< The Legend of Zelda

The Legend of Zelda/Fanfic Recs


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These are recommendations made by Tropers for The Legend of Zelda Fan Fics, all of which have been signed. After a few samples, you will be able to judge whether you might be interested in the 'fic, based on who recommended it. No-name recommendations will be Zapped (wiki). Nobody would back up the rec. Discussion of the recommendation is welcome on the discussion page. As such discussion is important, do remember to add the discussion page to the watchlist, if need be.

Authors, and Websites

TiggerPup91

Dictionary Ink

  • Recommended by Bookwormtiff
  • Dictionary Ink writes for many fandoms, and has a very nice collection of Zelda drabbles. Her style is peculiar as it contrasts and moves between choppy abruptness and eloquence, but somehow it flows and makes for an engaging read every time. Her Zelda pieces are good character studies, and her fics are het. Mostly. (There is one crack-fic of Zelda/Ruto...)


Seldavia

  • Recommended by Cattychan
  • This girl is spectacular when it comes to plot holes. Many of her fics (most notably The Fierce War and Cry for Hyrule) do a great job of "humanizing" Ganondorf.


The Tacochickenwings


General Fics

Stories focused on the family and the friendly relationships of the cast. Plot-focused stories or light day-in-the-life stories. Pretty much anything that isn't focused on romance.

The Hyrulian Valhalla Saga by Queenie Z

  • Recommended by Cattychan
  • Summary: Meanwhile, in the Hyrulian version of Valhalla, where the Heroes go when they die… A series of cracky shorts featuring all of the Links and their wacky adventures in the afterlife.
  • Synopsis: As mentioned in the summary, this is about all the Links spending eternity in the afterlife. Follows the new official timeline, with Skyward Sword coming first. In Chapter 4, “I Dreamt I Was A Moron”, the CD-i games and/or the animated series is mocked. Chapter 9, “Let’s Conductive Ourselves Like Abults” (deliberately misspelt) makes fun of the infamous My Inner Life. Chapter 11, “I Kissed My Past Self (And I’m Not Sure If I Liked It)” is ‘’slightly’’ disturbing. Chapter 23, “With Apologies To Akira Himekawa” refers to the artist circle that created most of the manga adaptations of the games (I’m not really sure why the author felt the need to apologize, though...). Each hero apparently manifests as they were in their prime, rather than as they were in their later years. Since every hero is named "Link", each one has been given a nickname. Here's what I've managed to figure out (listed in no particular order):
    • Ocarina of Time / Majora’s Mask Link (the Hero of Time): Time
    • Twilight Princess Link: Twilight
    • The Minish Cap Link: Mini
    • Skyward Sword Link: Sky
    • Four Swords Links (the Heroes of the Four Sword): Green, Blue, Red, and Vio (based on the Four Swords+ manga)
    • Oracle of Seasons / Oracle of Ages Link: Duo (because he saved both Holodrum and Labrynna)
    • A Link to the Past / Link’s Awakening Link: Light
    • The Wind Waker / Phantom Hourglass Link (the Hero of Winds): Wind
    • Spirit Tracks Link: Engie (because he was an engineer)
    • The Legend of Zelda Link: Brown (because he’s the only brunette)


Legend of Zelda: A New Day by Snake Staff.

  • Recommended by Forged in Darkness
  • Synopsis: Zelda attempts to keep power in a rapidly modernizing world after an attack on her father, while Link is sent out to bring her the Triforce. Interesting and fairly original ideas so far.


Hit List by zestycrouton.

  • Recommended by Mugen Kagemaru
  • Synopsis: A classic Zelda story set in a modern-day high school. On the site we have this. "It all started as a typical day at Ordon High, until a sudden school shooting turns the life of Link Hero upside down. Now, surrounded by enemies, can Link save his friends and escape the school alive?"


Ignorance is Bliss by Rift-Raft

  • Recommended by Cattychan
  • Summary: Zelda: Twilight Princess oneshot. What if Talo saw Link transport into Kakariko Village?


