First launched in 1986, The Legend of Zelda series has given gamers some iconic moments and memorable quotes. Although each Zelda game has a similar format, each of the games stands apart and brings something new to the series.

Whether it’s touching on a darker topic, like in Majora’s Mask, or exploring the bond between childhood friends, like in Skyward Sword, Zelda games provide lots of memorable moments where the dialogue sticks with you long after you’ve beaten the game. It’s important to look back on the series so far, and highlight the quotes that have made the series so great.

Updated January 7, 2024 by Casey Foot: The Legend of Zelda series has heartfelt stories that fans have connected with over the years, with particular quotes standing out as a result of this. As there are plenty of games in the series, there are even more meaningful quotes that have been remembered, as well as funny moments that are impossible to forget.

Spoiler warning for various Zelda games.

23 “Whether A Parting Be Forever Or Merely For A Short Time… That Is Up To You.”

Happy Mask Salesman, Majora’s Mask

In Majora's Mask, Link is spirited away to the land of Termina, where he meets and connects with various people who live there. After defeating Majora, Link decides to return home to Hyrule, which means he must leave Skull Kid and everyone he met in Termina behind.

Though this moment is bittersweet, the Happy Mask Salesman reminds Link and Skull Kid that how long they spend apart is "up to" them, implying that they will be able to meet again. The ending of Majora's Mask is a mixture of hopeful and sorrowful, which this quote captures perfectly.

22 “Light And Shadow Can't Mix, As We All Know. But... Never Forget That There's Another World Bound To This One.”

Midna, Twilight Princess

Link and Midna's interactions are one of the highlights of Twilight Princess, as you watch the two become closer over the course of the game. This culminates when Midna must leave and return to her realm at the end of the game, and is sad to leave Link behind. Though Link and Midna cannot live in the same world, Midna doesn't want Link to forget about her or her people.

Midna accepts that the two worlds shouldn't mix, and sacrifices her own personal happiness to ensure that the Light World and the Twilight Realm are safe by destroying the Mirror of Twilight, separating them forever. As Midna is a beloved character, it's no surprise that Midna's words and this scene are always remembered.

21 “I Lack Sufficient Data To Be Sure Of My Conclusion, But I Believe This Feeling Correlates Closest To What Your People Call… Happiness.”

Fi, Skyward Sword

Residing within the Master Sword, Fi guides Link throughout his journey in Skyward Sword under Hylia's orders. With Demise defeated and Zelda successfully protected, Fi has completed her purpose of supporting Link, and tells Link she must return to the Master Sword and sleep there forever.

As Fi is robotic in nature and dedicated to her purpose, she doesn't "have the capability to fully understand the human spirit." But, through her experiences with Link, she grew to care for him and values the time they spent together, referring to her feelings as "happiness" even if she can't completely understand them.

Fi's signature sound can also be heard inside the Master Sword in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, hinting that she's happy to be helping another hero.

20 “It’s Dangerous To Go Alone! Take This.”

Old Man, The Legend Of Zelda

Before the series reached the monumental heights of Breath of the Wild’s vast landscapes, there was a hero with a sword on a journey to rescue a princess.

Although the story has remained much the same over the years, this quote has become infamous in video game history due to the scope the Zelda series has reached over its successful lifespan. When you think about the Zelda series, this quote might spring to mind, representing the series as a whole, detailing one hero’s journey to protect Hyrule from ruin.

19 "Zelda... We Rely On Your Knight, And That Legendary Sword He Carries. Our Last Line Of Defense Will Be Link."

Rauru, Tears Of The Kingdom

In Tears of the Kingdom, you learn about the events of the Imprisoning War through the Dragon’s Tear memories. In one of these memories, Princess Zelda, who has traveled to the past, tells Rauru that his plan to defeat Ganondorf with the Sages will fail. Aware that he will most likely not survive the battle ahead, Rauru informs Zelda that, if they should fail, they will pass the duty onto Link in the future.

Rauru’s words highlight the importance of Link’s duty, giving even more significance to your actions throughout the game. Link is the only one who can put an end to Ganondorf’s tyranny, finally accomplishing what Rauru and the other Sages set out to do and bridging the gap between the two time periods by being their last "line of defense".

18 "Do Not Look Away. You Witness A King's Revival, And The Birth Of His New World."

Ganondorf, Tears Of The Kingdom

Ganondorf is fueled by his lust for power in Tears of the Kingdom, and, in a bid to usurp Rauru and become the King of Hyrule, steals Queen Sonia’s Secret Stone and transforms into the Demon King. By sacrificing himself, Rauru was able to seal the Demon King beneath Hyrule Castle, where Link eventually faces his destined enemy.

The final confrontation with Ganondorf is relentless, as he sends hordes of enemies to defeat Link. After surviving Ganondorf’s minions, Link comes face to face with a skeletal version of Ganondorf who uses his Secret Stone to restore his body to his Gerudo form. As Ganondorf draws his weapon, he tells Link to “not look away” and calls himself a king who will reshape Hyrule. Paired with the intensity of the music during this scene, Ganondorf’s words help to showcase his strength and power.

