Hero's Shield

The Hero's Shield is the name of two different impregnable shields used by Link in Majora's Mask and The Wind Waker.

Majora's Mask
In Majora's Mask, the Hero's Shield is used by Link at the beginning of the game. It is a strong metal shield that can be bought at the Trading Post in Clock Town for 80 Rupees in case Link gets his shield swallowed by a Like Like. If the shield is lost to the Takkuri by Milk Road, it can be found it in the Curiosity Shop; however, the price may be higher.

The Hero's Shield is permanently replaced by the Mirror Shield once Link obtains it in Beneath the Well.

The shield has many of the Hylian Shield's features, including the red Hylian eagle, the blue base, the Triforce, and the metal decals. However, the Hero's Shield features a simplified and abstract style in comparison. The bird's head is more hunched, and the shape cannot be seen, but its face is visible. Its wings are also much larger than its body, and point down. The Triforce has moved from above the bird to below it, greatly decreased in size.

This shield also appeared in the SpaceWorld 2000 tech demo for the Nintendo GameCube. Strangely enough, it is the older incarnation of Link that is wielding it.

The Wind Waker
In The Wind Waker, the Hero's Shield is the basic shield received at the beginning of the game. It bears a slight resemblance to the fabled Hylian Shield, once used by the Hero of Legend. The shield is sturdy and provides adequate protection against most attacks, although its flimsy appearance is mocked by Tetra. Despite this, the Hero's Shield will not burn upon contact with fire like most wooden shields.

The shield is an heirloom belonging to Link's family. It is said that the family shield was the legendary shield used by the hero himself. The shield is given to him by his Grandma before he leaves Outset to save his sister, Aryll. It is with sadness that Grandma gives Link the shield, as it symbolizes his departure from the island to face great danger.

The shield is predominantly brown now as opposed to the usual blue. The Triforce is in the very center of the shield. There are long swirls surrounding it as well as three bolts at its corners. A winged creature with horns replaces the bird, but unlike the Majora's Mask version, it faces up, wings spread out like the original Hylian Shield.

Four Swords, Four Swords Adventures, The Minish Cap, Phantom Hourglass, and Spirit Tracks have this shield as well (or a variation of it). Chronologically, the shield is first used by Link from The Minish Cap, so he might be the hero that the shield's name refers to.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl
In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Toon Link uses the Hero's Shield in battle, and it also appears as a sticker.

Trivia

 * The Hero's Shield of Majora's Mask was also used by Link during his fight with Ganon in the SpaceWorld 2000 GameCube Tech Demo.