Editing Princess Zelda

:''For fighter info, see [[Zelda (SSBM)]], [[Zelda (SSBB)]], [[Zelda (SSB4)]], and [[Zelda (SSBU)]].''

|image        = [[File:LinkBetweenWorldsZelda.png|180px|Princess Zelda]]

|caption      = [[File:ZeldaSymbol.svg|50px]]

Official artwork of Princess Zelda from ''{{s|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds}}''.

|lastappearance= ''{{s|zeldawiki|Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition}}'' (2018)

|artist      =  

|englishactor = Brandy Kopp (''[[Ultimate]]''; [[World of Light]] opening)

|japanactor   = Jun Mizusawa (''[[Melee]]''/''[[Brawl]]''/''[[SSB4]]'')<br>Ayumi Fujimura (''Ultimate'')

'''Princess Zelda''' ({{ja|ゼルダ姫|Zeruda-hime}}, ''Princess Zelda'') is the titular character of ''{{uv|The Legend of Zelda}}'' series by [[Nintendo]]. Unlike the majority of Nintendo characters, there are several, distinct incarnations of Princess Zelda seen throughout ''The Legend of Zelda'' series. Regardless, most share the same status as the {{s|wikipedia|crown prince}}ss of {{s|zeldawiki|Hyrule}}, the setting for the vast majority of the series.

Other hallmarks shared by the Zeldas are their possession of both inherent magical abilities and the [[zeldawiki:Triforce|Triforce of Wisdom]], although these are not depicted universally. While earlier games depicted Princess Zelda as a damsel-in-distress, a number of modern games have depicted her as an ally, companion, and sometimes love interest to the series' protagonist, [[Link]].

Zelda made her ''[[Super Smash Bros. (series)|Super Smash Bros.]]'' debut in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', and has been a playable character in every installment since.

==Character description==

Princess Zelda's first appearance was in ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'' on the NES, where she served as the damsel-in-distress for [[Link]] to rescue from the evil monster known as [[Ganon]]. Within the series' chronology, however, Zelda makes her first appearance in ''{{s|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword}}''; this game is notably the only one where Zelda is not a princess, due to Hyrule's royalty having yet to be established during the game's events. Instead, she is the goddess {{s|zeldawiki|Hylia}} reborn as a mortal, who chooses her childhood friend Link as her hero like Hylia did with [[zeldawiki:Hylia's Chosen Hero|her own chosen hero]].

Zelda has appeared in some capacity in every installment of ''The Legend of Zelda'' series, with the exception of ''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening|Link's Awakening]]'', where she is only mentioned briefly, and ''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: Triforce Heroes|Tri Force Heroes]]'', where she is referenced via an outfit. While she has typically assumed this role in subsequent games, modern depictions of Zelda have seen her assume an active role in Link's final battles. Notable examples include ''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|The Wind Waker]]'', ''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|Twilight Princess]]'', ''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Track|Spirit Tracks]]'' and ''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild|Breath of the Wild]]''.

It is worth noting that while there have been multiple games within ''The Legend of Zelda'' series, it has not always been the same Princess Zelda who appears in each installment, with this same notion being shared with Link. This is evident with the fact that there are multiple timelines within the series, wherein many games typically feature a new Zelda. By extension, Zelda's age has varied across the series: she appears as a young girl in some games, and as a teenager or young adult in others. ''Ocarina of Time'' notably featured Zelda being portrayed as both a child and an adult in the same game.

Zelda is often depicted as a classically beautiful princess who sports long, blonde hair, blue eyes and pointy ears, the latter of which is typical of Hylians. However, her hair and eye color are not universally consistent, as shown in ''The Legend of Zelda'', ''The Adventure of Link'', ''Twilight Princess'', and ''Breath of the Wild''. On a more exaggerated note, many games that use the "toon" design popularized by ''The Wind Waker'' feature Zelda with cartoonish anatomy; most notably, her "toon" design features large eyes with pupils that are fully black or have a blue hue in 2D and 3D art, respectively.

Zelda's dress is often portrayed as having elaborate designs, and is predominantly colored pink or purple alongside white and occasionally gold. However, she also wears a simple blue dress in ''A Link to the Past''; white, robe-like dresses in ''Skyward Sword'' and ''Breath of the Wild''; and a blue tunic with black pants combination as well as a dark blue dress with gold trim in ''Breath of the Wild''. Her footwear varies between heels (''Ocarina of Time''), boots (''Twilight Princess'' and ''Breath of the Wild''), and sandals (''A Link to the Past''/''A Link Between Worlds'', ''Skyward Sword'', and ''Breath of the Wild''). Zelda is also occasionally seen wearing a cape, as shown in ''A Link to the Past'' and ''A Link Between Worlds''.