Awesomeness of the Ocarina: The Shameless Deconstruction and Parody of a Well Respected Game by Villain-of-Awesome


Link and Zelda Get Their Driver's Licenses by Villian-of-Awesome

  • Recommended by Jailbird408
  • Synopsis: When Link's trusty steed Epona is killed in an unfortunate volcano-related accident, he and Zelda have to find a new ride to get around. So they go to the DMV to get their driver's licenses.


A curse, not a blessing by Insane. Certifiably

  • Recommended by Cattychan
  • Summary: "The Triforce, the golden power, the blessing of the goddesses. Is it truly a blessing, or a curse?"
  • Synopisis: A different approach to the "the Chosen One" theme of the Zelda series. Not set in any particular game, just about the legacies of the Triforce-bearers. The inner thoughts of the Bearers of Wisdom, Courage, and Power.
  • Notes: Very, very sad. Uses the perspectives of Zelda, Link, and Ganondorf, in that order. Each one's POV uses a different format. Zelda's is NORMAL, Link's is ITALICIZED, and Ganondorf's is in BOLD.


To Forge the Master by Emerald Dragon

  • Recommended by Sheik
  • Synopsis: They say a legend is just a little bit of truth, wrapped in a lot of fiction. One boy, one girl, one sword, one hope, one destiny. A legend is born, and a kingdom will never be the same.


Chronicles of the Chosen Three: Unholy Triforce by Seldavia

  • Recommended by Cattychan
  • Is in no way related to that Unholy Triforce.
  • Summary: "Why is the most sacred icon in Hyrule's history seen as a curse mark? Why is Princess Zelda being held in a tower by her uncle and forbidden from practicing magic? What will happen when two other Bearers come to the castle, asking dangerous questions?"


The Great Desert by Shadsie (Might be considered AU due to the setting.)

  • Recommended by Sgt Conley
  • Synopsis: In the distant future of Hyrule, when all that remains is a vast desert, a young rancher named Link takes part in a grand adventure. With the help of heroes past, Princess Zelda, and the most unexpected of beings, Link must fight to fulfill his destiny as the next true Hero.


Hylian Lullabies by Kayari of Midnight

  • Recommended by Cattychan
  • Summary: "COMPLETE: A collection of over 100 lyrics set to many of the Background music tunes from the different Zelda games. Some are cute, some are silly, some are just plain weird. Enjoy!"
  • Synopsis: Like the summary says, this is a collection of Kayari of Midnight's fan-made lyrics to many of the songs from The Legend of Zelda franchise. "Hylian Lullabies" does not include any songs from Phantom Hourglass, Spirit Tracks, or Skyward Sword, because it was completed before those games were released.


Liberty Rock by Sergeant Conley

  • Recommended by Sanity's Papercut
  • Synopsis: As the summary puts it: "Post TP. This is the tale of the warriors who defended Liberty Rock in the name of peace in a land torn by Civil War, of the days long siege where their enemies grew in number, yet their resolve remained strong, and of the fall of the Hero of Twilight."


Zelda: Winds of a New Beginning by Alaia Skyhawk

  • Recommended by Xolroc
  • Synopsis: A few years after The Wind Waker, the oceans begin to recede and Link must discover why. It's Better Than It Sounds.


The Legend of Zelda: The Fourth Piece by Davin Sunrider

  • Recommended by Lumiere305
  • Synopsis: Eight months after the events of Twilight Princess, Link is drawn into another adventure when Hyrule is attacked by a masive army and is quickly conquered. Soon after, Link, Zelda, and a new group of allies must embark on a new journey to save Hyrule and the world beyond it...


When They Were Young by onyxpilot

  • Recommended by Cattychan
  • Summary: An orphaned boy turned feral from the hardship of living on his own. A girl alone in a small close knit village called Ordon in the southern tip of Hyrule's Ordona province. One day something happens that changes everything for her and her entire village.
  • Pairing: Link/Ilia, but mostly as friends, since they're much younger when this story takes place.


Ascension by Damien

  • Recommended by Watashiwa
  • Synopsis: Post Majora's Mask, Link is spending his time trying to find out about his parentage and avoiding the orphanage's attempts to get him adopted. His life gets complicated when a delegation of Terminan nobles arrives in Hyrule via the Lost Woods, searching for the Hero of Time... except no one knows what he looks like, or what race he is! Things rapidly spin out of control from there. Warning: HIGHLY not canon.


