Editing Princess Zelda

{{ArticleIcons|melee=yes|brawl=yes|ssb4=yes|ssbu=yes}}
{{forfighter|Zelda|SSBM=y|SSBB=y|SSB4=y|SSBU=y}}
{{redirect|Zelda|the universe|The Legend of Zelda (universe)}}
{{Infobox Character General
|name         = Princess Zelda
|image        = {{tabber|title1=A Link Between Worlds|content1=[[File:LinkBetweenWorldsZelda.png|x300px]]|title2=A Link to the Past (GBA)|content2=[[File:ALttP Zelda.png|x300px]]|title3=Twilight Princess|content3=[[File:Zelda Twilight Princess art.png|x300px]]|title4=Ocarina of Time|content4=[[File:Zelda OoT.png|x300px]]}}
|caption      = [[File:ZeldaSymbol.svg|50px|class=invert-dark]]
Official artwork for various iterations of Princess Zelda.
|firstgame    = ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'' (1986)
|lastappearance = ''{{s|zeldawiki|Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment}}'' (2025)
|console      = Nintendo Entertainment System (Famicom Disk System)
|species      = {{s|zeldawiki|Hylian}}
|gender       = Female
|homeworld    = {{s|zeldawiki|Hyrule}}
|creator      = [[Shigeru Miyamoto]]<br>Takashi Tezuka
|artist       =
|voiceactor   = [https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Jun-Mizusawa/ Jun Mizusawa] (''[[Melee]]''/''[[Brawl]]''/''[[SSB4]]'')<br>{{iw|wikipedia|Ayumi Fujimura}} (''[[Ultimate]]'')
|englishactor = [https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Brandy-Kopp/ Brandy Kopp] ([[World of Light]] opening)
|japanactor   = Ayumi Fujimura (World of Light opening)
|interwiki    = zeldawiki
|interwikiname= Zelda Wiki
|interwikipage= Princess Zelda
}}
'''Princess Zelda''' ({{ja|ゼルダ姫|Zeruda-hime}}, ''Princess Zelda'') is the titular character of {{uv|The Legend of Zelda}} series. Unlike the majority of Nintendo characters, there are several, distinct incarnations of Princess Zelda seen throughout ''The Legend of Zelda'' series. Regardless, most share the same status as the {{iw|wikipedia|crown prince}}ss of {{iw|zeldawiki|Hyrule}}, the setting for the vast majority of the series.

Other hallmarks shared by the various iterations of Zelda are their possession of both inherent magical abilities and the [[zeldawiki:Triforce|Triforce of Wisdom]], although these are not depicted universally. While earlier games depicted Princess Zelda as a damsel-in-distress, a number of modern games have depicted her as an ally, companion, and love interest to the series' protagonist, [[Link]].

Zelda made her ''{{b|Super Smash Bros.|series}}'' debut in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''. Like [[Link]], however, Zelda is playable in name only, owing to different incarnations (''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|Ocarina of Time]]'', ''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|Twilight Princess]]'', and ''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past|A Link to the Past]]''/''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds|A Link Between Worlds]]'') appearing throughout the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series.

==Origin==
Princess Zelda's first appearance was in ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'' on the Nintendo Entertainment System, where she served as the damsel-in-distress for [[Link]] to rescue from the evil monster known as [[Ganon]]. Within the series' chronology, however, Zelda makes her first appearance in ''{{iw|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword}}''; this game is notably the only one where Zelda is not a princess, due to Hyrule's royalty having yet to be established during the game's events. Instead, she is the goddess {{iw|zeldawiki|Hylia}} reborn as a mortal, who chooses her childhood friend Link as her hero like Hylia did with [[zeldawiki:Hylia's Chosen Hero|her own chosen hero]].

Zelda has appeared in some capacity in every installment of ''The Legend of Zelda'' series, with the exception of ''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening|Link's Awakening]]'', where she is only mentioned briefly, and ''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: Triforce Heroes|Tri Force Heroes]]'', where she is referenced via an outfit. While she has typically assumed a passive role in the series, modern depictions of Zelda have seen her assume an active role in Link's final battles. Notable examples include ''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|The Wind Waker]]'', ''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|Twilight Princess]]'', ''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Track|Spirit Tracks]]'', ''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild|Breath of the Wild]]'', and ''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom|Tears of the Kingdom]]''.

