
Princess Zelda
Princess Zelda | |||||
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![]() Super Smash Bros. Ultimate artwork | |||||
First appearance | The Legend of Zelda (1986) | ||||
Latest appearance | Game & Watch: The Legend of Zelda (2021) | ||||
Portrayed by | Patricia Summersett (The Legend of Zelda series, 2017-present) Yu Shimamura (The Legend of Zelda series, 2011, 2017-present) Ayumi Fujimura (2018) | ||||
In-universe information | |||||
Species | Hylian | ||||
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- “Stow your fear; it's now or never!”
- – Princess Zelda, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (Adventure Mode: World of Light)
Princess Zelda is a major character and the titular character of The Legend of Zelda series created by Nintendo. Many different incarnations of Zelda have existed throughout the course of the series, but they commonly share traits such as they all rule over the kingdom of Hyrule, and they all have the power of the Triforce of Wisdom within them. The plot of her series is that she and Link must protect the kingdom of Hyrule from Ganon and prevent him from obtaining the two pieces of the Triforce not inside him.
Though her series is named after her, the starring role in the games is Link. Zelda serves as more of the series' equivalent of Princess Peach, but she usually has active supporting roles in the plot, sometimes even being somewhat of a sidekick to Link, rather than being solely a damsel-in-distress. For example, in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Zelda disguises herself as her alter-ego Sheik to aid Link without revealing her true identity to him.
History
Super Smash Bros. Melee
Zelda is one of the newcomers introduced in Super Smash Bros. Melee. Her design is based upon her appearance as an adult in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. She is a tall lightweight character with slow movement but powerful attacks.
Zelda's moveset mostly uses her magical abilities, while her special moves are mostly based on the spells Link can acquire in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Her neutral special move is Nayru's Love, which puts up a magical barrier that reflects attacks and damages opponents. Her side special is Din's Fire, which launches a fireball that explodes after a time. Her up special move is Farore's Wind, which causes her to disappear and reappear higher a distance away. Finally, her down special is Transform, which causes Zelda to turn into Sheik, giving her a completely different moveset.
Zelda also appears in Stage 3 of Adventure Mode, where she is fought at the Temple after the player's character makes their way out of the Underground Maze.
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Zelda returns as a default fighter for Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Her design in this game is based on her appearance in The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. While Zelda's moveset has not been changed, her Final Smash is Light Arrow, which fires a Light Arrow that strikes any opponents in its path. For her stage entrance, Zelda teleports with her eyes closed, and hands clasped to her chest.
Zelda's attacks deal more damage and higher knockback than before, but her attacks' strongest hitboxes are smaller in size while her mobility remains abysmal.
Adventure Mode: The Subspace Emissary

Zelda and Peach were watching Mario and Kirby. However, at the arrival of the Halberd, both princesses ran down to assist them after the arrival of the Primid. However, Zelda is soon captured by Petey Piranha and put into a cage along with Peach. Kirby, who battles Petey Piranha, has the choice to rescue either Peach or Zelda.
If Zelda is not rescued, Wario appears and uses a Dark Cannon to transform her into a trophy and runs off with her. She is later seen on Wario's Cargo alongside Ness, who was also turned into a trophy by Wario shooting a Dark Cannon. However, King Dedede distracts Wario by turning Luigi into a trophy and using him to lure Wario off the Cargo. Dedede steals the Cargo, takes back Luigi, and drives off. Link later spots Zelda on the Cargo before Dedede takes Mario and Pit, who were defeated by Link and Yoshi just prior. Although he loses both his newly acquired trophies to Kirby, and the engine of the Cargo is then wrecked by Pit, Dedede manages to get away with the remaining trophies he does have and makes it to his castle, where he pins badges on Luigi, Ness, and Zelda to revive them later. Unfortunately, Bowser arrives, steals Zelda and brings her to the Halberd, having a short scuffle with Mario's team along the way (and causing Zelda to lose her badge to Kirby).
If Zelda is rescued, she will team up with Kirby and escape the stadium the Warp Star right before it explodes. They fly through the sky, and are chased by the Halberd, which both Kirby and Zelda land on. However, the Arwing with Fox McCloud inside is also following the Halberd. The Halberd shoots down the Arwing which falls down and crashes into the duo, and soon, Kirby and Zelda are back on the ground now in a grassland. While Kirby wanders off looking at other things, Zelda is shot by Bowser and she turns into a trophy. Bowser sends Shadow Bugs which take over Zelda and clones her.
