Impa
Race | ||
Gender | Female | |
Games | ||
Location |
Impa is a recurring character in The Legend of Zelda series. She often serves as the guardian or nursemaid of Princess Zelda.
Appearances
The Legend of Zelda
In the first game of the series, The Legend of Zelda, Impa was the first one to inform Link of Princess Zelda's plight, and how she was captured by Ganon and spread the pieces of the Triforce of Wisdom across the land. Impa sends Link on his journey to collect the Triforce of Wisdom, and, in turn, save Zelda. She is never actually seen in game; only in a part of the story that happens before Link starts his quest. Because of this, there are no sprites to be found of her, only artwork.
The Adventure of Link
Years after the events of The Legend of Zelda, Link asks Impa about a mark resembling the Triforce that appears on the back on his hand. She takes him to the North Palace and explains that a sleeping spell was cast on a previous princess and that Link must locate the Triforce of Courage to awaken her. According to Impa, he must place crystals in six palaces.[1]
Ocarina of Time
Impa appears in Ocarina of Time as the loyal Sheikah body guard, or nursemaid, of Princess Zelda. She is depicted as a woman with a sturdy build, short white hair in a small ponytail and red eyes. Her appearance is quite younger than some of the other games she appears in. She was born and raised in Kakariko Village, and still maintains a watchful eye over the village despite her duty to the Royal Family.
Link first meets Impa after sneaking past the guards in Hyrule Castle to meet with Princess Zelda. Impa then teaches Link Zelda's Lullaby because of what Zelda's dream had foretold. She then escorts Link out of the castle. After they are safely outside the Castle, Impa advises Link to go to Kakariko Village and see what clues he can find that lead to the Spiritual Stone of Fire.
Upon collecting all the Spiritual Stones, Link returns to a scene much like the dream he had at the start of the game. Impa is shown fleeing on a white horse with Zelda. Zelda then throws an object at Link, which he discovers to be the Ocarina of Time. Ganondorf is shown following close behind them on a black horse, and questions Link as to which direction Impa and Zelda went. It becomes apparent that Ganondorf has taken over Hyrule Castle, and this forced Impa to flee with Zelda.
Seven years later when Link goes to Kakariko in order to investigate the location of the Shadow Medallion, Link finds out that Impa has sealed away a great evil in the Bottom of the Well prior to the events in Ocarina of Time. This great evil had taken up residence in the Shadow Temple, and Impa had disappeared trying to seal it again. After defeating Bongo Bongo, the great evil, Impa awakens as the Sage of Shadow. She asks Link to take care of Zelda since her duties of being a Sage keep her from Zelda's side. Impa and the other Sages lend Link their power in sealing Ganondorf. Impa is last seen during the end credits standing atop Death Mountain with the other Sages.
Oracle games
In Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons, Impa is the Royal Nurse for Princess Zelda and has cared for her since her birth..[2]
Oracle of Seasons
Impa was sent to Holodrum to take Din, the Oracle of Seasons, back to Hyrule.[2] She works as the cook for the troupe of performers that Din dances for.[3] After Onox kidnaps Din, she tells Link that he must save Holodrum and restore the seasons, and that he should first visit the Maku Tree.[4]
Oracle of Ages
Impa was sent to Labrynna by Princess Zelda with instruction to bring Nayru back to Hyrule in order to protect her from shadows that surround her. Impa is found early in the game being attacked by a trio of Octoroks but once Link appears, the octoroks quickly run off. Impa is looking for Nayru and with Link's help she is able to reach the Oracle. However, it is revealed that Veran had been controlling Impa and used Link to reach Nayru and possess her body.
After reverting to her normal self, she thanks Link for saving her. After seeing the symbol of the Triforce on Link's left hand, she tells Link that he is the hero that must save this world. She will give you the Wooden Sword, which was entrusted to her by Princess Zelda. Impa will then take refuge in Nayru's house for much of the game.
In a Linked Game, Impa will give Link a Wooden Shield instead of the Wooden Sword.
The Wind Waker
Impa does not make a direct appearance in this game, though in the room of Hyrule Castle where the Master Sword is kept, there are stained glass windows depicting all the Seven Sages from Ocarina of Time.
