The transformative evolution of Midna: from brash imp to humanoid ruler
In short: Initially appearing as a diminutive, imp-like creature, Midna undergoes a profound character arc in The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. From her snobbish beginnings to her eventual restoration, her journey explores the archetype of the 'tsundere'—a character who shifts from being abrasive to being kind.
Created by Yusuke Nakano with Akiko Kōmoto providing the voice, Midna was first intended for a cancelled Nintendo title before being used in Twilight Princess. Throughout the game, she reigns over the Twilight Realm until Zant steals her throne. This coup results in Midna being cursed into an imp-like form, where she wears a fused shadow relic as a mask and her clothes appear fused to her body.
Her design features an 'air of the Middle East,' characterized by turquoise skin, orange hair, and red eyes. Her attire, consisting of a black gagra choli and a trailing black veil, draws inspiration from South Asian styles. This stands in contrast to the Westernized design of Princess Zelda. While in her imp form, her bright orange hair becomes a tool for physical control, often used to manipulate Link while he is in his wolf form.
Midna's narrative arc is defined by her changing temperament. Twilight Princess director Eiji Aonuma described her as a 'tsundere,' an archetype where a character starts off snobbish and brash but becomes gentler over time. After the defeat of Ganondorf and the destruction of Hyrule Castle, Midna is restored to her original humanoid form. She ultimately goes back to the Twilight Realm and breaks the Mirror of Twilight to stop further invasions.
Despite her popularity, Midna has faced critical scrutiny. While many critics consider her one of the best female Nintendo characters of the 2000s, some reviewers, such as Matthew Rickert of RPGamer, found her uninteresting and criticized her for taking too much focus away from Princess Zelda.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Midna
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