The Legend of Zelda (Valiant Comics)

"A long, long time ago, the world was in an age of chaos. There was a land called Hyrule, a legend called Zelda, an adventurer named Link, and evil known as Ganon, and three Triforces, with power over them all."

- Introduction

The Legend of Zelda is a comic published by Valiant Comics, which is the parent company that owned the Nintendo Comics System in 1990 and 1991. In those years, they published a number of Nintendo franchise comics, including The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario Bros., and Captain N: The Game Master. The Valiant Publishing line was founded in 1990 by former Marvel Comics editor-in-chief Jim Shooter. After 1991, Valiant ceased to publish Nintendo-related comics, except for trade paperback collections of some of the series later on.

The Legend of Zelda issues ran February 1990 through August 1990, and was penned by George Caragonne. The comics were sold at a newsstand price of $1.95 per issue. Each issue contained two 10-page stories, along with two bonus shorts, which were often times very humorous.

Release
There is some debate over how many Zelda issues were actually released, as there appears to be an issue #7, while issue #6 was never cataloged. The matter became further convoluted when the comics were re-released in 1993 in book formats, where the issues were placed in different orders. The reason for there not being a documented sixth issue is that there were only five Zelda issues in all. The seventh issue was actually part seven of the Nintendo Comics System line, which had nine issues in all.

The comics are readily available on the Internet, as Zelda.com provided them as a free download for a time. Below are the comics and their synopsis' listed as they were when they were originally released.

Issue #1
This issue was originally released in February 1990.

He Also Serves
The story opens with Impa sharing a prophecy from the Triforce of Wisdom, telling of how Ganon will defeat Link, conquer the North Castle, and enslave the people of Hyrule if Link steps foot outside of the castle. This news upsets Link, as he wants to go with Princess Zelda as she goes on a journey to visit some of the northern villages. However, he promises that he will remain at the castle.

As Link is practicing his sword fighting skills, he is approached by Miff, his fairy companion. Miff grows upset when she finds that Link let Zelda go off alone, and decides to use her magic to view Zelda's progress. When she looks into the fountain, she sees that Ganon and his minions have captured the princess' party. While this greatly disturbs Link, he knows that he cannot leave the castle, and he sends Captain Krin and his men off to rescue the party.

Later, a wounded Krin returns, claiming that he and his men were ambushed by monsters, and that he is the only survivor. He tells Link that the village of Rauru has been burned, and that only one who can save he princess is Link. Once again, though, Link refuses to break his promise. In anger, Krin strikes Link, calling him a coward. At that moment, a magic signal appears, with a message from Zelda, calling for Link to come to her aid. Before Link can respond, the message cuts out. As Link once more refuses to leave the castle, Krin tells him that he has let her down, and leaves the castle, presumably to find the princess.

Shortly after, guard stationed on the castle wall tells Link that there is a woman outside of the gate. When the gate is opened, Link finds Impa, who tells him that Ganon has once again placed the Spell of Eternal Sleep on Zelda, and she will never again wake up if he is unable to find her by midnight. Link confronts her about her earlier prophecy, and she tells him that even she is sometimes wrong. As Link remembers that it was the Triforce's prophecy, and not Impa's, he pulls out his blade and strikes down the impostor, who vanishes in a puff of smoke. Link then walks outside of the gate, and orders Watchman Erol not to open the gate for anyone.

Nearby, Ganon removes his Impa disguise, saying that it worked no better than the rest. As several of Ganon's henchmen wait behind some bushes, Link appears outside of the castle gate, and orders Erol to open the door. Erol starts to protest, but then gives in. As Link walks into the castle, he begins to chuckle. Suddenly, another Link appears, and asks Erol who came in. Erol is baffled, but they then realize what has happened. Link uses his sword to shoot a beam at the disguised Ganon, who then disappears.

The story is concluded by Zelda, Impa, Captain Krin and his men returning unharmed. After Link explains the story, he asks Zelda for a kiss as a reward, but she declines him.

Missing in Action
The story opens with Link wrestling away from Captain Krin and his men, who are attempting to keep him from reaching the King of Hyrule. When the King realizes what's happening, he chastises Krin, and allows Link to speak with him. Link explains that he is upset because after going on a journey, he returns to Hyrule to find that Zelda and the Triforce of Wisdom are missing, and no one will tell him why. The king explains to Link that Zelda has taken the Triforce, and is going to leave Hyrule forever, as she believes that's the only way to keep Ganon from obtaining it. Link is also told that Ganon's followers know of her plan and are pursuing the princess. Upon hearing this, Link set's out to find Zelda, and takes along a compass that will direct him to the Triforce.

