Impa

:Not to be confused with , a character from .
 (pronounced or ) is the family name of several female members of the , a mysterious tribe that has served and protected the for many generations. Many of the name so far have been associated with and taken on the role of accompanying an incarnation of Princess Zelda, being like a bodyguard or attendant of sorts in some games. In addition, every throughout The Legend of Zelda series has given extensive information and guidance to the various incarnations of they encounter in their time.
==Biography==
======
In the original , appears in the game as an Old Woman, however she is only named in the game's instruction manual. When Hyrule was under attack by Ganon's forces in , Princess Zelda ordered her old nursemaid Impa to secretly flee and find the one who could save them. Ganon soon found out and sent his minions after Impa. Though she managed to stay out of their reach for a long time, she was eventually captured. However, she was saved by a strange boy named Link who managed to chase away Ganon's henchmen. Knowing that this was the one she had been looking for, Impa told him the whole story and asked him to go save Princess Zelda, therefore starting his adventure. Manual; Page 3-4
======
In , six years after the events of The Legend of Zelda, Impa had resumed her normal duties. One day, Link came to her because he was worried about a strange mark that had appeared on his left hand. Manual; Page 3-4 When Impa saw the mark, she was initially startled, but quickly regained her composure. She then took Link to a door in North Castle that only the members of her family knew how to open. In the room behind the door lay a princess of Hyrule from ancient times (not the Zelda from the first game) and before Link could ask any questions, Impa told the princess' story. Manual; Page 5-6 When she was done telling, she picked up six Crystals and a scroll lying on a stand next to the altar and gave them to Link. She explained that these items were handed down in her family for generations while waiting for the one who was chosen by destiny to save the princess. Manual; Page 7-8 Manual; Page 9-10 She implored Link to follow his destiny and save the princess, to which he agreed. Manual; Page 11-12
======
In , the character has a dramatic difference in appearance and background compared to earlier (and later) games, and is depicted as a much younger, highly disciplined warrior. This incarnation of Impa was born and raised in Kakariko Village, the village of the Sheikah. She was selected as Princess Zelda's attendant and personal bodyguard, and likely left her village around that time, giving it to the people of other races. Though Hyrule Castle became her new home, she still kept a watching eye over Kakariko, but most of her attention went to the young princess. Until Link, came along, Impa was the only one who believed her visions.
Link met Impa for the first time in Hyrule Castle as a child, where, after meeting Zelda, she taught him "Zelda's Lullaby", and immediately sees the young hero's potential. She then helped him leave the castle. Outside, she advised Link to head to Death Mountain to find the next Spiritual Stones and returned to the princess. However, after Link acquired the remaining Spiritual Stones, Ganondorf attacked Hyrule Castle, forcing Impa to flee with Princess Zelda.. She barely managed to escape Ganondorf and stayed in hiding with the princess for seven years. It is very likely that she was the one who raised Princess Zelda during those growing years and taught her what she had to know to pass off as a Sheikah like herself to become Sheik. Impa also kept protecting Kakariko Village to her best effort. 
When Zelda was eventually old enough to take care of herself, Impa started focusing on her old village again. An old evil that had plagued Kakariko Village in the past and that was locked up by Impa herself in the Bottom of the Well, had returned. Impa went to the Shadow Temple in order to imprison the creature again, but it ultimately turns out she needs some help. When Link went to Kakariko Village after his seven-year slumber as the Hero of Time (and failed to stop the evil attacking the village), Sheik greeted him and told him about Impa. Link entered the Shadow Temple and was able to kill the monster behind the evil from the Well, awakening Impa as the new Sage of Shadow. Upon greeting him, she recognized him and explained to Link what had happened when Ganondorf attacked Hyrule, and says that Zelda is safe and he will meet her again in person. Her new duty as a Sage prevented her from being at Princess Zelda's side, her final words to Link were a request to protect the princess on her behalf, as she is confident by Link's skills that he would do fine as a hero. Before leaving, Link received the Shadow Medallion from her, bestowing some of her power onto him.
