Impa
Impa is a recurring character throughout The Legend of Zelda series, belonging to the secretive Sheikah tribe dedicated to serving the Royal Family of Hyrule. Appearing across different eras in various forms—ranging from a wise old village elder to a skilled warrior or nursemaid—she guards Princess Zelda and guides Link on his journeys by passing down ancient lore. Her name originates from the English word "impart," reflecting her traditional role as a storyteller and instructor.
Overview
Impa is a recurring character throughout The Legend of Zelda series, belonging to the secretive Sheikah tribe dedicated to serving the Royal Family of Hyrule. Appearing across different eras in various forms—ranging from a wise old village elder to a skilled warrior or nursemaid—she guards Princess Zelda and guides Link on his journeys by passing down ancient lore. Her name originates from the English word "impart," reflecting her traditional role as a storyteller and instructor.
Appearance
Impa's physical appearance varies significantly between titles, though she commonly retains Sheikah physical traits such as red eyes, slightly tan skin, and the emblem of her tribe on her attire or forehead. In Breath of the Wild and earlier classic games, she appears as an elderly woman with white hair, wearing broad hats or traditional hair sticks. In Ocarina of Time, she is depicted as a silver-haired warrior in fitted armor, whereas Skyward Sword presents her with a long blonde braid. In Age of Calamity, her younger self bears a striking resemblance to her future granddaughter, Paya.
Personality
Impa is characterized by her unwavering loyalty, serious demeanor, and profound sense of duty toward Princess Zelda and the Royal Family. While she can come across as strict or distrustful toward strangers, she is inherently deeply caring and protective. She values tangible truth, wisdom, and discipline. Even in her advanced age, she remains resolute and proactive in investigating threats to the realm, despite harboring a subtle fear of heights.
Abilities
Impa is a master of combat and traditional Sheikah arts. In Ocarina of Time, she awakens as the Sage of Shadows, capable of binding evil entities and imparting secret songs. In combat-oriented titles such as Hyrule Warriors, she wields heavy blades, daggers, or naginata with immense skill, utilizing shadow duplicates, talisman talismans, and ninja arts in battle. Additionally, she possesses vast knowledge regarding ancient legends and the Triforce.
Background
Across the eras, Impa has served as a primary guardian and advisor to the Royal Family. In Ocarina of Time, she protected Princess Zelda during Ganondorf's coup and founded Kakariko Village as a refuge before taking her place among the Seven Sages. In Breath of the Wild, having survived the Great Calamity a century prior, she serves as the village elder who reintroduces the amnesiac Link to his former duty. She later passes her leadership role to her granddaughter Paya to travel and research ancient geoglyphs.
Relationships
Impa shares a deeply devoted relationship with Princess Zelda, acting as her guardian, nursemaid, and protector. She serves as a vital guide and mentor to Link across generations. Her family includes her elder sister, the researcher Purah, and her gentle granddaughter, Paya, who succeeds her as leader of Kakariko Village. Throughout history, she stands in direct opposition to Ganondorf and his forces.
Trivia
In the original 1986 Legend of Zelda game, Impa only appeared in the instruction manual rather than within the game itself. Although absent in Twilight Princess, a character named Impaz appears, named in honor of the village founder. The naming convention for Sheikah characters in Breath of the Wild is based on fruits, making Impa's name an anagram of "pine" (pineapple).