Zelda is riding away from Hyrule of her horse, Storm, while being pursued by a group of Daira. She is thrown from her horse when a Deeler spooks it. As the Daria surround her attempting to take the Triforce, Link charges in, attacking the creatures. While he is fighting, Zelda attempts to run off, but Link quickly catches up. However, he is unable to convince her to stay, and reluctantly agrees to help her escape. Her plan is to use the magic flute found within the Fifth Palace on the Island of Hyron.

Link and Zelda travel to the town of Mido to stock up on supplies before continuing their journey. They trek through a swamp, numerous caverns, and spend several days in the desert before ending up in a city of tombs. They then cross the sea, where they are attacked by a Zora. Finally, they reach the Fifth Palace, where they are confronted by an Iron Knuckle. After a grueling battle, Link defeats his foe, knocking it's helmet off. It turns out that it is a human, and not a monster under the armor. The man explains that an old king charged him with protecting the treasures within the palace, and that he was to stop anyone who was unworthy. He tells the duo that by defeating him, they are free to take what they want.

The knight shows Link and Zelda a secret wall, and Link enters in to obtain the magic flute. However, when he sees it, he is tempted to destroy it and lie to Zelda, which would force her to stay forever. Link makes the decision to give the flute to Zelda, but as he says his goodbyes, Zelda confesses to him that wherever he is, is the safest place to be. Link then inquires if it is safe enough for a kiss, but she responds to him that no place is that safe.

Bonus 1
The first bonus, rather than a story, was a two-page map of Hyrule.

Bonus 2
The second bonus story was a prologue, which covers how Link first came to Hyrule, met Impa, and fought Ganon.

Issue #2
This issue was originally released in March 1990.

To the First Power
The story begins with Link and Zelda near an Underworld entrance. As Zelda is getting ready to go inside the Eagle Labyrinth to practice fighting in Ganon's Underworld, Link reminds her that if she needs help at one point, she can just blow the Magic Whistle and he will be there to assist her. The princess heads in, confident in that nothing could go wrong with all of the lessons Link has taught her. After Zelda vanishes into the Underworld, a Wizzrobe commands several of Ganon's minions to tie Link up so that he can teleport both of them into the final room of the labyrinth, revealing to Link that he filled the Eagle Labyrinth with the most dangerous of enemies so that Zelda may not stand a chance up against them. Although Link confronts the Wizzrobe and tells him that capturing Zelda will do no good since he is the one that Ganon wants, the Wizzrobe confesses that he is not interested in following Ganon's orders anymore. He elaborates that he has gathered many other minions who feel the same way, and as soon as he destroys Link and Zelda, all of Ganon's minions will join his renegade army, leaving Ganon to fail.

Meanwhile, just as Zelda is telling herself that she will not call for Link's help at the first sign of danger, a Gohma appears behind her. Surprised that a Gohma has appeared in such an early level, the princess tries to fire a Sword Beam at the foe's eye, but she is pushed back by the force of the beam, blaming Link for not having told her about the "kick." She is successful in defeating a group of incoming Patras, although she admits to herself that the current situation is too tough for her and decides to call Link by blowing the Magic Whistle. When Link does not appear, Zelda realizes that something must have happened and tries to stay calm since she can still get out by remembering everything that the young hero taught her. The princess then reaches for her magic pouch and gets out a bomb, recalling Link's advice in that she can find an exit by blowing up one of room's walls. The opening reveals even more of Ganon's minions, but still the princess manages to get into the next room since the foes are busy fighting amongst themselves. Zelda then prepares another bomb since she hears someone approaching her, which just turns out to be Miff. Before Miff can say anything else, she warns Zelda about the Dodongo behind her, allowing Zelda to defeat it with her last bomb. Miff realizes that the princess is hurt, and as the fairy heals her wounds, the princess explains to her the recent strange events. Astonished, Miff explains that Zelda cannot hope to fight through the Underworld's labyrinths using Link's way since she considers that the young hero only survives because of his "dumb luck and brute force." Zelda realizes this and wishes she had a bow with her since she is unable to fire a sword beam correctly. Soon after, Miff and Zelda stumble into the treasure of the Eagle Labyrinth, a magic bow, which allows the princess to defeat the Gohma with a single shot and make her way into the final chamber of the maze. Inside, the Wizzrobe is delighted to see Zelda since he will now be able to defeat her himself, but the princess wastes no time and throws the sword to the chains that are tying Link, freeing him. The Wizzrobe shoots a magic beam at her, which Zelda dodges and quickly fires an arrow from her bow towards the foe, making it fall into a fire pit that sends the Wizzrobe back to Ganon. The story ends with the Wizzrobe kneeling in front of Ganon while the Prince of Darkness praises him since he could make use of a "deceitful and treacherous" man like him.

