Link, the Triforce, Ganondorf, Hyrule and the Ocarina of Time. 10 questions on Nintendo's legendary saga.
10 questions on The Legend of Zelda saga: landmark games, iconic items, Hyrule lore and legendary characters.
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The Legend of Zelda is an action-adventure series developed by Nintendo, created by Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka. The first game was released in 1986 on the Famicom in Japan. The saga typically follows Link, a young hero, on quests to save Princess Zelda and the kingdom of Hyrule from Ganondorf. The Triforce, the central artifact of the mythology, grants immense power to whoever possesses it.
The franchise spans over 19 main entries. The most acclaimed titles include Ocarina of Time (1998, often cited as the greatest game of all time), Majora's Mask, The Wind Waker, Twilight Princess, Breath of the Wild (2017) and Tears of the Kingdom (2023).
All ten easy level questions, with the answer and the reasoning behind it.
Correct answer: A long green cap
A long green cap, which has become one of gaming's best-known silhouettes.
Correct answer: That Link is called Zelda
That the hero is called Zelda. She is the princess, he is Link, and please do not start.
Correct answer: Gorons
Gorons, a friendly rock-eating people who roll around and enjoy a good hug.
Correct answer: The Blade of Evil's Bane
The Blade of Evil's Bane, because Master Sword alone would not be dramatic enough.
Correct answer: The Zora
The Zora, who are excellent swimmers and suffer no shortage of water.
Correct answer: Nintendo Switch
Nintendo Switch, in May 2023, six years after Breath of the Wild.
Correct answer: Nothing much at all
Nothing much, beyond a shout or a grunt. The rest of Hyrule does the talking.
Correct answer: Breaking pots
Breaking pots, which people in Hyrule seem to accept with surprising calm.
Correct answer: An ocarina
An ocarina, and fans still play its melodies on real ones.
Correct answer: Nearly any surface, until it rains
Nearly any surface, until it rains, and then you are sliding back down in silence.
Want to warm up before playing or double-check something? Open any question to reveal the correct answer and a short explanation.
Correct answer: 1986
The first Legend of Zelda launched on 21 February 1986 in Japan on the Famicom Disk System, then on NES cartridge in North America in 1987. Developed by Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka, its gold cartridge became one of the most recognisable in gaming history.
Correct answer: Link
Link is the hero the player controls in virtually every Zelda game. He is typically depicted with green clothes and pointed ears. Contrary to widespread belief, the main protagonist is not Zelda: she is the princess. This confusion is so common that Nintendo has made it a running joke in some games.
Correct answer: Courage, Wisdom, Power
The Triforce consists of three golden triangles: the Triforce of Power (held by Ganondorf), the Triforce of Wisdom (held by Zelda) and the Triforce of Courage (held by Link). Together they represent the three creator goddesses in Zelda mythology: Din (Power), Nayru (Wisdom) and Farore (Courage).
Correct answer: Hyrule
Hyrule is the central kingdom of the Zelda saga, founded by the three goddesses and inhabited by the Hylians. Most games are set entirely in Hyrule or in adjacent lands. Termina (Majora's Mask), Holodrum (Oracle of Seasons) and Skyloft (Skyward Sword) are other locations in the franchise, but Hyrule remains the primary setting.
Correct answer: Ocarina of Time
The Legend of Zelda : Ocarina of Time (1998, Nintendo 64) is consistently ranked the greatest video game of all time in critical polls. It received perfect scores from virtually every major gaming publication, including a 40/40 from Famitsu. It revolutionised 3D action-adventure and served as a template for an entire generation of games.
Correct answer: Ganondorf (Ganon)
Ganondorf is the primary antagonist of the Zelda saga. This Gerudo warrior stole the Triforce of Power and seeks to conquer Hyrule. In some games he transforms into Ganon, a bestial primal form. He is the embodiment of Demise, the original evil entity in Zelda mythology, condemned to be perpetually reincarnated.
Correct answer: The Ocarina of Time
The Ocarina of Time is the central item in The Legend of Zelda : Ocarina of Time. Link acquires it early in the game and can play 12 different melodies that affect the environment: changing the time of day, summoning rain, travelling through time and more. The 'Chant du Temps' has become one of the most recognisable pieces of music in gaming history.
Correct answer: Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017) transformed the franchise with its enormous open world and non-linear gameplay. It won more game-of-the-year awards than any other title and launched alongside the Nintendo Switch. Its direct sequel, Tears of the Kingdom (2023), matched its success, selling 20 million copies in a short period.
Correct answer: Navi
Navi is the fairy guide who accompanies Link throughout The Legend of Zelda : Ocarina of Time. She is famous for her repeated 'Hey! Listen!' exclamation, which became a beloved gaming meme. Despite being considered occasionally irritating by players, Navi remains one of the most iconic companion characters in gaming.
Correct answer: In Zora's Domain, around Lanayru
Zora's Domain is the home of the Zoras, an aquatic amphibious people who have been allies of Hyrule for generations. In Breath of the Wild, it is located in the northeast of Hyrule, surrounding Lanayru's waters. The Zoras play an important role in Hyrule's history, particularly in the events that took place one hundred years before the game.
Stuck on one, or just curious how nasty it gets? Every hard mode question is here with its answer and the reasoning behind it.
Correct answer: Skull Kid
Skull Kid, a lonely imp who stole the mask from the Happy Mask Salesman.
Correct answer: Ocarina of Time
Ocarina of Time, in which Sheik turns out to be Zelda in disguise.
Correct answer: Cel-shading
Cel-shading. Fans wanted something gritty and got a cartoon, which then aged beautifully.
Correct answer: Skyward Sword
Skyward Sword, set out in the 2011 Hyrule Historia, explains the origin of the Master Sword.
Correct answer: Fi
Fi, who is always happy to give you a percentage, and to tell you your batteries are low.
Correct answer: 900
900. Hestu's reward for finding them all is not the prize most people were hoping for.
Correct answer: Gerudo
The Gerudo, who get one male child every hundred years, and that is how that went.
Correct answer: Daruk
Daruk, pilot of Vah Rudania. Yunobo is his descendant, and Sidon is a Zora prince.
Correct answer: The Zonai
The Zonai, whose devices are what let players build all those bewildering vehicles.
Correct answer: Phantom Hourglass
Phantom Hourglass, from 2007, with Linebeck providing the sarcasm.