Summary
The Legend of Zeldausually focuses on one overarching storyline that involves Link, Zelda, and Ganondorf traditionally.Therefore, a lot of side stories end up being overlookedbecause they aren’t part of the main storyline. In some cases, the side stories are better than the main storyline, but they aren’t always seen if they aren’t necessary to complete the game.
Although they don’t always get the spotlight they deserve, there are some side quests inZeldagames that are hidden gems. Additionally, there are side stories related to locations – usually temples – that aren’t fully part of the main storyline, but Link comes across them during his main journey. In some cases,the lore of those locations makes for amazing side stories, and they often don’t get the credit they deserve. This list only includes 10 entries, butZeldagames are filled with small stories on the sidelines that make the world feel more alive.
1986
84
1987
73
1991
95
1993
93
1998
99
2000
2001
92
2002
96
2004
86
89
2006
2007
90
2009
87
2011
2013
91
2015
2017
97
2023
2024
TBD
10 Overlooked Zelda Games To Play While Waiting For Echoes Of Wisdom
Echoes of Wisdom is still pretty far away, but there are plenty of Zelda games that are less popular that deserve a chance to help you pass the time.
10The Mostly Off-Screen Adventures Of Groose
Skyward Sword
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Swordis one of the few times that Link has a rival for Zelda’s attention, and that comes in the form of Groose in this game. To an extent, Groose is part of the main storyline. However, it feels like most of his character growth happens off-screen instead, whichgives him this side storyline that Link sees the result of, even if he doesn’t witness all the events.
Groose starts off not only as a rival to Link, but somebody whowants to fill the position of the hero who rescues Zeldaafter she falls to the Surface. At this point, he comes off as arrogant and almost has the vibes of a stereotypical cartoon villain. Although he isn’t thrilled that he often ends up doing other tasks while Link takes up the mantle of the hero, he grows and accepts the role, understanding that if he cares about Zelda, he needs to do what he can rather than seek glory through what he can’t do, resulting inone of theZeldaseries' best character arcs.
9The Windmill Man Is Trapped In A Paradox
Ocarina Of Time
InThe Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, there’s a windmill in Kakariko Village, and the man inside is crucial for Link’s journey, because he teaches him the Song of Storms. However, this man’s story is rather unfortunate when his circumstances are considered. Because of his involvement in the main story through teaching Link, he ends up as part of a paradox, whichmakes his personal story unfortunatewhen his life is considered.
Essentially, this poor man is angry when Link first meets him as an adult inside the windmill.He has had this song stuck in his head for seven years, and he just keeps playing it on repeat while cursing the kid who taught it to him, which lets Link learn the Song of Storms. Then, Link returns as a child and plays the song for the man, which triggers it being stuck in his head for seven years. When it’s all considered together, it seems like Link has inadvertently tortured this man.
8Ilia Gets Stuck In The Middle Of A Battle For Power
Twilight Princess
Given the usual settings forZeldagames, there are generally a lot of random people who are affected by the events set in motion by that title’s villain, even though they were just trying to live their lives. InTwilight Princess, these victims include Link’s friend, Ilia, and the children from his village. They end up missing when the Twili attack their village, andIlia loses her memoriesas a result.
This leads to a bittersweet side story about the relationship between Link and Ilia. He’s able to save the other children easily enough, but Ilia’s case is more difficult, becauseher memory loss has left her nearly despondent. The strength of their bond is shown through the Horse Call, which restores her memory, because she made it to give Link, but never had the chance due to the attack on the village.
7The Lost Woods Have A Frightening History
The Lost Woods are a recurring location inZeldagames, and inOcarina of Time, the music played in this area is rather upbeat and fun. However,these woods tend to have a dark history depending on the game, and it’s one that should dissuade people from stepping foot into their maze. In a way,Ocarina of Timeprovides a subtle acknowledgment of the unfortunate fate that befalls those who enter the woods without knowing the correct path to take.
According to the games' lore, especiallyOcarina of Time, the Lost Woods are meant to be confusing so thatanybody who enters them without knowing the path will be trapped in the woods. Then, after long enough, the people who are trapped in the woods turn into monsters, such asSkull Kidsor a Stalfos. Considering these are among the creatures that Link tends to come across in the Lost Woods, it seems that this legend has some truth to it.
6Mipha Wanted To Marry Link
Breath Of The Wild
Link’s past is told throughmemories inBreath of the Wild, although quite a few of them are easy to miss. Some of the memories put together a story between Link and Mipha that’s heavily implied to be romantic. In this case, there are hints thatLink even felt the same way towards Mipha, which is unusual since theZora princess' love tends to be unrequited.
It seems that Mipha intended to marry Link, but the problem with Calamity Ganon came up instead
This side story is also one of the saddest, especially when looking at the item description for theZora Armor, which says thatthe item is made by each generation’s princess for her future husband. It seems that Mipha intended to marry Link, but the problem with Calamity Ganon came up instead. So, she died and Link ended up unconscious on the verge of death, ending any relationships they could’ve had in the future.