Trust Me
The story opens with Ganon visiting the small farming town of Saria, which is located in Western Hyrule. When the villagers see Ganon, they are terrified, and begin to flee. However, Ganon claims to have come in peace, and picks up a small boy named Rus. When Ganon asks the boy why he's afraid of him, the boy replies that Ganon is the evil one. Ganon responds that those are simply lies that were spread by Link, whom he refers to as a man-monster. Ganon goes on to talk about how Link has attacked his servants and constantly tries to destroy him. He tells the villagers that although the Wicked Princess Zelda has done nothing to help their barren fields, he will do so. He proceeds to magically plant a large fruit tree in the middle of a field, claiming that it is just a fraction of his power. He tells the people that he would do more to help them, but because of Link's attacks on him, he must save up his magic.

Link and Zelda are then seen using a map, attempting to find Ganon's location. Link wants to continue their pursuit of Ganon, but Zelda insists that she stop to visit Saria, as it is her duty. The two walk down to the bridge that leads into town. Zelda happily greets the River Man, but Link butts in about his search for Ganon. The River Man says that he suspected as much, and that Link and Zelda are troublemakers. Link and Zelda explore the town some more, but Link is impatient about it. Zelda offers to help the People of Saria fix their drought problem, and suggests building a dam. Unfortunately, after the dam is completed, the land is still infertile. Zelda comes to the conclusion that the land must be cursed, and assumes that it's Ganon's doing.

At that moment, Ganon shows up claiming that Link and Zelda are still spreading their lies. Upon sight, Link immediately attacks Ganon, but his attack is blocked by Ganon's magic. Ganon claims that he cannot even visit his "friends" without being attacked, but says that he still came to help, even with the great risk to himself. He presents a bottle which contains the magical Water of Life, and says that it will heal Saria's fields. However, he refuses to give it over until Link is captured. Link starts to defend himself from the descending villagers, but Zelda stops him. As the villagers pin Link down, Ganon asks Rus to hand him Link's sword. When Rus inquires to what Ganon intends to do, Ganon demands that he turn over the sword. Rus then tries to escape, but Ganon says that the boy will be punished for his disobedience. Ganon then attempts to attack Rus using a magic spell, but Zelda dives in the way, and takes the blast instead.

When Link sees this happen, he is able to break away from the townspeople's grasp, and rushes forward to attack Ganon. He shoots a beam out of his sword towards Ganon, but misses. Ganon laughs at Link's attempt, Link but Link was aiming for the dam. The dam then bursts, and the rushing water sweeps Ganon and his tree away. Link then comments that Ganon doesn't look like a very strong swimmer. Shortly after, the villagers begin to repair the dam, and they thank Link and Zelda for their aid.

Bonus 1
The bonus in issue #2 consists of a map of the North Palace. There are descriptions of some of the buildings, which often make jokes.

Issue #3
This issue was originally released in April, 1990.

The Power
The story begins with Link and Zelda trapped in an underground battle with Darknuts in Ganon's Death Mountain lair as they attempt to retrieve the Magic Trophy, which is necessary to keep the town of Rauru from perishing. Zelda is ready to go and find it, but Link interrupts her and tells her that she must return to the overworld, for he fears for her safety and confesses that he loves her. Just as Zelda is about to kiss Link, the Darknuts find the duo, and Link uses this opportunity to warp out Zelda out of the lair by pushing her into a Wallmaster. Link manages to lose the pursuit of the Darknuts when he stumbles upon Ganon's chambers. Not only does he find the Magic Trophy, he also comes to face the Triforce of Power, which burns his hand upon contact. Because of the touch, the Triforce remains with him, and he is able to defeat the Darknuts with ease. He then exits the underground lair and meets with Zelda, informing her that he obtained both the Magic Trophy and the Triforce of Power. However, he is pursued by Ganon. The two engage in a battle, of which Link emerges the victor after using his newfound strength to heave a large rock on top of his foe.

Several of Ganon's Goriya minions offer to serve Link, as they believe that he holds more power than their master, but Link refuses. Ganon then bursts out from under the rock pile in a desperate attempt to escape since he has no power left, but Link goes after him and gravely wounds him, paying him back for all the damage he has done to the young hero. Ganon is barely able escape and crawl back to a place where he can teleport back into Underworld lair to heal. Zelda tries to calm Link down, reminding him that they have beaten Ganon and that they must return the trophy to Ruto. Frustrated, Link refuses and tells Zelda that he needs to possess the Triforce of Wisdom and Power to be able to defeat Ganon for good. However, Zelda informs the young hero that the Triforce cannot be possessed since it must be held in trust for the benefit of all Hyrule, making Link think that Zelda does not trust him. Although Link persists, Zelda stands firm in her decision that she cannot give the Triforce to Link or anyone and tells him that the Triforce of Power has changed Link. An angered Link then storms off, and while the princess tries to go with him, the young hero tells Zelda he does not need her, for he will prove to her that he has not changed by destroying Ganon with the Triforce of Power alone.

