The Legend of Zelda series is packed with iconic heroes and villains. Link, Zelda, and Ganondorf dominate the spotlight, while characters like Midna and Impa often get their well-earned praise. But beyond those familiar faces lies a deep roster of supporting characters who quietly shape Hyrule’s history, atmosphere, and emotional weight. These characters may not headline box art or climactic battles, yet they leave lasting impressions through subtle storytelling, unique mechanics, and unforgettable personality. This list celebrates the unsung heroes, strange allies, and overlooked figures who deserve far more appreciation than they usually get.
1. Malon
Malon is often remembered simply as “the girl with Epona,” but her role goes far deeper than that. She represents warmth and normalcy in a world increasingly threatened by darkness. In Ocarina of Time, Malon’s songs, kindness, and quiet courage provide emotional grounding amid time travel and looming catastrophe. She bridges childhood innocence and adult responsibility, symbolizing what Link is ultimately fighting to protect. Without Malon, Epona would be just a horse. With her, Epona becomes a bond, a memory, and a reminder of home.
2. Linebeck
At first glance, Linebeck from Phantom Hourglass appears cowardly, greedy, and unreliable. That’s exactly why he’s underrated. Linebeck undergoes one of the most genuine character arcs in the series, evolving from a self-serving opportunist into a true ally who faces his fears when it matters most. His humor adds levity, but his growth adds heart. Linebeck feels human in a world of legends, and his eventual bravery makes his journey far more rewarding than characters who start heroic and stay that way.
3. Princess Ruto
Princess Ruto is often reduced to comedic moments or her childhood crush on Link, but she is one of the earliest examples of a strong, independent ruler in the series. As the Sage of Water, Ruto demonstrates leadership, resilience, and emotional depth. She grows from a stubborn, bratty royal into a composed protector of her people. Her arc mirrors Link’s own transition into adulthood, making her one of the most quietly significant characters in Ocarina of Time.
4. Groose
Groose begins Skyward Sword as an over-the-top bully archetype, but his development is one of the game’s greatest strengths. Instead of remaining a rival, Groose learns humility, purpose, and responsibility. His decision to stay behind and protect the land while Link continues his quest shows profound growth. Groose proves that heroism isn’t limited to chosen ones with legendary swords. Sometimes, it’s about standing your ground when no one else will.
5. Anju
Anju’s story in Majora’s Mask is heartbreakingly human. Caught in the countdown to the moon’s fall, she grapples with loneliness, uncertainty, and hope as she waits for Kafei. Her side quest isn’t about saving the world, it’s about emotional closure. Helping Anju find peace in the face of inevitable destruction is one of the most powerful narrative moments in the series. She embodies Majora’s Mask’s central theme: even when the world is ending, individual lives still matter.
6. The Happy Mask Salesman
Often remembered for his eerie grin and unsettling demeanor, the Happy Mask Salesman is far more complex than a creepy NPC. He represents the thin line between joy and obsession, control and chaos. His connection to Majora’s Mask and his ambiguous morality make him one of the most mysterious figures in the franchise. He isn’t clearly good or evil, and that ambiguity makes him fascinating. The unease he brings lingers long after the game ends, which is exactly why he deserves more recognition.
7. Medli
Medli from The Wind Waker is a gentle soul burdened by destiny. As the Sage of Earth, she must grow into a role she never sought. Her journey is quiet, introspective, and emotionally resonant. Medli’s theme of self-doubt evolving into self-acceptance mirrors many players’ own experiences. Her harp, her hesitation, and her eventual confidence make her one of the most emotionally grounded companions in the series, even if she’s often overshadowed by flashier characters.
8. King Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule
The King of Hyrule in The Wind Waker spends much of the game disguised as a simple boat, guiding Link across the sea. His true significance lies in his acceptance of failure and his refusal to cling to the past. Rather than restoring the old Hyrule at any cost, he chooses to let it fade so a new world can thrive. This decision adds thematic depth rarely explored in the series. He isn’t a triumphant ruler, he’s a reflective one, and that maturity makes him deeply underrated.
9. Ilia
Ilia from Twilight Princess plays a subtle but important role in Link’s emotional journey. Her bond with Link is rooted in trust and shared history rather than destiny. When she loses her memory, the emotional distance that forms highlights how fragile personal connections can be in a world shaped by fate. Ilia represents the life Link might have lived if he weren’t the chosen hero, making her presence bittersweet and meaningful.
10. Hestu
Hestu is often remembered for comedy, but his impact on modern Zelda games is enormous. Beyond inventory upgrades, Hestu embodies joy, music, and resilience. His dances, maracas, and infectious positivity bring levity to vast, lonely landscapes. In Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, Hestu reminds players that progress doesn’t have to feel grim or transactional. Sometimes, growth comes with laughter and rhythm.
Why Underrated Characters Matter in Zelda
What makes The Legend of Zelda special isn’t just its epic battles or legendary artifacts. It’s the people who inhabit its world. Underrated characters add texture and humanity, grounding mythic narratives in relatable emotion. They remind players that Hyrule isn’t just a kingdom to be saved, it’s a place filled with lives, dreams, and struggles.
These characters may not wield the Master Sword or command divine power, but they shape the player’s experience in quieter, often more personal ways. Their stories linger because they feel real.
A World Worth Remembering
As the Zelda series continues to evolve, revisiting these underrated characters helps highlight the franchise’s greatest strength: its heart. From farm girls and ship captains to musicians and masked strangers, these figures enrich Hyrule’s legacy. They may not always stand in the spotlight, but they’re the reason the world feels alive. And that’s why they deserve far more love than they usually get.