5Mattison’s Independence Is A Refreshing Story About Culture
Tears Of The Kingdom
InThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, there’s no shortage of small side stories that Link can find around Hyrule. Mattison is a character found in Tarrey Town, and she’s actually Hudson’s daughter. Since his wife is Gerudo, Mattison is also a Gerudo, which means thatshe has to leave Tarrey Town and go learn about her culture by living in Gerudo Town. Having come of age, Mattison is preparing to leave with a Gerudo woman, who will arrive and escort her safely.
It’s heartwarming to see the town support Mattison, and her enthusiasm to learn, then later share her knowledge with the town when she returns.
Although Mattison looks forward to learning about the Gerudo, she’s a bit sad about leaving Tarrey Town behind. While her parents are also having a hard time letting her grow up,the residents of the town come together to support her. It’s heartwarming to see the town support Mattison, and her enthusiasm to learn, then later share her knowledge with the town when she returns.
One Year Later, How Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom’s Legacy Compares To BOTW’s
It’s been one year since the release of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, which was critically praised. Why don’t we talk about it like BotW?
4Skyloft Houses A Few Supernatural Creatures
This becomes apparent through a few side quests on Skyloft inSkyward Sword, but somehowthese floating islands have become the home for multiple supernatural creatures. Supernatural creatures aren’t exactly unheard of in theZeldauniverse. Poes are essentially ghosts, and the ReDead are awfully reminiscent of zombies. However, these tend to be enemies rather than NPCs who are part of side quests.
A friendly demon and a ghost have both seemed to make their home on Skyloft. Although they have no ill intentions, and the side quests they’re part of show this, it’s interesting that they end up there.It’s a fun touch to show the nicer side of typically monstrous creaturesinZelda, and it’s kind of funny to meet a nice demon who’s just trying to be friends with a kid, not cause trouble.
3The Killer Bee Gang Changes Their Ways
The Wind Waker
The Killer Bees are a gangof kids inThe Wind Wakerwho have ahabit of disobeying their teacher and skipping class. When Link encounters them, they challenge him to a game of hide and seek, a game that they declare themselves champions of. Naturally, Link is able to find all of them without problems, and even if he doesn’t, then he can start the minigame over and try again.
After losing to Link, the Killer Bees ask him to apologize to their teacher on their behalf. Somehow, it seems that Link has been able to teach them that their ways are wrong, andthat they should respect and listen to their teacher. Additionally, they tell Link her birthday is coming up, and that she loves Joy Pendants. It’s a nice wholesome side story about a group of kids not only fixing their mistakes, but trying to go an extra mile to make up for it.
2Romani Has An Alien Adventure In Termina
Majora’s Mask
Romani is Malon’sdoppelganger inMajora’s Mask, and she’s part of a side quest Link can do at Romani Ranch. Like other side stories in the game, it takes place over a series of nights, and resetting time resets the progress on it. So, if Link completes it in a cycle, he’ll have the rewards, but story-wise,theproblem resets when he starts a new cycle, and that’s what makes this story rather sad.
Concerned about the ranch and the cows, Romani asks for Link’s help to fend off alien creatures that invade at night. If Link completes the quests, then they save the ranch and Romani is grateful. However, ignoring the ranch’s problems leads to Romani being abducted, which greatly affects her to the point that her sister is uncertain about how to help her, and she’s stopped talking completely. It’s a small quest, butthe story has more at stake than it seems at first.
1Anju And Kafei Hold Onto Each Other At The End Of The World
Another sad entry fromMajora’s Mask, the story of Anju and Kafei isn’t required for finishing the game, but it’s an emotional journey. They’re meant to meet in Termina because they’re getting married, but the moon is getting closer, and it seems like the world is going to end. Somehow,this is only the beginning of Kafei’s worriesas he tries to fulfill the promise he made to Anju to get married from the time they were kids.
Skull Kid, possessed by Majora’s Mask, turns Kafei into a child. Additionally, his wedding ceremony mask ends up stolen, so now he’s unable to face Anju. Meanwhile, Anju has no idea why he disappeared, and she worries that she is somehow the cause of his vanishing. Although Link can bring the couple back together inZelda’s longest side quest, starting a new cycle afterward resets their situation, just like with Romani. In the end,it’s not possible to help everybody.
While the story isn’t always the focal point ofZeldagames, there’s a lot of interesting content tucked away that Link’s able to find through side quests, or by simply speaking with NPCs. The result shows that,even when the story is straightforward, the lore of the world can still be rich and full of depth. Now that more side quests tend to be included in games, it’s likely that the list of great stories that aren’t part of the main storyline will continue to increase inZeldagames.
The Legend of Zelda
The Legend of Zelda franchise follows the adventures of Link, an elf-like Hylian, and Princess Zelda as they protect the land of Hyrule from the evil warlord-turned-demon king Ganon. The series is known for its mix of action, adventure, and puzzle-solving elements, often revolving around the collection of the Triforce, a powerful relic left by the goddesses who created Hyrule. Each game features different incarnations of Link and Zelda, maintaining core elements while introducing new characters and settings.
