Ralph

Ralph is Nayru's childhood friend and loyal guardian in Oracle of Ages. Although he is stubborn and hotheaded, rarely pondering the consequences of his own actions, he is a noble character deep down. Due to his protective nature defensive attitude towards Nayru, Ralph expresses a certain resentment towards Link, treating him with a certain amount of rivalry throughout the course of the game as he attempts to rescue Nayru before Link. As Link defeats Veran and saves Nayru Queen Ambi, the young hero gains Ralph's respect.

Biography
Ralph is first seen standing next to Nayru when Link first arrives to Labrynna. He confidently informs Link that he will not be needed to help protect Nayru, only seconds before Veran possesses her. Standing up to Veran, Ralph threatens to cut her in half if she does not release Nayru, but is forced to stand down, as Veran points out that if he attacks, Nayru will die. Making her getaway to the past, Ralph is quick to pursue her through the still-open Time Portal.

Despite his noble ambition, Ralph is ultimately of little help, as he simply runs around in the past hoping to encounter Veran. He does, however, point out a few important facts to Link as the young hero quests for the Essences of Time.

After Link completes the Mermaid's Cave, Queen Ambi leaves her palace, giving Link the ideal opportunity to rescue Nayru from Veran's clutches. Upon his arrival to the palace, Link runs into Ralph, who also heard that the palace guard was let down. Ralph rushes ahead to find Nayru, but not before informing Link of a hidden entrance to the palace interior within the palace garden. Ralph reappears after Link saves Nayru from Veran, who then possesses Queen Ambi. Saving both Link and Ralph, Nayru returns them to the present. After Nayru's safe return, Ralph apologizes to Link for his behavior. He decides to return to the past, vowing to defeat Veran. Ralph is determined to kill Queen Ambi to save Labrynna and Nayru, even after it is discovered that the queen is Ralph's ancestor, knowing full well that if he succeeds, he himself will vanish from existence.

However, as he comes face-to-face with the Sorceress of Shadows at the Black Tower, he is easily thwarted by Veran's power. Ralph survives (thanks to Veran's "kindness"), but reminds Link that by killing the queen, he kills Ralph. Link battles Veran and, believing her to be defeated, attempts to exit the tower along with Nayru and Ralph. However, Veran is not finished. Link, separated from Nayru and Ralph, faces off against Veran for the last time. After defeating Veran for good, Link meets with Nayru and Ralph, accompanied by Queen Ambi (who had been freed from Veran's control in the battle) and her soldiers. Ralph is amazed by Link's performance, and from then on treats the young hero with the utmost respect.

As the adventure ends, Ralph vows to train harder to be able to protect Nayru on his own. He is last seen training with Link, trying unsuccessfuly to master the Spin Attack, turning it into an uncontrollable version with greater range. Despite the greater range of damage, the attack makes Ralph too dizzy to do anything except collapse after he uses it.

Manga
Ralph has changed some in his manga appearance. He is used for greater comic relief than in the game, and is also much stronger, accompanying Link throughout the majority of his journey. Unlike in the games, Ralph is, at one point, possessed by Veran.

Trivia

 * Curiously, Ralph's hair is black in-game, whereas it is red in official art.
 * Ralph has a sprite similar to Richard in Link's Awakening.