Scabbard

A Scabbard is a type of sheath used to hold swords. In The Legend of Zelda series, especially in the console games, Link usually has a scabbard for his swords. The most ornate scabbards tend to be for the most advanced sword, which is usually the Master Sword.

Link infamously wears his scabbards clipped onto a shoulder belt instead of at the hip. This, along with his choice of keeping his shield on his back, creates his signature image that is instantly recognized. For most swords, the scabbards are automatically changed with them. Though a select few share the same scabbard. Some scabbards have mouthes, the name for the opening of the scabbard, that matches guard. These parts of the sword form what's known as a chappe, which with at fitted mouth makes a seal when the sword is in the scabbard. The swords and scabbards that have these attributes tend to be the most ornate.

Ocarina of Time
Ocarina of Time introduced scabbards to the series. The Kokiri Sword and Master Sword both had their own unique scabbards. But the Giant's Knife and Biggoron's Sword used the Master Sword's scabbard.

Majora's Mask
Majora's Mask had a scabbard for all the normal b-button swords. The Great Fairy's Sword and Fierce Deity Sword lacked scabbards. These scabbards are notable for having very accurate sizes in regards to the sword they hold. The Gilded Sword's scabbard is absolutely massive and sometimes clips the ground as Link moves.

The Wind Waker
The Wind Waker had two scabbards, one for each of the swords. All the stages of the Master Sword used the same scabbard. These scabbards followed the style of The Wind Waker of being cel shaded smaller in size.

Twilight Princess
Twilight Princess had scabbards for two of the three swords. The Wooden Sword was only held by straps instead of a full scabbard. These scabbards have more detail in them than any other game before or since.

Phantom Hourglass
Phantom Hourglass is the first handheld game to have scabbards. Both of the swords have small scabbards, though Link's hat consistently obscures most of them.

Spirit Tracks
Spirit Tracks has scabbards for both swords. Though again Link's hat consistently obscures most of each scabbard.

Skyward Sword
Skyward Sword will at least have a return of the Master Sword's scabbard. It is not yet known if there will be any others.

Other Scabbards
Sometimes other characters carry scabbards for their swords. One notable scabbard here is the one for the smaller sword of a Darknut in Twilight Princess. When the Darknut pulls out this sword, its scabbard gets thrown to the side. There is also the scabbard that Ganondorf uses to carry the Sword of the Sages.