It is worth noting that while there have been multiple games within ''The Legend of Zelda'' series, only rarely has the same Princess Zelda appeared in more than one installment, with this same notion being shared with Link. This is evident by the fact that there are multiple timelines within the series, wherein many games typically feature a new Zelda. By extension, Zelda's age has varied across the series: she appears as a young girl in some games, and as a teenager or young adult in others. ''Ocarina of Time'' notably featured Zelda being portrayed as both a child and an adult in the same game.

According to the manual for ''[[Zelda II: The Adventure of Link]]'', all women in the Hyrulian royal family are named Zelda in honor of Zelda the First, who was put into an eternal slumber. ''Hyrule Historia'' later established that the name comes from the original Zelda seen in ''Skyward Sword''. All Zeldas are related in the fact that they possess the blood of the goddess, and must defeat the reincarnation of {{iw|zeldawiki|Demise}} alongside the spirit of the hero.

Zelda's design often varies between games, but she is most consistently depicted as a classically beautiful princess with long, blonde hair and pointed ears, the latter of which is typical of Hylians. Even these traits are not universal, however, as she sometimes appears as a brunette, or with a shorter hairstyle. She most often wears a floor length royal dress with an elaborate design, which is predominantly colored pink or purple, alongside white and occasionally gold.

However, Zelda also wears a simple blue dress in ''A Link to the Past''; white, robe-like dresses in ''Skyward Sword'', ''Breath of the Wild'', and ''Tears of the Kingdom''; and a blue tunic with black pants, as well as a dark blue dress with gold trim, in the latter two. Her footwear varies between heels (''Ocarina of Time''), boots (''Twilight Princess'', ''Skyward Sword'', and ''Breath of the Wild''), and sandals (''A Link to the Past''/''A Link Between Worlds'', ''Skyward Sword'', and ''Breath of the Wild''). Zelda is also occasionally seen wearing a cape, as shown in ''A Link to the Past'', ''A Link Between Worlds'', and ''Tears of the Kingdom''.

Her personality also changes between incarnations, more so than Link. While all are shown to be wise and compassionate, other traits vary from being calm and reposed (''Twilight Princess'') to wild and feisty (''The Wind Waker'', ''Phantom Hourglass'', and ''Spirit Tracks'').

Zelda's first playable appearances occurred in two of the three non-canonical {{iw|wikipedia|Philips CD-i}} ''Zelda'' games, which are infamous for their poor quality and were made with minimal involvement from Nintendo beyond licensing. Her first playable appearance in a Nintendo-developed game was ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', while ''The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks'' marked her first playable appearance within her home series.
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==In ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]''==
While Zelda herself makes no appearances in ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'', she is nevertheless referenced, due to ''The Legend of Zelda'', ''The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past'', and ''The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time'' being mentioned.

==In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''==
===As a playable character===
{{Main|Zelda (SSBM)}}
[[File:Zelda SSBM.jpg|thumb|150px|Zelda, as she appears in ''Super Smash Bros. Melee''.]]
The adult version of Zelda's incarnation from ''Ocarina of Time'' appears as a playable character in ''Super Smash Bros. Melee''. However, due to the GameCube's improved graphics, Zelda's design in this game is far more detailed than in ''Ocarina of Time'', although somewhat inaccurate, as she is portrayed here as wearing heels instead of boots like in the game her design is based on. This also applies on her trophies as well. She is also the only starter character in the game who was not revealed at [[E3]] 2001, instead being unofficially revealed when the game's cover art was revealed.

Like her fellow series fighters {{SSBM|Link}} and {{SSBM|Ganondorf}}, Zelda is a slow, but powerful character. However, she deviates from them by being a lightweight whose moveset almost entirely consists of magical attacks, three of which are based on spells used by Link in ''Ocarina of Time''. Her [[neutral special move]] is [[Nayru's Love]], which emits a [[zeldawiki:Nayru's Love|crystalline barrier]] that deals damage and offers protection. Her [[side special move]] is [[Din's Fire]], which launches [[zeldawiki:Din's Fire|a magical fireball]] at her opponents. Lastly, her [[up special move]] is [[Farore's Wind]], which [[zeldawiki:Farore's Wind|teleports]] her in a desired direction.

