Always accompanying Link's sword, a shield is a defensive item which has appeared in every game of The Legend of Zelda series. 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. From defending Link to being the favorite snack of Like Likes, the design and function of the shield greatly differs throughout the series.
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. Template:ALTTP and Template:OOT both contain examples of all three varieties.[1]
The Wooden Shield is often the first that Link acquires in his journey, as this type of shield is the closest and most readily available to Link at the time. Though not specifically noted, many of the games such as Template:LOZ and Template:ALTTP incorporate wooden shields; they are noted by their adequate protection from rocks and arrows and weakness against fire, instead of by their rudimentary wooden makeup. In 3D The Legend of Zelda titles, the wooden shield's weakness to fire makes it a relatively risky choice to use under volcanic and high heat conditions because contact with fire will burn the shield, namely the Deku Shield and the Ordon Shield, away completely. In order to accommodate this aversion to fire, wooden shields can be replaced at nearby bazaars for a nominal price.
The Impregnable Shield is the more durable counterpart to the wooden shield, in that it can not only deflect most enemy attacks and projectiles, but it does not fail in the presence of high heat. The Magical Shield of Template:LOZ is the first form of this shield, and the Red Shield from Template:ALTTP and Hero's Shield of Majora's Mask fame 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 Hylian Crest and 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.
Always having a smooth, reflective face, the Mirror Shield is usually the last, and sometimes even optional, shield variation Link can receive on his quest; this shield is an impregnable shield with one added function: the ability reflect light. Its plot usability is determined by game; for example, 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 side-quest unrelated to the plot. The mirror shield is used almost exclusively to complete the dungeon it was found in, and rarely throughout the rest of the game, save certain side-quests and other small situations.
Function
In all cases, Link has always used the shield to defend himself, and he can never be use his shield while attacking. Sometimes, the shield is necessary to defeat specific enemies. However, the way the shield is utilized varies; depending on the game, Link is limited to defending either automatically or manually.
Automatic
In The Legend of Zelda, Link automatically carries his shield, but it can only block projectile attacks as long he faces the direction they come.[2] Once again, in A Link to the Past, the shield exclusively deflects ranged attacks. However, he doesn't only need to use it in the direction he's facing. As he charges his sword for a Spin Attack, Link can hold his shield on his right side (except when looking east, in which case he holds it on his left side), leaving that side guarded but his front open.
Link, in The Adventure of Link, may use his shield against not only ranged attacks, but direct ones as well, which is crucial during combat with Iron Knuckles and Stalfos. However, this shield cannot defend against strikes from chain hammers, axes, clubs, and fireballs.[3] The Reflect Spell, one of the many spells Link can use in The Adventure of Link, increases the defensive powers of the shield, allowing it to bounce back projectiles. The shields of Four Swords and Four Swords Adventures can also deflect both ranged and direct attacks, but as before, they are vulnerable to certain attacks.[4] In Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks, Link's can protect against ranged and close-ranged attacks. Only in Phantom Hourglass, however, can Link use the power of Wisdom Gems to augment the defensive powers of his shield.
Manual
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 utilize the shield whenever desired.[5] This function is reused in Template:OOA and Template:OOS. The systems reappear in The Minish Cap, in which the shield can bounce some attacks back at enemies.[6]
Ocarina of Time greatly changed the way the shield functions. All shields must be equipped before using. Link can use the shield in two ways. He can hold it while remaining stationary, tilting it in whatever direction he faces. Contrary, when targeting, Link can focus on his enemy while moving freely and defending with his shield at the same time. The shield mechanics of Majora's Mask and The Wind Wakerare the same as those in Template:OOT, except shields are equipped (not used) automatically.[7]
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.[8] In addition, after he learns the Shield Attack, he can use it to open the defenses of enemies, stun them, and deflect certain projectiles.
↑"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)
↑"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)
↑"Dodge objects which you can't fend off with a shield..." (The Adventure of Link manual, pg. 31)
↑"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)
↑"[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)
↑"Normally, Link will crouch as he raises his shield, but he can also move 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 crouching 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)
