Editing Princess Zelda

{{ArticleIcons|melee=yes|brawl=yes|ssb4=yes}}

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

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

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

Official artwork of Princess Zelda from ''{{s|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess}}''.

|lastappearance= ''{{s|zeldawiki|Hyrule Warriors Legends}}'' (2016)

|console      = Nintendo Entertainment System

|species      = Hylian

|homeworld    = [[Hyrule]]

|creator      = [[Shigeru Miyamoto]]

|artist      =  

|voiceactor  = Jun Mizusawa

'''Princess Zelda''' ({{ja|ゼルダ姫|Zeruda Hime}}, ''Princess Zelda'') is the titular character of ''{{uv|The Legend of Zelda}}'' series by Nintendo. She first appeared in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series in the [[GameCube]] installment, ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', and returned in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' and ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''. She is often seen as Link's damsel-in-distress, companion and friend, though in many installments of the series she is very capable of holding her own.

[[File:Zelda OoT.png|thumb|100px|left|Zelda as she appears in ''The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time''. This inspired her appearance in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''.]]

Zelda's first appearance was in the original ''Legend of Zelda'' game, where she served as the damsel-in-distress for [[Link]] to rescue from the evil monster known as [[Ganon]]. She has appeared in every installment of the Zelda series (with the exception of ''Link's Awakening'', where she is only mentioned briefly, and ''Tri Force Heroes'', where she is referenced via an outfit).

Since then, she has usually filled the role as the princess that must be rescued at some point in each game, but unlike Nintendo's other prominent damsel-in-distress [[Peach]], Zelda more frequently takes a more active role in Link's final battles with Ganon, such as in ''The Wind Waker'', ''Twilight Princess'', and ''Spirit Tracks'', where she attacks [[Ganondorf]] or Malladus (Spirit Tracks) with Light Arrows and has been shown to have very powerful magic abilities.

Like Link, Zelda's age changes throughout the different games. In some games, she is young girl, and in others, she is a young adult.  

The first playable instance of Zelda was two of the {{s|wikipedia|Philips CD-i}} ''Zelda'' games, known for their non-canon status and poor quality. Nevertheless, these are the only playable appearances of Zelda prior to ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''. Zelda would later become playable in the official, albeit non-canon, ''Hyrule Warriors''.

Each game has a different incarnation of Zelda, explaining her different design in each game, barring ''Phantom Hourglass'', which shares the same version Link and Zelda as ''The Wind Waker''. However each "Zelda" incorporates the knowledge and skill sets of previous incarnations. As there are 3 separate timelines, Zelda has encountered different events, than she would in another timeline.    

==In ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]''==  

While Zelda herself is not mentioned in the original ''Super Smash Bros.'', the games ''The Legend of Zelda'', ''The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past'', and ''The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time'' are all mentioned, referencing her.

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

Zelda makes her first appearance in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series as a starting playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''. Her design is based off her appearance from ''The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time''. Zelda is a slow but powerful character who relies on magic. She is also a bit unique due to her ability to turn into another character entirely, {{SSBM|Sheik}}. Her neutral special move is [[Nayru's Love]], which causes a brief blue diamond shield to protect her. Her side-special is [[Din's Fire]], which sends a fireball at her opponents. Her up-special is [[Farore's Wind]], which will teleport Zelda up in the air. Lastly, her down-special is [[Transform]], which allows her to transform into Sheik. Zelda is ranked at the 22 place on the [[tier list]] in F tier.

Zelda is a playable character, so she is featured on three trophies that can be acquired by beating each major 1-player mode with her on any difficulty. Her first trophy is earned by defeating the Classic mode as her on any difficulty; her second from the Adventure mode; her third from the All-Star mode.

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]

===As a Playable Fighter===

Zelda returns in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' as a starting playable character. Just like in ''Melee'', she has the ability to transform into Sheik. Her appearance is now based on her design from ''The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess'' instead of ''The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time''. Her Final Smash is called "[[Light Arrow]]". This time around, she shows up as "Zelda/Sheik" in the Character select. (In the Japanese version, Sheik's name is not in the Character select screen). One can select their starting form by clicking on one or the other. Zelda can use Nayru's Love to reflect projectiles and damage near-standing enemies. Din's Fire works the same way as it did in [[Melee]], and has been largely improved, although its range has been downgraded. Farore's Wind also works the same as it did in Melee, but with an explosion as Zelda reappears. Despite many of her attributes being [[buff]]ed, her significant weaknesses still remain and Zelda fares even worse in ''Brawl'' than she did in ''Melee'', and is ranked 37th on the ''Brawl'' [[tier list]] - second to last.

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)

| [[zeldawiki:Zelda|Young Zelda]]

| {{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}}

| [[zeldawiki:Zelda|Young Zelda]]

| {{s|zeldawiki|Zelda}}

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

| {{s|zeldawiki|Zelda}}

| {{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}}

Zelda returns as a playable character in ''Super Smash Bros. 4''. She retains her appearance from ''{{s|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess}}'', but is no longer capable of transforming into {{SSB4|Sheik}}, who has become a separate character entirely. As a result, she has a new down special move, [[Phantom Slash]]. Despite her status as a bottom-tier character in ''Brawl'', Zelda was nerfed in ''SSB4'' due to the aforementioned removal of Transform, which was further compounded by the vast number of buffs that Sheik received in ''SSB4'', as well her KOing power being toned down. However, Zelda began receiving notable buffs courtesy of game updates for both the [[List of updates (SSB4-3DS)|3DS]] and [[List of updates (SSB4-Wii U)|Wii U]] versions of ''SSB4''. These included increased damage outputs, improved multiple hit connectivity, decreased ending lag and, in regards to Phantom Slash, the removal of a critical blind spot. An indirect buff Zelda received was due to the changes to shield mechanics, as her multiple hit moves and [[Lightning Kick]]s became safer on shield and enable her to avoid being punished better. As a result, Zelda has become slightly better than she was in ''Brawl'', although she is still considerably outclassed by the Zelda/Sheik combo in previous games.

:{{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.''

:{{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!''

:'''Hooded Zelda'''

:{{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.''

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)

HoodedZeldaTrophyWiiU.png|Hooded Zelda