The Legend of Zelda series has never shied away from depicting curses, ghosts, and the undead, but it's often in the optional side quests that Nintendo truly lets these elements run wild. While the main story might present a bright, whimsical surface, these detours can reveal something rotten or horrifying lurking beneath. These optional adventures often tuck dread into unexpected corners, proving more startling than the usual dungeon bosses.
House of Skulltula (Ocarina of Time)
In Kakariko Village, a once-wealthy family was cursed for their greed, allegedly turned into spider-like beings. The only known cure involves finding and destroying 100 Gold Skulltulas scattered throughout Hyrule. The hunt takes Link across various landscapes, but the true horror lies in visiting the family's home and witnessing the half-spider, half-human hybrids awaiting their liberation. The unsettling sight might be enough to make players abandon the quest.
The Craftsman's Son (Ocarina of Time)
As Young Link, the Master Craftsman's son is seen lounging around Kakariko Village. Years later, during Adult Link's quest for Biggoron's Sword, the son is found in the Lost Woods, giving Link a mushroom. Upon returning later, he is gone. A Kokiri girl explains matter-of-factly that adults who get lost in the woods transform into Stalfos, skeletal warriors, seemingly without concern.
"Them" at Romani Ranch (Majora's Mask)
On Romani Ranch, young Romani prepares to defend her home from mysterious entities known as "Them," which appear annually around the Carnival of Time to steal cows. These invaders, inspired by folklore, drift silently toward the barn. If not repelled, Romani is taken and later returned, her memories and personality erased. Successfully defending the ranch prevents this grim fate and rewards the player with milk.
Pamela's Father (Majora's Mask)
In Ikana Canyon, a girl named Pamela hides her father in a closet. He is slowly transforming into a Gibdo, a mummy-like creature. Players must sneak into the basement and witness the closet burst open, revealing the half-mummified father who then begins to stalk Link. The Song of Healing can cure him, but the initial encounter is a jump scare.
The Ghost Ship (The Wind Waker)
The Ghost Ship appears on the Great Sea only at night, its appearance dependent on the moon's phase. Locating this spectral vessel can be a challenge, and its sudden emergence from the dark water accompanied by eerie music creates a chilling atmosphere. Successfully boarding it allows Link to recover a Triforce Shard, but the ominous presence of the ship itself is a memorable, unsettling experience.
Jovani (Twilight Princess)
In Castle Town, a man named Jovani sold his soul to Poes for wealth, resulting in him and his cat being turned into gold statues. To free him, Link must collect sixty Poes scattered across Hyrule, many of which are only visible in Wolf Link form. Even after being freed, Jovani is left weeping over his lost love, though his cat, Gengle, offers some solace by providing rupees.
Phoeni, the Ghost Hand (Skyward Sword)
Rumors of a ghost haunting the Knight Academy bathroom lead Link to discover a disembodied hand reaching from a toilet, requesting paper. If Link provides a love letter intended for Cawlin, the ghost, Phoeni, becomes so moved that she begins to haunt Cawlin as he sleeps. The outcome offers little comfort to Cawlin, who is rejected by his intended love interest anyway.
The Lost Ghost (Link's Awakening)
After clearing Angler's Tunnel, a small pink ghost begins to follow Link around Koholint Island. This seemingly cute companion guides Link to its former home and expresses a desire to be taken to its grave. After fulfilling this request, the ghost departs, leaving behind a Fairy Bottle. The quest adds to the mysterious and unsettling atmosphere of the island.
The Bargainer Statues (Tears of the Kingdom)
In the vast and dark Depths beneath Hyrule, Link encounters the Bargainer statues. These colossal entities sell weapons, armor, and materials in exchange for Poes, which represent the souls of the dead. The sheer scale and unsettling placement of these statues, some partially hidden or jutting out from the darkness, create a terrifying environment. Trading souls for gear is a stark reminder of the grim realities beneath the surface.