When the Hero of Time ultimately defeated Ganon, Impa and the rest of the other Sages bundled their powers to seal away the villain into the void of the Evil Realm. During the ending, she could be seen overlooking a celebrating Hyrule on Death Mountain with the other Sages. 
======
Impa is the trusted nursemaid of Princess Zelda in , and she has been sent to bring the Oracle of Seasons away from the dangers that threaten her in Holodrum and take her back to Hyrule. Impa poses as the cook for the Troupe of Performers accompanied by Din at the beginning of the game in a bid to stay close to Din. Unfortunately for her, before she could get a chance to relocate Din to safety, General Onox attacked the troupe and captured Din via a tornado. After Din is captured by General Onox, she puts all her trust into Link, as he bears the Mark of the Triforce. In addition, because of Onox's attack, she was unable to aid Link directly due to sustaining an injury.
======
Impa is the trusted nursemaid of Princess Zelda in . Impa, sent by Zelda to bring Nayru back to Hyrule for protection, meets Link when she finds she cannot move a large rock with the Mark of the Triforce upon it: Link moves this with ease. However, Veran, Sorceress of Shadow, possessed Impa prior to Link's arrival. Veran transfers herself into Nayru, leaving Impa's body. After Nayru is kidnapped, she puts all her trust in Link to save Labrynna. Because Veran's possession of her proved taxing for her, she could not directly aid Link in his quest, though she did help Link regarding finding a secret passage in Nayru's house leading to the Harp of Ages.
======
In , Impa appears tall and lithe in an appearance similar to in Ocarina of Time. She has straight light blonde hair, very tanned skin, and the standard red eyes of the Sheikah tribe. The Sheikah Eye Symbol is tattooed in red on her forehead, and her left eye is tattooed with the three white marks above and a white teardrop below in the form of the same symbol. She also dresses in blueish-purple clothing marked with yellow lines, an orange belt around her waist, and briefly wears a black cloak also marked with yellow lines.
As an old woman, her hair is greyish blonde and has become very long, now braided and wrapped around her eyes and forehead; it hangs down on one side for use as a pendulum. The white teardrop is still visible but elongated on her wrinkled cheek. She stands quite short and wears a pointed red hood and cape with a variation of the Sheikah eye symbol on the back.
Impa appears as one of the chosen guardians of the goddess Hylia, who is tasked with watching over Demise in the form of The Imprisoned. Impa is a loyal and dedicated guardian and servant to the goddess and states that she gladly will take on the duty. 
In the final days of her life following a fierce battle with the Demon King Demise, the goddess ordered Impa to enter a Gate of Time to the far future to protect her eventual mortal incarnation and to help her remember her former life. When Hylia is reborn on the floating island of Skyloft as Zelda, she falls to the Surface. Impa then meets with the former goddess while saving her from a group of Bokoblins near the Earth Temple, later protecting her from Ghirahim's grasp as he is chasing after the young girl. Shortly afterward, she voices concerns during her first encounter with Link at the fiery temple, believing that he is unworthy of being Hylia's chosen hero, as she was forced to intervene to protect the goddess incarnate during the young hero's absence. Later, at the Temple of Time in Lanayru Desert, she faces Ghirahim in a brief battle while Zelda escapes through a Gate of Time at the temple. She is saved by Link when her magical defenses are overwhelmed by her opponent's powers. She is thus able to proceed through the Gate of Time with Zelda after instructing Link to tell "the old woman" in the Sealed Grounds the recent events so that he may know where to go. Impa then escapes into the past, destroying the gate as it closes behind her and Zelda to prevent Ghirahim from pursuing them.
Link follows Impa's advice and returns to the old woman, who explains that Link will need to strengthen the Goddess Sword with the power of the three Sacred Flames in order to awaken the Gate of Time in the Sealed Temple. She also teaches the young hero how to play the Goddess's Harp as well as the "Ballad of the Goddess" to help him on his quest.
