The Legend of Link
While the protagonist of The Legend of Zelda and Zelda II was the same character, A Link to the Past’s titular hero was a completely different person. This set up the recurring plot point that would eventually establish many different heroes across countless generations and three distinct timelines. Although players can often name the protagonist anything they want, his canonical name is always Link, and he is often prophesized as the hero who will defeat Ganon. The first three games exist in a timeline known as “The Decline of Hyrule,” where Link was defeated by Ganon during the events of Ocarina of Time.
The Link from A Link to the Past also stars in Oracle of Seasons, Oracle of Ages, and Link’s Awakening. A Link Between Worlds takes place six generations later and features a descendent of Link named—you guessed it—Tom! Just kidding. His name was also Link.
The Master Sword
The Master Sword was introduced in A Link to the Past; the best sword in the original NES game was called the Magical Sword, and Zelda II does not feature different swords, just sword power levels. The story of the Master Sword being sealed away until a worthy hero comes along was inspired by the Arthurian legend of Excalibur, and appeared in every Zelda game in some form after A Link to the Past.
Home Invasion
Link’s penchant for entering the homes of random NPCs and ransacking their pots has become a staple of the series, but it all started in A Link to the Past.
Ganondorf
Both Ganon’s full name, Ganondorf, and his human form are mentioned for the first time during the events of A Link to the Past. The Western version’s instruction manual reveals that Ganondorf’s last name is Dragmire, though this is never again mentioned elsewhere in the series.
Sages
A Link to the Past’s robust backstory introduces the concept of the Seven Sages. Link must often rescue Sages (or their descendants, known as Maidens in A Link to the Past), with each one often being liberated at the end of a specific dungeon. By uniting the Sages or helping their ancestors “awaken,” they assist Link in defeating Ganon, though the method changes from game to game.
Pieces of Heart
A Link to the Past was the first Zelda game to feature Pieces of Heart. Collecting four creates a complete Heart Container, increasing Link’s maximum health. Pieces of Heart became a common reward for sidequests, exploration, and minigames throughout the series.
Logo
A Link to the Past introduced a standardized logo for the series which was used, with slight modifications, for every Zelda game since.
Cuccos
The terrifying Cuccos made their debut in A Link to the Past. Attacking a Cucco summons the infamous Cucco Revenge Squad. Attacking the skeletal Cucco counterparts of the Dark World has the same effect.
Reflecting Boss Attacks
One of the coolest moments of Ocarina of Time is volleying one of Ganondorf’s magic balls back and forth with Link’s sword until the villain’s defense falters. This gameplay mechanic appears in several other Zelda titles, but made its first appearance in the battle against Ganon’s alter ego, Agahnim, in A Link to the Past.
Strangely, Link can also use the Bug-Catching Net to reflect Agahnim’s magical attacks. Other unlikely items can be used in final battles throughout the series, including the Bottle and Fishing Rod.
