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Midna
Midna
from Wikipedia
Midna
The Legend of Zelda character
First gameThe Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (2006)
Last appearanceThe Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess "A New Departure" (2023)
Designed byYusuke Nakano
Voiced byAkiko Kōmoto
In-universe information
SpeciesTwili
GenderFemale

Midna (Japanese: ミドナ, Hepburn: Midona) is a fictional character in Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda series, introduced as one of the main protagonists in Twilight Princess. She is a member of the magic-wielding Twili who joins forces with Link to prevent the kingdom of Hyrule from being enveloped by a corrupted parallel dimension known as the Twilight Realm. While Midna appears as an imp-like creature in the majority of Twilight Princess, her actual form is humanoid. She was designed by Yusuke Nakano and voiced by Akiko Kōmoto. Midna also appears as a playable character in Hyrule Warriors, and makes minor appearances in the Super Smash Bros. series.

Midna was generally well received by critics and fans alike, considered one of the best new characters of the 2000s and one of the best female Nintendo characters. Her role in Twilight Princess has been compared to that of Navi, who accompanies Link in Ocarina of Time.

Concept and design

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Despite first appearing in The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, she was originally conceived in a scrapped Nintendo project.[1] Eventually re-purposed for Twilight Princess, Midna was illustrated by Yusuke Nakano and voiced by Akiko Kōmoto.[2][3] In describing the character, Twilight Princess director Eiji Aonuma called her "tsundere", an archetype where someone starts snobbish and brash, before becoming gentler and kinder over time.[4] When asked by Game Informer editor Billy Berghammer if Midna would make a follow-up appearance to her role in Twilight Princess, Aonuma found it unlikely that she would return due to the game's ending, but added that if there was enough demand, the developers may consider it.[4]

Midna's original form is a turquoise-skinned woman with body markings on her limbs, orange hair, and red eyes. As stated in The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia, her design has an "air of the Middle East" as opposed to Princess Zelda's Westernized design.[5] She wears a South Asian-like attire composed of black gagra choli with a trailing black veil. However, after being cursed by Zant, Midna became an imp.[6] In her imp form, Midna is diminutive, and the clothes she wore in her true form seem to have been fused to her. She also wears a fused shadow relic as a mask. Her bright orange hair is her main method of physical control while she is in imp form and often uses it to deal physical damage or control Link while he is in his wolf form.

Appearances

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Twilight Princess

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Midna first appeared in The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, where she was the ruler of the Twilight Realm until the villain Zant usurped the throne and turned her into an imp, taking a piece of an artifact called Fused Shadow. She decided to use the protagonist, Link, who has been turned into a wolf, and helps him escape his captors in order to get the other pieces of the Fused Shadow. Over time, Midna becomes less insensitive and sassy toward Link. After obtaining the last Fused Shadow, Zant catches the two of them off-guard and seizes it, exposing Midna to the Light Spirit Lanayru and making her fall ill while also cursing Link to remain in wolf form. Link seeks out the Master Sword to heal Midna, with Princess Zelda healing Midna, causing herself to disappear.

After obtaining the Master Sword, Link and Midna begin their search for the Twilight Mirror, only to find that Zant has shattered it. After finding the pieces and restoring it, Midna and Link travel to the Twilight Realm and defeat Zant. The two of them travel to Hyrule Castle to defeat Ganondorf, the source of Zant's power. Midna uses the power of the Fused Shadows to attempt to finish off Ganondorf, but is found to have been unsuccessful when Ganondorf approaches Link, crushing the fragment of the Fused Shadow that Midna wore on her face as a mask. After Ganondorf is defeated and Hyrule Castle is destroyed, Midna is restored to her original humanoid form. She returns to the Twilight Realm and shatters the Mirror of Twilight, separating the Light and Twilight Realms and preventing a potential repeat of Zant's actions by someone else.

