You've seen the memes: people frequently reading the title, The Legend of Zelda, and then claiming to play as Zelda even though Link is actually the protagonist in each title. But have you ever stopped to consider: why isn't Zelda actually the protagonist?
Link is lauded as the Hero of Time, and has just as much of a claim to the quest of saving Hyrule (and beyond) as Zelda, as he possesses the Triforce of courage. However at the root of it, there isn't really much that Link has as a hero over Zelda. In fact, in some ways, Zelda has even more qualities and traits more befitting of being the hero of the series.
10 She Has The Triforce of Wisdom
Any fan of The Legend of Zelda series knows that puzzles are an integral gameplay component in most of its titles. The puzzles range from simply pushing blocks in certain spots to intricate roadblocks that require things like bending light and in-game physics. As such, Zelda would feel right at home solving these puzzles with the aid of the Triforce of wisdom that she is shown to possess in most entries. Sure, Link possesses the Triforce of courage, reflecting his ability to traverse dangerous dungeons and face formidable opponents, but that's only half the battle.
9 Alter Egos
Zelda demonstrates her versatility frequently throughout the series: notably, in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time with her alter ego Sheik, and in The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker as the pirate, Tetra.
Sheik is shown to possess powerful fighting techniques that she has learned from the Sheikah, as evident in the Super Smash Bros series and Hyrule Warriors.
8 Has Magical Abilties
In addition to her aptitude in fighting, Zelda has also demonstrated her latent magical abilities throughout the series. Oftentimes, the abilities are supportive, aiding Link as he fights Ganon — nonetheless, it reflects the fact that she has natural magical abilities. Link is also shown to obtain magical abilities at times throughout the series, but this is often through the aid of items or bestowed upon him by powerful beings (such as The Great Fairies).
7 Her Title
Each title in The Legend of Zelda series has players embark upon sizable quests in many different lands as Link, where he meets countless characters of different species, races and cultural backgrounds. At times, these characters may be hesitant to trust Link, as he is simply a stranger (though the Master Sword lends him legitimacy at times).
Zelda, on the other hand, has the privilege of her title at her disposal. While it would be a double-edged sword, as it would draw more attention upon her, Zelda could surely leverage her title as princess of Hyrule to gain the trust and allyship on characters across the land.
6 Has Wealth
As Link embarks on his quest throughout each title, he is often required to spend the rupees that he acquires throughout the journey to purchase things like ammo, potions, or even key items in order to proceed. Rupees are often obtained through breaking pots, completing tasks for other characters, or defeating enemies, and while abundant, can sometimes be tedious to obtain. Zelda, on the other hand, surely has boundless wealth due to her background, making any item that she would need to purchase instantly attainable.
5 Knowledge of History
On the topic of her wealthy background and her duties as princess of Hyrule, Zelda surely has been disciplined and taught many subjects during her formative years (in fact, her role in Breath of the Wild emphasizes her studious nature).
Unlike Link, who is often shown as growing up in small villages or in the woods, Zelda has a wealth of knowledge in regards to the land, history, and people of Hyrule that would certainly aid in any quest that she should embark on.
4 Can Recruit Allies Easily
Link's quests are often solo journeys — though he will often enlist in the help of some characters that he meets along the way, he primarily explores dungeons and faces formidable enemies on his own. Zelda, while certainly capable of this as well, wouldn't necessarily have to. Zelda could easily enlist in the help of Hyrule soldiers, or even use her wealth to hire fighters and mercenaries to protect herself.
3 Is Horseback Trained
Another reoccurring facet of The Legend of Zelda series is Link's trusty horse, Epona. Epona, and horses in general, aid Link in many ways, from traversing the land, completing quests, or even in intense boss battles.
Luckily, Zelda demonstrates in multiple games that she, of course, is also horseback trained —demonstrating even more that anything the Hero of Time can do, she surely can as well.
2 Demonstrates Bravery
Even if Link has the Triforce of Courage, Zelda shows without it that she holds the same level of bravery that Link demonstrates in the series that is necessary to complete each quest. Zelda goes above and beyond to ensure the safety of Hyrule frequently throughout the series, often putting herself directly into danger, sneaking out of the confines of her castle, and going face-to-face with Ganon. She shows that she doesn't need the Triforce of Courage to be brave.
1 Link Doesn't Have Much That She Doesn't
Overall, there really isn't much that Link possesses as an individual that Zelda doesn't as well. She can fight, is intelligent, is brave, and has powerful reasons to fight for what she believes in (she is the princess of Hyrule, after all!). In the end, the only thing that Link really has over Zelda is that he is selected by destiny to be the Chosen One.