Dive into the ancient mysteries of Hyrule with these newly revealed companions in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment – but who are they really, and could they change everything we thought we knew about Zelda's world?
A fresh take on a timeless era
Koei Tecmo has just unveiled (https://www.gamecity.ne.jp/zelda-fuuin/jp/) exciting details about some of Princess Zelda's key allies in the upcoming Musou-style prequel, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment (https://www.nintendolife.com/games/nintendo-switch-2/hyrule-warriors-age-of-imprisonment). For those new to the Zelda series, Musou games are action-packed titles where you control heroes in large-scale battles, often featuring hordes of enemies and powerful special moves – think of it as a mix of strategy and epic combat.
Just recently, the developers released five brand-new character profiles along with a collection of fresh screenshots on their official site (via Nintendo Everything (https://nintendoeverything.com/hyrule-warriors-age-of-imprisonment-characters-zeldas-maid/)). This gives us the names of the four Sages (in their Japanese translations) and, surprisingly, Zelda's personal maid. If you're unfamiliar, Sages in Zelda lore are wise guardians tied to different races in Hyrule, often wielding magical powers to protect the land – they're like ancient protectors who help maintain balance against evil forces.
Let's start with Argusta, the Goron Sage and chief of the Goron Tribe. He's described as a loyal buddy to Rauru, the wise king of Hyrule, and stands out as a compassionate, giving, and sharp-minded leader. Imagine a rock-solid figure who's not just strong but also thoughtful, guiding his people with kindness.
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Next up is Kia, the Zora Sage and a royal princess who's an expert in martial arts. Her courage is legendary, motivating her tribe to face challenges head-on. For beginners, Zoras are fish-like beings in Zelda games, often associated with water and agility – think of Kia as a brave warrior princess who inspires everyone around her with her fearless spirit.
Then there's Krafika, the leader of the Rito and their Sage. He might come across as a bit enigmatic at first, but his dedication to his comrades shines through. Ritos are bird-like people in the Zelda universe, known for their aerial prowess, so picture Krafika as a loyal friend who's always looking out for those he cares about, even if his quiet nature makes him intriguing.
The final Sage is Ardi, from the Gerudo tribe and a supporter of Ganondorf, the current ruler. But here's where it gets controversial... Ardi's allegiance to Ganondorf, the infamous villain in Zelda stories, raises eyebrows. Is this a sign of loyalty, a strategic alliance, or perhaps a hidden twist that could lead to betrayal? Gerudos are a desert-dwelling race often led by strong female figures, and Ganondorf's dark influence is a staple of the series – this choice might spark debates about whether Ardi is a true ally or a wildcard in the story.
And this is the part most people miss... Amid all these powerful Sages, we're most eager to learn about Lanaria (sometimes spelled Ranaria), Zelda's trusted maid. She's a gentle soul entrusted by Rauru, known for her efficiency in her duties and her deep interest in the mystical world around her. She's often seen with a notebook, jotting down observations – perhaps she's uncovering secrets that could tie into the game's plot. For example, in Zelda games, seemingly minor characters like maids can hold key clues or even play pivotal roles, so Lanaria might be more than just a background figure.
While this isn't an overwhelming amount of information, getting any insights into the Sages at this point is huge, especially with the game's launch just a month away. We had a quick hands-on session with Age of Imprisonment at Tokyo Game Show (https://www.nintendolife.com/previews/feature-zelda-layton-mega-man-10-games-we-played-at-tgs-2025-coming-to-switch-1-and-2), and we're thrilled about how this 'canonical' prequel might expand on the narrative from Tears of the Kingdom, potentially revealing untold stories about Hyrule's past.
What do you think of these new characters? Do you see Ardi's connection to Ganondorf as a bold storytelling choice or a potential red flag? Could Lanaria's fascination with the mystical hint at bigger plot twists? Share your thoughts and join the discussion in the comments below – I'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have your own theories!
[source gamecity.ne.jp (https://www.gamecity.ne.jp/zelda-fuuin/jp/) , via nintendoeverything.com (https://nintendoeverything.com/hyrule-warriors-age-of-imprisonment-characters-zeldas-maid/) ]
Alana has been part of the Nintendo Life team since 2022, with RPGs holding her heart, though Nintendo runs a very close second. She loves dissecting battle tactics, character arcs, and narratives in depth. Oh, and she dreams of soaring as a Sega air pirate.
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