Manga adaptation

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Midna appears in a long-running manga series based on Twilight Princess. The series ran from 2016 to 2022 and was written and illustrated by Japanese artist duo Akira Himekawa. The manga provides additional details to the storyline of Twilight Princess, including information about Midna's backstory, and further develops the relationship between her and Link.[7]

Hyrule Warriors

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In Hyrule Warriors, Midna is attacked by the sorceress Cia during her battle with Zant's forces and is banished from the Twilight Realm when Cia allies with Zant. While antagonistic at first, Midna allies herself with Lana and Agitha to help Link and Zelda defeat Cia and restore order, and later to defeat the revived Ganondorf. She is also playable in her true Twili form as part of the Twilight Princess DLC pack. In Hyrule Warriors Legends, a mysterious crystal briefly restores Midna to her true form. She uses her restored power to aid Princess Zelda with help from Link, but she is forced to destroy the crystal and returns to her imp form.

Other appearances

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Midna makes minor appearances in multiple entries in the Super Smash Bros. series as collectibles, including Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. In Ultimate, she also appears as an Assist Trophy, a character who can be summoned to affect the course of battle.[8][9][10][11]

For Twilight Princess HD on the Wii U, Nintendo released the Wolf Link amiibo, which features Midna riding on the back of Link in his wolf form.[12]

Reception

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Midna has received mostly positive reception from both the video game press and the public for her role in Twilight Princess. GamesRadar listed her as one of the best new characters of the 2000s, stating that she was the first relatable The Legend of Zelda character since Link, Zelda, and Ganon.[13] She was among the top female video game characters in a ranking of members of Official Nintendo Magazine's forum, with staff noting that she was popular with Nintendo fans due in part to her backstory.[14] Game Informer writer Billy Berghammer ended up loving her despite being initially skeptical, describing her as a cool character due to how she messed with Link throughout the game.[4] Nintendo Power staff identified the relationship between Link and Midna as one of the most compelling in The Legend of Zelda history.[15] Midna has been compared to several characters, most often to fellow The Legend of Zelda series character Navi. In particular, multiple critics identified her as a more interesting and less annoying take on Navi's role.[16][17] Before the release of Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Midna's inclusion as a playable character was a popular suggestion amongst fans and critics.[18][19][20]

Despite the positive reception, some have been less positive. While America's Intelligence Wire writer Dave Arey found her intriguing, he felt she was less developed than he would have liked.[21] RPGamer writer Matthew Rickert found her uninteresting and unlikable, criticizing her for taking too much of the plot's focus and replacing Zelda.[22]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Midna is a fictional character and the in the action-adventure video game The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, developed and published by for the Nintendo GameCube and in 2006, with a high-definition remaster released for the in 2016. She serves as the cursed princess of the Twilight Realm, a shadowy parallel dimension inhabited by the Twili race, and acts as Link's mischievous yet powerful companion, guiding him through the worlds of light and twilight to combat invading darkness. Transformed into an imp-like form by a curse, Midna wields potent shadow magic and rides atop Link's back in his wolf form, evolving from a self-serving ally to a heroic figure influenced by Link's and Princess Zelda's compassion. As the rightful heir to the Twili , Midna was overthrown by Zant, her ambitious minister empowered by the dark Ganondorf, who cursed her and banished her to the light world of Hyrule. Initially manipulating the imprisoned Link—transformed into a by the Twilight's encroachment—to reclaim her realm, she gradually forms a genuine partnership with him, using her magical abilities to navigate dual realms, collect the Fused Shadows (artifacts of ancient power), and ultimately confront Zant and the larger threat to Hyrule. Her character design, featuring a large helmet-like headdress, glowing orange hair, and a shadowy, ethereal presence, reflects her Twili heritage and cursed state, making her one of the series' most iconic and fan-favorite companions. Midna's role extends beyond Twilight Princess, appearing in spin-off titles such as Hyrule Warriors: Legends (2016) for the , where she is playable and reprises her imp form with shadow-based attacks. She also features in Nintendo's line, including a Wolf Link and Midna figure bundled with the remaster, which unlocks bonus content in compatible games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Throughout her appearances, Midna embodies themes of redemption, loyalty, and the balance between light and shadow, contributing significantly to the Zelda franchise's narrative depth and appeal.