False Zelda takes out a Dark Cannon and tries to shoot Link and Yoshi, however is stopped by Pit and Mario. False Zelda and the two fight however she is soon defeated and turned into a trophy, which soon dissolves. However, Link saw this and thinks that Mario is a member of the Subspace Army and that he killed Zelda, so he tries to turn Mario and Pit into a trophy with Yoshi's help. They are both defeated, however, and taken by King Dedede before Kirby's intervention, after which Link attacks the Cargo's engine.
Regardless of whether or not she is rescued from Petey Piranha, she still ends up in the Halberd with Peach. Meta Knight soon arrives with Lucario and Solid Snake as his entourage, fighting off both False Zelda and False Peach before freeing the real princesses. Zelda then goes off on her own with Peach until they are united by Fox, Falco Lombardi, Lucario, and Snake to fight Duon and have Mr. Game & Watch join their team, and Meta Knight retakes the Halberd. She then goes into Subspace and finds Tabuu, but is turned into a trophy along with everyone else by him soon after, leaving it up to Kirby, revived by the badge from earlier, to revive her. If Kirby also rescued Link, then both of them will revive Ganondorf, who learns of Tabuu and joins the other heroes into the Great Maze.
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U
Zelda returns as a playable character in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, retaining her appearance from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess that was used in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Although Sheik also returns, they are now completely separate characters who cannot transform into each other; her down special attack is instead Phantom Slash, which summons a Phantom to charge forward and attack.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Zelda returns in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, as an unlockable playable character alongside the other previous fighters. In this game, her design is primarily based on her alternate dress artwork from The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, with elements from The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds. Like many other characters, Zelda is more expressive; in fact, she is given much more cheerful and energetic expressions compared to her predecessors. She also has a new Final Smash, which involves trapping opponents with the Triforce of Wisdom. Like her fellow The Legend of Zelda fighters, Zelda's victory theme has been changed to a new arrangement of their home series' main theme.
Zelda benefits from the game's universal changes: her mobility is considerably faster, no longer being one of the slowest characters in the game; her short hop timing is reduced; her attacks have less landing lag; she can directionally air dodge once again; and she can use any grounded attack out of a run and any aerial attack while climbing ladders. In addition, Zelda's special attacks receive many improvements while her attacks deal either more damage or knockback, and have lower start-up or ending lag.
In addition, Zelda appears in the World of Light's opening cutscene, where she is firstly shown along with Marth and Pit; she then tries to reflect Galeem's large laser attack along with Mewtwo, but fails, with both of them getting eliminated by the lasers and turned into dark clones. She was among the fighters who were brought under Dharkon's control after Galeem's first defeat, and represents the Triforce of Wisdom section of the Sacred Land, referencing her home series. She must then be awoken in the area to progress the story, along with Young Link, Ganondorf, Sonic and Cloud.
Classic Mode route
Wisdom Prevails | ||||
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Round | Opponent(s) | Rule | Stage | Song |
1 | Wario | Great Plateau Tower | Main Theme - The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | |
2 | Bowser | Skyloft | Ballad of the Goddess | |
3 | Mii Swordfighter (Yiga Clan outfit) ×5 | Horde Battle | Temple | Temple Theme |
4 | Giant King K. Rool | Bridge of Eldin | Dark World (for 3DS / Wii U) | |
5 | Dark Samus | Gerudo Valley | Hidden Mountain & Forest | |
6 | Link (dark costume) ×2 | Hyrule Castle | Great Temple / Temple | |
Final | Ganondorf Ganon |
Calamity Ganon Battle - Second Form Death Mountain |
Profiles and statistics
Super Smash Bros. Melee
- Instruction booklet bio: A graceful princess with powerful magical attacks.
Trophies
Name | Image | Game | Description |
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Zelda (Classic) | ![]() |
The Legend of Zelda 7/87 |
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. |
Zelda (Adventure) | ![]() |
B: Nayru's Love Smash B: Din's Fire |
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. |
Zelda (All-Star) | ![]() |
Up & B: Farore's Wind Down & B: Transform |
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. |
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Bios
- Instruction booklet: The queen[sic] of Hyrule. Her light movements belie devastating magical attacks.
