5 Most Iconic Quotes From The Legend Of Zelda Series

Published Aug 22, 2026, 6:30 AM EDT

Carrie is a Senior Writer at ScreenRant who previously managed Geek to Geek Media and wrote for SwitchRPG. She is particularly knowledgeable when it comes to WoW, Diablo, and cozy games. She has a passion for supporting the indies and always enjoys sharing her passions with others through her writing.

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Considering its generally silent protagonist, The Legend of Zelda series has provided the world with a surprising number of iconic lines over the years. From the very first game in the franchise, there have been quotes that have stuck with not only its players but an entire culture. Whether it's deep, philosophical pondering or simply a word placed at just the right moment, The Legend of Zelda has a special magic to its dialogue.

As The Legend of Zelda celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, it's the perfect time to look back at some of the best and most iconic lines from these games. Naturally, everyone is going to have their own memories of moments that stuck with them, and there's no way this list can cover every incredible thought that has been said. So, I'd encourage you all to celebrate this anniversary year by thinking of your own favorites from the series.

Hey, Listen!

For many of us, Navi is a character that is widely remembered for being incredibly annoying. Even Zelda's creator, Shigeru Miyamoto, wasn't the biggest fan of the little fairy. Her role in the game as Link's companion and hint system for the player has caused a lot of animosity for players, mainly for her consistent cries of "Hey, Listen!" when she wants to help.

Though having some assistance to let you know when you're near a puzzle clue or if you seem confused about where to go next because you've been standing still too long sounds good in theory, the frequency became a bit much. She had good intentions, but ultimately became an example of one of the most famously annoying video game characters.

However, over the years, this simple "Hey, Listen!" has become one of the most remembered and love-to-hate-it lines. It's been widely used in memes, songs, and many people have even set clips of the sound as their text notifications for their phones.

Courage Need Not Be Remembered, For It Is Never Forgotten

Nintendo

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, showed the world just how strong and truly incredible Princess Zelda is. Rather than simply being a damsel in distress locked away and needing the hero to rescue her, these games give Zelda emotional strength that is empowering.

In true royal fashion, Zelda provides one of the most famous lines of the games while encouraging Link just before the final battle: "Courage need not be remembered, for it is never forgotten."

Link may not have regained all his memories, but Zelda's simple line expresses how she knows his true character within. She knows how courageous he is, and her belief in his ability to win the fight and save the day goes beyond simply what she is saying to Link. In a way, it is a powerful reminder for all of us that even when we may have our thoughts clouded by fear, anxiety, or anything else, we are still more capable than we know.

You've Met With A Terrible Fate, Haven't You?

It's interesting how one franchise can have some games that are light and cheerful and others that stand out as rather dark. Majora's Mask is a perfect example of how the series can have a darker tone. This fact is driven home when the Happy Mask Salesman sees Link in his Deku Scrub form and, having remembered him from Ocarina of Time, states, "You've met with a terrible fate, haven't you?"

It's the first thing that the Happy Mask Salesman says to Link after Link has arrived in Termina, and captures not only the immediate thought of why Link is a Deku Scrub, but also is a good synopsis of Link suddenly being in this much darker parallel world.

Interestingly, the line "You've met with a terrible fate, haven't you?" may have another meaning behind it. Some have said that the quote is a hidden statement of how the developers felt while under an intense time crunch to finish making the game, working all-nighters and struggling with work-life balance in horrible ways.

HYAH!!

Perhaps this entry feels a bit silly, as Link hasn't really spoken much at all in the 40 years since The Legend of Zelda first came out. However, despite his heroic mutism, he is still remembered for the one thing he says over and over throughout the series.

Whichever way you choose to spell it, his forceful and iconic shout of "HYAH!" is easily recognizable. Whether he's courageously swinging the Master Sword, falling from the sky, or even making a tiny hop, his loud yell has become his version of a catchphrase. It's been frequently used in memes portraying Link as if giving some meaningful quote, and in numerous comedy skits. Somehow, this simple sound has become a symbol of an otherwise silent hero.

It's Dangerous To Go Alone! Take This!

Of course, we have to include the most iconic Zelda line of all time, which remains as one of the greatest quotes in video game history. It is not only from the first game in the series, but it is literally the first words spoken to Link in the entire The Legend of Zelda series. As the game begins, Link enters a cave and receives a wooden sword from a wise old man, who tells the young Hero of Time, "It's dangerous to go alone! Take this."

I'm sure the game developers never expected that this simple statement would become so iconic in gaming culture. The quote has been echoed throughout the decades as a means of expressing the importance of not facing trials alone. I even have this next to my front door above the hooks that hold my keys. It has been repeated in wedding proposals, mental health advocacy marketing, and nearly every form of pop culture.

Although it came from a nameless "Old Man" in the 1987 The Legend of Zelda, it truly is an important reminder for all of us today. After all, it really is "dangerous to go alone."

The Legend of Zelda franchise follows the adventures of Link, an elf-like Hylian, and Princess Zelda as they protect the land of Hyrule from the evil warlord-turned-demon king Ganon. The series is known for its mix of action, adventure, and puzzle-solving elements, often revolving around the collection of the Triforce, a powerful relic left by the goddesses who created Hyrule.