Cry for Hyrule by Seldavia

  • Recommended by Watashiwa
  • Synopsis: Running alongside Wind Waker, Cry for Hyrule shows a different side to the King of Red Lions, and suggests a different impetus for the Great Flood. Warning: Not canon, darkish.


Breaking Zelda's Curse by Seldavia

  • Recommended by Comartemis
  • Synopsis: For centuries the name Zelda has been cursed with loneliness, suffering, and tragedy. But I will not surrender to the Bearer of Power. I will not deny my bond with the Bearer of Courage. My name will not decide my fate.


Free as the Wind by Trickster's Imagination

  • Recommended by User:Meikyu Butterfly, Aditi Young, User:Marioguy 128
  • Synopsis: In their respective Time-periods, Link of Twilight Princess and Link of Ocarina of Time (and Navi and Midna) are both caught by a mysterious storm at lake Hylia. After being infused with each other's memories, they find themselves stranded in the other timeline, on Outset Island, just in time for Link's (The Wind Waker) catastrophic eleventh birthday. The story follows the framework of the The Wind Waker, but deviates in various points, mostly though the two adult Link's heavy influence on the Kid-Link by tring to pull him into different directions: While Ocarina of Time Link, who entered a Heroic BSOD upon realizing that there was a timeline where his attempt to secure Hyrule just flat out FAILED, tries to train the boy into becoming the one who can bring Hyrule back, Twilight Princess Link wants the boy to decide for himself, instead of being sucked into some ancient prophecy.


Exoria by Sudentor

  • Recommended by l3wt, Meiousei, owlbot, Minkette, User:REV 6 Pilot
  • Sypnosis: Set many centuries after Zelda canon, Hyrule is now a modern superpower that shares the continent with two other nations of equal strength which are in a stalemate, Gerudo and Valent. When Valent begins an unexplained but ruthless invasion of both Hyrule and Valent, Crown Princess Zelda has to do what she can to save her nation...and finds hope in the strangest of places, that being Hylian Joint Intelligence Agent Link.


Curse of the Triforce by Lord Syntax

  • Recommended by Pentrox
  • Synopsis: 400 years before Ganondorf's birth, the Triforce first becomes the object of mortals' desires. Heroes, kings and thieves clash in their bid for its terrible power, heralding the dawn of a new, bloody age in the history of Hyrule. Prequel to OoT and AoL.


Insomnia by tikitikirevenge

  • Recommended by Null
  • Status: Ongoing
  • Synopsis: A novelisation of Majora's Mask done in a captivating style that sheds new light on the characters, scenario and setting.


Legend of Zelda: The Return by Rose Zemlya

  • Recommended by Malonromani
  • Completed 10-31-03
  • Synopsis: Takes place after OoT with the assumption that Link lost all of his memories of the events in the game when Zelda sent him back in time.


Legend of Zelda: Reconciliation by Rose Zemlya


The Golden Power by DB Ainsw

  • Recommended by Lavanya Six
  • Synopsis: A few months after the events of Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Princess Zelda and Link each struggle with their lives now utterly changed by the fight against Ganon and the Triforce power they now possess. But even with the final death of Ganon, the Goddesses have plans...


Group of Weirdos: Ocarina of Time by Mr. Light Chicken Bulbs

No Such Counsel by Guardian1

  • Recommended by Frantic Rat
  • Synopsis: Set after Twilight Princess, the aftermath of it all and our hero is bearing the brunt of it all.


On Being Young by Guardian1

  • Recommended by Bookwormtiff
  • Synopsis: "She is the fierce pirate captain, and he is her purehearted maiden... Or so Tetra would like to think." Another wonderful oneshot by Guardian1, this time set in the Wind Waker universe. This is very, very mildly Link/Tetra, and it's short, sweet, cute, so vivid, and very in-character. Also extremely addictive.