Zelda also has the distinction of being the only character who can become an entirely different character. In this case, she can use her down special move, [[Transform]], to assume her alterego from ''Ocarina of Time'', [[Sheik]], who boasts [[Sheik (SSBM)|a drastically different playstyle]] in comparison. Despite the power of her magical attacks, Zelda is hindered by her poor mobility and extremely inconsistent playstyle, resulting in her being outpaced regularly in the neutral game and being susceptible to early KOs due to her floatiness and light weight. As such, she is ranked 24th out of 26 on the [[tier list]], which places her in the D tier and renders her a low-tier character.
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===Trophies===
{{main|List of SSBM trophies (The Legend of Zelda series)}}
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 {{SSBM|Classic Mode}} as her on any difficulty, her second is from {{SSBM|Adventure Mode}}, and her third is from [[All-Star Mode]].

{{Trophy
|name=Zelda
|image=Princess Zelda Trophy Melee.png
|mode=Classic
|desc=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.
|gamelist={{Trophy games|game1=The Legend of Zelda|release1=7/87}}
|game=Melee
}}
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{{Trophy
|name=Zelda
|image=Princess Zelda Trophy (Smash).png
|mode=Adventure
|desc=Zelda is a bit slow and, because of her light frame, easy to send flying. On the other hand, her magical skills lend her reliable and explosive attack power. Zelda's easier to use if you focus on waiting and countering rather than pressing attacks. She can use Nayru's Love to reflect projectile attacks or as an offensive weapon.
|gamelist=:B: Nayru's Love
:Smash B: Din's Fire
|game=Melee
}}
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{{Trophy
|name=Zelda
|image=Princess Zelda Trophy 2 (Smash).png
|mode=All Star
|desc=Zelda's midair Lightning Kick centers immense magical power in the ball of her foot. If she strikes perfectly, the attack is as strong as can be. If her aim is slightly off, it'll be exceedingly weak. Farore's Wind again utilizes Zelda's magical prowess, this time by transporting her great distances. It's vital to know the lay of the land before using this move.
|gamelist=:Up & B: Farore's Wind
:Down & B: Transform
|game=Melee
}}
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==In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''==
===As a playable character===
{{Main|Zelda (SSBB)}}
[[File:Zelda SSBB.jpg|thumb|170px|Zelda, as she appears in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl''.]]
Unlike ''Melee'', ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' does not feature the Zelda from ''Ocarina of Time''. Instead, she has been succeeded by her descendant, the Zelda from ''The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess''. While this Zelda's playstyle is essentially the same as her ancestor's, she nonetheless sports a few differences. The most noticeable of these are her appearance as "[[Sheilda|Zelda/Sheik]]" on the [[character selection screen]], which allows her starting form to be chosen, and her possession of a [[Final Smash]] called [[Light Arrow]], which can pierce multiple opponents and boasts enough power to [[one-hit KO]] the first opponent it hits.

Even though this Zelda's attacks are much stronger, she shares the same significant weaknesses as her ancestor, which are further compounded by ''Brawl''{{'}}s changes to gameplay physics. Due to her weaknesses largely outweighing her strengths, Zelda is ranked 37th out of 38 on the ''Brawl'' tier list. This places her in the F tier, and renders her as a bottom-tier character.

===Trophies===
{{main|List of SSBB trophies (The Legend of Zelda series)}}
Zelda has a trophy that is awarded each time {{SSBB|Classic Mode}} is completed with her on any difficulty, and several randomly available ones.

