Hyrule’s Forgotten Heroes: The Untold Legends of The Legend of Zelda

8 February 2026

The Legend of Zelda series is nothing short of iconic. It’s one of those magical franchises that has captured the hearts of gamers for decades with its epic adventures, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable characters. We all know the names of the heavy hitters: Link, Zelda, and Ganon. Their stories are drilled into the lore of Hyrule, told and retold with every iteration of the series. But what about the unsung heroes? You know, the ones who stood in the shadows while Link swung his Master Sword or solved puzzles in a temple? Yup, this article is all about them: Hyrule’s forgotten heroes, the ones who shaped the kingdom in ways we often overlook.

Let’s dive deep into the untold legends of The Legend of Zelda and honor the characters who may not have gotten the spotlight they deserved.

The Quiet Power of the Sages

When we think about the Sages, we remember them as the group of mysterious figures who aid Link in his fight against evil. But honestly, they’re basically the backbone of Hyrule’s defense system! Think about it: without their wisdom and magic, Hyrule would’ve probably crumbled into chaos centuries ago.

Take the Seven Sages from Ocarina of Time as an example. Sure, they show up briefly in the game, but they wield immense power to seal Ganon away and protect the Sacred Realm. Did you know these Sages actually lived normal lives before their destinies called them to greatness?

Rauru, the Sage of Light, built the freakin’ Temple of Time—does it get more badass than that? And then there’s Impa, the Sage of Shadow, who’s more than just Zelda’s caretaker. She’s a full-on ninja boss with a heart of gold. Each of these Sages plays a critical role, yet they always take a backseat to Link’s heroic journey.

Would Link even have a chance to save the day if it weren’t for these folks laying the groundwork? Probably not. But the Sages, forever the humble heroes, never brag about their contributions. Let’s pour one out for them, shall we?

The True MVP: The King of Red Lions

If you’ve played The Wind Waker, you already know the King of Red Lions isn’t your average talking boat. He’s actually Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule, the last king of Hyrule. Okay, so a boat might not sound like the most heroic character in the Zelda series, but hear me out.

The guy is essentially Link’s mentor, guiding the newbie hero through uncharted waters (both literally and figuratively). Without his advice and wisdom, we wouldn’t have gotten far with the whole “find the Triforce and save the world” mission. Plus, who doesn’t appreciate a royal who’s willing to turn into a boat to help out? That’s commitment!

Could he have handled things a little better? Maybe. He kinda glosses over some massive truths. (“Oh, by the way, the world is flooded.” Like, WHAT?!). Still, his sacrifices are undeniable. He gave up his kingdom for the sake of the greater good. If that doesn’t make him one of Hyrule’s forgotten heroes, I don’t know what does.

Malon: The Unsung Hero of Lon Lon Ranch

Okay, let’s talk about Malon from Ocarina of Time. She’s the hardworking, singing ranch girl you meet at Lon Lon Ranch, and honestly, she deserves way more credit than she gets.

First of all, Malon helps you bond with Epona, Link’s trusty steed. Without her intervention, you’d just be stuck walking everywhere. Can you imagine wandering through Hyrule Field on foot for hours? No way!

But Malon’s impact goes way beyond horses. She represents the quiet resilience that’s so important to Hyrule’s survival. While Link is off slaying monsters and rescuing princesses, Malon is keeping Lon Lon Ranch running and ensuring everyone has food and supplies. She may not wield a sword, but she’s fighting her own battles, keeping things together when life gets tough.

Malon teaches us that not all heroes wear green tunics or swing magical swords. Some just do what needs to be done, and they deserve mad respect for it.

Groose: From Zero to Hero

Have you ever seen a redemption arc as satisfying as Groose’s from Skyward Sword? At first, he’s the quintessential bully, obsessed with proving he’s better than Link and winning Zelda’s heart. But as the story unfolds, Groose steps up in ways we never saw coming.

After being thrust into an unfamiliar world, Groose ditches his ego and uses his strength and ingenuity to protect his friends. Let’s not forget the Groosenator, his badass catapult invention that helps hold the Imprisoned at bay. Without Groose’s bravery, Link would’ve had a much harder time keeping the world safe.

Groose proves that even the most unlikely characters can end up becoming heroes. His transformation from a self-centered jerk into a selfless protector is one of the most heartwarming parts of Skyward Sword.

Twilight Princess’ Rusl and the Resistance

Remember Rusl from Twilight Princess? He’s another one of those low-key heroes who just radiates dad energy. As one of the Ordon villagers, Rusl helps Link in his journey by providing wisdom, encouragement, and a sense of purpose. He even hands Link his very first sword!

But Rusl isn’t just a cool mentor figure. He’s also part of the Resistance, a group of brave individuals fighting to save Hyrule from twilight doom. Sure, they don’t get a ton of screen time, but without their efforts, Link’s mission would’ve been a lot trickier. Rusl and the Resistance remind us that teamwork makes the dream work.

The Fierce Deity: The Hero We Barely Know

If you’ve played Majora’s Mask, you’ve probably heard of the Fierce Deity, an enigmatic figure who only appears when Link dons a special mask. Who is this guy? Where did his powers come from? And why is he so ridiculously overpowered?

The Fierce Deity’s story is shrouded in mystery, but it’s clear that he’s a force to be reckoned with. Some fans speculate that he was once a legendary hero who wielded godlike power to protect the world. Others think he might’ve been a dark warrior whose strength was sealed away to prevent catastrophe.

Either way, the Fierce Deity is a fascinating figure—a forgotten hero whose legacy lives on through the mask Link uses to fight Majora. His story may be untold, but his impact is unforgettable.

Why Do the Forgotten Heroes Matter?

It’s easy to focus on Link, Zelda, and Ganon when discussing The Legend of Zelda series. They’re the stars, after all—the trifecta holding the Triforce together. But the forgotten heroes, those characters who work behind the scenes or in the margins, are just as important.

They’re the tapestry of Hyrule’s history, the unsung warriors, thinkers, and dreamers who make the kingdom worth saving. Whether they’re building temples, guiding heroes, or simply keeping life going, these characters remind us that heroism isn’t always about flashy battles or epic quests. Sometimes, it’s about stepping up when it matters most, even if no one’s watching.

So next time you pick up your controller to explore the vast lands of Hyrule, spare a moment to appreciate the forgotten heroes. They may not have their names in the title, but they’re legends in their own right.