is later revealed to be the spirit of Demise’s sword, dedicated solely to his master’s resurrection.
Demise
The ancient source of all evil, the Demon King who led monstrous hordes against the Goddess Hylia in ages past. Sealed away by Hylia, his eventual resurrection is Ghirahim’s ultimate goal. Demise is the embodiment of pure power and hatred, seeking to conquer the world and claim the Triforce. His defeat leads to his final curse, ensuring his hatred will be reborn time and time again to plague Link and Zelda’s descendants (hello, Ganondorf!).
The Imprisoned
The sealed form of Demise, encountered multiple times in the Sealed Grounds. This colossal, scaly beast repeatedly breaks free from its magical seal, forcing Link (and sometimes Groose) to battle it and drive the sealing spike back into place before it reaches the Sealed Temple. Each encounter is more challenging than the last as the monster adapts and evolves.
Skyloft Residents: Life Above the Clouds
Knight Academy Crew
Cawlin
One of Groose’s lackeys, often seen trailing after him. He’s involved in a memorable side quest where Link must decide how to deliver (or not deliver) his awkward love letter to Karane.
Strich
Groose’s other main sidekick, easily recognizable by his tall stature and perpetually sleepy expression. He later reveals a hidden passion for bug collecting, tasking Link with finding specific insects for a Gratitude Crystal side quest.
Fledge
A timid and insecure student who looks up to Link. Link can help him build his strength through a side quest, allowing Fledge to eventually become more confident.
Pipit
An older, responsible student who acts as a Hall Monitor. He’s generally well-respected and involved in a side quest concerning his mother’s messy house.
Karane
A popular female student at the Academy, often seen chatting with Pipit. She’s the object of Cawlin’s affection but seems more interested in Pipit.
Instructor Horwell
Teaches history and conducts the Wing Ceremony.
Instructor Owlan
A scholar obsessed with the sky’s flora and fauna, he teaches Link the Spiral Charge technique for Loftwing flight.
Knight Commander Eagus
The gruff but fair Sparring Hall instructor who teaches Link basic swordplay.
Bazaar Vendors
Gondo
The gruff owner of the Scrap Shop, essential for upgrading Link’s gear using collected Treasures. Also works on repairing Scrapper.
Rupin
The enthusiastic (sometimes overly so) owner of the Gear Shop. His mood visibly shifts based on his sales.
Luv
Co-owner of the Potion Shop in the Bazaar, married to Bertie. She handles the infusion side of the business, allowing Link to enhance his potions with bugs for extra effects.
Bertie
Luv’s husband and the brewer at the Potion Shop. He initially worries about their expected child interfering with work but is overjoyed when the baby arrives, kicking off a Gratitude Crystal quest for a rattle.
Peatrice
The bored Item Check girl who develops a rather intense crush on Link if he visits her frequently, leading to some amusing dialogue.
Sparrot
The Fortune Teller, offering cryptic hints about Link’s quest (for a small fee, of course).
Other Notable Skyloftians
Parrow
Orielle’s father, who worries greatly when his daughter goes missing after flying her Loftwing near the dangerous clouds covering the Surface. He asks Link for help, starting a Gratitude Crystal side quest.
Orielle
Parrow’s daughter. Link finds her stranded on a small island near Faron Woods after her Loftwing is injured, and must bring her medicine from her father.
Wryna
Kukiel’s loving mother, distraught when her young daughter goes missing. She pleads with Link to find Kukiel, initiating the side quest that leads to discovering Batreaux.
Kukiel
A small, innocent girl who loves monsters. She wanders off to visit her “friend” Batreaux, causing her mother Wryna great distress until Link finds her safe and sound.
Mallara
Pipit’s hardworking mother who needs Link’s help cleaning her house via the Gust Bellows for a Gratitude Crystal quest.
Henya
The kindly old woman running the Knight Academy Kitchen.
Batreaux
A friendly, misunderstood demon living beneath Skyloft who longs to become human. He rewards Link with valuable items (like wallet upgrades!) in exchange for Gratitude Crystals collected by helping Skyloft’s residents. Completing his quest has a heartwarming outcome.
Beedle
The ever-present traveling merchant operating his distinctive flying shop, accessible by ringing its bell. He sells useful items, upgrades, and Bug Medals. Just don’t leave without buying something, or he might drop you!
Pumm
The owner of the Lumpy Pumpkin pub on Pumpkin Landing. He enlists Link’s help with various tasks (chandelier dusting, pumpkin harvesting, harp playing) and provides the crucial soup for Levias.
