If there's one aspect that distinguishes The Legend of Zelda from other fantasy series, it's its vast array of characters. They come in diverse forms, originating from various races and wielding enigmatic powers. Some of the most iconic video game characters have emerged from this franchise.
However, in a long-standing series like The Legend of Zelda, it's inevitable for certain characters to fade into obscurity. Despite most installments featuring entirely new storylines disconnected from each other, some characters have inexplicably vanished, even in direct sequels. Here are some of the most peculiar instances.
8 Navi
First Appearance: Ocarina of Time
Navi is Link's loyal (albeit slightly annoying) fairy companion from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Being featured in one of the most popular Zelda games, she's undeniably a well-known character who has significantly influenced the franchise. Hence, her departure at the end of the adventure evoked strong emotions.
This is one of the most notorious instances of a Zelda character disappearing, as the audience is left in the dark about Navi's whereabouts. Some fans even theorize about her possible demise. The subsequent game, Majora's Mask, revolves around Link's quest to find Navi in other regions.
7 Sheik
First Appearance: Ocarina Of Time
Given that most Legend of Zelda games are independent of each other, not every character's return is expected. As Sheik is the alter ego of Princess Zelda from Ocarina of Time, it may initially seem understandable that they never reappeared.
Despite their single appearance, Sheik became one of the franchise's most beloved characters and frequently appeared in spin-offs like Hyrule Warriors and Super Smash Bros. While certain Zelda characters, such as Link, Zelda, Ganon, and Impa, are consistently reincarnated in new storylines, it's surprising that Sheik never made a comeback in any form.
6 Happy Mask Salesman
First Appearance: Ocarina Of Time
Despite the Happy Mask Salesman attempting to assist or guide Link at various points in the plot of Majora's Mask, players couldn't shake off a sense of unease due to his eerie appearance and demeanor. He stands out as one of the creepiest Zelda characters, with most fans recalling his brief role in the previous game, Ocarina of Time.
The most unsettling moment involving the Happy Mask Salesman unfolds at the game's conclusion. After retrieving the titular Majora's Mask, he walks away and vanishes before the player's eyes. Who was this enigmatic man? What was his connection to the malevolent mask?
5 The Deku Tribe
First Appearance: Ocarina Of Time
Hyrule consists of several tribes, including the Gerudo, the Goron, and the Zora. While most of these tribes continue to feature in Zelda games, one tribe has completely vanished from the franchise: The Deku.
Once a prevalent forest-dwelling entity, this tribe could be encountered throughout the older games, either as adversaries or allies. However, no Deku characters have been sighted since, and they were conspicuously absent from crucial titles like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. Many fans speculate that they were supplanted by the Koroks, as both share numerous similarities.
4 Tingle
First Appearance: Majora's Mask
It may seem peculiar now, but there was a time when Tingle was one of the most recognizable Zelda characters, much to the chagrin of many Western fans. This eccentric middle-aged man donning fairy attire not only appeared in two mainline games but also starred in his own unreleased spin-off titles in Japan.
It's evident that Nintendo harbored a fondness for Tingle, possibly resonating with the humor of their Japanese audience. However, he hasn't made an appearance in a long while. Nonetheless, his distinctive costume did feature as an outfit for Link in both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
3 Demise
First Appearance: Skyward Sword
Given the structure of the Legend of Zelda franchise, not every character is anticipated to reappear in subsequent games. However, Skyward Sword being the inaugural game in the timeline introduces some pivotal characters. For instance, Fi, the spirit residing within the Master Sword, has been alluded to multiple times since.
On the other hand, there's the primary antagonist, Demise. This Demon King is a pivotal figure who essentially catalyzed the events of the entire franchise. Although the game implies that Ganondorf is the embodiment of his malice towards Link and Zelda, it's rather odd that neither he nor his sword spirit, Ghirahim, have resurfaced or been referenced again.
2 The Four Champions
First Appearance: Breath Of The Wild
Revali, Daruk, Mipha, and Urbosa, collectively known as the Four Champions, were characters from various tribes who played a crucial role in the events of Breath of the Wild. Despite perishing many years ago, their spirits endured and aided Link in defeating Calamity Ganon by bestowing him with their formidable abilities.
Despite Tears of the Kingdom being a direct sequel to BOTW, the spirits of the Four Champions were neither seen nor mentioned. While it's plausible that their souls found peace, their complete absence from this expansive world is undeniably peculiar, especially considering their abilities could have been invaluable in this new adventure.
1 Kass
First Appearance: Breath Of The Wild
Kass is a memorable and cherished character in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This charismatic musician from the Rito tribe intermittently appeared to provide Link with crucial hints through his melodic compositions. He played a significant role in The Champions' Ballad DLC pack.
Upon the release of Tears of the Kingdom, fans eagerly anticipated encountering Kass again, only to find his absence throughout the entire game. Many Zelda enthusiasts are still pondering his whereabouts, as he isn't even mentioned by other characters. Such omissions have led to speculation that the plot of Tears of the Kingdom is markedly disconnected from its predecessor.