Creation and development

Concept

Midna's character originated from a secret project that was canceled prior to the development of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. Art director Satoru Takizawa explained that for a companion character intended to stay by Link's side throughout the adventure was created for this earlier endeavor, but the project was scrapped, leading to the repurposing of those designs for Midna in Twilight Princess. The developers intentionally shaped Midna's personality as a "" archetype—a term Aonuma used to describe characters who begin cold or abrasive but gradually reveal a kinder, more vulnerable side—to provide a fresh contrast to traditional Zelda companions like Navi from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. In a 2007 interview, director Eiji Aonuma stated that both he and producer Shigeru Miyamoto were drawn to this personality type, believing it resonated strongly with players by allowing for evolving dynamics and emotional growth in the partnership with Link. From the outset, Midna was conceived as the rightful ruler of the Twilight Realm, a parallel world embodying the game's core duality between light and shadow, with her Twili heritage tracing back to ancient sorcerers banished by the goddesses for their dark magic. Early decisions established her transformation into an form via a curse inflicted by the antagonist Zant as a key element of her arc, symbolizing her usurpation and driving her quest for restoration alongside Link.

Design

Midna's imp form, which dominates her appearance throughout much of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, was designed by illustrator Yusuke Nakano as a representation of her cursed state imposed by the antagonist Zant. This form portrays her as a diminutive, impish creature with small stature, emphasizing her vulnerability and mischievous nature; key elements include a shadowy, ornate helmet derived from a fragment of the ancient Fused Shadow artifact, which covers much of her head and evokes dark, mystical power, and long, floating orange hair that extends dramatically behind her, adding to her ethereal and otherworldly presence. The overall aesthetic employs a color palette rooted in twilight themes, dominated by deep purples, blacks, and grays for her shadowy silhouette, accented by vibrant oranges in her hair and subtle yellow glows in her eyes to symbolize the encroaching darkness of the Twilight Realm. In contrast, Midna's true form, revealed later in the game, transforms her into a tall, regal humanoid figure, highlighting her royal heritage as the . This design features smooth skin, long flowing orange hair, piercing eyes, and elaborate body markings in darker turquoise along her limbs, paired with flowing attire that incorporates intricate, symmetrical patterns suggestive of ancient tribal motifs. The shifts to lighter, more luminous tones—pale blues and whites for her skin and gown, contrasted with golds and oranges—to convey elegance and restoration from the curse, while retaining twilight influences through subtle purple undertones and the prominent Fused Shadow element integrated into her headdress as a symbol of her reclaimed power. Her expressive animations in this form subtly nod to conceptual "" traits, blending aloofness with underlying warmth. Complementing her visual design, Midna's voice acting was provided by Japanese actress Akiko Kōmoto, whose performance delivers a sassy, echoing quality processed with reverb effects to enhance the impish, distant persona of her cursed form, creating an auditory layer that reinforces the twilight atmosphere.

Role in The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

Story involvement

Midna serves as the deuteragonist in The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, depicted as the rightful princess of the Twilight Realm who was overthrown and cursed into an imp-like form by her regent Zant, empowered by Ganondorf to usurp the throne. Banished from her realm, she encounters Link—transformed into a wolf by the encroaching Twilight—while he is imprisoned in Hyrule Castle, and the two form a reluctant alliance to combat the spreading darkness. Together, they traverse Hyrule to collect the Fused Shadows, ancient relics representing the fragmented power of the Twilight Realm's dark god, aiming to confront Zant and prevent the total invasion of Hyrule by Twilight forces. Throughout their journey, Midna's relationship with Link evolves from sarcastic banter and initial impatience—often mocking his wolf form and rural origins—to genuine companionship and mutual respect, as they face escalating threats including the corruption of Hyrule's Light Spirits. A pivotal twist occurs after defeating Zant in the Twilight Palace, when Midna reveals her hidden ambition to envelop Hyrule in eternal Twilight under her rule, donning the complete Fused Shadow to attempt this conquest; however, the Light Spirits intervene, stripping her of the power and leaving her near death. This betrayal exposes Midna's internal conflict between vengeance against Zant and her growing attachment to the light world, ultimately redeeming her through vulnerability. In a moment of solidarity, sacrifices herself by transferring her life force to restore Midna, allowing her to regain strength and confront the true antagonist, Ganondorf, who orchestrated the events from Hyrule. During the climactic battle atop Hyrule Castle, Midna channels her restored power to counter Ganondorf's final assault, shattering the Mirror of Twilight to sever the connection between realms and prevent future incursions. In the resolution, Midna is fully restored to her elegant true form as the Twilight Princess and returns to her revitalized realm, bidding a poignant farewell to Link while affirming the separation of their worlds.