{{Trophy
|name=Zelda
|image=Zelda - Brawl Trophy.png
|desc-ntsc=The princess of Hyrule. In other games, her role changes between titles. In Ocarina of Time, she was hunted by the would-be conqueror, Ganondorf. She deceived him, however, by adopting the persona of Sheik. In Twilight Princess, she surrendered to Zant and was held as his prisoner.
|desc-pal=The Princess of Hyrule. In other games, her role changes between titles. In Ocarina of Time, she was hunted by the would-be conqueror, Ganondorf. She deceived him, however, by adopting the persona of Sheik. In Twilight Princess, she surrendered to Zant and was held as his prisoner.
|gamelist={{Trophy games|console1=NES|game1=The Legend of Zelda|console2=Wii|game2=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess}}
|game=Brawl
}}
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{{Trophy
|name=[[zeldawiki:Princess Zelda#Twilight Princess|Robed Zelda (With Hood)]]
|image=Robed Zelda - Brawl Trophy.png
|desc-ntsc=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.
|desc-pal=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.
|gamelist={{Trophy games|console1=Wii|game1=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess}}
|game=Brawl
}}
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{{Trophy
|name=[[zeldawiki:Princess Zelda#The Wind Waker|Zelda (Wind Waker)]]
|image=Zelda (Wind Waker) - Brawl Trophy.png
|desc=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.
|gamelist={{Trophy games|console1=GCN|game1=The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker}}
|game=Brawl
}}
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===Stickers===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Name
! Game
! Effect
! Fighter(s)
|-
| [[zeldawiki:Princess Zelda|Young Zelda]]
| {{s|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap}}
| {{SortKey|DefenseBattering+016}}{{EffectIcon|Normal}} Resistance +16
| {{StickerHead|Link|Zelda|Ganondorf|Toon Link}}
|-
| [[zeldawiki:Princess Zelda|Young Zelda]]
| [[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time]]
| {{SortKey|AttackElectric+020}}{{EffectIcon|Electric}} Attack +20
| {{SortKey|All characters}}{{AllChars|SSBB|s=16}}
|-
| [[zeldawiki:Princess Zelda|Zelda]]
| {{s|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past}}
| {{SortKey|AttackMagic+027}}{{TypeIcon|Magic}} Attack +27
| {{StickerHead|Peach|Zelda}}
|-
| [[zeldawiki:Princess Zelda|Zelda]]
| [[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time]]
| {{SortKey|DefenseFlame+018}}{{EffectIcon|Flame}} Resistance +18
| {{StickerHead|Link|Zelda|Ganondorf|Toon Link}}
|}
{{StickerPicBox|Young Zelda|Zelda: Minish Cap}}
{{StickerPicBox|Young Zelda|Zelda: Ocarina of Time}}
{{StickerPicBox|Zelda|Zelda: Link to the Past}}
{{StickerPicBox|Zelda|Zelda: Ocarina of Time}}

==In ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''==
===As a playable character===
{{Main|Zelda (SSB4)}}
[[File:Zelda SSB4.png|thumb|Zelda, as she appears in ''Super Smash Bros. 4''.]]
The ''Twilight Princess'' incarnation of Zelda reappears as a playable character in ''Super Smash Bros. 4''. However, her overall color scheme is noticeably more vibrant because of ''SSB4''{{'}}s aesthetics, such as the tapestry in front of her dress being recolored indigo with a gold border instead of being gray with a green border.

Despite being a bottom-tier character in ''Brawl'', Zelda received a mix of buffs and nerfs in the transition to ''SSB4''. The most noticeable nerf is her separation from {{SSB4|Sheik}}, who is now an entirely separate character. This nerf is further compounded both by the drastic buffs Sheik received in her own transition to ''SSB4'', and Zelda's key flaws not being properly addressed. However, the buffs Zelda received are quite noticeable: her damage racking potential has improved, [[Farore's Wind]] is now a very potent KOing option, and she received a new down special called [[Phantom Slash]] that has utility as both an offensive and defensive attack.

In addition to these inherent buffs, Zelda received numerous buffs via game updates. These include increased damage outputs, improved multiple hit connectivity, decreased ending lag, and the removal of Phantom Slash's blind spot. The changes to shield mechanics also indirectly buffed her multiple hit moves and Lightning Kicks by making them safer on shield, and making her better at avoiding punishment.

Although Zelda's strengths are largely outweighed by her weaknesses, she has nevertheless become slightly better than she was in ''Brawl''. As such, Zelda is currently ranked 53rd out of 55 on the ''SSB4'' tier list, placing her in the G tier (being tied with {{SSB4|Ganondorf}}). In addition to being marginally better than her ranking in ''Brawl'', ''SSB4''{{'}}s removal of the bottom-tier as of its third tier list also results in Zelda being assessed as a low-tier character like her ancestor is in ''Melee'', rather than as a bottom-tier character like she was in ''Brawl''.

