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  • The Legend of ZeldaThe Legend of Zelda
  • The Adventure of LinkThe Adventure of Link
  • A Link to the PastA Link to the Past
  • Link’s AwakeningLink’s Awakening
  • Ocarina of TimeOcarina of Time
  • Majora’s MaskMajora’s Mask
  • Oracle of SeasonsOracle of Seasons
  • Oracle of AgesOracle of Ages
  • The Wind WakerThe Wind Waker
  • The Minish CapThe Minish Cap
  • Twilight PrincessTwilight Princess
  • Phantom HourglassPhantom Hourglass
  • Spirit TracksSpirit Tracks
  • Skyward SwordSkyward Sword
  • A Link Between WorldsA Link Between Worlds
  • Breath of the WildBreath of the Wild
  • Links Awakening SWITCHLinks Awakening SWITCH
  • Tears of the KingdomTears of the Kingdom
  • Echoes of WisdomEchoes of Wisdom
  • Hyrule Warriors: AoIHyrule Warriors: AoI
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The Legend of Zelda
Main PageBlue Ring & Red RingBomb UpgradesBoss GuideCharactersDungeon MapsEnemiesGame Genie CodesHeart Container LocationsIntroductionItemsPotion AcquisitionStory and SettingSword UpgradesWalkthrough
The Adventure of Link
Main PageBoss StrategiesCharactersFairy LocationsGame Genie CodesHeart ContainersItemsLink Dolls (1UP)Magic JarsMapsP-BagsStory
A Link to the Past
Main PageBoss GuideBottlesCharactersCheat Device CodesComicEnemiesHeart Piece LocationsItems & EquipmentMagic Upgrades & MedallionsManualMapsPrologueWarp Tiles
Link’s Awakening
Main PageBoss StrategiesCharactersEnemiesGameShark CodesHeart PiecesItems & EquipmentMapsPhotographsSecret Seashells
Ocarina of Time
Main Page100% Completion ChecklistBig PoesBiggoron Sword Trading SequenceBoss GuideBottlesCharactersComicEnemiesGameShark CodesGold SkulltulasGossip StonesGreat Fairy FountainsHeart PiecesItemsMagic Bean BedsMask Trading SequenceMini-Games and SecretsOcarina SongsWalkthrough
Majora’s Mask
Main PageBomber's NotebookBoss GuideCharactersCheatsEnemiesGameshark CodesHeart Piece LocationsHidden Hole LocationsItemsKeaton QuizMapsMask Collection GuideOcarina SongsOfficial ArtworkSecrets and Easter EggsSide QuestsStoryStray FairiesWalkthrough
Oracle of Seasons
Main PageBoss GuideCharactersEnemiesGameShark CodesHeart Piece LocationsItems & EquipmentMapsTrading SequenceWalkthrough
Oracle of Ages
Main PageBoss StrategiesCharactersEnemiesGameShark CodesHeart Piece LocationsItems & EquipmentMapsTrading Sequence
The Wind Waker
Main PageAction Replay CodesBattleship GameBig OctoBoating Course ChallengeBoss StrategiesBottlesCharactersDeluxe Picto BoxEnemiesFigurine CollectionHeart Piece LocationsInstruction ManualItems & EquipmentPost-CompletionSubmarinesTingle StatuesTreasure ChartsWalkthroughWithered TreesWorld Map
The Minish Cap
Main PageBoss StrategiesBottle LocationsBox ArtworkCharactersCheat Device CodesEnemiesEquipment & Item UpgradesFairy Fountain LocationsGoron QuestHeart Piece LocationsMapsTiger ScrollsWind Crests
Twilight Princess
Main Page100% Completion ChecklistAction Replay CodesBoss GuideBottle LocationsCave Of OrdealsCharactersEnemiesGolden BugsGuardian PuzzleHeart Piece LocationsHowling StonesItems & EquipmentMalo Mart & Magic ArmorMini-Games & SecretsPoe SoulsWalkthrough
Phantom Hourglass
Main PageAction Replay CodesBoss GuideCharactersCourage GemsEnemiesGolden Frog LocationsHeart ContainersItems & Equipment
Spirit Tracks
Main PageAction Replay CodesCharactersEnemiesFlute SongsHeart ContainersItems & EquipmentMapsMini GamesRabbit LocationsStamp Station Locations
Skyward Sword
Main PageBoss StrategiesBottle LocationsCharactersEnemiesHeart Piece LocationsItem & Equipment UpgradesSide Quests
A Link Between Worlds
Main PageAction Replay PowerSavesBoss StrategiesBottle LocationsCharactersItems, Equipment & GearMaster Ore LocationsWalkthrough
Breath of the Wild
Main PageArmor Sets & UpgradesCharactersDownloadable ContentEnemies & MonstersHyrule CompendiumMini-Games & SecretsRecovered MemoriesWalkthroughWeapons, Bows & Shields
Links Awakening SWITCH
Main PageBoss StrategiesCharactersEnemiesHeart Piece LocationsItems & EquipmentSecret SeashellsTrading Sequence
Tears of the Kingdom
Main PageArmor Sets & UpgradesBoss StrategiesCharactersEnemiesShrine Locations and SolutionsSide QuestsWalkthroughWeapons and Shields
Echoes of Wisdom
Main PageAmiiboBoss StrategiesCharactersEchoesEquipment UpgradesGameplay MechanicsHeart Piece LocationsMain QuestsMinigames and ChallengesOutfitsSide QuestsSmoothie RecipesStamp RallyWalkthrough
The Legend of Zelda Game Information, Guides, and Media
  • Main Page
  • Blue Ring & Red Ring
  • Bomb Upgrades
  • Boss Guide
  • Characters
  • Dungeon Maps
  • Enemies
  • Game Genie Codes
  • Heart Container Locations
  • Introduction
  • Items
  • Potion Acquisition
  • Story and Setting
  • Sword Upgrades
  • Walkthrough