Kina
Pumm’s daughter, who works at the Lumpy Pumpkin and dreams of singing. Link accompanies her on the harp for a side quest.
Surface Dwellers: Tribes Below
Kikwi
Shy, rotund plant/animal creatures inhabiting Faron Woods. They camouflage themselves as bushes when frightened and generally prefer to hide rather than fight. Their names often derive from types of tea.
Bucha
The elder and largest Kikwi, often carried around by others. Provides Link with the Slingshot.
Machi
Other Kikwi Link encounters, often needing rescue or providing information. Yerbal, the hermit Kikwi, teaches Link about the Sacred Water. Their names are often puns on types of tea!
Oolo
A Kikwi Link must find hiding in the Faron Woods region as part of the search after Skyview Temple. Runs the “Follow the Kikwi” game in the woods later.
Lopsa
Another Kikwi Link needs to locate in Faron Woods, often found hiding up high or in tricky spots.
Erla
A Kikwi found near the entrance to Skyview Temple, providing minor guidance.
Yerbal
A wise, hermit-like Kikwi residing within the Great Tree. He holds crucial knowledge about the Sacred Water needed to heal the Water Dragon Faron.
Mogmas
A race of mole-like treasure hunters living in and around Eldin Volcano. They burrow underground, have excellent digging skills, and are obsessed with finding Rupees and treasures, often providing tips or needing help related to their digs. Their names are often puns on metals and minerals.
Ledd
One of the first Mogmas Link meets near the entrance to Eldin Volcano, introducing the race and their plight against Bokoblins.
Cobal
Another early Mogma encountered who often provides information about navigating the volcanic region.
Silva
A Mogma found deeper within Eldin, sometimes near puzzle areas or treasure spots.
Bronzi
Often found near the entrance to the Earth Temple, sometimes offering gameplay hints.
Kortz
A Mogma encountered within dungeon areas, usually focused on finding treasure.
Guld
An older, somewhat wiser Mogma who sometimes offers more significant advice or history.
Merco
Often found near lava flows or hot areas, occasionally needing assistance or pointing out secrets.
Plats
Another Mogma treasure hunter, sometimes found guarding chests or complaining about Bokoblins.
Tyto
Usually encountered burrowing or searching in specific diggable spots.
Nackle
A Mogma who helps Link locate the Bomb Bag within the Earth Temple region.
Zanc
Found in various locations, often providing minor tips or commentary on the area.
Tubert
An entrepreneurial Mogma who runs the thrilling Rickety Coaster mini-game in the Lanayru Sand Sea for a chance to win Rupees and Treasures.
Parella
Unique, shy aquatic creatures resembling seahorses found swimming in the waters of Lake Floria. They serve the Water Dragon Faron and help guide Link through their domain.
Jellyf
The only named Parella, who guides Link through the flooded Faron Woods to reach Lake Floria.
Ancient Robots
Found primarily in the Lanayru region, these robots were built ages ago for various tasks. Activating Timeshift Stones often brings them and their surroundings back to their functional state in the past.
Scrapper (LD-301S)
An ancient, somewhat grumpy cargo robot reactivated by Gondo. Despite his initial reluctance, he becomes fiercely loyal to Fi (calling her “Mistress Fi”) and proves invaluable by helping Link carry heavy or awkward quest items, like the pinwheel or water basin.
Skipper (LD-301N)
The proud captain of the Sandship. Link first encounters his small damaged descendant, then meets the fully functional Skipper in the past via a Timeshift Stone. He provides Link with crucial information about the Sandship and guidance in the Lanayru Sand Sea.
Gorons
A few members of the familiar, friendly rock-eating race appear on the Surface, studying its history.
Gorko
A scholarly Goron fascinated by the Surface world, particularly Goddess Cubes, Goddess Walls, and ancient structures. He often pops up near these locations, providing Link with helpful archaeological insights and sometimes asking for help (like needing Bombs). Other Gorons join his research later in the game.
Other Mentionables
The Old Woman/Grannie
The enigmatic old woman residing within the Sealed Temple. She speaks in riddles and seems to possess immense knowledge about Link’s quest, the history of the land, and the Master Sword. Her true identity as an older Impa, safeguarding the Temple across time, is a significant revelation.
Phoeni
Not exactly a character you meet, but the ghostly hand residing in the Knight Academy restroom at night, perpetually seeking paper. Part of a memorable (and slightly creepy) Gratitude Crystal side quest involving Cawlin’s letter and a potential love triangle, with connections to similar characters in older Zelda games.