The young Impa remains in the distant past, her own time period, with Princess Zelda and watches over her as she enters a deep slumber in the Temple of Hylia to keep the seal on Demise, who had only recently been sealed by her goddess incarnation, strong in that period of time. After the eradication of Demise outside of the temple in the present, an aged Impa witnesses Zelda finally awaken from her ancient slumber and briefly reunite with Link. The short-lived reunion is interrupted by an aggravated Ghirahim, who kidnaps the newly awakened Zelda and proceeds through the second Gate of Time that is located in the center of the temple, traveling to the temple's distant past. There, the young Impa is attacked and wounded by the demon lord. Once Demise is successfully revived and sealed once more by the Hero of the Skies, the young Impa congratulates him on his world-saving accomplishment. After Zelda pleads with Impa to return to the present with them, Impa explains that she is a being of the past and must stay behind to take care of the Gate of Time and the Master Sword. She tells Zelda not to despair and promises that they will meet again one day, to which Zelda gives Impa one of her bracelets as a token of their friendship and the time they spent together before returning to the present.
In the present, an aged Impa awaits the return of the young heroes. As they step out of the Gate of Time, it closes behind them and disappears, revealing her to be behind it. As the heroes approach her, the bracelet given to her by Princess Zelda many years earlier is visible to them, revealing she is indeed the same young, tanned, and slender woman they had left behind in the past. She smiles at Zelda, telling her that they indeed did meet again. She then falls silent, steps backward slightly, and fades into particles of light, passing away. The bracelet given to her by Zelda falls to the floor and Zelda herself mourns her passing, thanking her for everything she did to help them.
======
In , a violet-haired, aged Impa is once again Zelda's nursemaid and one of the descendants of the Seven Sages. Impa goes missing some time after Link clears the Eastern Palace, having been kidnapped by Yuga and turned into a Painting. Yuga eventually uses Impa and the rest of the Sages' power to release Ganon from his seal, in order to merge with the Demon King. Yuga then hides Impa's Painting within , a magma-filled prison located in the middle of Lorule's Lake Hylia.
After Link rescues Impa from Turtle Rock, she acknowledges him as the hero of this era. Once each of the Seven Sages is rescued, they use their power to summon the Triforce of Courage; Impa then exhorts Link to return to Lorule Castle and use the Triforce to defeat Yuga Ganon.
======
Impa presides as the elder of Kakariko Village in , awaiting the time for Link to awaken from his Slumber of Restoration. When Link arrives at her House, Impa remarks on how long it has been and asks if he remembers her. However, Link's lack of reaction to her makes her realize what his long slumber has done to his memory. Although disappointed, she admits that this may be for the best at the moment and beckons him closer. Once Link approaches her seat, she explains that 100 years ago, Princess Zelda asked that Link be placed in the Shrine of Resurrection and went to battle Ganon by herself. Before she left, the Princess bid Impa give Link her parting words. Impa hesitates to give him Zelda's message, remarking that he should be prepared to risk his life if he hears it and that it may be too much for him without his memory. In the end, she allows him to decide when he is ready. If Link admits that he is uncertain, Impa will happily state that she is willing to wait longer for him to be sure and asks that he take his time.
Link will speak to her again to have her tell him her recounts of the past. She is impressed by his spirit despite his lack of memory and is reminded of why he is considered a hero. Impa knows that Link will need to know about the Royal Family and Calamity Ganon. She proceeds to retell the tale of 10,000 years ago to make up for the gap in Link's recollections. Impa explains that they had attempted to follow the steps that had been taken before, but they had failed. Finally, Impa gives him the last words from Princess Zelda.
