Saria

Saria's History

Saria is a character in Ocarina of Time. She is Link's childhood friend from his years in the Kokiri Forest. She is well-liked amongst other Kokiri, particularly by their boss, Mido, whose dislike of Link might be partially explained by the latter's close friendship with Saria. She often travels to the Sacred Forest Meadow to play her Ocarina. She plays a song that inspires people to dance called "Saria's Song." When Link becomes the Hero of Time, he rescues Saria from the Forest Temple and allows her to awaken as the Forest Sage.

Saria is the first of the Kokiri to greet Link after he receives Navi, his own Fairy. She congratulates him for finally finding a Fairy and is surprised to hear that the Great Deku Tree has summoned Link, as it is a great honor to speak with him.[7] After receiving his quest from the Great Deku Tree, Saria meets Link at the exit of the forest to say goodbye. She gives him the Fairy Ocarina and asks him to come back and visit her.[8][9]

Once Link has met with Princess Zelda, he can find Saria in the Sacred Forest Meadow, where she will teach the young hero the song she has composed. This song allows Link to speak with her at any time and is also used to brighten Darunia's mood, thus allowing him to grant Link access to Dodongo's Cavern.

During Link's seven-year absence, Mido kept spreading the rumor that Link was responsible for the death of the Great Deku Tree. Of all the Kokiri, Saria was the only one who stood up for Link.[10] When Link awakens, the Forest Temple in the Lost Woods becomes his first destination after an emergency call from Saria.[11] On the way, he comes through Kokiri Forest where the Kokiri inform him that both Saria and Mido left for the Lost Woods.[12][13] Following them, Link first encounters Mido, who refuses to let him pass.[14] However, after playing "Saria's Song," Mido understands that Link has to be one of Saria's friends and as such can be trusted and let through.[15] Link continues to the Sacred Forest Meadow and discovers that Saria's "secret place" houses the entrance to the Forest Temple. Link then goes in and manages to defeat the temple's evil spirit, Phantom Ganon. By doing this, he allows Saria to awaken as the new Forest Sage. Saria then says goodbye, knowing that the carefree days of old are over,[16] and gives Link the Forest Medallion.[17]

Later, when Link talks to Mido again, the latter asks him if he would help him keep a promise to Saria: to tell Link that Saria had been waiting for him.[18] When Link defeats Ganon, Saria and the other Sages bundle their powers to seal him away. During the ending, she can be seen overlooking a celebrating Hyrule on Death Mountain with the other Sages, seated atop Darunia's head.