The Price
The Price picks up where The Power left off. Following his defeat, Ganon flees to Parapa Palace, but his lust for the Triforce of Power consumes him and is a giveaway of his location to Link. Link heads to the palace, and is greeted outside by the same group of Goriya that had offered to serve him. This time, he accepts their aid. He dons a robe similar in likeness to that of Ganon's, and feels that Ganon, who is watching him through a mirror, is close by.

Princess Zelda seeks advice from the Triforce of Wisdom about Link's actions since she is worried that Ganon, like Link, had always wanted to possess the Triforce of Wisdom. The Triforce of Wisdom informs Zelda that Link has a sickness, for he has "power without wisdom," and that no one can help him, except by helping to destroy himself. Zelda refuses to believe so and and follows Link's trail to the palace to cure him. There, she is taken into captivity by Darknut Prime. At that moment, Ganon teleports to Link's location and offers him the chance to join his army of darkness so that they can conquer Hyrule together, leaving Link to rule the eastlands in Ganon's name. . Link refuses his offer, and the two engage in a short battle. Ganon attempts to reclaim the Triforce of Power, but the Triforce chooses to remain with Link, and the young hero reveals that Link's power is already greater than Ganon's.

Desperate, Ganon uses his last piece of leverage: Zelda. Darknut Prime brings her into the throne room, and Ganon threatens to kill her unless he surrenders the Triforce of Power. Link plays what Ganon thinks to be a bluff and says that she means nothing to him. Ganon orders his minion to kill her, but Darknut refuses to and states that he has only one master. Enraged, Ganon attempts to use a spell on Zelda, but it is blocked by Link, who then casts him into a cage hanging over a bottomless pit.

Overjoyed, Zelda hugs Link, but Link demands that she turn over the Triforce of Wisdom which she brought along. Zelda refuses, and when Link inquires why, she confesses that she loves him, but Link reveals he does not care for love anymore and only wants more power. He tries to fire a magic spell to attack Zelda, only to discovery that the Triforce of Courage has left him and has gone to Zelda, which protects her from his attack. Zelda then reveals to Link what he has become, telling him to give up the Triforce of Power or, as much as it would break her heart, she will fight him since she knows that Wisdom and Courage will always triumph over Power. Just then, Ganon begs Link to let him have the Triforce of Power back so that the two of them can defeat Zelda together, but Link ignores him and says that the Triforce of Power is his forever. Zelda, informs that he does not need to join Ganon, for he has become Ganon himself and has even taken on a physical likeness to him. Link then realizes what the price of that power is, and chooses to throw to Triforce of Power into the bottomless pit to keep his soul, although he is aware that doing so will end his own life. Due to Link's loss of power, the cage that was holding Ganon disappears, and sends him tumbling down after the Triforce.

However, even as Link lays dying in Zelda's arms, the Triforce of Courage returns to him, proving that he is worthy of wielding it and thus restore his strength. He then wakes up in North Castle, virtually unharmed. When Link mentions that Zelda admitted that she loves him, she mentions that he must have dreamed it and continues to deny it despite Link's persistence.

Bonus 1
The first bonus story is titled Secrets of the Triforce, and explains the differences between the three Triforces and their bearers. The story explains that the Triforce of Wisdom is kept by Princess Zelda in North Palace. Its guidance helps her rule the kingdom wisely, and it also allows her to cast powerful magic spells when needed. The Triforce of Power has been held by Ganon ever since he stole it from Hyrule, making him a nearly invincible, mighty magician, and if he ever obtains the Triforce of Wisdom, he will be unstoppable. The Triforce of Courage remained hidden until Link accomplished a daring quest, and it now rests within his heart.

Bonus 2
The second bonus story is titled Zelda's Consumer Tips, and jokingly recounts some of the times that Link has been swindled. It takes up two pages.

Issue #4
This issue was originally released in May 1990.

Queen of Hearts
The story begins as a woman is being captured by a Wizzrobe and two Dairas in the Death Mountain region. Link and Zelda come out of hiding and defeat the foes, freeing the woman, who turns out to be Queen Seline, the monarch of Calatia. Link introduces her to Zelda, and although Seline is delighted to see her, she does not remember Seline since the princess was too young. While the group begins to gallop towards North Palace, Link asks why Seline did not just use her magic spells to defend herself, to which the queen replies that her powers disappeared and her search for them led her to Hyrule.