Skyward Sword
Of the Sheikah race from the Zelda series, Impa bears all their markings and style of dress. An enemy of Ghirahim, Impa saves Zelda from Ghirahim and continues to evade him and protect her from the Demon Lord. She is a wielder of magic and uses it to defend Zelda in battle, although she is clearly no match for him, who can break her barriers with ease.
At the Temple of Time, Impa defends Zelda from Ghirahim to the best of her ability before Ghirahim overpowers her. Link acquires the Goddess's Harp from Zelda as she escapes with Impa through the Gate of Time.
Impa is the "servant of the goddess" that Ghirahim refers to as being the one who snatched Zelda out of his clutches.
Spoiler Alert! This section describes a subject that is sensitive to plot development. |
In the end of Skyward Sword, Zelda begs Impa to follow her back to Skyloft. Impa refuses, saying that as the "servant of the goddess" she must remain in her regular time era. Impa then tells Zelda to not worry because they will meet again when the time comes. Zelda then gives Impa one of her bracelets as a parting gift. Once Zelda travels back to her current time era, she sees that the old woman at the Sealed Temple has her bracelet. She realizes that she actually was with Impa the whole time. Impa then disappears.
A Link Between Worlds
Impa makes an appearance in A Link Between Worlds. She appears to take on her classical role as the aid to the princess and she wears familiar clothing.
She is later revealed as one of the seven descendants of the Seven Sages. She is captured by Yuga and held within his possession.
After Link journeys into Lorule, the seven sages are scattered throughout the overworld. Impa's painting is hidden deep within Turtle Rock. Link will need to traverse through the dungeon and defeat the boss Grinexx in order to save her.
Impa, along with the six other sages use their power to give Link the Triforce of Courage and also work to break the barrier that is surrounding Lorule Castle.
Breath of the Wild
Impa can be found in Kakariko Village where she serves as the village elder. After surviving the Calamity 100 years ago, she awaits for Link's arrival. After Link completes the first four shrines on the Great Plateau, Link is advised to visit Impa by King Rhoam during the cut-scene at the Temple of Time. Upon Link's arrival, she is pleased to see him, but soon discovers that Link has lost all of his memories.[5][6][7] Impa has a message from Zelda that she was given 100 years ago and has waited to tell Link, and once heard, Link will need to be prepared to his his life.[8][9][10][11][12]
Impa will tell Link the story of the legend that occurred 10,000 years ago of how Hyrule drove back Ganon.[13][14]
Impa will then tell Link about the Great Calamity from 100 years ago and the four Divine Beasts.[15][16]
Impa then directs Link to Hateno Village to meet Purah and Symin at the Hateno Ancient Tech Lab. This will open the Locked Mementos quest.[17][18][19] After meeting up with Purah and Symin and restoring some of the power of the Sheikah Slate, they suggest that Link head back and speak with Impa once again. Once Link has done so, this will complete the Locked Mementos quest.[20]
Impa will glance at Link's update Sheikah Slate and will immediately realize that it is the same camera that Princess Zelda used 100 years ago.[21] Impa will task Link in visiting the locations that are shown within the pictures. Doing so may help Link restore some of his lost memories. Additionally, Impa tells Link to visit her once she has found one of these locations.[22] This will begin another one of the new main quests titled Captured Memories.
Once Link has recovered one of the memories found in the Sheikah Slate, Impa will gift Link the Champion's Tunic; the very same Link wore 100 years ago. Later, after Link has recovered 17 of his memories, Impa will show Link a painting of a specific location, and explains that it portrays the area where Link will restore the final memory.
Other Appearances
Hyrule Warriors
Impa is the Commanding Officer of the Hyrule Imperial Guard and a playable character in Hyrule Warriors. She is the attendant and vassal of Princess Zelda. The leader of a family charged with supporting Hyrule's royal family from the shadows. She cares not for herself, and works exhaustively for the family and the Princess. Starting from pulling out her long sword back handed, she disposes of her enemies with exact precision in quick, feverish succession. She is a sword master, with precise movements and footwork. Impa's main weapons include the Giant Blade and the Naginata.