- Smash Bros. DOJO!: Just like Link, Zelda’s design has also changed.
She has a slightly more subdued color scheme.
Her movement capabilities are not that good, but her magic adds power to her physical attacks. There’s a reason why her hands and feet glow, after all.
Trophies
Name | Image | Game | Description |
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Zelda | ![]() |
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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. |
Robed Zelda (with hood) | ![]() |
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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. |
Zelda (Wind Waker) | ![]() |
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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. |
Stickers
Name | Image | Game | Effect | Usable by |
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Young Zelda | ![]() |
Zelda: The Minish Cap | Battering Resistance +16 | Link, Zelda, Ganondorf, Toon Link |
Young Zelda | ![]() |
Zelda: Ocarina of Time | [Electric] - Attack +20 | All characters |
Zelda | ![]() |
Zelda: A Link to the Past | [Magic] - Attack +27 | Peach, Zelda |
Zelda | ![]() |
Zelda: Ocarina of Time | [Flame] - Resistance +18 | Link, Zelda, Ganondorf, Toon Link |
Snake's codec
- Colonel: Snake, I see you're fighting Zelda.
- Snake: Yeah, I guess. Doesn't feel right fighting someone in a dress, though.
- Colonel: Don't underestimate her just because she's a woman. Zelda's attacks are backed by powerful magic. Her hand-to-hand combat may look weak, but her magic makes it cut to the bone.
- Snake: So this rose has thorns... Interesting...
- Colonel: ...This is no time for pickup lines, Snake.
- Snake: Don't worry. I know from experience that it's the quiet ones you have to watch out for.
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U
Trophies
- Both games
- Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS-exclusive trophies
- Super Smash Bros. for Wii U-exclusive trophies
Palutena's Guidance
- Palutena: This isn't quite the Zelda you're used to.
- Pit: I hear she no longer changes form in battle.
- Palutena: That's right, but she's got a new special move: the Phantom Slash.
- Pit: Where does she get the Phantom from?
- Palutena: It's hard to say. Magic?
- Pit: WOW! I didn't realize she was such a powerful magician.
- Palutena: I could do something similar, I'm sure. But it's pretty dark magic. Now, what part of you should I use to make your Phantom?
- Pit: My Phantom?! Uh, you don't have to do that for me, Lady Palutena!
- Palutena: Oh, don't be scared! I'll just equip you and-
- Pit: Uh what will it cost me?
- Palutena: Oh, I don't know. Maybe just your...soul?
- Viridi: Hahahaha! Look how pale he got! You're really scaring him! Listen, Pit, if you can knock Zelda's Phantom out, she won't be able to call it back for a bit. Keep an eye on her.
amiibo
- Zelda is the princess of Hyrule and the namesake of The Legend of Zelda games. Her appearance may change, but she always plays an important role. 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.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Palutena's Guidance
- Pit: [gasps] Is that...Princess Zelda?
- Palutena: Yes, that's Zelda from A Link to the Past. She's a descendant of the Seven Sages. When she was captured, she used telepathy to ask Link for help.
- Viridi: Pit... Pit... Go get me a cinnamon roll...
- Pit: Right away, Zel— HEY! Knock it off, Viridi!
- Palutena: Focus, Pit! Zelda has a projectile attack called Din's Fire. It can be steered through the air, kind of like your arrows. The trajectory of Din's Fire is really hard to see, so it's important to pay extra close attention when fighting her.
- Viridi: Pit... Pit... Get me a glazed donut with rainbow sprinkles...
- Pit: Yes, right away! A glazed donut with rainbo— [growls] STOP IT!
Super Smash Blog bio
- You might recognize Zelda's look from The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds game. In battle she uses magical moves to reflect and teleport, and for her Final Smash, she seals her opponents away in the Triforce of Wisdom. If an opponent has 100% damage or more, they will be instantly KO'd!