Zelda's first playable appearance occurred in the non-canonical {{s|wikipedia|Philips CD-i}} ''The Legend of Zelda'' games, which are infamous for their poor quality. Her first playable appearance in an official Nintendo game was ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', while ''The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks'' marked her her first playable appearance within her home series.

[[File:Zelda SSBM.jpg|thumb|left|120px|Zelda, as she appears in ''Super Smash Bros. Melee''.]]

The adult version of Zelda's incarnation from ''Ocarina of Time'' appears as a playable character in ''Super Smash Bros. Melee''. However, due to the GameCube's improved graphics, Zelda's design in this game is far more detailed than in ''Ocarina of Time''. Like her fellow series representatives {{SSBM|Link}} and {{SSBM|Ganondorf}}, Zelda is a slow, but powerful character. However, she deviates from them by being a lightweight whose moveset almost entirely consists of magical attacks, three of which are based on spells used by Link in ''Ocarina of Time''. Her [[neutral special move]] is [[Nayru's Love]], which emits a [[zeldawiki:Nayru's Love|crystalline barrier]] that deals damage and offers protection. Her [[side special move]] is [[Din's Fire]], which launches a [[zeldawiki:Din's Fire|a magical fireball]] at her opponents. Lastly, her [[up special move]] is [[Farore's Wind]], which [[zeldawiki:Farore's Wind|teleports]] her in a desired direction.

Zelda also has the distinction of being the only character who can become an entirely different character. In this case, she can use her down special move, [[Transform]], to assume her alter ego from ''Ocarina of Time'', [[Sheik]], who boasts [[Sheik (SSBM)|a drastically different playstyle]] in comparison. Despite the power and versatility of her magical attacks, Zelda is hindered by her poor mobility and overly demanding, situational playstyle. As such, she is ranked 22nd out of 26 on the [[tier list]], which places her in the F tier and renders her a low-tier character.

Her Classic trophy reads as follows:

====Princess Zelda====

''The crown princess of Hyrule. Zelda entrusted Link with the future of [[Hyrule]] after a revelation came to her in the world of dreams. She knows much about the Triforce; in fact, the only person who likely knows more about Triforce lore is Ganondorf himself, whom Zelda evaded in Ocarina of Time by transforming into her alter ego, [[Sheik]].''  

*''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'', 07/87 (NES)

Princess Zelda Trophy Melee.png|Classic trophy

Princess Zelda Trophy (Smash).png|Smash trophy [Adventure Mode]

Princess Zelda Trophy 2 (Smash).png|Smash trophy [All-Star Mode]

Zelda has a trophy that is awarded each time {{SSBB|Classic Mode}} is completed with her on any difficulty, and several randomly available ones. See [[Light Arrow]] for the trophy description of Zelda's [[Final Smash]], and [[Sheik]] for trophies of her in that form:

 

====Robed Zelda====

''The princess of Hyrule, loved and trusted by the people. When Hyrule is invaded by Zant from the Twilight Realm, Zelda is resolute in opposing him...but she chooses to protect her people and must surrender. From then on, she is imprisoned in the Twilight Hyrule Castle. In memory of the lost people of Hyrule, Zelda wears a black robe of mourning.''

{{trophy games|console1=Wii|game1=''The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess''}}

====Zelda (Wind Waker)====

''The rightful successor of the throne and descendant of the true royal bloodline of Hyrule. She strove to put an end to the ongoing battles with Ganondorf. As the bearer of the Triforce of Wisdom, she became a target of the resurrected Ganondorf. Although she was hidden in Hyrule Castle, Ganondorf managed to find and kidnap her.''

{{trophy games|console1=GCN|game1=''The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker''}}

Zelda - Brawl Trophy.png|Princess Zelda trophy

Robed Zelda - Brawl Trophy.png|Robed Zelda trophy

Zelda (Wind Waker) - Brawl Trophy.png|Zelda (Wind Waker) trophy

! Character(s)

| {{SortKey|Link Zelda Toon Link Ganondorf}}{{Head|Link|g=SSBB|s=16px}}{{Head|ToonLink|g=SSBB|s=16px|l=Toon Link (SSBB)}}{{Head|Zelda|g=SSBB|s=16px}}{{Head|Ganondorf|g=SSBB|s=16px}}

| {{SortKey|Peach Zelda}}{{Head|Peach|g=SSBB|s=16px}}{{Head|Zelda|g=SSBB|s=16px}}

| {{SortKey|Link Zelda Toon Link Ganondorf}}{{Head|Link|g=SSBB|s=16px}}{{Head|ToonLink|g=SSBB|s=16px|l=Toon Link (SSBB)}}{{Head|Zelda|g=SSBB|s=16px}}{{Head|Ganondorf|g=SSBB|s=16px}}

The ''Twilight Princess'' incarnation of Zelda reappears as a playable character in ''Super Smash Bros. 4''. However, her overall color scheme is noticeably more vibrant because of ''SSB4''{{'}}s aesthetics.