At the palace, Zelda suggests that she introduce Seline to King Harkinian, but the queen says it won't be necessary since they already know each other. The king is delighted to see her and comments that even though it has been sixteen years since they last saw each other, she has not changed. The next day, while Harkinian and Seline are having a meal together, Zelda reminds her father that he promised to accompany her to choose a dress for her birthday's royal ball; however, Harkinian asks if it can wait, for he is spending the day with Seline. Seline requests that Zelda accompany them, but the princess declines. As Zelda is jealously watching from above how her father and Seline are playing badmington, one of the watchmen informs the king that an army of Ganon's minions are approaching, much to Seline's dismay, for she thought they would not catch up to her so quickly. Seline quickly disappears from the scene, and Link and Zelda rush to make sure that the Triforce of Wisdom is safe.

When Link and Zelda arrive to the Triforce chamber, they realize it has been stolen. . Link uses his magic compass to track it down, which leads them to Seline and causes Zelda to confront her about it, saying that she tricked them into trusting her. Seline claims that she is not stealing the Triforce and that she merely came to Hyrule to seek its wisdom. She elaborates that Ganon has sealed her magic powers in a magic container, and that the Triforce said that Zelda must accompany her into retriever her powers, for otherwise, Seline will fail. Despite her pleas, Zelda refuses to go with her, but the queen insists, for now that Ganon is planning to use her to take over Calatia, he will surely use her kingdom to take over Hyrule as well. Just then, Link offers his assistance, and although Seline tells him that without Zelda's help they will fail due to the Triforce's prediction, the young hero insists and begins to get on his horse. Zelda tries to stop Link from going and threatens him that if he goes, she will shoot them both, but still the young hero departs with the queen. As the duo gallop away, Zelda fires an arrow from her bow at Link's hat, but misses on purpose.

While Link rids the palace's bridge of enemies with his sword to allow Queen Seline to pass, King Harkinian asks Zelda where Seline has gone off to, to which Zelda replies that she is gone and took the traitorous Link with her. The king then reminds her that Link loves her more than anything, as so does Seline. Meanwhile, Link and Seline are fighting off a horde of Ganon's minions in a cave near the North Palace, trying to break open the magic container being guarded by a Wizzrobe so that Seline's powers will return. Link is then heavily injured and faints, and before the Wizzrobe can do anything, Zelda appears and shoots an arrow at the magic container, restoring Seline's powers and allowing her to easily defeat the horde of enemies. Back at the palace, Seline says her goodbyes to King Harkinian, but before she departs, she asks Zelda what made her trust her and go to the cave. The young princess apologizes for her behavior, saying that everything Seline did was out of love and Zelda was just being jealous of her. Seline returns Zelda's hug and reminds her to stay strong so that she will be the queen of Hyrule someday. The story ends with Seline riding away as Zelda asks her father if she will ever be a great queen like her.

Thief in the Night
Thief in the Night begins at the East Gate of Hyrule's North Palace, where Link is seen losing a friendly fight with his old friend, Bagu. Princess Zelda is worried when she sees what's happening, but Link quickly introduces her to Bagu. He tells her that Bagu is the strongest man in Hyrule, and has come from Moruge Forest to visit. Bagu talks about how glad he is to finally meet Link's "girlfriend". Zelda seems upset to hear that Link lied to him about their relationship, but Link quickly ushers Bagu off, telling him that there's food.

That evening, Link and Bagu are having a loud conversation about their past adventures in the castle, and the noise upsets Princess Zelda. The conversation turns to the subject of Zelda, where Link tells Bagu that he'd do anything for her. Link asks Bagu about his pet frogs, Langhorne and Calaveras, and Bagu says that he decided to leave them at home. Bagu then tells Link that he needs to be more romantic with the princess, and presumably gives him some pointers. Link then dresses up in a costume, and starts playing a guitar outside of Zelda's window. Zelda hears the awful noise, and says that the animal should be out of it's misery. When Princess Zelda sees Link, she inquires as to what he's doing, and he responds telling her that he's serenading her. However, a large crash comes from Link's room where the Triforce of Wisdom is being kept. When the two go to investigate, they find that the door was forced open. Zelda remarks that it must have been someone as strong as Bagu, and decides to separate the Triforce into three pieces until they find the thief.

Link is upset when Zelda accuses Bagu of the attempted theft, so he decides to follow Bagu and see what he's doing, and hopefully, clear his name. However, Bagu proceeds to walk past the Triforce room door. Link admits that he had followed Bagu, and apologized to him. Bagu accepts the apology, and comes up with a plan to catch the real thief. His idea is to take the Triforce, and put it in his room where no one will look for it, and that Link can wait in the empty room for the thief to come. Bagu then notices that the Triforce is smaller, and Link tells him why. Later on, Princess Zelda walks into the trap room, and Link jumps out and attacks her, but she quickly bests and subdues him. Link asks what she's doing there, and she tells him she was just checking on the Triforce. Link explains the plan as they go to check on Bagu. However, when they arrive, they find that he's missing, and has taken the Triforce.