Cadence of Hyrule
This section is a stub. You can help the Zelda Dungeon Wiki by expanding it. |
Impa is available for purchase as a playable character in Cadence of Hyrule's "Character Pack", where she wields a long-ranged Naginata.
Trivia
- Impa's name comes from the verb "to impart", referring to her original role as the one who delivers Link's "linking" ability to Zelda.[23]
Gallery
Link discovers an ailing Impa from The Legend of Zelda
Artwork from The Adventure of Link
Artwork from The Adventure of Link
Artwork from The Adventure of Link
Ocarina of Time Impa character model
Impa teaches Zelda's Lullaby to Link in Ocarina of Time 3D
Stained Glass of Impa in The Wind Waker
Impa artwork from Skyward Sword
Young Impa from Skyward Sword
Old Impa from Skyward Sword
Impa from A Link Between Worlds
Original artwork of Impa from A Link Between Worlds
Impa in Painting from A Link Between Worlds
Artwork of Impa from Hyrule Warriors
With the Giant Blade in Hyrule Warriors
With the Naginata in Hyrule Warriors
Impa as seen in Hyrule Warriors
Impa's house from Breath of the Wild
References
- ↑ "AFTER GANON WAS DESTROYED, IMPA TOLD LINK A SLEEPING SPELL WAS CAST ON PRINCESS ZELDA. SHE WILL WAKE ONLY WITH THE POWER OF NO.3 TRIFORCE SEALED IN A PALACE IN HYRULE. TO BREAK THE SEAL,CRYSTALS MUST BE PLACED IN STATUES IN 6 WELL GUARDED PALACES. LINK SET OUT ON HIS MOST ADVENTURESOME QUEST YET... 1987 NINTENDO" — Title Screen, The Adventure of Link.
- ↑ 2.1 2.2 "Link! Are you all right? Actually, I am the nurse of Hyrule's Princess Zelda. And Din's no dancer either. She is actually the Oracle of Seasons who wields control over the forces of nature. Zelda has mystical powers that told of a curtain of shadow drawing around Din. I was instructed to take her to Hyrule in secret." — Impa, Oracle of Seasons.
- ↑ "Oh! Your eyes have opened! Are you all right? I am Impa, the troupe's cook. And you are? Link? I see. Din, the dancing girl, found you collapsed in the woods. She's cared for you through your nightmares." — Impa, Oracle of Seasons.
- ↑ "Please take my message to the Maku Tree in Horon Village. The Maku Tree is the guardian of all Holodrum. Surely he can help." — Impa, Oracle of Seasons.
- ↑ ...So you're finally awake. It has been quite a long time... Link. I am much older now, but... you remember me, don't you? - Impa, Breath of the Wild.
- ↑ What is the matter? You are looking at me as though I am a stranger to you. Those eyes... They lack the light of familiarity. It is I, courageous one, Impa. Surely you must at least remember the name Impa? - Impa, Breath of the Wild.
- ↑ I see... So you have lost your memory. - Impa, Breath of the Wild.
- ↑ Well, it matters not. In fact, that may actually be a blessing in disguise for the time being. - Impa, Breath of the Wild.
- ↑ Dearest Link... Please come a bit closer. A hundred years ago... Yes... A hundred years ago, the kingdom of Hyrule was destroyed. After you fell, Princess Zelda's final wish was to place you in a sacred slumber. And then...all alone... Alone she went to face Ganon. Before Princess Zelda went to nobly meet her fate...she entrusted me with some words she wished to say to you. I have been waiting 100 years to deliver the princess's message. However! These words, which the princess risked her life to leave you... Well, if you are to hear them... You must be prepared to risk your life as well. But I am afraid that burden may be too much to bear while you are still without your memories. I leave the choice to you. When you feel you are ready to receive the princess's message, return to me. - Impa, Breath of the Wild.
- ↑ The words that the princess risked her life to impart to you...I cannot pass them on to someone who lacks conviction. Are you prepared to risk your life for the greater good? - Impa, Breath of the Wild.
