Summary
The Legend of Zeldafranchise has created a catalog of wacky and memorable characters throughout its existence. Link and Zelda are among some of the most recognizable video game characters of all time, especially with the commercial and critical success of its most recent installmentsBreath of the WildandTears of the Kingdom.Some characters are limited to one game, while othersbecome recurring charactersthat play various roles throughout the series.
One of these characters is Impa, a wise and trusted member of the Sheikah clan. She’s been appearing inZeldagames since the beginning, making her a longstanding character in the franchise. Impa has been featured in nine of the twenty individual main titleZeldagames. She has a far bigger role in certain titles, particularly in the 3D games. Her various forms are based on her participation in the storyline, her knowledge, and her skills - among other things.
Impa’s first ever appearance was in the originalThe Legend of Zeldagame, in which she is presented as Princess Zelda’s old nursemaid. When Ganon attacks the castle, Zelda sends Impa to find the hero who can save them all. Eventually, Link saves her from the attackers, and she recognizes him to be the hero, passing on Zelda’s message.
Unfortunately for Impa, that’s where her role begins and ends. In fact, she is only called Impa in the instruction manual and remains unnamed in the game.The Legend of Zeldais by far her least interactive appearance, and most players may not even realize they encountered her at all.
The Adventure of Linkis Impa’s second appearance. This iteration recognizes the Triforce mark on Link’s hand, and leads him to a secret chamber in Hyrule Palace, revealing the original Princess Zelda in an eternal slumber. As longtime servants of the Palace, Impa’s family have passed down the prophecy that one day a hero will arrive to save Princess Zelda, and that hero is Link.
Although Impa has a much more pivotal role inThe Adventure of Link, she is once again constrained to imparting lore and giving Link his quest. This is the real beginning of Impa’s position as a knowing character. She will come to inform Link of quests throughout her existence, but her part in this game remains limited.
BothOracle of SeasonsandOracle of Agesfeature Impa in similar roles. InOracle of Seasons, Impa goes undercover in Din’s traveling troupe to watch her, and inOracle of Seasons, she is possessed by Veran while attempting to find Nayru. Both times she gives Link information but is too injured to assist more.
Impa has a more active role in these two games, even getting close to the action and directly trying to intervene in certain events. Compared to other games, she’s still very minor to the plot and isn’t portrayed as particularly capable. Once again, she serves her commonly-seen purpose of imparting information and setting Link’s adventure into motion.
Breath of the Wildis Impa’s newest iteration. More akin to her original design, this Impa is the wise elder of Kakariko Village and imparts wisdom upon Link. Players will be prompted to seek her out, so she can explain thehistory of Calamity Ganon.
Impa was designed to be a character that provides information and advice, and this is easily the best execution of that. Making Impa a respected member of the community establishes her as the kind of person who would know many things, and her setting in Kakariko Village gives her more of an identity. Of all her semi-stationary, exposition-giving roles, this is one of the better examples.
A Link Between Worldsis one of the two games in which Impa isfeatured as a Sage. In this iteration, she’s most similar to her original design as an older woman who serves as Princess Zelda’s handmaiden. Despite this crucial role, Impa doesn’t participate in the narrative much, having been kidnapped and concealed in a portrait like the other Sages.
Compared to many of her previous roles, this version of Impa is far more important and capable. It’s one of the few times Impa is shown to have her powers, and is a long way from the simple servant. Yet, it doesn’t quite reach the capable and resourceful Impas from other games.
Tears of the Kingdom’sImpa is very active and even assigns Link the task ofinvestigating all the glyphsto discover their purpose. Once players have completed this quest, Impa can be found working with the Zonai Survey Team.
This iteration of Impa combines her intelligence and wisdom with her curious and capable nature. Despite her age, Impa is more than happy to investigate the glyphs and participate in the ongoing Zonai research. She’s not one to shy away from new and exciting things, especially when they concern her village. As far as the older versions of Impa go, this is certainly the best one to date.
Ocarina of Time’s Impa was the first to portray her as a young, strong warrior whose intelligence matches her fighting ability. Impa helps Link escape the castle when it’s under siege and flees with Zelda. She also sends Link to seek out the Spiritual Stonein Death Mountain. It’s implied over the seven-year time skip that she trains Zelda to appear as Sheik, providing her with a disguise and invaluable skills.
Impa is eventually revealed to the Sage of Shadows after she goes to the Shadow Temple to attempt to conceal an evil plaguing her village. This Impa quickly became an iconic and completely fresh take on an otherwise easily dismissed character. She’s central to the plot and is once again portrayed as a Sage who is both wise and crafty beyond her years. Her loyalty and love for Princess Zelda trumps everything, even if it means teaching her to fend for herself.
InSkyward Sword, Impa travels from the past to protect Zelda, the newestform of the Goddess Hylia. She repeatedly rescues Zelda from enemies and is clearly a very talented warrior. Impa battles Ghirahim to give Zelda time to escape through the Gate of Time and destroys the gate to prevent them from being pursued. Once the evil has been defeated, Impa promises Zelda they will meet once more, and when she and Link return to their time the gate disappears to reveal an old woman. The old Impa speaks to the Princess one last time before passing on.
This version of Impa is miles ahead of nearly every other version. She’s integral to the plot and is an extremely capable warrior. Although, like all games, she has more knowledge and wisdom than both Zelda and Link, and her brain is equally matched with her brawn. Her kind and loyal nature is established through Zelda’s affection for her. It’s a fitting and heartbreaking iteration of the character and easily ranks high in her appearances.
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