A Quick History Of “Impa”

Impa is one of those characters that I think a lot of people know about in the Zelda series, but not many know about her story or variations. Most people would point to the Ocarina of Time version, or maybe the NES Zelda 1 version. This character deserves so much more love than that however, and this quick history should get you started on learning more.

Impa is a recurring character in the Legend of Zelda series, who has been portrayed in various forms throughout the franchise’s history. She is usually depicted as a loyal ally and protector of Princess Zelda, with her role and appearance changing from game to game. Here is a comprehensive guide to Impa in the Zelda series, including her history and story in each variation of the character.

1. Impa in The Legend of Zelda (1986): In the original Legend of Zelda game, Impa was introduced as an elderly woman who lived in a cave near the North Castle. She was the nursemaid of Princess Zelda and entrusted Link with the task of rescuing the princess from the clutches of the evil Ganon. Although she played a small role in the game, Impa is credited as one of the first major female characters in video game history.
2. Impa in Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (1987): In this sequel to the original game, Impa was portrayed as a young woman with long hair and a blue outfit. She was also revealed to be one of the six sages who protected the Triforce of Courage. Impa helped Link on his journey by giving him a magic spell that allowed him to see hidden doors and by telling him the location of the next sage he needed to find.
3. Impa in The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (1991): In A Link to the Past, Impa was once again portrayed as an elderly woman who lived in a cave near the castle. She helped Link by telling him the story of the Seven Sages and how they could be used to defeat Ganon. Impa also gave Link a magic medallion that could be used to clear away obstacles.
4. Impa in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998): Ocarina of Time was a major turning point for the character of Impa, as she was given a complete redesign and an expanded backstory. In this game, Impa was the leader of the Sheikah tribe, a group of warriors who served the royal family of Hyrule. She was also revealed to be one of Princess Zelda’s caretakers and protectors. Throughout the game, Impa appeared as both a young woman and an elderly woman, depending on the timeline. As a young woman, she helped Link by teaching him new songs on the ocarina and guiding him on his journey. As an elderly woman, she played a crucial role in the final battle against Ganon by using her powers to weaken the villain.

5. Impa in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (2011): In Skyward Sword, Impa was once again portrayed as the leader of the Sheikah tribe, but with a different backstory than in Ocarina of Time. In this game, Impa was a loyal servant of the goddess Hylia and helped Link on his quest to save Zelda from the evil Demise. Impa was depicted as a tall, muscular woman with short hair and a no-nonsense attitude. She was a skilled fighter and often accompanied Link on his journey, offering advice and guidance along the way.

6. Impa in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017): In Breath of the Wild, Impa was once again portrayed as an elderly woman who lived in a village near Hyrule Castle. She was one of the few remaining members of the Sheikah tribe and served as a mentor to Link, teaching him about the history of Hyrule and the powers of the Sheikah Slate.
7. Impa in The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages/Seasons (2001): In these Game Boy Color games, Impa appears as a supporting character who helps Link on his journey. In Oracle of Ages, she is a wise old woman who teaches Link the tune of the Harp of Ages. In Oracle of Seasons, she is a fierce warrior who helps Link fight General Onox.
8. Impa in The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (2006): In Twilight Princess, Impa is not directly mentioned or seen, but her role as a protector of Princess Zelda is fulfilled by a character named Telma. Telma is a kind-hearted bar owner who aids Link in his quest, and it is heavily implied that she has a connection to Impa and the Sheikah tribe.
9. Impa in The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Warriors (2014): In this spinoff game, Impa appears as a playable character and one of the main heroes of the story. She is portrayed as a skilled fighter and a leader of the Sheikah tribe, with a no-nonsense attitude and a fierce loyalty to Princess Zelda.
10. Impa in The Legend of Zelda: Age of Calamity (2020): In this prequel to Breath of the Wild, Impa appears as a young woman and one of the main characters of the story. She is shown as a talented Sheikah warrior and a close friend and advisor to Princess Zelda. Impa also plays a key role in the fight against Calamity Ganon, using her knowledge of ancient Sheikah technology to aid in the battle.

So overall, Impa is a lot more important to this series than many people might think. She plays integral roles in almost every game she appears in, and has a lot more going for her besides just being Zelda’s protector. She is extremely important to the hero’s journey, providing information or help for the young Link. She is one of my favorite characters in this series, and I hope this helps some more people love her story too.