The Legend of Zelda franchise is full of complicated and detailed lore. With over twenty main titles, each game brings a mass of new information and characters. Even direct sequels like Tears of the Kingdom introduce brand-new context. It's no wonder that The Legend of Zelda is thought to have one of the most convoluted timelines of all time. A fundamental aspect of Zelda lore is The Sages, which have been featured in the series since the original The Legend of Zelda.

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Originally, Sages were guardians of the Triforce, but as the games developed they began to represent different elements. Ocarina of Time was the first game to establish a clear set of Sages that stood for an individual element, making them instrumental to the plot. Some Sages are certainly better than others, based on a few qualifiers including their behavior, powers, and relationships with Link.

1 Sidon

The Confident Sage of Water

Sidon first appeared in Breath of the Wild as the Prince of Zora. He's a confident and enthusiastic individual who is passionate about helping his people and maintaining peace. He is the younger brother of Zelda's Champion Mipha, who unfortunately perished in a battle against Waterblight Ganon.

It is revealed in Tears of the Kingdom that Sidon is a descendant of the Sage of Water – shown in his ability to manipulate water to his will. When he and Link complete the Temple of Water, Sidon is confronted with a secret stone and absorbs it to take his rightful place as the new Sage of Water. Sidon is nearly unmatched in his positivity and faith in Link, making him a loyal ally. His history with Link shows how much Sidon has grown, and how easily he's followed in Mipha's footsteps as a hero.

2 Irene

The Trusty Sage of Spirit

Irene is the granddaughter of the Witch who lives near the Zora Domain in A Link Between Worlds. She befriends Link early on, although begrudgingly because she was given a fortune to look after something green. Irene can be used throughout the game to transport Link to weather vanes across the map.

Irene presents herself as reluctant to help Link, however speaking to the Witch reveals that Irene has referred to him as a new friend. Although the Sages in A Link Between Worlds can't do much until they're rescued, Irene is one of the most helpful characters – even after she's been kidnapped, her broom will still appear to transport Link. She truly is a trustworthy friend who's critical in a tight spot.

3 Rauru

The Wise Sage of Light

Many players will recognize the name Rauru from Tears of the Kingdom. However, before he was the Zonai King, Rauru was Ocarina of Time's ancient Sage. He appears to Link predominantly through his owl form Kaepora Gaebora.

In Ocarina of Time, Rauru is the driving force behind Link and his quest to defeat Ganondorf. He guides Link towards his destiny via his owl form, and Rauru is the one who keeps Link safe in the Temple of Light after he draws the Master Sword – allowing him to grow old enough to fulfill his role as the Hero of Time. Without Rauru's wise guidance, it stands to reason that Link would have perished long ago, making him instrumental in defeating Ganondorf.

4 Gulley

The Unsuspecting Sage of Forest

• A Link Between Worlds

Gulley is a much-beloved character from A Link Between Worlds. Prior to the game's start, Gulley and Link are clearly friends since Link works for his father, the blacksmith. Gulley is introduced by waking Link up, stating that his father is furious Link is late again.

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Part of Gulley's charm is his caring, unsuspecting nature. He's fond of the forest and animals and is usually playing outside. Nobody sees Gulley get kidnapped, and only his mother notices his disappearance. Gulley eventually awakens as the Sage of the Forest, a fitting title for such a carefree and empathetic child. He's very young for a Sage, and even confusedly refers to them as "sevensages." All of these qualities make him so likable and genuine.

5 Nabooru

The Righteous Sage of Spirit

• Ocarina of Time

The name Nabooru may sound oddly familiar to newer Zelda players, and that's for good reason. This Sage was so iconic that Breath of the Wild's Divine Beast Naboris was named after her – as stated by Urbosa. Nabooru is the Sage of Spirit from Ocarina of Time, and the second-in-command officer of the Gerudo when Ganondorf ruled.

Before she awoke as a Sage, Nabooru plotted against Ganondorf to try and prevent his evil plans. She had the morality to risk her life acting against him and was consequently brainwashed. Eventually, Link frees her, and Nabooru proves a valuable ally. No other Gerudo had the foresight or confidence to stand against Ganondorf, proving Nabooru to be one of the most honorable Sages to ever live.

6 Saria

The Kind and True Sage of Forest

• Ocarina of Time

Saria is one of Link's only genuine best friends in the whole franchise. At the beginning of Ocarina of Time, they are shown to be very close, and she proves herself a loyal ally throughout the game. Saria is kind and empathetic, and can often be found in the Sacred Forest Meadow.

Once Link has become the Hero of Time, he must rescue Saria from the Forest Temple where she will awaken as the Sage of Forest. She is wise beyond her years, acknowledging the responsibility of her title, but still never loses her love for Link. She is responsible for teaching Link the Ocarina and is integral to his growth as a character, making her invaluable to him and the game.

7 Impa

The Learned Sage of Shadows

• Ocarina of Time & A Link Between Worlds

Impa is one of the few characters to appear as a Sage in more than one game. She is the Sage of Shadows in both Ocarina of Time and A Link Between Worlds, although her appearance differs greatly in each.

Impa continually provides counsel and support to both Link and Zelda and is one of the few known Sage descendants in both games. Particularly in Ocarina of Time, Impa is crucial in the efforts to defeat Ganondorf, advising Link and protecting Zelda – training her to create her alter-ego, Sheik. She perseveres through evil and is a resourceful ally, adapting to her environment and remaining stoic in the face of danger.

8 Riju

The Commanding Sage of Lightning

Riju is the chief of the Gerudo and a friend of Link's. She first appears in Breath of the Wild and is revealed to be a direct descendant of the Champion Urbosa as well as the original Sage of Lightning. In Tears of the Kingdom, Riju has grown in confidence and honed her fighting skills, wielding scimitars and harnessing lightning.

Riju is easily one of the coolest and most powerful Sages to ever exist. Her lightning attack is formidable, and she's commanding despite her young age. In the face of danger, she grows more determined and resilient, and her judgment is true – rightly opting to trust Link. After he helps the Gerudo, Riju claims he will always be a friend, and repeatedly shows herself to be a fierce ruler.

9 Zelda

The Compassionate Sage of Time

• Ocarina of Time & Tears of the Kingdom

Princess Zelda is the empathetic ruler of Hyrule and a brave challenger of Ganondorf's evil ways. Princess Zelda is the only other character to appear as a Sage in two games. In both Ocarina of Time and Tears of the Kingdom, Zelda is revealed to be a Sage; however, in Ocarina of Time, there is no element assigned to her.

In Ocarina of Time, Zelda is known as the leader of the Sages but can be interpreted as the Sage of Time since she uses her power to send Link back in time. In a meta sense, Zelda is responsible for the diverging of the Zelda timelines, adding to their complexity. In Tears of the Kingdom, it is Zelda who makes the ultimate sacrifice to save Hyrule, and her unwavering faith in Link makes her a true friend and crucial ally.

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