17 “Yet, After All That We’ve Seen, Do We Not Share The Same Wish? Let’s Make The Wish Together, Link.”

Princess Zelda, A Link Between Worlds

In A Link Between Worlds, Link is able to travel between Hyrule and Lorule - an alternate version of Hyrule ruled by Princess Hilda. Hilda sought to steal Hyrule’s Triforce to help her people, as Lorule’s Triforce was destroyed, causing it to enter a state of chaos.

Hilda attempts to take Hyrule’s Triforce, but realizes the error of her ways, as taking the Triforce for Lorule would doom Hyrule and its people to the same fate. Hope isn’t lost though, as Princess Zelda and Link make a shared wish to restore Lorule’s Triforce. When Zelda says, “Do we not share the same wish?” it’s easy to see how naturally the decision comes to them. Seeing Zelda and Link use their wish to save Lorule is an impactful moment, especially when paired with Hilda’s tearful thank you and the image of Lorule bathed in light.

16 “We Shall Greet The Morning… Together.”

Kafei And Anju, Majora’s Mask

In Majora’s Mask, you can help the engaged couple Kafei and Anju reunite by finding the missing ceremonial wedding mask. However, even after you help the pair to be together, all is not well, as the moon continues to fall down on Termina.

Heartbreakingly, Kafei and Anju can do nothing but stay together to “Greet the morning” which will most likely never be. Despite this, they're simply happy to be "together" once again. This scene shows the bond Kafei and Anju have with one another, giving you even more of a drive to stop Majora and save Termina from its terrible fate.

15 “The Only Distance That Matters Is The Distance Between Our Hearts.”

Rhondson, Tears Of The Kingdom

Building Tarrey Town and attending Rhondson and Hudson’s wedding is one of Breath of the Wild’s best moments. In Tears of the Kingdom, Tarrey Town is flourishing, and Rhondson and Hudson have a young daughter, Mattison, who will soon be traveling to Gerudo Town to learn their culture. Hudson enlists Link to help give Mattison a special send-off, asking him to pick ten Sundelions to dye Hudson’s hot air balloon yellow.

By doing so, you’re treated to a heartfelt scene in the sun-colored hot air balloon where the family says their goodbyes. Rhondson reassures her daughter that, despite the physical distance between them, they’ll carry each other close in their hearts. Seeing this family say goodbye is a bittersweet moment, but ultimately this quote shows that the distance will not shake their bond.

14 "Those Who Do Not Know The Danger Of Wielding Power Will, Before Long, Be Ruled By It."

Lanayru, Twilight Princess

In Twilight Princess, Link and Midna visit Lanayru Spring and collect the Tears of Light there to bring back the spirit Lanaryu’s powers. Lanayru warns Link about the power of the Fused Shadow and shows Link an unsettling vision after saying this quote.

In this vision, Lanayru exemplifies the meaning of their warning - the Twili people fell to the dark power, and it could happen to Link too. If Link isn’t careful, the power that the Fused Shadow holds could consume him, even if he has good intentions.

13 "Well, My Mind Is Getting Hazy... Please Let Me Hear The Sound Of The Flute One Last Time..."

Flute Boy, A Link To The Past

The Legend of Zelda series is no stranger to sad character stories, and A Link to the Past is no exception. In the game, Link is informed that the Flute Boy set off to find the Golden Power, but unfortunately failed to return. If Link visits the Haunted Grove in the Dark World, he sees the Flute Boy, who has taken on an odd appearance.

Flute Boy asks Link to dig up his flute and bring it back to him. Sadly, when Link returns the flute, Flute Boy is unable to play it and requests that Link do so in his stead. As Link plays, the Flute Boy transforms into a tree. Although Flute Boy appears in the game’s ending as a person, it’s a heartbreaking moment nonetheless, as his last wish was simply to hear the music of his flute once again.

12 "If I Was A Seagull, I Would Fly As Far As I Could! I Would Fly To Faraway Places And Sing For Many People! …If I Wish To The Wind Fish, I Wonder If My Dream Will Come True..."

Marin, Link’s Awakening

In Link’s Awakening, Marin is a kind-hearted resident of Mabe Village who enjoys singing for everyone on Koholint Island. When speaking to Link on the Toronbo Shores, Marin confesses to Link her dream of traveling beyond Koholint, singing for people far and wide, which would be easier if she were a seagull.

In the secret ending, it’s revealed that the Wind Fish granted Marin’s wish, as she appears with wings in the original, and as a fully-fledged seagull in the DX and Nintendo Switch versions. Although Koholint has disappeared along with its people, it’s reassuring to know that Marin is happy.

11 "I Want You To Live For The Future. There May Be Nothing Left For You… But Despite That, You Must Look Forward And Walk A Path Of Hope, Trusting That It Will Sustain You When Darkness Comes."

