Always accompanying Link's sword, a shield is a defensive item which has appeared in every game of The Legend of Zelda series. It allows Link to block certain enemy attacks to avoid damage. The shield is also the favorite snack of Like Likes. The way shields are used varies and their designs greatly differ throughout the series.
The Wooden Shield is often the first that Link encounters in his journey, either because like in Template:OOT, it is the most practical to carry and use at Link's size, or like in Twilight Princess, the shield is the closest and most readily available to Link at the time. Though not specifically noted, many of the games such as Template:ALTTP and Template:LOZ incorporate wooden shields into their plot; they are noted as adequate protection from rocks and Octorok blasts, instead of by their rudimentary wooden makeup. Shields such as these are noted to protect against such simple attacks and enemies, that they rarely serve any practical form against tougher foes, or their worst adversary: fire. Unlike the other shields of the franchise, the wooden shield's weakness to fire makes it a relatively risky choice to use under volcanic and high heat conditions. In order to accomodate this aversion to fire, wooden shields can be replaced at nearby bazaars for a nomnial price, won through events, or found across the overworld of Hyrule.
The Impregnable Shield is the more durable counterpart to the wooden shield, in that it can not only deflect all enemy attacks and projectiles, but it does not fail in the presence of high heat. The Hero's Shield of Majora's Mask fame and the Red Shield from Template:ALTTP, are prime examples of the impenetrability of these shields - even large boulders that rain down from the apex of Death Mountain don't leave a scratch on the surface of the Hylian Shield of Template:OOT. Unlike the wooden shield, which often has a minimalistic art design on its facing side, these impregnable shields commonly boast the Crest of the Royal Family and some aspect of the Triforce at their front. While the majority of these shields are metallic in construct, many in the series do not give any physical description beyond what they protect against, which is relatively more than that of the wooden variety. Shields such as these give Link a more complete look - Link is always pictured with a variation of the Hylian Shield in much of the game series' art and cover designs.
The Mirror Shield is usually the last, and sometimes even optional, shield variation Link can receive on his quest; this shield has only one main function: to reflect light. Because it's main purpose is not physically-based, it is not as effective in close battle and even during projectile deflection as its impregnable counterparts, such as the Hero's Shield of Majora's Mask. Its plot usability is determined by game: Template:OOT incorporates a mirror shield that is required to beat the Spirit Temple, while The Minish Cap presents the shield as a reward for completing a lengthy sidequest unrelated to the plot. And in every case, the mirror shield is used most exclusively to complete the dungeon it was found in, and rarely throughout the rest of the game, save certain sidequests and other small situations.
Game-Specific Shields
Many shields besides the wooden, impregnable, and mirror fill the Zelda universe, however, their presence requires different shield capabilities aside from the ones above for a certain situation. Examples include the Magical Shield from Template:LOZ that can guard from Wizzrobe attacks, the upgradable shield from Phantom Hourglass that grows in defensive capability when augmented with certain powers from Neri, and shields that are assigned and used as actual items, like the ones in Four Swords and The Minish Cap.
Function
In The Legend of Zelda, Link carries a shield marked with a cross symbol. He can only use to block projectile attacks as long he faces the direction they come and isn't using an item or his sword.[1] In A Link to the Past, as in the original The Legend of Zelda, Link can only use the shield to block projectile strikes. However, he doesn't only need to use it in the direction he's facing. As he charges his sword, Link can hold his shield on his right side, a technique that can be used to solve certain puzzles. There are three different shields in A Link to the Past.[2]
Link only uses one shield throughout The Adventure of Link. He begins his quest with a cross-bearing shield, as in the first game, though its capabilities have have improved. Not only can it deflect most projectiles, but it can also defend against melee attacks, which is crucial during combat with Iron Knuckles and Stalfos. The shield can't defend against attacks from chain hammers, axes, clubs, and fireballs.[3] Again, the shield isn't effective while Link is attacking. From beginning to end, all four of the Links of Four Swords use the same nameless shield. It can be used automatically as long as Link isn't attacking. It is needed to fight some enemies.[4] Just like in Four Swords, the four Links use the same shield throughout. It can defend against many attacks as long as the Links aren't attacking.[5] Link uses his shield automatically in Phantom Hourglass. It can protect against ranged and close-ranged attacks, as long as Link is not attacking
The shield in Link's Awakening is used as any other item in the game; by assigning it a button command. Because of this, for the first time, Link may use the shield at any time desired.[6] The shield of Template:OOA and Template:OOS are used the same as in Link's Awakening. As always, stronger shields can block stronger attacks.[7] In The Minish Cap, the shield is used similarly to the way it's used in Link's Awakening. It can block most attacks and bounce some attacks back at enemies.[8] It comes in handy when Link is dueling against Darknuts.