:{{Flag|North America}} ''This is the namesake of the Legend of Zelda games. Her appearance may change, but she always plays an important role. In Smash Bros., she's quick on the draw when it comes to magic, though a bit slow when moving. She has a new move that summons a Phantom to her aid.''

:{{Flag|Europe}} ''This is the Zelda they're talking about in the titles of all the Legend of Zelda games. Though her appearance can change from game to game, her importance in the story usually doesn't. In this game, she's a bit slow, but her impressive magic skills make up for it. Power up her brand new special, Phantom Slash, by holding down the button.

 

:'''Zelda (Alt.)'''

:{{Flag|North America}} ''Zelda's forward air attack, Lightning Kick, is a valiant kick with a magically charged tip. Striking with just the glowing spot will deal heavy damage and launch your opponent. Din's Fire, her explosive side special, can be guided up and down and has a greater blast if the button is held.''

:{{Flag|Europe}} ''Zelda's forward air attack, Lightning Kick, is a single-footed, electrically charged strike. Hit your opponent with just the glowing spot to deal heavy damage and launch them. Her Din's Fire side special can be guided up and down, and makes a bigger blast the longer you hold the button. It'll explode as soon as you let go.''

:'''Adult Zelda (Ocarina of Time)'''

:{{Flag|North America}} ''In the seven years following Link's disappearance, Hyrule falls under the rule of the evil Ganondorf and Zelda grows into a young woman. To help Link in his quest to find the seven Sages, she takes on the guise of a young man named Sheik. The real identity of this mysterious helper is just one of the surprises awaiting Link.''

:{{Flag|Europe}} ''In the seven years after Link's vanishing, Hyrule falls under the rule of the evil Ganondorf, and Zelda grows into a young woman. To help Link in his quest to find the seven Sages, she takes on the guise of a young man and becomes Sheik. The real identity of this mysterious helper is just one the surprises awaiting Link.''

:'''Young Zelda (Ocarina of Time)'''

:{{Flag|North America}} ''The Princess of Hyrule chosen by the goddesses. Zelda dreams of a darkness descending on Hyrule and tells Link where he must travel next. Fleeing Ganondorf, she gives Link the Ocarina of Time. It is seven long years before he is heard from again...''

:{{Flag|Europe}} ''The Princess of Hyrule. Having dreamt of the world being engulfed by darkness, she asks Link for his help and tells him the secret to entering the Scared Realm. Later, while fleeing from Ganondorf, she frantically throws the Ocarina of Time for Link to take. Seven long years pass before the two meet again.''

:'''Zelda (Spirit Tracks)'''

:{{Flag|North America}} ''This Princess Zelda lives a suitably peaceful royal existence in Hyrule Castle. "Existence," however, is relative, and her life gets turned upside down after something awful happens along the way to the Tower of Spirits with Link. What will this spirited young woman do as only a spirit?!''

:{{Flag|Europe}} ''This Princess Zelda lives a suitably peaceful royal existence in Hyrule Castle. "Existence," however, is relative, and her life gets turned upside-down when she heads to the Tower of Spirits with Link and something awful happens along the way. What will this spirited young woman do without her body?!''

:'''Zelda's Spirit (Spirit Tracks)'''

:''In The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks, Chancellor Cole casts Zelda out of her body, so she agrees to join Link on his quest in her spirit form. On the plus side, Link (and you!) can still see and hear her as you explore temples together. She'll even possess a Phantom or two if it helps Link get the job done!''

:'''Zelda (Wind Waker)'''

:{{Flag|North America}} ''Princess Zelda plays a variety of roles throughout the games bearing her name. In the Wind Waker, she's a pirate who travels the seas without knowing her true identity. Even when she learns she's a princess, she quickly returns to her piratey ways. In the end, she takes up a bow to fight beside Link.''

:{{Flag|Europe}} ''Princess Zelda has had quite a variety of incarnations, but this one doesn't even know she's a princess! When Link meets her, she's a wild and fearless pirate. In a certain sealed land, this Zelda discovers her true identity, but doesn't act like a princess for very long, and even fights alongside Link in the final showdown!''