[[File:PrincessZeldaWig.jpg|left|100px|thumb|Princess Zelda Wig.]]
A Zelda wig is also available as a headgear for all Mii Fighter types.
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===Trophies===
{{main|List of SSB4 trophies (The Legend of Zelda series)}}
{{Trophy
|name=Zelda
|image-3ds=ZeldaTrophy3DS.png
|image-wiiu=ZeldaTrophyWiiU.png
|desc-3ds-ntsc=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.
|desc-wiiu-ntsc=This tough princess is 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 she moves a bit slowly. You can charge her brand-new special Phantom Slash by holding down the button.
|desc-pal=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.
|gamelist-ntsc={{Trophy games|console1=NES|game1=The Legend of Zelda|release1=08/1987|console2=Wii|game2=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|release2=11/2006}}
|gamelist-pal={{Trophy games|console1=NES|game1=The Legend of Zelda|release1=11/1987|console2=Wii|game2=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|release2=12/2006}}
}}
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{{Trophy
|name=Zelda (Alt.)
|image-3ds=ZeldaAltTrophy3DS.png
|image-wiiu=ZeldaAltTrophyWiiU.png
|desc-3ds-ntsc=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.
|desc-wiiu-ntsc=Zelda's front 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.
|desc-pal=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.
|gamelist-ntsc={{Trophy games|console1=NES|game1=The Legend of Zelda|release1=08/1987|console2=Wii|game2=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|release2=11/2006}}
|gamelist-pal={{Trophy games|console1=NES|game1=The Legend of Zelda|release1=11/1987|console2=Wii|game2=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|release2=12/2006}}
}}
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{{Trophy
|name=[[zeldawiki:Princess Zelda#Ocarina of Time|Young Zelda (Ocarina of Time)]]
|image=YoungZeldaTrophy3DS.png
|desc-ntsc=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...
|desc-pal=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 Sacred 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...
|game=ssb4-3ds
}}
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{{Trophy
|name=[[zeldawiki:Princess Zelda#Ocarina of Time|Adult Zelda (Ocarina of Time)]]
|image=ZeldaOOTTrophy3DS.png
|desc-ntsc=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.
|desc-pal=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 of the surprises awaiting Link.
|game=ssb4-3ds
}}
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{{Trophy
|name=[[zeldawiki:Princess Zelda#Sprit Tracks|Zelda (Spirit Tracks)]]
|image=ToonZeldaTrophy3DS.png
|desc-ntsc=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?!
|desc-pal=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?!
|game=ssb4-3ds
}}
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{{Trophy
|name=[[zeldawiki:Princess Zelda#Spirit Tracks|Zelda's Spirit (Spirit Tracks)]]
|image=GhostZeldaTrophy3DS.png
|desc-ntsc=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!
|desc-pal=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 get the job done quicker!
|game=ssb4-3ds
}}
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{{Trophy
|name=[[zeldawiki:Princess Zelda#Wind Waker|Zelda (Wind Waker)]]
|image=ToonZeldaTrophyWiiU.png
|desc-ntsc=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.
|desc-pal=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!
|gamelist-ntsc={{Trophy games|console1=GCN|game1=The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|release1=03/2003}}
|gamelist-pal={{Trophy games|console1=GCN|game1=The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|release1=05/2003}}
|game=ssb4-wiiu
}}
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{{Trophy
|name=[[zeldawiki:Princess Zelda#Twilight Princess|Hooded Zelda]]
|image=HoodedZeldaTrophyWiiU.png
|desc-ntsc=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.
|desc-pal=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.
|gamelist-ntsc={{Trophy games|console1=Wii|game1=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|release1=11/2006}}
|gamelist-pal={{Trophy games|console1=Wii|game1=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|release1=12/2006}}
|game=ssb4-wiiu
}}
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==In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''==
===As a playable character===
{{Main|Zelda (SSBU)}}
[[File:Zelda_SSBU.png|thumb|Zelda, as she appears in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''.]]
For the first time since ''Brawl'', ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'' features a new incarnation of Zelda as a playable character. Unlike her predecessors, this Zelda is an [[unlockable character]] and, more notably, not based on a single incarnation. Instead, this Zelda features a combination of design elements from her incarnation in ''{{s|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past}}'', and that incarnation's descendant in ''{{s|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds}}''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sourcegaming.info/2018/06/20/smash-is-special-part-1-sakurais-famitsu-column-vol-557/
|title="Smash is Special – Part 1" Sakurai's Famitsu Column Vol. 557 |accessdate=2018-06-20 |author=Masahiro Sakurai (translated by Brando) |date=2018-06-20 |publisher=SourceGaming.info (original Japanese publication in ''Famitsu'') |quote= Zelda's new design is based on ''"The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past"''}}</ref><ref name=UltE3/><ref name=Blog/>

In comparison to her predecessors, many of Zelda's moves possess less start-up and/or ending lag, while each of her aerials have noticeably less landing lag. On a related note, a few of Zelda's moves noticeably differ in comparison to her predecessors': her neutral attack is a neutral infinite, she has better aerial mobility while using [[Nayru's Love]] and [[Farore's Wind]], [[Din's Fire]] does not render her [[helpless]], [[Phantom Slash]] consists of varying [[charge]]s, and her [[Final Smash]] is [[Triforce of Wisdom]], which traps nearby opponents and instantly KOs them beginning at 100%.<ref name=Blog/> Despite being burdened with unimpressive overall mobility like her predecessors, Zelda's attributes are nevertheless better in comparison, especially in regard to her [[jumpsquat]] and initial [[dash]]ing speed.

