From Tomb Raider’s Lara Croft to BloodRayne’s Rayne, gaming is full of lovely ladies – and The Legend of Zelda has many examples. I could be one of the many Zeldas, one of the Sages, or even the spirit of a sword. Everyone who’s played The Legend of Zelda has a soft spot for one of its unforgettable female characters. Some of my first video game waifus came from this iconic series. And every LoZ entry brings with it at least one new lady that makes my heart soar high above the fields of Hyrule. So when it comes to Hyrule’s waifus, let’s meet some of my favorites!
10. Linkle (Hyrule Warriors Legends)
Linkle is one of those characters that stand on the edge between canon and fan-fiction. For years, fans have wondered what The Legend of Zelda would be like if Link were a girl – probably because so many people thought the main playable character was Zelda back in the day. Introduced in the 3DS’ Hyrule Warriors Legends, Linkle is not actually Link’s female version – she’s just a girl who thinks she’s the reincarnated hero. She admires the heroic ideal and is always up for an adventure. If you like a cute tomboy, Linkle is a match made in the Sacred Realm.
9. Princess Ruto (Ocarina of Time)
The Princess of the Sea Zora is one of the most old-school video game crushes you can have. Her low-poly model wasn’t much to go off – and she’s a child when you first meet her – but I was a child too when I played Ocarina of Time. This aquatic tomboy seemed like the perfect girl at the time. When you return to her after seven years of standing around in the Temple of Time, she’s grown up quite a bit. She’s mature, responsible, and kind – making her an even better partner.
8. Fi (Skyward Sword)
Everybody likes a quiet and mysterious girl with hidden depths – and Fi is all that and more. As the spirit inhabiting the Goddess Sword, Fi is dedicated to helping Link stop Demise’s resurrection. She’s supportive and has all kinds of valuable skills, such as telekinesis and scanning areas for information. While Zelda was clearly Link’s love interest in Skyward Sword, it’s safe to say most of us were there for the blue girl rather than the blonde princess-to-be.
7. Malon (Ocarina of Time)
Along with Link, Zelda, and Ganon, several other characters return in one way or another throughout the series for no apparent reason. Malon is one of them. This adorable farm girl lives with her father, Talon, at the Lon Lon Ranch. From a young age, she’s learned the value of hard work and developed a connection with animals and nature. In her adult form, Malon is incredibly charming. Her pointed ears and cute smile will warm your heart, and the whole “running a farm” thing sells you the dream of settling down peacefully after saving the world. Plus she’ll take care of Epona for you. Gotta love a girl that loves your pets.
6. Paya (Breath of the Wild)
Most of us see the Sheikah as a little intimidating – but that couldn’t be farther from the truth when it comes to Paya. This young Sheikah is Impa’s granddaughter but has a very different personality. She’s shy, stutters, and may even struggle with introducing herself. I mean she gets flustered so easily and so often, it can be kind of hilarious. Still, once you get to know her, she can be very comforting and supportive. She’s also pretty smart. I also considered including Impa on the list, but one Sheikah member is enough for this ranking!
5. Medli (Wind Waker)
I have loved Medli since I first laid eyes on her at Dragon Roost Island. I was a young boy, full of dreams of sailing the Great Sea, so finding this adorable bird-girl on one of the first islands I visited was promising. Much like Ruto attended Jabu Jabu, Medli is the attendant of Sky Spirit Valoo. Since the bird-like Rito descended from the Zora, it shouldn’t surprise us that they have similar customs. Medli is also one of the few TLoZ girls that actually enters a dungeon with you to face its dangers. She’s pretty brave, despite being so small.
4. Princess Zelda (Twilight Princess)
The Princess of Hyrule has taken many forms throughout the years. Still, few have had the beauty and regal aura of Twilight Princess’ own Zelda. Matching the game’s darker and more mature aesthetic, this Zelda has the look of a stern ruler determined to lead her kingdom into prosperity. If we’re talking beauty, this Zelda has little competition. She’s tall and slender, has the most delicate features, and everything about her screams “Queen Zelda” rather than “Princess.” She’s also a brunette, which hadn’t been the case since the first two Zelda games for the NES.
3. Midna (Twilight Princess)
The one girl in Twilight Princess that gave Zelda a run for her money in terms of beauty is Midna – at least in her humanoid form. Midna may look like an imp, but she’s the Twilight Princess – ruler of the Twilight Realm and the Twili that reside within it. Living in the Twilight Realm probably isn’t easy, so Midna has a bit of a rough and callous personality at first. As the game draws on, you’ll get to see her nicer side. She’s witty, brave, and determined – and also a total bombshell in her true form. Still, even in her impish form, having Midna around would be a definite win.
2. Princess Zelda (Breath of the Wild)
The Princess from Breath of the Wild is Zelda’s more interesting incarnation by far. Rather than just a noble lady, this Zelda is also a researcher and a scholar. Her curiosity and inventiveness know no bounds, much like her sense of responsibility toward her fallen kingdom. She’s also a fighter, leading the Champions of Hyrule in their fight against Calamity Ganon. Sure, that didn’t turn out so well the first time around… but she never gives up – even 100 years later. Plus she has great legs and a sleek fashion sense that veers away from royal staples, instead going for a more practical and adventurous look.
1. Mipha (Breath of the Wild)
We don’t discriminate against demi-human species in our rankings, and Mipha is easily the cutest of them all. Much like Zelda is the Princess of Hyrule, Mipha is the Princess of the Zora – as well as one of the Champions of Hyrule, chosen to pilot the Divine Beast Vah Ruta against Ganon. The choice wasn’t arbitrary, either. Mipha is a mighty warrior wielding the Lightscale Trident, and a skilled healer. Apparently she can also forge armor – as she made the Zora Armor for Link. Something that sets the adorable Mipha apart from most other possible love interests is that she’s explicitly stated to be in love with Link. She’s also one of the very few red Zora in the series.