Abilities and characteristics

Midna exhibits a multifaceted marked by , arrogance, and a sharp-tongued demeanor, often expressed through humorous and sarcastic dialogue that provides comic relief during tense moments in the game. Initially portrayed as antagonistic and self-serving, she manipulates Link to further her own agenda of reclaiming the Twilight Realm, but gradually evolves into a loyal and heroic partner, demonstrating growth in and selflessness as their journey progresses. This underscores her transition from a callous opportunist to a compassionate leader willing to sacrifice for the greater good. In terms of powers, Midna wields shadow-based magic derived from the Fused Shadows, ancient artifacts that enhance her abilities despite the limitations imposed by her cursed form, which originated from Zant. She can energy blasts from her hand to stun or defeat enemies, create portals for rapid transportation across Hyrule and the Twilight Realm, and exert dominion over shadows to command Twilight creatures and manipulate dark environments. When Link transforms into his form—a she facilitates—Midna rides atop him, enabling enhanced mobility, targeted attacks via energy fields for locking onto foes, and collaborative strategies in exploration and combat. These powers integrate seamlessly into , emphasizing her indispensable partnership with Link during wolf transformations, puzzle-solving, and intense boss fights where her guidance and magical support prove crucial for victory. Midna's characteristics further highlight her role as the rightful Twilight Princess and leader of the Twili race, granting her authority over the inhabitants of the Twilight Realm and a symbolic embodiment of the balance between light and shadow. In her true form, restored later in the adventure, she reveals immense latent power, including the ability to shatter the indestructible Mirror of Twilight—a feat reserved for the realm's true sovereign—hinting at her enduring, almost timeless connection to the shadows. Throughout the game, her traits foster a dynamic companionship with Link, blending her initial arrogance with evolving heroism to drive the narrative's themes of redemption and alliance.

Appearances in other media

Video games

Midna serves as a playable character in (2014), a crossover developed by and for the , as well as in its expansions and ports like Hyrule Warriors Legends (2016) for and Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition (2018) for . Players can switch between her form, which emphasizes agile combo attacks using her extendable hair to grab and fling enemies, and her true form (Twili Midna), unlocked via DLC or adventure mode, where she wields the Mirror of Twilight for shadow magic-based special attacks that summon twilight portals and energy blasts to clear large groups of foes. These mechanics adapt her shadow manipulation abilities from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess into the game's hack-and-slash battles, allowing her to ride summoned wolves for mobility and execute crowd-control moves. In the Super Smash Bros. series, Midna debuts as an Assist Trophy in (2008) for and returns in later entries including (2014) and (2018) for . When activated, she summons Wolf Link to assist the player by charging across the stage, performing spin attacks, and biting opponents, reflecting her partnership with Link's wolf form in Twilight Princess. This non-playable role limits her to brief, chaotic interventions in multiplayer battles, differing from her narrative companion status in the Zelda series. Midna reprises her role in the high-definition remaster The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD (2016) for , featuring updated visuals and gameplay tweaks while retaining her core abilities as Link's guide and combat partner in form. The bundled , which depicts Midna in form atop , unlocks the exclusive Cave of Shadows mini-dungeon for solo -mode challenges upon scanning, enhancing replayability with shadow crystal rewards for detecting invisible Poes.

Adaptations and cameos

Midna features prominently in the adaptation of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, serialized by from February 2016 to April 2023 across eleven volumes published by and later by in English. In this , Midna's role expands beyond the game's narrative, delving into her pre-curse life as the Twilight Princess and her relationships within Twili society, including a depicted childhood friendship with Zelda that underscores themes of inter-realm and betrayal by Zant. The story incorporates additional Twili lore, such as Midna's command over shadow beasts during key battles and her internal conflicts over leadership, providing deeper context to her transformation and alliance with Link. The manga's epilogue, titled "A New Departure" in the final volume released in 2023, serves as fan-service content that revisits Midna's farewell to Link, emphasizing her restored true form and the emotional weight of parting from Hyrule while hinting at unresolved tensions in the Twilight Realm. This conclusion amplifies Midna's by portraying a more intimate send-off, including moments of reflection on her growth from a cursed to a resolute . Midna receives minor references in the official Hyrule Warriors manga adaptation by Studio 8, published from 2014 to 2016, where her warrior aspects are highlighted in crossover scenarios involving the Twilight Realm's invasion by Cia. These print appearances portray her using shadow magic and her form's agility in ensemble battles, tying into the broader multiverse narrative without altering her core Twilight Princess origins. In official merchandise, Midna is represented through various collectibles, including the amiibo figure released by in 2016, which depicts her in form perched atop the wolf, compatible with games like The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD for summoning mechanics. Additionally, First 4 Figures produced limited-edition resin statues of Midna in both her imp and true forms starting in 2018, featuring glow-in-the-dark elements to capture her shadowy aesthetic and detailed bases inspired by the Twilight Realm. These items, licensed by , emphasize her iconic designs and have become staples for collectors seeking high-fidelity representations of her dual personas.

