The Ultimate Zelda Sidekick Showdown: Who Takes the Crown?

Picking the best sidekick in The Legend of Zelda is no easy feat. The series is overflowing with memorable companions, from helpful fairies to powerful sages, each contributing to Link’s adventures in their unique way. However, for sheer impact on the story, character depth, and overall usefulness, Midna from Twilight Princess undoubtedly reigns supreme. Her complex motivations, compelling backstory, and pivotal role in saving both Hyrule and the Twilight Realm elevate her above the rest.

Why Midna is the Undisputed Champion

Midna isn’t just a helpful tag-along; she’s a fully realized character with her own arc. Initially driven by selfish desires to reclaim her stolen throne, she gradually develops a genuine connection with Link and a sense of responsibility for the fate of both worlds. This transformation from a cynical, opportunistic imp to a selfless heroine is what makes her so compelling.

• Complex Character Arc: Midna’s journey from self-interest to self-sacrifice is one of the most compelling character arcs in the entire Zelda series.
• Pivotal Role in the Story: She’s not just along for the ride; Midna is integral to the plot, guiding Link and providing vital information and abilities.
• Unique Abilities: Her Twilight powers are essential for navigating the Twilight Realm and overcoming obstacles.
• Emotional Connection: Her eventual departure at the end of the game is one of the most emotionally resonant moments in the series, highlighting the deep bond she forged with Link.

The Contenders: Other Notable Zelda Sidekicks

While Midna sits comfortably on the throne, other Zelda companions deserve recognition for their contributions:

• Tatl (Majora’s Mask): Similar to Midna, Tatl begins as a reluctant ally, but gradually warms up to Link and offers crucial assistance.
• King of Red Lions (Wind Waker): This sentient boat is not only a mode of transportation but also a wise and knowledgeable guide.
• Fi (Skyward Sword): Though often criticized for her constant analysis, Fi provides essential information and support throughout Link’s quest.
• Zelda (Spirit Tracks): In Spirit Tracks, Zelda herself becomes a companion, possessing Phantom armor to aid Link in combat and puzzle-solving.
• Tulin (Tears of the Kingdom): One of the most useful sages, Tulin provides wind boosts that make exploration far easier.
• Mineru (Tears of the Kingdom): A unique companion that allows players to use a construct to fight and explore.

What Makes a Great Zelda Sidekick?

Several factors contribute to a sidekick’s effectiveness and memorability:

• Usefulness: A good sidekick provides tangible assistance, whether through combat support, puzzle-solving abilities, or navigational guidance.
• Character Development: Companions who evolve and grow throughout the game are more engaging and relatable.
• Story Integration: A sidekick should be integral to the plot, not just a tacked-on accessory.
• Personality: A memorable personality, whether quirky, serious, or sarcastic, makes a sidekick more endearing and impactful.
• Emotional Connection: The ability to forge a bond with Link and the player enhances the overall experience.

Zelda games often explore themes of cooperation and friendship, and the quality of the sidekicks directly impacts the player’s engagement with these themes. The Games Learning Society explores similar themes within game-based learning and the design of educational games. For more, see GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is Link’s original sidekick?

The original Legend of Zelda on the NES didn’t feature a dedicated sidekick in the same way as later games. However, the Old Man in the cave who provides Link with his sword could be considered an early, albeit brief, form of assistance. Later, Fairies became his first official sidekicks.

2. Are all Zelda companions fairies?

No. While fairies are a common type of companion in Zelda games (such as Navi in Ocarina of Time and Ciela in Phantom Hourglass), there are many other types of sidekicks, including humans, Zora, robots, and even sentient objects.

3. Why is Navi so controversial?

Navi, from Ocarina of Time, is a divisive character. While she provides helpful hints and targets enemies, many players found her repetitive calls of “Hey! Listen!” to be annoying and intrusive.

4. Is Epona considered a sidekick?

While Epona, Link’s horse, is undoubtedly a valuable companion, she is more of a mode of transportation than a traditional sidekick. She doesn’t offer advice or actively participate in combat.

5. Which Tears of the Kingdom sage is the most helpful?

Many players consider Tulin, the Sage of Wind, to be the most helpful sage in Tears of the Kingdom. His wind ability provides a significant boost to exploration and traversal, making it easier to cover large distances quickly.

6. Does Zelda count as a sidekick in any of the games?

Yes! In Spirit Tracks, Zelda’s spirit joins Link, possessing Phantom armor and assisting him in combat and puzzle-solving. This makes her an active and integral part of the gameplay.

7. Is there romance between Link and any of his sidekicks?

While there are often hints of affection or deep connection, romantic relationships are rarely explicitly confirmed between Link and his sidekicks. The relationships are usually characterized by friendship, loyalty, and mutual respect. Games like Breath of the Wild suggest a deeper history with Mipha, but it remains ambiguous.

8. Why are Zelda sidekicks so important to the games?

Zelda sidekicks serve several important functions: they provide guidance and support to Link, offer insight into the world and lore, and add depth and emotional resonance to the story. They can also represent different cultures and perspectives within Hyrule.

9. Which Zelda game has the most sidekicks?

The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass features two prominent companions: Ciela and Linebeck. Several Zelda games feature multiple companions for at least a portion of the game.

10. Are there any evil sidekicks in the Zelda series?

While there aren’t explicitly “evil” sidekicks, some companions may have questionable motives or start out as antagonists before eventually aligning with Link. Midna, in Twilight Princess, is a prime example of this.

11. Which sidekick has the saddest backstory?

Midna’s backstory is arguably one of the most tragic. She was usurped from her throne in the Twilight Realm, transformed into an impish form, and forced to flee to Hyrule. This motivates much of her initial actions and contributes to her complex character.

12. How do sidekicks enhance the gameplay experience?

Sidekicks can enhance the gameplay experience by providing assistance in combat, offering clues to solve puzzles, and adding a layer of companionship and camaraderie to Link’s solitary journey.

13. What makes a sidekick memorable?

Memorable sidekicks often possess a combination of usefulness, personality, and story integration. They should be more than just tools; they should be characters that players connect with emotionally.

14. Are there any silent sidekicks?

While most Zelda sidekicks are vocal, some offer more subtle forms of assistance. Epona, for example, communicates through her actions and loyalty.

15. Will future Zelda games continue to feature sidekicks?

Given the importance of sidekicks to the Zelda formula, it’s highly likely that future games will continue to feature them. The form they take may evolve, but the core function of providing assistance, guidance, and companionship will likely remain.