Who is Midna? – Zelda Lore

Midna is one of the most mysterious characters in the history of The Legend of Zelda games. Plenty of games in the series feature a guide that helps Link along his journey, but very few of them talk back to Link the way Midna does. Despite her snarky, witty veneer, she actually has a tragic backstory which is crucial to understanding the events of Twilight Princess. Here's everything you need to know about the ruler of Twili.

Warning: Major spoilers for The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.

Who is Midna in Zelda Twilight Princess?

Prior to the events of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Midna was set to rule the Twili, a mysterious race of people that lived in the Twilight Realm, separate from Hyrule. This all changed when Ganondorf was sent into exile in the Twilight Realm.

Being the evil schemer that he is, Ganondorf made a deal with Zant, who would have otherwise lost the throne to Midna. The deal was that if Zant could help Ganondorf take over Hyrule, Zant would then be king of the Twilight. The two parties agreed, and Zant took control of the Twilight Realm. He also transformed Midna into the Impish figure that she is seen in throughout the game.

Is Midna Dead after the events of Twilight Princess?

The Twili believed a legend that their hero would appear as a divine beast (not the ones from Breath of the Wild). This is what causes her to sneak into Faron Woods to find Wolf Link being dragged away. From that moment, she discerns that Link is the hero of legend, and she must do anything in her power to help him.

Related: Best Zelda games to play before Tears of the Kingdom

This is why she appears in Link's jail cell later on, to help him escape. Her dialogue paints her as somewhat manipulative, but as the game progresses, she grows warmer to Link. The two of them escape, and Midna helps Link obtain the Fused Shadow, a relic she believes will give them the power to defeat Zant.

Link and Midna find the pieces of the Fused Shadow in the three opening temples of the game, but Zant catches up with them as they collect the final piece. Zant then exposes Midna to a light spirit, leaving her within an inch of her life. She's not dead. Link is also transformed back into wolf form.

How did Zelda heal Midna?

The pair is transported back behind Hyrule Castle. Link and Midna race through the tunnels to find Zelda, who gives up her life energy so that Midna can live. This essential renders Zelda dead, but her corpse is still intact. This is important for later in the game.

Midna restores Link to his Hylian form, and the two search Hyrule for the Mirror Shards. Once collected, they can recreate the Mirror of Twilight, an object that allows for transport between Hyrule and the Twilight Realm. They later invade the Twilight Realm, defeat Zant in combat, and Midna impales Zant with the Fused Shadow.

Related: Is The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess coming to Nintendo Switch?

The game comes to an end when Link and Midna reach Hyrule Castle to face off against Ganondorf, who has taken Zelda's corpse and reanimated it with an evil spirit. Once Link defeats this Phantom Zelda, Midna uses the Fused Shadow to actually rid Zelda of Ganon's control. This is how the original Zelda comes back to life.

After Link finally defeats Ganondorf in combat, the spell on Midna is finally lifted, revealing her true form, which is more humanoid and less imp-like. The game is brought to a close when Midna leaves and destroys the Mirror of Twilight so that neither realm can invade the other again.

Is Midna going to be in Zelda Tears of the Kingdom?

Of course, when it comes to the Legend of Zelda, anything is possible. Given that the Mirror of Twilight is broken, though, it's unlikely that Midna would return. One possibility lies with Link's new mechanic in Recall, which reverses an object's action. So, in theory, he could use this on the Mirror of Twilight if it's found in that version of Hyrule.

Want more Legend of Zelda guides? Pro Game Guides has you covered with 5 secrets hidden in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom gameplay reveal.