Impa's Story by Ted Anderson

  • Recommended by Shay Guy
  • Synopsis: The story of Impa's life, from the loss of all she'd ever known and her subsequent meeting with the goddesses, up to Ocarina of Time.


The Legend of Zelda: The Chameleon Stone by Lupi Loop

  • Recommended by Quin Kylar
  • Synopsis: Let's have Lupi Loop's Official Summary do the talking: The Legend of an unstable Link, a long-suffering Zelda and a special Ganondorf who loves Seeing Stones and baths with his Rubber Ducks, as they go head-to-head with a fallen goddess for the power to make dreams reality. mayhem & zelink.


The Ocarina Of Time by Peptuck

  • Recommended by corin
  • Pairing: Strong hints of Link/Malon
  • Status: Was previously a Dead Fic, but a recent announcement by the author stated that he is resuming it.
  • Synopsis: Exactly What It Says on the Tin: An in-depth Novelization of The Ocarina of Time written by the same author behind Tiberium Wars. Deviates somewhat from the story, mostly for narrative reasons and to improve the dungeon sequences. Integrates elements of Twilight Princess into the plot.


The Silent Kingdom by Freedan the Eternal

  • Recommended by Arc Varanus
  • Synopsis: A what-if story set in the wake of the Twilight Princess. Link, Midna, and Zelda are the only survivors of a dark magic that has turned every living creature and plant in Hyrule to stone. Now, they journey to a distant land called Mystara to find the one responsible, and a way to save the kingdom. Lots of new friends and enemies await them as they explore this new land, and little do they know, the three of them will eventually decide the fate of not just Hyrule, but the entire world.


Potential of Man and Moblin by karkashan

  • Recommended by belgariad
  • Synopsis: A discussion held between Ganon and Link in Spectacle Rock near the finale of the first game.


The Legend of Zelda: Sacred Reliquary by Sharper Than the Sword

  • Recommended by Ugolino
  • Synopsis:This is not the Hyrule you know. An ageless Princess rules from cold spires high above, a dark horror stalks the nights, a small band of rebels fights for the people, and a ruthless warrior named Ganondorf thirsts for the blood of nobles.


The Legend of Zelda: The Edwaker by ACEAMC

  • Recommended by the tri-ruler
  • Synopsis: "Not so long ago, before the winds of change blew, there existed three boys. Though they were very different from each other, they were friends and shared many things, including an island called Outset." Basically, it's the Wind Waker with a fresh note of comedy. It's rated T for its occasionally crude humor and constant violence.


For the Love of One's Country by Seldavia

  • Recommended by Pata Hikari
  • Synopsis: Ganondorf has taken over Hyrule, Zelda is imprisoned in the castle tower. And all they can do is wait for Link Chusai, Zelda's bodyguard ends up becoming Ganondorf's bodyguard and second in command, in order to attempt to reduce the damage done while they wait.


Steeped In Fearful Armor, by Marching Madly Onward

  • Recommended by: Comartemis
  • Synopsis: Ganondorf Dragmire considers a great many things. His people, his past, his ambitions, and more... Behold the King of Evil. Behold a man.


Go West, My Great Aunt Fanny, by dress without sleeves

  • Recommended by Oracle Seven
  • Synopsis: After the forest temple, Link gives that disembodied voice what-for. Crack!Fic.


The Legend of Zelda: Legacy of the Sages by Kerian Halcyon

  • Recommended by Progeny Ex Machina
  • Synopsis: 100 years after the events of Ocarina of Time, the Hero's Identical Great-Grandson is the happy, hardworking heir to Lon Lon Ranch. On his eleventh birthday, his life changes entirely when he is called upon to save Hyrule from a band of powerful sorcerers who want to bring Ganondorf back.


Tainted Heart, by fleets

  • Recommended by Smash Queen
  • Synopsis: What led to Vaati's obsession with ultimate power? Would he still have become evil had circumstances been different? Perhaps his story of his life as a Minish holds some answers.


The Legend of Link: The Burning Blade by Link 13 PGF

  • Recommended by dnzrx
  • Synopsis: Set a few years after the end of Twilight Princess, Link was betrayed by the country he worked to save and was driven out of Hyrule into the world outside of Hyrule, into the world of Fire Emblem.