[[File:SSBU Princess Zelda Wig.jpg|left|100px|thumb|Zelda's Wig.]]
The Zelda wig also returns as a headgear for all Mii Fighter types. Its color was changed to blonde, but its model remains identical to its appearance in ''Smash 4''.
{{clr}}

===Spirits===
====Fighter spirit====
<center>
<gallery>
SSBU spirit Zelda.png|173. '''''Zelda'''''
</gallery>
</center>
====Primary spirits====
{|class="wikitable sortable"
! No. !! Image !! Name !! Type !! Class !! Slots
! Base [[File:Equipment Icon Power Badge.png|20px|Power]]
! Max [[File:Equipment Icon Power Badge.png|20px|Power]]
! Base [[File:Equipment Icon Brawn Badge.png|20px|Attack]]
! Max [[File:Equipment Icon Brawn Badge.png|20px|Attack]]
! Base [[File:Equipment Icon Protection Badge.png|20px|Defense]]
! Max [[File:Equipment Icon Protection Badge.png|20px|Defense]]
! Ability !! Series
|-
| 189 || {{SpiritTableName|Young Zelda}} || {{SpiritType|Shield}} || ★★ || 2 || 1700 || 6824 || 876 || 3514 || 824 || 3310 || {{Rollover|Can Be Enhanced at Lv. 99|Zelda (Ocarina of Time)|y}} || ''The Legend of Zelda'' Series
|-
| 190 || {{SpiritTableName|Zelda (Ocarina of Time)}} || {{SpiritType|Shield}} || ★★★★ || 2 || 5007 || 12519 || 1661 || 4154 || 2891 || 7227 || Assist Killer || ''The Legend of Zelda'' Series
|-
| 247 || {{SpiritTableName|Zelda (The Wind Waker)}} || {{SpiritType|Shield}} || ★★★★ || 2 || 4975 || 12440 || 1937 || 4844 || 2466 || 6165 || Chance of Double Final Smash || ''The Legend of Zelda'' Series
|-
| 259 || {{SpiritTableName|Zelda (Spirit Tracks)}} || {{SpiritType|Shield}} || ★★★ || 2 || 3014 || 9068 || 1326 || 3989 || 1465 || 4408 || Trade-Off Ability ↑ || ''The Legend of Zelda'' Series
|}
====Support spirit====
{|class="wikitable"
! No. !! Image !! Name !! Class !! Cost !! Ability !! Series
|-
| 238 || {{SpiritTableName|Zelda (Breath of the Wild)}} || ★★★ || 2 || Poison Immunity || ''The Legend of Zelda'' Series
|}

==Names in other languages==
{{langtable
|ja={{ja|ゼルダ|Zeruda}}, ''Zelda''
|en=Zelda
|fr=Zelda
|de=Zelda
|it=Zelda
|nl=Zelda
|pt=Zelda
|ru={{rollover|Зельда|Zelda|?}}
|ko={{rollover|젤다|Jelda|?}}, ''Zelda''
|zh_tw={{rollover|薩爾達|Sài'ěrdá|?}}, ''Zelda''
|zh_cn={{rollover|塞尔达|Sài'ěrdá|?}}, ''Zelda''
}}

