TheLegend of Zeldaseries is known for its variation of enemy types and bosses with unique in-game mechanics. Bosses such as Ganondorf have undergone constant reiteration of gameplay mechanics, adding fresh new takes on game design.
In the most recentLegend of Zeldaentries,Breath of the WildandTears of the Kingdom, series protagonist Ganondorf has numerous fight mechanics, with the former entry utilizing horse traversal to defeat Dark Beast Ganon,one of the Zelda series largest bosses. The latter requires Link to go toe-to-toe with the Demon King in the skies of Hyrule using a Light Dragon in one ofthe series' best endings.
Consequently, the series is known for spicing things up regarding mechanics for new and returning bosses. Size is another mechanic that the franchise uses to add variety to boss fights, with even the smallest antagonists packing a punch.
The main antagonist ofThe Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Ghirahim the Demon Lord, is a ruthless enemy driven by his desire to revive his master,the selfish Demon King Demise.
After he has regained his true form, Ghirahim is revealed to be thelegendary weapon, the blade of Demise. An average humanoid in stature, Ghirahim is an expert sword fighter who challenges Link to single combat throughout the game. The boss uses rapiers and red diamond-shaped projectiles as his main fighting techniques.
Ghirahim later uses his powers to summon enemies such as Moblins as a last-ditch attempt to revive his master. Interestingly, the boss is seen as the dark twin of the Master Sword due to Ghirahim’s ability to generate a dark version of Link’s Skyward Sword attack, which Demise also uses after Ghirahim is transformed.
A Pint-Sized Leprechaun
The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks
For the first time in the history of The Legend of Zelda series, Princess Zelda is leaving the villainous clutches of the underworld behind and joining the adventure with Link. In The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks, the spirit of Zelda accompanies Link on his quest to save Hyrule.Directly impacting game play like never before, Zelda’s spirit can take control of hulking suits of armor known as Phantoms, allowing the player to direct both Link and these new allies as they battle enemies, solve puzzles and uncover secrets. Zelda also rides alongside Link on his customizable train, offering wisdom that will help players find new areas, storylines and items.The team of Link and Zelda presents countless new storyline details for fans to enjoy, including a closer look at Princess Zelda herself, one of the most iconic video game characters of all-time.
Cole is a prominent part of theLegend of Zelda: Spirit Tracksstory and a central antagonist.
A small leprechaun-like character, Cole is an advisor to Princess Zelda and a betrayer scheming to release theevil demon lord Malludusupon the lands of Hyrule by destroying the spirit tracks.
Near the end of the game, Link briefly fights the boss, who is hellbent on using Princess Zelda’s body as a vessel for Malludus. Malludus later uses Cole to fight Link in the game’s final battle, with Link technically fighting the boss a second time.
5Byrne
Short But With a Tall Redemption Arc
Byrne works alongside Cole in theLegend of Zelda: Spirit Tracksto resurrect Malludus and become more powerful than the spirits that reside throughout Hyrule. However, unlike Cole, Bryne has a redemption arc.
After being defeated by Link and fatally wounded by Malludus, Byrne assists Link and Zelda in locating the demon lord using the Compass of Light and saving Princess Zelda from being possessed in the game’s final battle. Dying in the process, Bryne solidifies himself as one of the series' true heroes despite being on the smaller side.
Players know Master Kohga for being the leader of the Yuga clan, an organization that persistently stalks Link inThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildandTears of the Kingdom.
Master Kohga, despite his short stature, is a formidable opponent. After falling to his supposed doom in the first fight in which players defeat him, Kohga appears again in Tears of the Kingdom, cheating death.
Ganandorf’s biggest fan, Kohga, looked to build a weapon for the Demon King inTears of the Kingdom. After being defeated by Link for the second time, it is unknown whether Master Kohga is still alive, with the boss not explicitly dying on screen.
Small Fire Masters
The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
Phantom Hourglass wraps the standard Zelda formula in an innovative and fun control scheme that gives new life to several of the series' age-old concepts. The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker closed with Link and Tetra setting sail for waters unknown…but their story was just beginning, and it continues on the Nintendo DS. When a mysterious fog waylays their band of pirates and leaves Link alone on a strange island, an all-new adventure begins!Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda series comes to the DS with Phantom Hourglass. The stylus makes controlling link easier than ever. Tap on the screen to make link move or sweep the stylus around him to swing the sword. Players can even draw a path for his boomerang and send it flying into hard-to-reach targets; players can stash the map on the top screen for quick reference or drop it to the touch screen to make notes, study enemies or chart a path for their boat to follow while they man the cannons; compete with a friend over a local wireless connection: guide link through special dungeons to capture the triforce or command the forces that oppose him.
The master of fire, Blaaz, isPhantom Hourglasses' smallest boss. The boss is found in the fire temple and is the protector of one of the pieces of the Phantom Hourglass known as the Sands of Hours. Although originally humanoid in stature, Blaaz is unique in that the enemy splits into three smaller copies upon players battling it.
Roughly the size of Link, these bosses are small in stature and have notable agility, requiring players to utilize the Nintendo DS’s touchscreen to throw Link’s boomerang to defeat them.
2Cubus Sisters
Tennis Loving Sisters That Are On The Shorter Side
Encountered inThe Legend of Zelda:Phantom Hour Hourglasses' fourth dungeon, the Ghost Ship, the Cubas Sisters are one of thescarier bosses in theLegend of Zeldaseriesand, surprisingly, the franchise’s biggest tennis fans.
Upon rescuing what seemed like a friendly NPC, players are forced into a disturbing game of ‘dead man’s volley’ in which they must hit projectiles back and forth to defeat the sisters while dodging obstacles such as lasers. The sisters will also fire dummy projectiles, adding to the challenge of the fight.
Putting up a battle worthy of Wimbledon due to their small size and proficiency in doubles, the Cubus Sisters can be quickly overpowered by players who know how to serve and volley.
Dark Link is a recurring villain in theLegend of Zeldaseries. Often conjured by Ganondorf, the character is the evil representation of Link, mirroring the protagonist’s moves and abilities.
Although not seen in recentLegend of Zeldatitles, Dark Link is a major antagonist in series entries such as TheLegend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. InOcarina of Time, Dark Link directly counters the player’s moves and becomes harder to defeat as he is wounded.
When overpowered, his attacks become more sporadic and aggressive. The representation of Link as a dark version of himself casts a mirror onLink’s weaknesses, psyche, and the challenges players must overcome to defeat him. Dark Link is encountered in six main series games, including Spirit Tracks, Twilight Princess,andOracle of Ages.