The Legend of Zelda: Story and Setting

Story

In the original The Legend of Zelda for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), players embark on a heroic quest as Link, a courageous young boy chosen to rescue Princess Zelda and restore peace to the land of Hyrule. The kingdom is thrown into chaos when Ganon, the Prince of Darkness, invades and seizes the Triforce of Power—a mystical artifact granting immense strength. To prevent Ganon from obtaining the Triforce of Wisdom, Princess Zelda shatters it into eight fragments and hides them across the realm. Before her capture, she instructs her nursemaid, Impa, to find a hero capable of defeating Ganon. Impa encounters Link, who bravely takes up the challenge. Throughout his journey, Link ventures into treacherous dungeons, battles formidable foes, and assembles the Triforce of Wisdom. With its power, he confronts and vanquishes Ganon, rescuing Princess Zelda and bringing harmony back to Hyrule.

Setting

The game unfolds in the expansive and perilous land of Hyrule, a kingdom rich with diverse terrains and hidden secrets. Players navigate through dense forests, expansive plains, and towering mountains, each area presenting unique challenges and enemies. Central to the adventure are nine labyrinthine dungeons, each housing a fragment of the Triforce of Wisdom. Notable locations include the perilous Death Mountain, the serene Lost Woods, and the tranquil shores of Lake Hylia. The open-world design encourages exploration and rewards curiosity, allowing players to uncover hidden items, secret passages, and ancient mysteries that enrich the lore of Hyrule.

Characters

Link: The valiant protagonist, Link is a young Hylian chosen to embark on the perilous quest to rescue Princess Zelda and thwart Ganon’s evil ambitions. Armed initially with a simple sword and shield, Link’s courage and resourcefulness grow as he acquires powerful items and abilities throughout his journey. Princess Zelda: The wise and compassionate princess of Hyrule, Zelda possesses deep knowledge of the Triforce and the kingdom’s ancient lore. Her foresight leads her to protect the Triforce of Wisdom by dividing it, setting the stage for Link’s quest to restore balance to Hyrule.

Ganon: The primary antagonist, Ganon is a malevolent sorcerer and the Prince of Darkness who seeks to conquer Hyrule by obtaining the complete Triforce. His lust for power plunges the kingdom into darkness, making him the central figure of evil that Link must overcome. Impa: Princess Zelda’s loyal nursemaid and protector, Impa plays a crucial role in initiating Link’s journey. Tasked with finding a hero to save Hyrule, her encounter with Link sets the adventure in motion, underscoring her dedication to the royal family and the realm’s safety.

The Land of Hyrule

In the original The Legend of Zelda for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), players explore the expansive and enigmatic land of Hyrule, a kingdom filled with diverse terrains and hidden secrets. The game’s overworld is divided into a grid of screens, each presenting unique challenges and environments. Each dungeon is uniquely designed with specific shapes and layouts, offering distinct challenges and requiring players to solve puzzles, defeat enemies, and discover hidden items. The open-world nature of Hyrule encourages exploration, allowing players to uncover secrets, acquire powerful items, and engage with various characters throughout the land. This intricate design of Hyrule’s overworld and dungeons has contributed to the game’s enduring legacy, offering players a rich and immersive experience that encourages exploration and adventure.

Games

  • The Legend of Zelda
  • The Adventure of Link
  • Link’s Awakening
  • A Link to the Past
  • Ocarina of Time
  • Majora’s Mask
  • Oracle of Ages
  • Oracle of Seasons
  • The Wind Waker

 

  • The Minish Cap
  • Phantom Hourglass
  • A Link Between Worlds
  • Breath of the Wild
  • Links Awakening SWITCH
  • Tears of the Kingdom
  • Echoes of Wisdom
  • Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
  • Other Games

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