Few video game franchises can claim the same level of influence, nostalgia, and cultural significance as The Legend of Zelda. Since its debut in 1986, this legendary series has captivated players with its epic storytelling, groundbreaking gameplay, and unforgettable characters.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to Hyrule, there’s always something new to discover. Here are ten fascinating facts about The Legend of Zelda that every fan should know!
1. The First Game Had a Completely Different Name in Development
Before it became The Legend of Zelda, the original game had a very different working title—“Adventure Mario”. The name was later changed to reflect its grand fantasy setting.
The developers wanted something mystical, and Shigeru Miyamoto ultimately settled on The Legend of Zelda, inspired by a historical figure (more on that next).
2. The Iconic ‘Zelda’ Name Has a Literary Origin
Princess Zelda was named after Zelda Fitzgerald, the wife of famous American novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald (The Great Gatsby). Miyamoto found her name elegant and mysterious, making it the perfect choice for the regal princess of Hyrule.
The name has since become one of the most recognised in gaming, even though many non-gamers mistakenly assume Zelda is the name of the hero (sorry, Link!).
3. Ocarina of Time Was Almost in First-Person View
Before Ocarina of Time became the revolutionary third-person adventure we know today, Nintendo originally planned for it to be a first-person game.
Developers wanted to immerse players by letting them experience Hyrule through Link’s eyes. However, this idea was scrapped to allow better swordplay mechanics and showcase Link’s animations.
Imagine how different the game would have been!
4. Breath of the Wild’s Open World Was Inspired by a Classic NES Trick
While Breath of the Wild felt like a major departure for the series, its design was actually inspired by the very first Legend of Zelda game on the NES.
Miyamoto wanted to recreate the feeling of freedom that players had in the 1986 original, where they could explore without strict guidance. The result? An open-world masterpiece that changed the gaming landscape once again.
5. The Infamous ‘Zelda Timeline’ Wasn’t Planned From the Start
For years, fans speculated about how the Zelda games connected to one another. It wasn’t until 2011, with the release of Hyrule Historia, that Nintendo officially confirmed a complicated, branching timeline.
The truth? The games weren’t originally designed with a strict timeline in mind—developers prioritised gameplay and storytelling over continuity. But that hasn’t stopped fans from piecing together theories for decades!
6. Majora’s Mask Was Created in Just One Year
Majora’s Mask, one of the darkest and most unique Zelda games, was developed under intense time constraints. After Ocarina of Time’s success, Nintendo needed a sequel quickly.
The team was given just one year to create a new game, which led to its eerie time-loop mechanic and recycled assets from Ocarina of Time. Despite this, Majora’s Mask remains one of the most beloved entries in the series.
7. Link Has a Voice Actor – Kind Of
While Link is famously a silent protagonist, he does have a voice—or at least, someone to provide his iconic grunts and battle cries.
In most games, Link’s sounds are provided by Japanese voice actor Nobuyuki Hiyama, who first voiced him in Ocarina of Time. His yells have since been reused in various games, creating a sense of continuity across the series.
Still, don’t expect him to start speaking in full sentences anytime soon!
8. Tingle Was Supposed to Be a One-Time Character
Love him or hate him, Tingle is one of the Zelda series’ most unusual characters. The 35-year-old man obsessed with fairies first appeared in Majora’s Mask—but he was never meant to be a recurring character.
However, Tingle gained a surprising cult following, especially in Japan, leading to appearances in multiple Zelda games and even his own bizarre spin-off series (Freshly-Picked Tingle’s Rosy Rupeeland).
9. The Triforce Was Inspired by a Real Symbol from Japanese History
The legendary Triforce, a central element of The Legend of Zelda, was inspired by a real symbol—the crest of Japan’s Hōjō clan.
The Hōjō family, a powerful samurai clan from the Kamakura period, used a nearly identical three-triangle emblem. This historical connection adds an extra layer of mysticism to Zelda’s lore.
10. There’s a Secret Debug Room in Ocarina of Time
Developers often include hidden “debug rooms” in games for testing purposes, and Ocarina of Time is no exception.
Using cheat codes, players can access a secret test room filled with NPCs, chests, and strange glitches. This room was never meant to be seen by the public, but resourceful fans eventually uncovered it, adding another layer of mystery to an already legendary game.
The Legend of Zelda has remained one of gaming’s most celebrated franchises for a reason—its rich history, innovative gameplay, and enduring legacy. Whether you’ve played every game or are just starting your adventure, there’s always something new to learn about Hyrule.
What’s your favourite Zelda fact? Let us know in the comments!