Zelda is highly upset by this development, and Link proceeds to jump out of the tower window, telling her that he'll return the Triforce. In his anger, Link grabs the Handy Glove, and proceeds to hunt down Bagu. He spots Bagu coming back towards the castle, and charges him before the two engage in combat. Bagu says he's sorry, but he has beat Link good. Link then uses his glove, and is able to heave Bagu into the air, and throw him down. Bagu confesses that he gave the Triforce fragment to Ganon because he's holding Bagu's pet frogs for ransom. When Link inquires as to why he did not take it before, Bagu tells him that he knew he was being followed, and that Link isn't sneaky.

After Bagu further explains the situation about his pet frogs, he and Link eventually agree that Bagu must be the one to retrieve them, as Ganon would be expecting him. Link doesn't like the idea, as he can no longer trust Bagu. Bagu says he'll go back with Link, and plead guilty. He says that he'll probably get life in prison or worse. Link doesn't want that to happen, so he agrees to entrust Bagu with the Handy glove. Bagu then rides off to face Ganon, leaving Link waiting. Nightfall comes, and Link realizes that he was tricked again. As he walks back to the castle, he says that he'll never trust anyone again. However, once he arrives, he finds Bagu and Zelda back at the castle enjoying themselves. His two frogs and the Triforce are also there with them, indicating Bagu's success. Bagu asks a surprised Link what took him so long.

Bonus 1
The first bonus was titled Impa's Info. In it, Impa attempts to explain to Link the importance of looking at past heroes and their mistakes, but Link disregards her as he daydreams about battling monsters.

Bonus 2
The second bonus was titled The Adventurer Link. It was comprised of a few panels detailing Link's past. It explains how he left home and acquired his arsenal of weapons, and also mentions his great amount of courage.

Issue #5
Issue #5 was originally released in June 1990.

Coming Home
The story begins with Link returning to his home in Calatia to visit his parents, Arn and Medilia. Although Link is happy to see them, he is greeted with a punch to the face by his father, claiming that Link is not his son and ordering him to leave and never come back. Confused, Link begins to travel around Calatia but receives the same mistreatment with everyone else in town, and so he decides to see Queen Seline to figure out what has happened. When Link goes inside the palace's throne room, he finds that Shadow Link and Thunderbird have made the queen their prisoner and taken her place instead. A Daira knocks Link unconscious, and when he wakes up, he finds himself in one of the palace's towers along with Seline. The queen begins to explain that she was defeated by someone who looked just like her, and that Shadow Link has taken over her kingdom, making her people suffer under his rule. Link tries to convince Seline that they must escape, for everyone thinks he is evil and even his parents hate him; however, Seline explains that the chains that bind them have taken away her powers, just as they take away his strength. Just then, a Daira comes to take them to where Shadow Link is, who sentences both of them to be executioned as a warning to the citizens of Calatia to not defy the new king. The queen then halts him and demands her right of a life trial since it is Calatian Law that anyone sentenced to death has the right to trial by combat to prove their innocence. Thunderbird questions Shadow Link if it is wise to let the restless citizens witness such an event, but still Shadow Link accepts Seline's challenge to thus crush the people's spirits by defeating their queen again. In accordance with the ancient laws, Seline chooses Link to fight in her place, and Link agrees. Before heading back to the tower, Medilia apologizes to her son, while Arn encourages Link to fight bravely.

At the tower, Seline explains to Link that the chains have not had time yet to weaken him as much as they did to her, so he still has a chance to defeat Shadow Link. Later, while Link and Seline are sleeping, a magical projection of Zelda's spirits appears and urges Link to return to Hyrule, for it is under attack. Although the princess insists that she is doomed unless Link helps her out, the young hero refuses since everyone is counting on him, at which point Zelda's apparition disappears by saying that she is doomed. However, Zelda's projection is none other than Shadow Link disguised, who is angered that he could not trick Link into leaving so that the Calatians would have thought he fled like a coward. Shadow Link refuses to fight the young hero again since, despite that the magic chains will have stolen half of his strength by morning, Link still posessed the Triforce of Courage, so Shadow Link asks for Ganon's aid. Upon Ganon's appearance, Shadow Link explains to him that he must defeat Link tomorrow, but the Prince of Darkness tells him not to worry since tomorrow will be the one day he will easily defeat the young hero. Ganon elaborates that tomorrow is the Day of the Triforce, which is when, once each decade, the three Triforce pieces disappear for reasons unknown from dawn to dusk.