Ocarina of Time greatly changed the way the shield is used. All shields must be equipped before using. Link could use the shield in two ways. He could hold it while remaining stationary, tilting it in whatever direction he faces. When targeting, Link could focus on his enemy while moving freely and defending with his shield at the same time. Each shield in Ocarina of Time has unique qualities.[9] The shield mechanics of Majora's Mask are the same as those in Template:OOT, except shields are automatically equipped.[10] The shield's function closely matches that of Template:OOT and Majora's Mask.
Twilight Princess takes the shield mechanics of the previous 3D titles and expands on them. Now, when targeting an enemy, Link automatically lifts his shield in defense.[11] In addition, he can learn the Shield Attack, which can open the defenses of enemies, stun them, and deflect certain projectiles.
Shield - Link begins his journey with the shield. It can defend against Octorok rocks and Moblin spears.[12]
Magical Shield - The Magical Shield is larger and can protect against all projectiles, including River Zora fireballs and Wizzrobe spells. It can be purchased at most shops of the Hyrule overworld with prices varying from 90 to 130 Rupees.[13]
Link can later receive the Reflect Spell, a spell that increases the defensive powers of the shield, allowing it to bounce back projectiles. This ability similar to one that comes with the shield in the first three 3D games.
Fighter's Shield - The Fighter's Shield can defend against arrows and rocks. Link originally receives it from his uncle, along with the Fighter's Sword.
Red Shield - The Red Shield is larger than the Fighter's Shield and can defend against fireballs. Link can obtain the it from either tossing into a Great Fairy Fountain or buying it from the Dark World's shield shop.
Mirror Shield - The Mirror Shield is the largest shield, and its reflective surface can defend against beams. Link can find the Mirror Shield in the Turtle Rock dungeon.
Shield - Link's first item is simply called a shield. While holding the shield in front of him, Link can defend against melee and projectile attacks, push back enemies, and flip Spiked Beetles. Again, Link practically begins his adventure with his shield, which is given to him by Tarin after waking from bed rest.
Mirror Shield - Being the Mirror Shield's second appearance, it functions similarly to the A Link to the Past version, as it can deflect beams. It is found in Eagle's Tower.
Deku Shield - The Deku Shield is the first shield Link can acquire. It is lightweight, small, and only usable by Young Link. Although it can stand up to most attacks, the Deku Shield will burn when exposed to flames.[14] The shield is needed to pass Mido at the beginning of the journey. It can be purchased from the Kokiri Shop for 40 Rupees.
Hylian Shield - Being durable, heavy, large shield, Young Link can only carry Hylian Shield on his back and use it when crouching. Link needs to be an adult to tote it around as normal. The Hylian Shield can defend against most attacks.[15] It can be bought from the Bazaar, or it can found in a chest under a tombstone in the Graveyard, unless Link has one in his possession.
Mirror Shield - Only available to Link as an adult, the Mirror Shield can still deflect beams of light, either heinous or harmless, but the Link can now use it to direct beams wherever he tilts his shield toward. This technique can be used for puzzle solving.[16] However, this shield cannot bounce back rocks. The Mirror shield is found in the Spirit Temple.
Hero's Shield - Link begins the game with the Hero's Shield, a small metal shield similar in design to the Hylian Shield. If Link loses this shield to a Like Like, he can be purchase another at the Trading Post.
Wooden Shield - The Wooden Shield is a small shield and can protect against some but not all attacks. Link does not begin with this shield. He must purchase it.
Iron Shield - The Iron Shield is a large shield. It can protect against more attacks than the Wooden Shield. In Oracle of Ages, it can be acquired in from a Tokay, and in Oracle of Seasons, it can be received from the Subrosian Smithy in exchange for Hard Ore and a Wooden Shield.
Mirror Shield - Even stronger than the Iron Shield, the Mirror Shield can defend Link from the vast majority of attacks. It can only be obtained through a Password-Linked adventure.
Hero's Shield - In The Wind Waker, Link receives the Hero's Shield from his grandmother before embarking on his journey. It is essential for clearing the Forsaken Fortress the first time. This shield was rumored to have once been used by the Hero of Time himself,[17] and was passed down through Link's family as an heirloom.[18]
Mirror Shield - Late in his journey, Link acquires the Mirror Shield, which works like in does in previous 3D titles. It is found in the Earth Temple.
