10 Most Beloved Supporting Characters In The Legend Of Zelda
2. Impa
Princess Zelda's attendant, protector and loyal Sheikah servant has appeared in no less than eight core Zelda titles including the very first Zelda game back in 1987. This makes Impa one of the most enduring characters in the entire series and she's gone through some serious changes over time.
In her earliest appearances, Impa was portrayed as an elderly overseer who advised Princess Zelda and this concept was reintroduced during the events of Skyward Sword as part of an amazing plot twist. This design was also used in Breath of the Wild wherein the Sheikah take on a very different role but Impa's sage advice and interaction with Link remains much the same.
During the Oracle games, Impa is shown to be a buxom lady not unlike the character of 'Nursie' in Blackadder II, and plays one of her most integral roles as part of the linked game but her most iconic appearance came in Ocarina of Time as the infinitely capable Shadow Sage and Zelda's fierce bodyguard.
Were it not for Impa's teachings and guidance, Zelda would never have been able to disguise herself as Sheik and hide from Ganondorf's clutches but this is just one instance of her brilliance and, no matter her design, she remains an essential part of the series.