For many of us who grew up when the NES was new and Disney was still hand drawing it’s cartoons, the idea of a valiant hero coming to rescue the captured princess is absolutely nothing new to us. However times have been changing in the gaming world, which let’s be honest, has always been a forefront for change. And with an outcry lately from the gaming community for more female protagonists in video games, I figured it was a good time to take a look at one of the more standout ladies in gaming history and see how far she has truly come.
Oh and so I don’t forget and no one gets mad: SPOILERS!
Now I’m sure many of you have seen the trailer lately of Zelda herself freeing the beast on some goons in the upcoming Hyrule Warriors (it is something that has made me beyond giddy with excitement). However most of us who grew up adventuring with Link and swinging the Master Sword around like we were champions of justice know that Zelda wasn’t always the fierce warrior she is in this latest incarnation. So let’s rewind the clock back to many moons ago in 1986.
Also, here is video proof of her being awesome if for some reason you haven’t seen it already
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKxp7nrFDD8
Before anyone rolls their eyes, no I’m not going to bore you with details you’ve hear a million times before or read in Hyrule Historia 30 plus times every night before binging Orange is the New Black…..at least that’s what I’m told other people do…not that I would know….Anyway back in 1986 we got the very first Legend of Zelda title. And of course Zelda was the Damsel in distress. Sure she gave you the other part of the Triforce and what not but let’s not split hairs here. This role continued in Zelda II, a game which still gives me shudders just reading the title. And even when we arrived at the SNES “A Link to the Past” she was still ultimately a damsel in distress. However, it would be the first entry into 3D gaming that Zelda would begin to assert herself into a much bigger, physical role.
In Ocarina of Time (I’ll give you all a moment to let the Nostalgia wave finish its hold for a second…..all good? Great!) we got a title where in the seven-year span that Link was in hibernation or a time lock or whatever, Zelda was off training to be a gosh dang Ninja. Granted she was a poorly disguised ninja in skinny jeans, but she was a ninja nonetheless. And even after she revealed her true identity as Princess Zelda, once freed she was still very useful in the final battle. This version of Zelda had such a strong impact that she has even remained a constant member of the Smash Bros. Roster since Melee, and that includes being able to switch between either Zelda or Sheik.
Moving forward in time, we eventually reach The Wind Waker, a fun little adventure on the high seas. And what is on the high seas? Why pirates of course! And who just so happened to be a pirate captain? Tetra! Also known as the reincarnation of Princess Zelda! Yup this time our favorite lady had gone from a damsel to a swashbuckler. This was, at the time, the version of Zelda with the most personality we had seen to date. She was smart, she was a leader, and she was snarky. Honestly I couldn’t find a reason not to like her. And much like her last version, she was involved in the final battle against Ganon, though in this round she had much more involvement than before.
After the sea based adventures we got a title that I still feel doesn’t get the love it truly deserves, but that’s a different article for a different day. In Twilight Princess we had something new take place in the Zelda-verse (Trademarked). For the first time ever we had to actually FIGHT Zelda herself. And yes I know Ganon possessed her and all that jazz but she was still a force to be reckoned with. Not only that but some of her attacks from that battle have been showing up in the gameplay trailers from Hyrule Warriors. Honestly if you haven’t played this title I highly recommend that you do. Oh and make sure it’s the far superior Game Cube version, please
Finally we reach one of the last incarnations of Zelda where we see a true growth in her character. Skyward Sword was a game with a lot of controversy around it, but if there is one complaint I never hear about, it’s the characters. Zelda is no exception to this rule. Not only do we find out about her more mystic origins, but she shows perhaps the deepest bond with Link we have seen to date. While she does unfortunately fall back slightly into the “Damsel in Distress” role, that in no way takes away from her character. She’s not sitting in a castle waiting to be rescued. Instead she is being proactive, hopping around an uncharted land to save all of the people on and above it. Not to mention the incredible sacrificing she does without a single hesitation. Yes this was indeed a Zelda to be proud of.
So what does the future hold for our beloved Princess of Hyrule? Well honestly only time can tell for sure. But with Hyrule Warriors on the horizon, and a brand new Zelda title that is already generating a lot of buzz just from one trailer, I truly believe that the future of this character is indeed very bright. Until then, go relive those old Zelda memories and feel free to leave your favorite memories of Zelda in action in the comments below. Also, be sure to pick up a copy of Hyrule Warriors this fall on September 26th. I know I will.