King Of Hyrule, The Wind Waker

At the end of The Wind Waker, the King of Hyrule wishes for hope and a future for Link and Zelda using the Triforce, sacrificing the existing Hyrule to make way for a new one. Link and Zelda defeat Ganondorf and the King imparts wisdom to them, saying that, despite the difficulties they may face, they must cling to hope.

The King recognizes that, even though Ganondorf has been felled, Link and Zelda still have a tough journey ahead. It’s also a quote that you could apply to your own life - even though darkness may come, you can look towards a more hopeful future.

10 “An Incarnation Of My Hatred Shall Ever Follow Your Kind, Dooming Them To Wander A Blood-Soaked Sea Of Darkness For All Time!”

Demise, Skyward Sword

Skyward Sword establishes The Legend of Zelda’s cyclical nature involving a Princess with the blood of the goddess, and a knight with the spirit of the Hero, who must fight evil in the form of Ganon. Demise begins this cycle with these words, cursing Hyrule to forever be plagued by his hatred.

The visceral image of a “blood-soaked sea of darkness” is impactful, as it emphasizes Demise’s sheer evilness and desire to command Hyrule, spilling its people’s blood over and over. Even if Link and Zelda manage to destroy Ganon in their time, the incarnation of hatred is doomed to repeat.

9 “I Wasn’t Kidding When I Said Pay! Now You’ll Pay The Ultimate Price!”

Shopkeeper, Link’s Awakening

The Legend of Zelda is a series full of important life lessons, one of these being: don’t steal. In Link’s Awakening, if Link steals from the Town Shopkeeper, he’s faced with devastating consequences. Link will be called ‘thief’ by everyone in town, and even lose his life if he decides to show his face in the shop again.

Although it might be a bit of an overreaction to strike someone down for stealing something as trivial as a shovel or a shield, it definitely makes for a memorable moment. You’ll wish you never resorted to petty thievery.

8 “A Sword Wields No Strength Unless The Hand That Holds It Has Courage.”

The Hero’s Spirit, Twilight Princess

Courage is a prominent theme throughout the Zelda series, closely tied to Link. This quote, said by The Hero’s Spirit in Twilight Princess, highlights the importance of this courage when it comes to strength. What’s interesting about this quote is that it suggests a sword is worthless without courage, showing how essential Link’s bravery is when it comes to wielding the Master Sword.

In Hyrule Historia, it’s revealed that the Hero’s Spirit is in fact the Hero of Time, adding more weight behind this message. It’s great to see the Triforce of Courage play just as big a part as the Master Sword.

7 "Courage Need Not Be Remembered, For It Is Never Forgotten."

Princess Zelda, Breath Of The Wild

Breath of the Wild was monumental because of its vast environments and open-world gameplay that allowed you to traverse the land of Hyrule, discovering the truth behind the Calamity 100 years ago. Waking up after his 100-year slumber, Link has lost his memories and must prepare to face the evil that felled him all those years ago.

This quote is a reminder that although Link’s memories were wiped clean, the brave spirit of the Hero is still inside him. Regardless of the hardships Link faces throughout the game, such as waking up without his friends, he will never lose the courage needed to be a hero and save Hyrule.

6 "Your True Face... What Kind Of... Face Is It? I Wonder... The Face Under The Mask... Is That… Your True Face?"

Moon Child, Majora’s Mask

Majora’s Mask stands apart from other Zelda games because of its darker atmosphere, culminating in a bizarre showdown on the Moon, between Link and the titular mask. This quote is said by one of the Moon Children and represents what makes the game so great.

It poses an intriguing question about the nature of identity and the ways people portray themselves to others, particularly in comparison to their true identities. This quote is especially thought-provoking because of the nature of Link in this game, as he wears masks, assuming a new identity each time.

5 "Do You Ever Feel A Strange Sadness As Dusk Falls? They Say It's The Only Time When Our World Intersects With Theirs... [...] That Is Why Loneliness Always Pervades The Hour Of Twilight."

Rusl, Twilight Princess

This quote is representative of Twilight Princess as a whole, alluding to the sadness of the Twili people who were banished to the Twilight Realm. Here, Rusl discusses the melancholy of twilight with Link, as it’s a time when you can feel the regrets of those who have passed.

When you first play through the game, this quote might not mean that much to you, but when you return for a second playthrough, knowing the fate of the Twili people, it takes on a second meaning. Many of the Twili people feel isolated and alone, desperate to return to the Light World - perhaps it’s their sadness that Rusl is feeling.

4 “I’m Still Your Zelda.”

Princess Zelda, Skyward Sword

The relationship between Link and Zelda is one of the highlights of Skyward Sword. In this story, Link and Zelda grow up together as childhood friends in Skyloft, but their idyllic life soon changes when Demise’s seal is broken. Zelda is whisked away by Impa, and Link is desperate to find her.

After many trials and battles, Link finally catches up to Zelda and discovers the truth. Zelda is the embodiment of the Goddess Hylia and knew Link would do anything to follow her. This quote, said by Zelda during their touching goodbye, shows that she’s still the same Zelda that Link grew up with, despite the roles that they must now take on.