Mirror Shield - This version of the Mirror Shield can absorb projectile attacks and fire a laser in the opposing direction. It is received after Link allows Biggoron to taste his shield for a while.
Ordon Shield - The Ordon Shield, much like the Deku Shield, is wooden and flammable, but it is as large as the Hylian Shield. Link receives the Ordon Shield during his first trip to Ordon Village as a wolf.
Wooden Shield - Though the Wooden Shield looks different from the Ordon Shield, it has identical strengths and weakens. It can be purchased from Malo Mart, in Kakariko Village, if the Ordon Shield was to burn.
Hylian Shield - The Hylian Shield is the most superior shield and will not catch fire. The shield can be purchased from Malo Mart as soon as the store opens.
Phantom Hourglass
Only one shield, the Wooden Shield, can be found within the game, and it must be purchased from a store. Collecting ten Wisdom Gems allows Link to augment his shield with Neri's powers, drastically increasing its defensive abilities. When powered up, it can block a much wider variety of attacks, and any enemies who come in contact with it are thrown back. This defensive power can be doubled with the use of twenty Wisdom Gems.
The shield is Link's primary protective defense used to deflect objects, guard from attack, and in some instances, reflect light onto other objects. By appearing in every Zelda title to date, the shield is not only a trademark of the series, but completes Link's hero-like appearance, along with any sword he happens to wield at the time. In the Zelda universe, three common shields exist: the Wooden, the Impregnable, and the Mirror shields - from which the games, at their own discretion, add different variations and unique shields to the mix that operate differently as required by the individual games themselves.
Trivia
In the majority of Zelda games, shields of all kinds are a favorite of Like Likes, choosing to steal them from Link along with any special tunic he may be wearing at the time, whenever they swallow him.
↑"When Link is not attacking, he can use his shield that is always by his side to defend from enemy attacks. Don't forget! There are some enemy attacks Link can't defend against." (The Legend of Zelda manual, pg. 20)
↑"The shield has three potential levels of power. Your first shield can only fend off the enemy's arrows, spears and rocks. If you improve your shield or find a better one, you can defend yourself against different attacks." (A Link to the Past manual, pg. 23)
↑"Dodge objects which you can't fend off with a shield..." (The Adventure of Link manual, pg. 31)
↑"Use the shield to deflect enemy attacks. Some enemies can't be defeated without it." (Four Swords manual, pg. 43)
↑"When you're not using your sword or any other item, you can use your shield to fend off direct blows. Be careful, though! There are some attacks your shield can't defend against." (Four Swords Adventures manual, pg. 28)
↑"You can defend yourself against enemy arrows or stones using the shield. Note that you must press the Button to bring your shield up into a ready position. This will repel most enemy attacks." (Link's Awakening manual, pg. 14)
↑"Use the shield to defend against enemy attacks. Some enemies can't be defeated unless you use a shield. Once you find a stronger shield, you'll be able to defend against attacks your regular shield couldn't." (Oracle of Ages manual, pg. 28)
↑"[The shield] Blocks (and sometimes reflect) enemy attacks. Some enemies can't be defeated without a shield, but it's also just a good idea to know when to defend yourself." (The Minish Cap manual, pg. 18)
↑"Press the R Button to raise your shield. When it is raised, move it with the Control Stick." (Ocarina of Time manual, pg. 20)
↑"Normally, Link will crouch as he raises his shield, but he can also with with his shield raised when Z-Targeting is activated. You can also change the direction Link guards against by tilting the Control Stick while he is crouched behind his shield." (Majora's Mask manual, pg. 23)
↑"While holding down L, you will lock on to the enemy and defend simultaneously." (Twilight Princess manual, pg. 18)
↑"Link has this from the start of his adventures. Use it to protect him from the rocks and spears that the enemy throws." (The Legend of Zelda manual, pg. 20)
↑"This is bigger than the other shield. Use it to fend off the enemy's spells and rocks, and Zola's balls." (The Legend of Zelda manual, pg. 20)
↑"This simple shield is made of wood and not very durable." (Ocarina of Time manual, pg. 28)
↑"Hylian soldiers use this shield. It's very strong." (Ocarina of Time manual, pg. 28)
↑"The Mirror Shield deflects special attacks." (Ocarina of Time manual, pg. 28)
↑"You got the Hero's Shield! This is the legendary shield said to have been used by the hero himself!" — N/A (The Wind Waker)
↑"Hanging the family shield on the wall as decoration is another tradition that has been carried down from those days." — Link's Grandmother (The Wind Waker)