Eloze by Darklink.

  • Recommended by Shiftyeyeddog
  • Synopsis: Set after the main timeline of the series and draws on the events of Ocarina of Time, Majora's Mask, A Link to the Past, Adventure of Link, Link's Awakening and even the Legend of Zelda cartoon series. After defeating Ganon yet again, Link and Zelda investigate a way to stop Ganon once and for all. This is a huge series, with several complete stories, but the series itself is unfinished.


The Galdr of Release by Quantum Cat.

  • Recommended by holyexpletive
  • Synopsis: "It starts with vibes, stupid things that annoy more than anything. Then those vibes become visions. Then those visions become memories. Memories of times that never happened. Finally, Midna realizes just how much she hates the heavens. Typical..." An on-going story set during and after Twilight Princess, offering a brilliant explanation of how Link can die so many times during a game and get back up as if nothing ever happened, as well as elaborating on the characters' lives post-Twilight.


Shadowed by Cere (Also found here and here).

  • Recommended by jaimeastorga2000
  • Status: Abandoned
  • Synopsis: As the plot of Ocarina of Time draws to a close, Ganadorf finishes his greatest creation; Vindari, a monster with the power to warp time. Soon thereafter he finds himself slain at the hands of the Hero of Time. Distraught, Vindari does the only thing he can do, and travels back in time to the beginning of the game. Thus begins a retelling of Ocarina of Time, with one extra character around who knows what things are yet to come, and who is going to help Ganadorf prepare for them...


More than it Seems by Electra Goop

  • Recommended by beeruckzII
  • Pairings: Link/Zelda, Dark Link/Midna, others.
  • Synopsis: Link, Sheik, Dark, Tetra, Midna, Zelda, and Aryll are in for an adventure unlike any other. The tables are turned when it's Link and Aryll in trouble. Will the rest of the gang be able to save them before it's too late? Or die trying to save them?


A Spirit of Courage by Ruthie of the Wildcats

  • Recommended by burntnovember
  • Status: still in-progress
  • Synopsis: An AU fic set after Ocarina of Time. Link fails in the final battle, and Zelda makes an escape with the broken Master Sword. A century and a half later, an aptly named young woman who carries the Triforce of Courage must set out on a quest to break the seals on the six Sages, repair the Master Sword, and eventually take on Ganon. Has a lot of interesting and creative tie-ins to Ocarina of Time.


Last of Days by ElectromagNick

  • Recommended by RL Yoshi
  • Status: Ongoing; currently in the first arc
  • Synopsis: "It has been years since the world saw a war. Hyrule, Termina, the Twilight Realm, many others, all at peace. All together to form a utopia. But there is evil rising, and this time, we have no hero who will survive the trials. We have only ourselves..." An AU fic set as the 'end' of the Zelda franchise (hence the name), combining elements from every game into one story.


Red Inheritance by The Loud Guy (Pre-OoT)

  • Recommended by Isaac Masterpiece
  • Synopsis: Told from a young Nabooru's point of view, this one-shot reflects the young Gerudo's pondering over the future King of Evil. Includes some interesting dialogue regarding Ganondorf's motivations.


The Biggest of Lies by Kasuto of Kataan (AU, femmeslash in the sequels)

  • Recommended by Xander K
  • Synopsis: Follow Link and Zelda as they delve into the secret of the Triforce, and uncover the biggest of lies.


Kokiri Ukyo [dead link] by Shritistrang

  • Recommended by SAMAS
  • Synopsis: Kokiri Ukyo - A different retelling of The Ocarina of Time, this time with various members of the Ranma ½ cast mixed in.


Rend

  • Recommended by serpentchan
  • Status: Ongoing, though it's a revamp of an older fic that the author still has posted, if you need to know what happens next.
  • Synopsis: Ganondorf takes control of a The Render, a monster that can warp time and space, and sends the cast of Four Swords through The Hyrule (or ocean) of Twilight Princess and Wind Waker. In addition to dealing with a strange environment and people who knew his incarnations in those time periods that he doesn't recognize, he's also stuck working with Vaati, who's magic has been sealed by The Render.