:{{Flag|North America}} ''When a dark shadow invades Hyrule, Zelda sacrifices herself and is imprisoned in the world of Twilight. Her dark attire while a prisoner is appropriate to the title of the game, but Link's bravery convinces her to toss the robes and take up her bow and arrows instead.''

:{{Flag|Europe}} ''After failing to protect Hyrule from the encroaching Twilight, Zelda lays down her sword and shield and hides behind a dark robe, mourning those who were lost due to her failure. In the end, Link's brave acts inspire her to cast the robe aside and take her bow in hand, but she never forgets the dark times when all hope seemed lost.''

ZeldaTrophy3DS.png|Classic (3DS)

ZeldaTrophyWiiU.png|Classic (Wii U)

ZeldaAltTrophy3DS.png|Alt. (3DS)

ZeldaAltTrophyWiiU.png|Alt. (Wii U)

ZeldaOOTTrophy3DS.png|Adult Zelda (Ocarina of Time)

YoungZeldaTrophy3DS.png|Young Zelda (Ocarina of Time)

ToonZeldaTrophy3DS.png|Zelda (Spirit Tracks)

GhostZeldaTrophy3DS.png|Zelda's Spirit (Spirit Tracks)

ToonZeldaTrophyWiiU.png|Zelda (Wind Waker)

HoodedZeldaTrophyWiiU.png|Hooded Zelda

</gallery>

For the first time since ''Brawl'', ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'' features a new incarnation of Zelda as a playable character. Unlike her predecessors, this Zelda is an [[unlockable character]] and, more notably, not based on a single incarnation. Instead, this Zelda features a combination of design elements from her incarnation in ''{{s|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past}}'', and that respective incarnation's descendant in ''{{s|zeldawiki|''The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds}}''.<ref name=UltE3/><ref name=Blog/> In addition to a complete redesign, Zelda received a new Final Smash, [[Triforce of Wisdom]].<ref name=Blog/>

==Gallery==

Zelda OoT.png|Official artwork of Princess Zelda from ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time]]''. This appearance inspired her design in ''Super Smash Bros. Melee''.

TPHD Zelda Artwork.png|Official artwork of Princess Zelda from the [[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD|HD remake]] of ''{{s|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess}}''. This appearance inspired her design in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'' and ''Super Smash Bros. 4''.

*When Zelda's ''Ultimate'' design was demonstrated during the game's E3 2018 trailer, the Japanese version said her design is based on her incarnation in ''A Link to the Past''. Conversely, the English version, as well as the official website's English blog post focusing Zelda, said her design is based on her incarnation in ''A Link Between Worlds''.<ref name=UltE3>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L93H7YC-83o Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - E3 2018 - Nintendo Switch]</ref><ref name=Blog>[https://www.smashbros.com/en_US/blog/index.html?category=cat02_fighter_17 Super Smash Blog | 17: Zelda]</ref> To further complicate matters, the English version of [[Palutena's Guidance]] regarding Zelda in ''Ultimate'' contradicts both the English E3 trailer and blog post by stating that she is the incarnation from ''A Link to the Past''. Due to Zelda's ''Ultimate'' design featuring elements of both incarnations, as well as no definitive confirmation one way or the other, she can be perceived as either incarnation.

*Zelda is one of two characters in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series to be portrayed by a different incarnation of that character throughout the franchise, with the other being Link. Her ''Ocarina of Time'' incarnation appears in ''Melee'', her ''Twilight Princess'' incarnation appears in ''Brawl'' and ''SSB4'', and an incarnation featuring design elements from both ''A Link to the Past'' and ''A Link Between Worlds'' appears in ''Ultimate''.

**Her ''Twilight Princess'' incarnation is the only one to appear in more than one game.

**Prior to ''Ultimate'', Kirby's Zelda hat depicts him wearing the wimple her ''Ocarina of Time'' incarnation wears during her childhood, despite being based on her adult design in ''Melee''. This was changed in ''Ultimate'', as his Zelda hat now resembles Zelda's hair in ''A Link to the Past'' and ''A Link Between Worlds''.

*Zelda is the only playable character in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series to sport an alternate costume that would inspire her default design in a subsequent game. In this case, ''SSB4'' reuses her ''Twilight Princess'' incarnation from ''Brawl'', yet gives an alternate costume based on her incarnations in ''A Link to the Past'' and ''A Link Between Worlds'', which would become her default design in ''Ultimate''. Conversely, her ''Twilight Princess'' incarnation becomes the basis for an alternate costume in ''Ultimate''.