Summary
There have been many unique and peculiar characters recurring throughoutThe Legend of Zelda’s lifespan, with Beedle and Dampe being two of the most notable.Beedle, who first appeared in 2002’sThe Wind Waker, has become a staple of the franchise, appearing in multiple installments thereafter as a traveling merchant with a distinct, charming, and often comedic personality. Dampe, on the other hand, has most often been depicted as a dark, eerie, and yet friendly individual who is generally depicted as a gravekeeper — though more recent installments have given him other roles. Now,Zelda: Breath of the Wildand its successor,Tears of the Kingdom, have introduced a character that would arguably be a perfect fit for the Beedle/Dampe recurring character treatment.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdomhas plenty of standout characters, but Paya is among those who stands out the most. While she first appeared inBreath of the Wild, she played more of a background role, serving only as Impa’s assistant in Kakariko Village. InTears of the Kingdom, however, Impa has retired, leaving Paya in charge. This shift in role for Paya also shows a dramatic shift in her character, from a passive assistant to an active decision-maker. Her subtle affection for Link inTears of the Kingdom, her knowledge of Hyrule and Sheikah lore, and her bubbly, endearing personality all make a strong case for her to return in a futureZeldagame.
Why Tears of the Kingdom’s Paya Should Become a Recurring Character
Paya’s Endearing Personality and Subtle Affection for Link Make Her a Memorable Character
Like a few other characters inZelda: Breath of the WildandTears of the Kingdom, Paya has a very endearing personality, and her subtle affection for Link inBotWonly intensifies that. While her interactions with Link are more professional inTears of the Kingdom, she is shown blushing, stammering, and fidgeting when speaking with him inBreath of the Wild, which ultimately stems from her respect for him as a hero. It is even implied in her diary that she feels flustered around Link, and she grows embarrassed when Impa teases her about spending time with him.
Having risen to a leadership position inTears of the Kingdom, any feelings she might have had for Link have possibly taken a backseat to her responsibilities, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are gone. Nevertheless, this is all a major part of what plays into her growth from shy, apprehensive assistant to capable leader. If she were to appear in futureZeldagames, perhaps whatever she felt for Link inBreath of the Wild(and what she may still feel) could be developed even more.
Paya’s Recurrence Would Allow for Further Character Development and Deeper Sheikah/Hyrule Lore
Perhaps more than anything else, Paya’s transformation betweenZelda: Breath of the WildandTears of the Kingdomshows massive potential for her character to be even further fleshed out in a future installment. While theBreath of the Wildera is officially over, Paya could still appear in future games as the leader of Kakariko Village instead of Impa. Not only would that show the series' willingness to grow beyond the generational borders it has established in the past, it would also allow more opportunities for Paya’s character to be developed, just as other recurringZeldaside characterslike Beedle and Dampe have.
Like a few other characters inZelda: Breath of the WildandTears of the Kingdom, Paya has a very endearing personality, and her subtle affection for Link inBotWonly intensifies that.
Paya has also proven her extensive knowledge ofSheikah and Hyrule lore, and her inclusion in futureZeldagames could expand on that lore even more. As a member of the Sheikah tribe and the granddaughter of Impa, Paya is inherently linked to Hyrule’s history and the royal family. As such, her lineage and role offer opportunities to explore deeper narratives related to the Sheikah and their relationship with Hyrule’s protectors. This could also factor into the gameplay for future installments, with Paya perhaps providing ancient Sheikah knowledge, artifacts, or guidance to Link or whoever the protagonist may be.
Paya’s journey from timid assistant to confident leader is evidence ofThe Legend of Zelda’sability to develop characters beyond their initial roles. Just as Beedle and Dampe have become series mainstays, Paya’s depth, endearing personality, and connection to Hyrule’s history make her a prime candidate for the same treatment. Whether she continues to leadKakariko Villageor takes on a more significant role in Hyrule’s evolving story, her return would be a natural evolution for a character who has already proven her worth.