Reception and legacy

Critical reception

Midna's portrayal as Link's companion in The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess earned widespread acclaim from critics for her sassy personality and dynamic role, often highlighted as a standout element of the game. praised her as "the strongest element of Twilight Princess by far," describing the snarky imp as one who "rides around on Wolf Link's back and basically trolls him for the entire game," positioning her as a great addition to the series and a superior companion to earlier characters like Navi and Tatl from the N64 era. Similarly, commended Midna as part of the game's compelling characters and story, noting her utility as a guide who provides hints akin to Navi while offering practical assistance in wolf form, such as revealing jump paths and enabling heightened senses for navigation and combat. Series producer Eiji Aonuma emphasized Midna's intentional appeal in a 2007 interview, characterizing her as a "tsundere" archetype—initially snobbish and cruel but gradually revealing a kinder side—which was designed to make her endearing over time and contributed to her popularity among players. This development resonated, leading to Midna's frequent inclusion in rankings of top Zelda characters from the 2000s; for instance, Nintendo Life named her the best companion in the series, citing her full character arc, combat involvement, and emotional depth as surpassing other sidekicks. She has also appeared in broader "best video game sidekicks" lists, such as WhatCulture's top 20, where her wit and partnership with Link were lauded as innovative for the genre. Despite the praise, some critiques focused on aspects of Midna's narrative integration, including the underdeveloped backstory of her true form and her reduced following the transformation, which limited further exploration of her character in the game's final act. , in its ranking of Zelda titles, acknowledged her as a condescending evolution of Navi but found her snarky commentary "deeply annoying," suggesting it occasionally overshadowed her growth. Her appearances in spin-offs like have extended her legacy positively, with critics appreciating her expanded combat role as a playable fighter.

Cultural impact

Midna has garnered significant popularity among fans of The Legend of Zelda series, often ranking highly in community-driven polls and lists of beloved characters. In a 2025 Game Rant compilation of the most loved characters across the franchise, Midna placed fourth, behind only iconic figures like Link, , and Marin, highlighting her enduring appeal as a complex companion. This fan enthusiasm extends to creative expressions, with Midna frequently inspiring detailed cosplays that capture her impish design and true form, as showcased in gaming outlets like , where recreations emphasize her mischievous yet regal presence. Such popularity underscores her status as a top-tier character in fan votes, including large-scale polls where she often emerges as a favorite companion for her witty personality and narrative depth. Midna's design and have influenced discussions on female representation in gaming, positioning her as a symbol of through her journey from a cursed to a confident . Gaming analyses praise her as one of the series' strongest female leads, noting her unapologetic confidence, strategic leadership, and emotional growth, which challenge traditional damsel tropes and inspire conversations about agency for women in video games. Her iconic , with its shadowy motifs and bold accessories, has permeated fan culture, appearing in tattoos and fashion tributes that celebrate her as an emblem of resilience and style within the . Additionally, Midna fuels extensive fan theories exploring Twili lore, such as connections between the Twilight Realm and later Hyrule events, enriching the franchise's mythological depth through speculation. In terms of the Zelda franchise's legacy, Midna's prominence has driven ongoing fan advocacy for revivals of Twilight Princess, including calls for remakes or ports to modern platforms like the to reintroduce her alongside updated gameplay. The 2023 digital release of the Twilight Princess manga by , which expands on Midna's relationships and backstory, has further amplified this demand, with fans campaigning for sequels or additional appearances to explore unresolved elements of her world. These efforts reflect her lasting impact, influencing perceptions of companion characters in subsequent titles like Breath of the Wild, where sassy, independent allies echo her dynamic role.

References

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