Should Link ask what the Divine Beasts are, Impa can explain both them and their former Champions. She cautions Link against facing Ganon without them and asks that he instead recover them by visiting the other races. Impa adds their locations on the Sheikah Slate for him, beginning the "Free the Divine Beasts" Main Quest. It is then that Impa notices that Link's Slate is missing something and directs him to Hateno Village. If Link asks her, Impa will add another beacon on his Sheikah Slate to lead the way to the Village, beginning the "Locked Mementos" Main Quest. Finally, Impa bids that he goes forth to meet his destiny, completing the "Seek Out Impa" Main Quest given to him by King Rhoam.
If spoken to again, Impa becomes concerned that Link is having second thoughts. She assures Link that she is not asking him to run to Ganon immediately and simply tells him to focus on the Sheikah Slate. Once their conversation is over, Impa reminds Link of Zelda's plight and urges him to face fate head-on. Should Link remain to speak to her again, she becomes a touch exasperated. She tells Link how important the Slate is to his quest and again reminds him that it must be fixed.
While Link speaks to her granddaughter Paya, Impa occasionally chimes in. As Paya warns the hero about the possible danger of the Yiga, the elder mentions a Great Fairy and tells Link it would be wise to find her. If Link asks Paya about where her birthmark is, Impa asks him to leave the subject alone for now. However, once Paya develops feelings for Link, Impa instead blurts out exactly where the birthmark is, much to her granddaughter's dismay.
Impa was formerly a royal adviser, responsible for relic research. She is about one hundred and twenty years old.
======
==Other Appearances==
=== (Valiant Comics)===
Impa's appearance in the is very similar to that of her and depiction, and she only briefly appears in three stories out of the twelve featured in the comic, including He Also Serves, Day of the Triforce, and Choices. She is Princess Zelda's nursemaid and is wise in all things concerning the land of Hyrule and the Triforce. Because of this, her advice to Link and Zelda is crucial in their quest to protect the kingdom from Ganon. In He Also Serves, Impa is the one that warns Link, through the prophetic words of the Triforce of Wisdom, that Hyrule could fall at the hands of Ganon if the young hero leaves the North Palace to accompany the princess to another town in the kingdom. She also explains to Zelda that the Triforce of Wisdom cannot be used as a weapon, but instead as guidance to be able to wield the sacred Silver Arrow. When Zelda goes to Impa and worriedly tells her that the Triforce of Wisdom has disappeared, Impa explains to her that it is because the Day of the Triforce has arrived, which causes all three Triforce pieces to disappear for one day every decade.
======
Impa appears once again serving as Princess Zelda's nursemaid in , portrayed as an elderly woman. She plays a major role in the book since it is through her wise words that Link is able to discover Charles's true identity. She is first introduced in the book when Link and Charles are having the archery match. Just as Link is choosing the Arrow that he will use for the match, Impa walks towards him and tells him to use the Green Arrow that she puts in his hand, saying it is enchanted with magic. After the Green Arrow lands way off the bulls-eye, Impa warns the young hero that Charles is in possession of strong magic.
Throughout the book, Link often goes to Impa for advice to consult about his next step. At one point, Impa suggests to him that he should have patience and not defy Charles before he learns of his true identity. She then sends him off to the Water Town of Saria to retrieve the Mirror of Truth and gives the young hero the Golden Whistle in case he may need it, the former being the item that will ultimately help lead to Charles's defeat.
======
In , Impa accompanies Zelda to the island of Gamelon after her father, King Harkinian, and Link go to aid Duke Onkled after Ganon conquers the island, but fail to return. In the game's introduction, she uses the Triforce of Wisdom to foresee the future and assures Zelda that the King will safely return, although this proves to be false as months pass with no word. The two decide to go to Gamelon to find them both, and Impa brings the Triforce of Wisdom as they sail to the island.
Impa fulfills a similar role to Gwonam from , by using the Triforce of Wisdom to look into the events of Gamelon and by introducing certain bosses. She learns through the Triforce of Wisdom that the King had been captured, and Link involved in a terrible fight. The Triforce of Wisdom later reveals that the King had been captured by Ganon. Impa also informs Zelda that the residents of Sakado were taken to Tykogi Tower, and that Wizzrobe had captured Lady Alma. Finally, she also informs Zelda that the Triforce of Wisdom states she can only defeat Ganon and win by "falling", although Impa does not understand what this means.