==Trivia==
*When Zelda's ''Ultimate'' design was demonstrated during the game's E3 2018 trailer, the Japanese version said that she is the incarnation from ''A Link to the Past''. Conversely, the English version, as well as the official website's English blog post focusing on Zelda, said she is the incarnation from ''A Link Between Worlds''.<ref name=UltE3>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L93H7YC-83o Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - E3 2018 - Nintendo Switch]</ref><ref name=Blog>[https://www.smashbros.com/en_US/blog/index.html?category=cat02_fighter_17 Super Smash Blog | 17: Zelda]</ref> To further complicate matters, Zelda's Classic Mode Spirit uses official artwork from ''A Link Between Worlds'', yet the English version of [[Palutena's Guidance]] regarding her in ''Ultimate'' contradicts both the English E3 trailer and blog post by stating that she is the incarnation from ''A Link to the Past''. This discrepancy was finally settled by [[Masahiro Sakurai]] during an interview with the ''Nintendo DREAM'' magazine, in which he stated that Zelda's design in ''Ultimate'' is indeed a combination from both games.<ref>[https://twitter.com/PushDustIn/status/1087124591984562176 PushDustIn on Twitter: "Zelda is confirmed to be based on Link to the Past AND Link Between Worlds. (I'll take the L on it.)..."]</ref>
**The confusion likely arises from the fact that ''A Link to the Past'' and ''A Link Between Worlds'' are named "''Triforce of the Gods''" and "''Triforce of the Gods 2''" in Japanese, so both games can be collectively referred to as the "''Triforce of the Gods'' series" (which Sakurai refers to during said interview).
**Due to ''A Link to the Past'' portraying her in-game sprite with brunette hair and a blue dress, in contrast to her appearance in the game's artwork, as well as some other artworks portraying her in a casual blue dress rather than her royal attire, it is possible that this was the main reason as to why she is mostly stated to resemble her ''A Link Between Worlds'' incarnation.
*Prior to ''Ultimate'', Kirby's Zelda hat depicts him wearing the wimple her ''Ocarina of Time'' incarnation wears during her childhood, despite being based on her adult design in ''Melee''. This was changed in ''Ultimate'', as his Zelda hat is now based on Zelda's hair in ''A Link to the Past'' and ''A Link Between Worlds''.
*Zelda and [[R.O.B.]] are the only playable characters in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series to sport an alternate costume that would inspire a default design in a subsequent game. In this case, ''SSB4'' reuses her ''Twilight Princess'' incarnation from ''Brawl'', yet gives her an [[Alternate costume (SSB4)#Zelda|alternate costume]] based on her incarnations in ''A Link to the Past'' and ''A Link Between Worlds'', which would become her default design in ''Ultimate''. Conversely, her ''Twilight Princess'' incarnation becomes the basis for an [[Alternate costume (SSBU)#Zelda|alternate costume]] in ''Ultimate''.
*Zelda has more [[enhanceable spirit]]s associated with her than any other character, with a total of 3.
*Despite wielding a sword in ''Twilight Princess'', Zelda is the only playable ''The Legend of Zelda'' character who does not directly wield a bladed weapon as part of her moveset. However, she technically does have access to a bladed weapon; in her case, it is the sword wielded by the {{s|zeldawiki|Phantom}} she summons via [[Phantom Slash]].
*In both ''Melee'' and ''Smash 4'', Zelda is near the bottom of the [[tier list]], while her alter-ego Sheik is near the top.
**In fact, [[List of SSB4 tier lists#First tier list (February 1, 2016)|the first tier list for ''SSB4'']] listed Zelda as the absolute worst character in the game, while Sheik was the absolute best.
*Nayru's Love, Din's Fire, and Farore's Wind were all used by Link in ''Ocarina of Time'', never by Zelda herself. However, later spinoffs in the series such as ''Hyrule Warriors'' and ''Cadence of Hyrule'' depict her using these moves, likely influenced by their depiction in ''Smash''.
*Conceptually, Link and Zelda "swapped" their Final Smashes in the transition from ''Smash 4'' to ''Ultimate''. In ''Brawl'' and ''Smash 4'', Link uses the Triforce of Courage to attack with [[Triforce Slash]], while Zelda fires an arrow with [[Light Arrow]]; in ''Ultimate'', Link fires an arrow with the [[Ancient Bow and Arrow]], and Zelda uses the [[Triforce of Wisdom]] to attack.
*As of the current tier lists of each ''Smash'' game, Zelda is the only character to not only rank in the bottom three for three games in a row, but she is also the only character to never be ranked above the low tiers as well as being considered unviable for every game in the series prior to ''[[Zelda (SSBU)|Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''.

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Characters}}
{{Mii costumes}}
{{Mii costumes (SSBU)}}
{{Zelda universe}}
[[Category:Zelda| ]]
[[Category:Trophies (SSBM)]]
[[Category:Trophies (SSBB)]]
[[Category:Trophies (SSB4-3DS)]]
[[Category:Trophies (SSB4-Wii U)]]
[[Category:Stickers]]
[[Category:Spirits]]
[[es:Princesa Zelda]]
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