Shipping Fics

Stories focused on the romantic relationships between the cast.

Consolation Prize by Sailor Comet

  • Recommended by Mew24ver
  • Pairings: Link/Tetra
  • Synopsis: A short but well-written drabble delving into Link's thoughts as he rescues the four 'sisters' in Phantom Hourglass.


Never After by riversrunthroughme

  • Recommended by Pykrete
  • Pairings: Link/Midna
  • Synopsis: A continuation fic of Twilight Princess; "Never After" looks at how the characters have been affected after their lives regain a semblance of normalcy. Link roams the lands, having rejected a knighthood, Midna rules the Twili, forever separated from Hyrule, and Zelda rules the kingdom, once again the untouchable princess. Things are far from happy, but at least they are peaceful. Until someone revives Dark Link, and sets him loose on the plains of Hyrule.


The Legend of Link: Heroes of Time by Gargravarr

  • Recommended by Arc Varanus
  • Pairing: Link/Midna
  • Synopsis: Continuation of Twilight Princess. After Midna destroys the Mirror, Link suffers a breakdown and loses himself. Seeking answers to his life, he may have a chance to set right what once went wrong...


Fortitude by Ingie

  • Recommended by Flintdjinn
  • Pairing Link/Zelda
  • Synopsis Oot - Link and Zelda have been married for over two years, and Link is looked down upon for his common heritage, deprived the title of King by the Royal Council, yet that is the least of their worries as King Ashton of Vandelius declares war on Hyrule. Told from Zelda's POV. Still Ongoing, at time of writing it is up to 36 chapters.


Once Upon A Fairytale by Spiritual Stone.

  • Recommended by Ugolino
  • Pairing Link/ "Sheik"
  • SynopsisLink screamed as his legs snapped cleanly in two, his spine twisted and jerked, shoulder-blades jutting out the wrong way, body rippling and bursting with flames of agony, and his scream turned into a wolf's howl as he was mercilessly dragged away. SHINK


Bartending 101, by khaki knight

  • Recommended by Oracle Seven
  • Pairing: Link/Midna, implied one-sided Link/Iila
  • Synopsis: "A bartender is only ever as content as her customers..." In the aftermath of Twilight, Telma receives an unexpected guest in need of some guidance.


Saria's Wish, by Dannondorf

  • Recommended by Deep C
  • Pairing: Link/Saria
  • Synopsis: "Link/Saria. Link is pushing himself too hard, but he won't tell anyone why. The sages are concerned…enough to make a reluctant Saria spy on his thoughts and find out. Will she ever get him to open up about the horrors of his past? And just what is he training for, anyway?"

Forgotten Memories by Tairi Soraryu

  • Recommended by beeruckz
  • Pairing: Link/Ilia
  • Synopsis: Years after the events of Twilight Princess, Link continues to live a life of dualities. A childhood romance has the potential to become something more, but only if both parties involved can look back and live with the memories they've made.


Twilight Sunrise by Tairi Soraryu

  • Reccommended by beeruckz
  • Pairing: Link/Ilia
  • Synopsis: Sequel to Forgotten Memories. Link is ready to start his life with Ilia, but a disturbance in the desert calls the Hero of Hyrule back into the saddle before his wedding. What, or who, is the shadow in the Mirror Chamber?


Soul Mates by andrhats

  • Reccommended by Eldresh
  • Pairing: Link/Sheik
  • Warnings: Yaoi/shounen-ai, male!Sheik as a separate person, long story.
  • Synopsis: Navi is killed by Link's shadow inside the Water Temple, leaving the Hero of Time gravely injured, and Sheik is forced to accompany him more thoroughly on his quest. But the shadow is not satisfied.


Just Like Royalty by No Pain No Gain

  • Recommended by Cattychan
  • Summary: Okay, so I have the Throne of Hyrule for 14 days. But with crazy friends, evil ministers, hot servants, regular mood swings and dangerous attempts on my life, I don't think I'll survive until Midna comes back. Modern Hyrule, Zelink. Rated between T and M.
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