The next morning, Link wakes up to realize that his Triforce of Courage has left his heart, and Seline explains why. The young hero is discouraged since he cannot hope to have any chances against Shadow Link, but the queen tells him that she has faith in him, and not the Triforce of Courage. A Daira then comes to take them away to the battle arena, where the trial will continue until only one of the Links survives. After a short struggle, Shadow Link easily bests the young hero, and just as Shadow Link is about to deliver the final blow, a swift move by the real Link causes for the both of them to dangle from the edge of the arena, getting ready to fall into the fire pit below. Link angrily explains that he had to let Zelda face her doom alone just so that he could put an end to Shadow Link's tyranny, but just then the fake Link explains that Zelda lives and it was all a trick done by him. With Shadow Link's sword gone and Link's sword point at the back of Shadow Link, Link threatens to kill his counterpart unless he orders the Daira guards to drop their weapons, which Shadow Link obediently commands. The story ends with everyone, including Medilia and Arn, celebrating Link's victory.

Day of the Triforce
The story opens with Zelda panicking to Impa because of the missing Triforce of Wisdom, but Impa explains that it's the Day of the Triforce: the day where, once each decade, all three Triforce pieces disappear from Hyrule for one day, from dawn to dusk. Although Impa says they are defenseless with the Triforce missing and Link visiting his homeland, Zelda tells her nursemaid to relax, since due to all the Triforces gone, then Ganon is bereft of the Triforce of Power as well. Just as Zelda is looking out the window from the palace, she sees a woman being held by the castle guards. When the princess goes to investigate, the woman turns out to be Cassiopia, the healer of the Water Town of Saria, who has come to look for Link since Lynels have set fire to her village, capturing and injuring many of her people. Zelda informs her that Link is away at the moment but decides to return with her to the village. Although Impa warns Zelda to stay until the Triforce returns at sundown, Zelda insists that the people of Saria need her, and even if Ganon were to attack her, she has the Silver Arrow to completely destroy him.

Upon arriving to Saria Town, Cassiopia and Zelda find that the town has been completely burnt, and that Ganon's minions have captured all of its citizens. The princess tells the healer to have courage as she gets out her bow and shoots a Goriya from afar with a Silver Arrow. Cassiopia goes to free her husband using the Magic Boomerang while Zelda continues to defeat the various foes with her Silver arrows, encouraging the people of Saria to stand up and fight and thus defeat all of the fiends. Together, Zelda and the people of Saria successfully defeat all of Ganon's monsters, and the princess promises that she will use the Day of the Triforce to her advantage and completely destroy Ganon. However, just then, Cassiopia's husband comes and brings their son, Rus, who has been bitten by a Rope Snake when he was trying to escape the Lynels. Desperate, Cassiopia confesses that Rus is beyond her healing powers and that he will not last beyond sundown, but just then Zelda tells her that she will go to the Magic Spring and bring a fairy to cure the boy. Although Cassiopia wants her to go, her husband insists that Zelda go and destroy Ganon instead, for who knows how many other children will die if the Prince of Darkness is not stopped once and for all. Zelda reluctantly sets out for Death Mountain, where she informs Darknut Prime at the entrance that she has not come to fight him, but instead has come to destroy Ganon. Darknut Prime allows her to enter, and a Wizzrobe warns her that if she fails to destroy Ganon, they will kill her.

Zelda eventually finds Ganon defenseless in his throne, and just as she is about to shoot him with the Silver Arrow, she hears a cry for help in another room and cannot help but to go and aid said person instead. Right after Zelda leaves the throne room, Ganon shuts the door, and although she could work her way back in through another way, it would take her hours. The princess makes her way to where the cries were coming from and finds out that Miff is the one in trouble since two Goriyas were fighting to eat her. When Zelda asks Miff why she's in Death Mountain, the fairy explains that she heard Zelda was going to fight Ganon and thought she could use her healing powers. Zelda then explains that she had a clear shot at Ganon but came running when she heard Miff's cries for help. Surprised, Miff claims that she would have gladly faced her own fate if it would have meant Ganon would be destroyed, for her "tiny life" cannot compare to that. This causes Zelda to make up her mind and choose to save Rus's life instead of defeating Ganon, so she makes her way out of Death Mountain despite the fact that Ganon's minions are blocking the exit. When the princess reaches the exit, she defeats a Wizzrobe with her Silver Arrows, and soon all of the villagers from Saria, who had been hiding out in a nearby cliff, begin to help Zelda defeat Ganon's minions.

Back at the town of Saria, Miff easily cures Rus with her powers. Cassiopia's husband thanks Zelda for saving his son's life, worrying that Ganon has won and that he will attack the village again; however, Zelda reassures him that Ganon will only win when an innocent life is sacrificed to fight against him, and even if Ganon's minions were to attack again, the townspeople will be ready. The story ends with the Triforce of Power returning to Ganon, although he comments that today he felt he suffered his greatest defeat.

Bonus 1
Issue five's bonus story is titled Ambrosia Lite. It's a humorous advertisement for a drink called Ambrosia Lite, which appears to be a Calatia special.