- ↑ There was a time when you would have fearlessly charged forward on such a challenge without a moment's hesitation. Well, it is what it is. In any case, please return here once your heart remembers what your mind has forgotten. - Impa, Breath of the Wild.
- ↑ Not a memory to your name, yet you are as intent as ever to charge forward with only courage and justice on your side. You have not changed a bit. Once a hero, always a hero. Very well. Since you have lost your memory, I will recount for you all that has happened... - Impa, Breath of the Wild.
- ↑ The history of the royal family of Hyrule is also the history of Calamity Ganon, a primal evil that has endured over the ages. This evil has been turned back time and time again by a warrior wielding the soul, of a hero, and a princess who carries the blood of the Goddess. With the passage of time, each conflict with Ganon faded into legend. So listen closely as I tell you of this "legend" that occurred 10,000 years ago. - Impa, Breath of the Wild.
- ↑ Hyrule was then blossoming as a highly advanced civilization. Even the most powerful monsters posed little threat to the denizens of the realm. The people thought it wise to utilize their technological prowess to ensure the safety of the land, should Calamity Ganon ever return. They constructed four mechanical wonders that came to be known as the Divine Beasts. They also built a legion of autonomous weapons called Guardians. The Divinie Beats were piloted by four individuals of exceptional skill from across the land. And thus, the plan to neutralize Ganon was forged. Upon Ganon's inevitable return to Hyrule, the princess and the hero fought alongside these four champions against this ancient evil. The Guardians were tasked with protecting the hero as the Divine Beasts unleashed a furious attack upon their terrible foe. And when the hero wielding the sword that seals the darkness delivered his final blow... The princess used her sacred power to seal away Calamity Ganon. - Impa, Breath of the Wild.
- ↑ A hundred years ago... in preparation for the foretold revival of Ganon, we strove to follow the lead of our ancestors of 10,000 years prior. But...in the end... Despite our best efforts and creful planning, we underestimated his power. In order to avoid ever making that grave mistake again, the princess left you these words... Free the four Divine Beasts. That is what she said. - Impa, Breath of the Wild.
- ↑ The four Divine Beasts are the ancient Sheikah weapons wielded by the four Champions who Ganon defeated. The Divine Beast Vah Rudania, controlled by Daruk of the Gorons. The Divine Beast Vah Medoh, controlled by Revali of the Rito. The Divine Beast Vah Ruta, controlled by Mipha of the Zora. And the Divine Beast Vah Naboris, controlled by Urbosa of the Gerudo. It would be extremely ill-advised to face Ganon without the power of the Divine Beasts to help you... You must infiltrate the Divine Beasts that were stolen away by Ganon 100 years ago and bring them back to our side. More information about these Divine Beasts can be found by locating the four races scattered across Hyrule. The Sheikah Slate will guide you on your way. You must go where it tells you and meet with each leader there. - Impa, Breath of the Wild.
- ↑ ...It seems to me that your Sheikah Slate is not yet complete. The device Princess Zelda left you is your guide and also your memory. Now, let's see... Someone at the research lab in Hateno Village might be able to help you... - Impa, Breath of the Wild.
- ↑ The location shining on the eastern edge is Hateno Village. It is a small village... One of the very few places that avoided suffering significant damage during the Great Calamity. - Impa, Breath of the Wild.
- ↑ You are Princess Zelda's only hope... and Hyrule's, as well... You cannot turn back now. Follow your heart and seize your destiny! - Impa, Breath of the Wild.
- ↑ I heard Purah was giving you the runaround, but you seem just fine. - Impa, Breath of the Wild.
- ↑ Now then... Let me see. Aha! This is, without a doubt, the Camera that Princess Zelda used 100 years ago. - Impa, Breath of the Wild.
- ↑ It could be that if you visit the locations within those pictures, you will be able to restore some of your lost memories. Come back here once you have tried going to at least one of those locations. There is something I wish to give to you. - Impa, Breath of the Wild.
- ↑ "There's also a character that would pass that information on to Zelda: an old lady named "Impa." Her name comes from the verb "to impart."" — Shigeru Miyamoto, Hyrule Historia