Spirits
No. | Name | Image | Series / game | Type | Class | Strength / effect(s) | How to obtain | Spirit battle | |||
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Opponent(s) | Battle conditions | Stage | Song | ||||||||
173 | Zelda | ![]() |
The Legend of Zelda Series | Fighter | N/A | N/A | Classic Mode as Zelda | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
189 | Young Zelda | ![]() |
The Legend of Zelda Series | Primary (2) | Advanced | Shield Can be enhanced to Zelda (Ocarina of Time) at Lv. 99 |
Spirit Board | Zelda, Young Link |
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Hyrule Castle | Ocarina of Time Medley |
190 | Zelda (Ocarina of Time) | ![]() |
The Legend of Zelda Series | Primary (2) | Legend | Shield Assist Killer |
Enhanced from Young Zelda | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
238 | Zelda (Breath of the Wild) | ![]() |
The Legend of Zelda Series | Support (2) | Ace | Poison Immunity | World of Light (Forest Hill); Spirit Board | Zelda, Zero Suit Samus, Falco, Donkey Kong, Inkling (♀), Link |
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Great Plateau Tower | Main Theme - The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild |
246 | Tetra | ![]() |
The Legend of Zelda Series | Primary (2) | Ace | Shield Can be enhanced to Zelda (The Wind Waker) at Lv. 99 |
World of Light (Final Battle); Spirit Board | Toon Link | Rule: Item: Bullet Bill Hazard: Heavy Wind
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Pirate Ship | The Great Sea / Menu Select |
247 | Zelda (The Wind Waker) | ![]() |
The Legend of Zelda Series | Primary (2) | Legend | Shield Chance of Double Final Smash |
Enhanced from Tetra | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
259 | Zelda (Spirit Tracks) | ![]() |
The Legend of Zelda Series | Primary (2) | Ace | Shield Trade-Off Ability ↑ |
Enhanced from Phantom | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Gallery
Artwork
Sprites and models
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U profile icon
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate stock icon
Screenshots
Audio samples
File info |
File info |
File info |
Names in other languages
Language | Name | Meaning |
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Japanese | ゼルダ姫 Zeruda Hime |
Princess Zelda; referred to as simply「ゼルダ」in-game |
Chinese | 薩爾達公主 (Traditional) 塞尔达公主 (Simplified) Sài'ěrdá Gōngzhǔ |
Princess Zelda (Referred to as simply "薩爾達" or "塞尔达" in-game, unlike Peach and Daisy.) |
Dutch | Prinses Zelda | Princess Zelda |
French | Princesse Zelda | Princess Zelda |
German | Prinzessin Zelda | Princess Zelda |
Greek | Πριγκίπισσα Ζέλντα Prigipissa Zelda |
Princess Zelda |
Italian | Principessa Zelda | Princess Zelda |
Korean | 젤다 공주 Jelda Gongju |
Princess Zelda |
Portuguese | Princesa Zelda | Princess Zelda |
Russian | Принцесса Зельда Printsessa Zelda |
Princess Zelda |
Spanish | Princesa Zelda | Princess Zelda |
Trivia
- In Super Smash Bros. Melee's Classic Mode, Zelda cannot appear as an ally.
- In Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U, if Zelda summons a Phantom and she is KO'd after it is destroyed, she will be unable to use the move as usual, but the purple cloud on her hand will disappear.
- In the Japanese version of the E3 2018 presentation for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Zelda's model is said to be based on her appearance in A Link to the Past[1], while the English version states that the model is based on the one from A Link Between Worlds[2]. Masahiro Sakurai later settled this inconsistency by stating that the design takes elements from both appearances.[3]
- Sakurai also stated during the same presentation that the choice of her design from said games (instead of the more recent Breath of the Wild like Link) is due to that incarnation being "more into research than fighting", combined with his wish that he wanted to choose the characters' design from different The Legend of Zelda games instead of having the characters' design come from a single game (like Ocarina of Time in Melee and Twilight Princess in Brawl and for 3DS / Wii U).
External links
References
- Princesses
- Magic-users
- The Legend of Zelda characters
- Super Smash Bros. amiibo line
- Super Smash Bros. Brawl fighters
- Super Smash Bros. Brawl stickers
- Super Smash Bros. Brawl trophies
- Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U fighters
- Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS trophies
- Super Smash Bros. for Wii U trophies
- Super Smash Bros. Melee fighters
- Super Smash Bros. Melee trophies
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate fighters
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate spirits