Nintendo Comics Zelda Issue
This issue was originally released in August 1991. This was part of the Nintendo Comics System line, rather than the Legend of Zelda line.

Assault
The story opens with Link, who is being accompanied by Miff, blasting a wall of one of Ganon's labyrinths while he is looking for the captured Zelda. As he is fighting a couple of Vires, a Moblin goes to inform Ganon that Link managed to defeat a pack of his fellow fiends to get past his outpost. Ganon punishes the Moblin for failing to capture the young hero and mentions that only he is allowed to destroy Link. Although Link is successful in defeating a few Vires, one of them eventually steals his sword as the rest overcome him. Ganon, who is watching Link's every move in a room where he's keeping Zelda captured, commands the Vires to take him away into a sealed chamber. The Prince of Darkness begins to think of what monster he will use to kill Link, but Zelda interrupts him and says she will give him anything in exchange for Link's life, including the Triforce of Wisdom. However, Ganon refuses her offer, as he would rather steal the Triforce of Wisdom himself and then destroy both Link and Zelda.

Meanwhile, deep in the Underworld, Link and Miff are trapped in a closed room, trying to find a way out by striking the walls with his sword. Miff tells him to calm down and think of a way out instead of hitting the walls blindly, and when the hero rests on a pillar, his weight moves it and opens the exit. Link continues on to the next room, but the next thing that Ganon sees is just flames coming out of the chamber, making him think that a Gleeok has defeated Link for him. Outraged, Ganon teleports to the Gleeok's room and leaves Zelda alone, which allows her to use all of the magic that Impa has taught her to break free of the chains that bind her.

When Ganon reappears, he is attacked by Link, who survived thanks to the Magical Shield. However, he gives the young hero the news that the princess has been killed, causing for an angry Miff to charge at Ganon. At the same time, Link throws his sword at him and warns the fairy that it's a trap. Upon striking Ganon with the sword, a Wallmaster is revealed, which crushes Link's weapon in two and makes Link realize that Ganon was lying and Zelda is still alive. The story ends with Ganon returning to his chamber only to find that Zelda has escaped.

Choices
Choices begins with where Assault left off. Having fled from Ganon's grasp, Zelda encounters a Darknut, but her life force is nearly gone from having used all her magic to escape and is unable to put up a fight against the knight. However, the princess refuses to give up, and although she is weak, she manages to win against the Darknut by sending him down a bottomless pit. When she pulls herself up from the pit, she finds the Silver Arrow resting on a pedestal. She then recalls what Impa told her, about how, if Zelda's heart is true, then the Triforce of Wisdom will help her use the Silver Arrow to destroy Ganon. The princess, thinking that Link is dead, decides to continue her fight against Ganon for the sake of the young hero.

Meanwhile, not far from where Zelda is, Link is busy fighting a four-headed Gleeok, although he is having some trouble against it. With a small help from Miff, however, Link is able to cut off all four of the Gleeok's heads, although the disembodied heads soon begin to attack the young hero. After some struggle, Link defeats all of the Gleeok's heads, but a Wallmaster then grabs him by surprise. Just then, Zelda arrives to the room where Link had fought the four-headed monster, and past the room is the chamber where the Triforce of Wisdom is being kept. As Zelda is about to reach for the Triforce, the sacred relic speaks to her and tells her that the Triforce of Wisdom will not help you, for if Ganon were to possess both Wisdom and Power, all of Hyrule would fall into darkness. The Triforce also scolds her for having offered the Triforce of Wisdom in exchange for Link's life and thus risk the safety of her kingdom for the well-being of one person. However, the Triforce forgives her, for she has served the "light of wisdom" in the past, and gives her another chance as long as she never again lets her feelings interfere with her duty. When the princess promises so, the Triforce restores her life force and grants her the wisdom needed to wield the Silver Arrows.

Zelda then goes to confront Ganon, who has an army of Stalfos ready to attack Zelda. Ganon thanks her for having removed the magic seal from around the Triforce since he can now take it for himself. Wasting no time, Zelda readies a Silver Arrow to shoot at Ganon, but before she has a chance to release it at the Prince of Darkness to defeat him, Link comes crashing in, giving Ganon a chance to escape. The princess is overjoyed to see that Link is still alive, and when Link leans in to kiss her, the princess stops him as she remembers the words of the Triforce of Wisdom. The story ends with Zelda telling Link that they must go since they still have a lot of work to do.

Bonus 1
The first bonus story is titled The Perfect Date 1. It covers a rather disastrous date that Link and Zelda went on.

Bonus 2
The second bonus story is titled The Perfect Date 2, and it picks up where the first one left off. This date also turns out with unexpected events, as Link engages in a bar fight after a Daira spills his Ambrosia Lite. After returning home, Impa inquires as to why Link and Zelda even bother to go out at all, to which they reply that it's because they have so much in common.