Shield

Always accompanying Link's sword, a shield is a defensive item which has appeared in every game of The Legend of Zelda series. It allows Link to block certain enemy attacks to avoid damage. The shield is also the favorite snack of Like Likes. The way shields are used varies and their designs greatly differ throughout the series.

The Legend of Zelda
In The Legend of Zelda, Link carries a shield marked with a cross. He can only use to block projectile attacks as long he faces the direction they come and isn't using an item or his sword.
 * Shield - Link begins his journey with the shield. It can defend against Octorok rocks and Moblin spears.
 * Magic Shield - The Magic Shield is larger and can protect against all projectiles, including River Zora fireballs and Wizzrobe spells. It can be purchased at most shops of the Hyrule overworld with prices varying from 90 to 130 Rupees.

The Adventure of Link
Link only uses one shield throughout The Adventure of Link. He begins his quest with a cross-bearing shield, as in the first game, though its capabilities have have improved. Not only can it deflect most projectiles, but it can also defend against melee attacks, which is crucial during combat with Iron Knuckles and Stalfos. The shield can't defend against attacks from chain hammers, axes, clubs, and fireballs. Again, the shield isn't effective while Link is attacking. Link can later receive the Reflect Spell, a spell that increases the defensive powers of the shield, allowing it protect against projectiles that it couldn't before.

A Link to the Past
A Link to the Past is the first game to have a bird symbol depicted on Link's shield and to have Link start out without a shield in hand. As in the original The Legend of Zelda, Link can only use the shield to block projectile strikes. However, he doesn't only need to use it in the direction he's facing. As he charges his sword, Link can hold his shield on his right side, a technique that can be used to solve certain puzzles. There are three different shields in A Link to the Past.


 * Fighter's Shield - The Fighter's Shield can defend against arrows and rocks. Link originally receives it from his uncle, along with the Fighter's Sword.
 * Red Shield - The Red Shield is larger than the Fighter's Shield and can defend against fireballs. Link can obtain the it from either tossing in to a Great Fairy Fountain or buying it from the Dark World's shield shop.
 * Mirror Shield - The Mirror Shield is the largest shield, and it's reflective surface can defend against beams. Link can find the Mirror Shield in the Turtle Rock dungeon.

Link's Awakening
The shield in is used as any other item in the game; by assigning it a button command. Because of this, for the first time, Link may use the shield at any time desired.


 * Shield - Link's first item is simply called a shield. While holding the shield in front of him, Link can defend against melee and projectile attacks, push back enemies, and flip Spiked Beetles. Again, Link practically begins his adventure with his shield, which is given to him by Tarin after waking from bed rest.
 * Mirror Shield - Being the Mirror Shield's second appearance, it functions similarly to the A Link to the Past version, as it can deflect beams. It is found in Eagle's Tower.

Ocarina of Time
Ocarina of Time greatly changed the way the shield is used. All shields must be equipped before using. Link could use the shield in two ways. He could hold it while remaining stationary, tilting it in whatever direction he faces. When targeting, Link could focus on his enemy while moving freely and defending with his shield at the same time. Each shield in Ocarina of Time has unique qualities.


 * Deku Shield - The Deku Shield is the first shield Link can acquire. It is lightweight, small, and only usable by Young Link. Although it can stand up to most attacks, the Deku Shield will burn when exposed to flames. The shield is needed to pass Mido at the beginning of the journey. It can be purchased from the Kokiri Shop for 40 Rupees.
 * Hylian Shield - Being durable, heavy, large shield, Young Link can only carry Hylian Shield on his back and use it when crouching. Link needs to be an adult to tote it around as normal. The Hylian Shield can defend against most attacks. It can be bought from the Bazaar, or it can found in a chest under a tombstone in the Graveyard, unless Link has one in his possession.
 * Mirror Shield - Only available to Link as an adult, the Mirror Shield can still deflect beams of light, either heinous or harmless, but the Link can now use it to direct beams wherever he tilts his shield toward. This technique can be used for puzzle solving. However, this shield cannot bounce back rocks. The Mirror shield is found in the Spirit Temple.

Majora's Mask
The shield mechanics of are the same as those in, except shields are automatically equipped. There are only two shields Link can use.


 * Hero's Shield - Link begins the game with the Hero's Shield, a small metal shield similar in design to the Hylian Shield. If Link loses this shield to a Like Like, he can be purchase another at the Trading Post.
 * Mirror Shield - Link finds the Mirror Shield Beneath the Well, and while it appears different, it functions the same as in.

Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons
The shield of and  are used the same as in. As always, stronger shields can block stronger attacks.


 * Wooden Shield - The Wooden Shield is a small shield and can protect against some but not all attacks. Link does not begin with this shield. He must purchase it.
 * Iron Shield - The Iron Shield is a large shield. It can protect against more attacks than the Wooden Shield. In Oracle of Ages, it can be acquired in from a Tokay, and in ''Oracle of Seasons, it can be received from the Subrosian Smithy in exchange for Hard Ore and a Wooden Shield.
 * Mirror Shield - Even stronger than the Iron Shield, the Mirror Shield can defend Link from the vast majority of attacks. It can only be obtained through a Password-Linked adventure.

Four Swords
From beginning to end, all four of the Links of Four Swords use the same nameless shield. It can be used automatically as long as Link isn't attacking. It is needed to fight some enemies.

The Wind Waker
The shield's function closely matches that of and.


 * Hero's Shield - In, Link receives the Hero's Shield from his grandmother before embarking on his journey. It is essential for clearing the Forsaken Fortress the first time. This shield was rumored to have once been used by the Hero of Time himself, and was passed down through Link's family as an heirloom.
 * Mirror Shield - Late in his journey, Link acquires the Mirror Shield, which works like in does in previous 3D titles. It is found in the Earth Temple.

Four Swords Adventures
Just like in, the four Links use the same shield throughout. It can defend against many attacks as long as the Links aren't attacking.

The Minish Cap
In, the shield is used similarly to the way it's used in. It can block most attacks and bounce some attacks back at enemies. It comes in handy when Link is dueling against Darknuts.


 * Small Shield - The Small Shield can block most attacks. Princess Zelda wins it as a prize during the Picori Festival and gives it to Link so he may protect her.
 * Mirror Shield - This version of the Mirror Shield can absorb projectile attacks and fire a laser in the opposing direction. It is received after Link allows Biggoron to taste his shield for a while.

Twilight Princess
Link first receives the Ordon Shield during his first trip in Ordon Village as a wolf. Link can keep the shield raised when Z-Targeting, as opposed to using the R button in previous games. Later, Link can learn the Shield Attack from one of the Golden Wolves around Hyrule. Like the Deku Shield in Ocarina of Time, the Ordon Shield burns after catching fire. The Hylian Shield can later be purchased from Malo Mart in Kakariko Village.

Phantom Hourglass
Only one shield, the Wooden Shield, can be found within the game. It works much like the shields from A Link to the Past and the other 2D games, blocking any attack that hits it directly when Link is not using another item or weapon. It is bought relatively early on in the game, and automatically becomes available at the nearest store if it is stolen by a Like Like. The design is remarkably similar to that of the Hero's Shield from The Wind Waker, except that it has the same lobster design as Link's pajamas on it. Curiously, it makes a metallic sound when attacks rebound against it.

Collecting ten or more Wisdom Gems allows Link to augment his shield with Neri's powers, drastically increasing its defensive abilities. When powered up, it can block a much wider variety of attacks, and any enemies who come in contact with it are thrown back.