=== (Himekawa)===
In the , Impa appears and follows a similar story as shown in the original game. Impa is shown to possess almost superhuman strength, being able to carry a Cow over her head with relative ease, despite it annoying her greatly.
======
Impa appears as a playable character in . Impa is Princess Zelda's advisor and bodyguard. She leads the counter attack against Cia's forces, commanding Link to defend the Princess. After Zelda goes missing, she leads the escape through Dodongo Cavern.
She blames herself for the loss of the Princess, and is immediately suspicious when Sheik appears to help them escape. She teams up with Sheik in the Age of the Hero Of Time on Death Mountain, accusing them of being a spy.
Sheik uses the Mirror Of Truth at Lake Hylia, revealing that they were Zelda all along. The Princess reassures Impa that she did not fail, and they join forces to save Princess Ruto.
She uses a curved great sword as her weapon. She also appears to have some magical ability, manipulating water to take the shape of throwing knives and even copies of her sword. Enemies struck by these attacks have their heads surrounded by suffocating bubbles. Her second style is a Naginata (Japanese pole weapon; similar to a glaive) which allows her to manipulate fire.
Her design is based on her incarnation, though some elements are also taken from . Her armor and weapons also take inspiration from Japanese origins, specifically samurai.
======
In , Impa appears as several Trophies.
====Trophy Information====
|}
======
In , appears as two different . One is of her appearance in , and the other is of her appearance in . Both are . While the has no skills, the has the skill, Item Throw 🠅, which increases the power and distance of when thrown by the . The first appeared in the event on January 8th, 2021.
======
 appears as a playable character in . She only uses and her as and can dodge attacks while leaving a decoy behind if she is hit while at full stamina.
 knows the and abilities.
 also appears in ’s quarters. If spoken to by , she will give the .
======
The from , now a young woman with a striking resemblance to future granddaughter Paya, is a playable character in . A hundred years prior to , she fought alongside , , and the against the hordes of monsters heralding the return of . first meets her as she is being chased by a horde of while trying to protect a . After spotting , she trips and tosses the to him, which awakens a small -like machine that previously saw lying on a rock. catches the and rushes to protect her, but they are interrupted when a erupts out of the ground between them and the . She soon joins the battle with Link in earnest when a Fire Wizzrobe attacks, and moves to intercept it, taking its Fire Rod upon its defeat.
She wields kodachi and is able to create clones of herself in battle by using the ZR Button to mark enemies with a Sheikah Sign then follow up with another attack to absorb it, up to three times, allowing her to build up her Special Bar faster with each Sign absorbed. The weapons she can use are, in increasing base strength, the Kakariko Kodachi, the Faithful Kodachi, and the Devoted Kodachi. She also utilizes Bomb Barrels whenever Impa uses her Special, with said barrel marked with a Sign.
==Trivia==
*In the Japanese version of , Impa is called Zelda's wetnurse rather than her attendant.私はシーカー族のインパ。ゼルダ様の乳母であり、闇の神殿を守る賢者でもある… Eng translation: I am Impa of the Sheikah tribe. I am Princess Zelda's wet nurse, as well as the sage who protects the Temple of Shadows.
*In , one of the stained glass windows in Hyrule Castle's basement depicts Impa along with the other Sages from .
*According to , Impa is around 120 years old during the events of . This would also make her about 20 in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity.
*In , by playing the game co-operatively with both Princess Zelda and , will still appear in ’s quarters even though one of the players is already playing as her.
**No unique dialogue occurs when speaking to as .
==Nomenclature==
Impa's name comes from the word "impart," as the original Impa imparts the legend of Sleeping Zelda in the second game.
==Gallery==
de:Impa
es:Impa
fr:Impa
it:Impa
ja:インパ
pt-br:Impa
zh-tw:英帕
Category:Female characters