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Paya is a recurring character in The Legend of Zelda series.[7]

Biography[]

Paya is first seen in Kakariko Village scrubbing the porch of her grandmother Impa's house. When Paya notices Link she jumps up with an exclamation and hides her face throughout the conversation.[8] She spots the Sheikah Slate on Link's hip and wonders if he is the hero her grandmother spoke about and tries to remember his name.[9] The Sheikah says she is bad at speaking and stutters before finally stating her name.[10] Once she says her name, Paya is able to calm down enough to take her hands from her face. She knows it should be easy to say her own name and apologizes.[11] Since Impa has been waiting for the hero's return since Paya was little, she urges Link to go inside and see her grandmother.[12] If Link should come closer, Paya will panic and hide in her hands again, mentioning how close he is before asking that he go inside.[13] She will remain outside until Link and her grandmother have finished their conversation to give them some privacy. Once they are finished, she comes back in to go to the Sheikah Heirloom, mentioning how she needs to look after it.[14]

At first, Paya is still incredibly shy around Link and refers to him with a title.[15] Still, she is incredibly eager to help him in any way she can.[16][17] Link can ask her about the artifact she is cleaning and she will tell him everything she knows,[18] bringing up a saying that was passed down through generations, at least as far back as her sixth-great-grandmother.[19] Paya admits that she does not know the meaning of the words, but continues to contemplate it.[20] If asked about the Village, Paya will speak about the Sheikah tribe itself,[21] as well as how the Yiga Clan began.[22] She warns Link that the Yiga Clan is likely to come after him,[23] but quickly asks that he let her know if she can help.[24] Impa speaks up, mentioning the Great Fairy Fountain hiding above the Village.[25] Paya tells Link where he can find the Fountain in the hopes that she will aid him.[26] However, should Link ask Paya about herself, she immediately becomes incredibly flustered.[27] After a moment of hesitation, she begins to tell him about how she got her name.[28] If Link asks her where the birthmark is, Paya becomes flustered again and hides her face, struggling to tell him.[29] At first, Impa comes to her rescue and asks Link leave such topics alone.[30] Paya finishes by promising to tell Link where it is some day.[31] However, once Paya's feeling for Link deepen, she does try to tell him where the birthmark is.[32] As she struggles, Impa finally blurts out the answer for her.[33] At the end of their talk, Paya wishes him good luck on his journey.[34]

Later on, Paya is found in Impa's House on her knees, crying in distress.[35] She tells Link her eyes were averted for a second and asks what she should do.[36] If Link asks what is wrong, Paya answers that the Sheikah Heirloom was stolen just when she discovered its secret.[37] Paya then begins to sob. Impa explains that the hero chosen by the Sheikah Heirloom will be gifted with the "blessing of antiquity".[38] Paya believes Link is the hero so she stayed up all night researching the heirloom, coming to the conclusion that the "blessing of antiquity" refers to an Ancient Shrine, with the Heirloom acting as a key to reveal it.[39] Before they could tell Link this the Heirloom was stolen.[40] Paya says she had been cleaning the Heirloom regularly every day, meaning it must have been stolen during the night.[41] The place is off limits to outsiders and Paya does not believe a villager would do such a thing.[42] This starts the Shrine Quest, "The Stolen Heirloom". Paya continues by saying someone with evil intent had come there, and although she is glad of her grandmother's safety, she still feels violated.[43] Paya starts crying again. Because Paya is afraid the thief is possibly still nearby, Impa asks Link to stay by her side for the day.[44] Link answers with a nod.

In her room that evening, Paya thanks Link for staying by her side the whole day and sees how crying and feeling scared will not help them get the Heirloom back.[45] Dorian and Cado had said no one other than the villagers were around at the time of the theft when she asked them.[46] Paya says she will try to remember all she can about the night the Heirloom was stolen but is concerned the thief is still nearby.[47] Feeling uneasy, Paya warns Link that if he spots any suspicious movement not to approach.[48]

After Link completes the Lakna Rokee Shrine, he returns to Impa's house and finds a depressed Paya.[49] The Sheikah girl perks up when she hears the Heirloom fulfilled its purpose, expressing happiness that it was able to help Link in some way.[50] Paya prays the protection of the gods of old follows the hero wherever he goes.[51] Later on, Paya will express some loneliness without the Heirloom, though she is still grateful that Link found it useful.[52][53]

Paya keeps a Diary in her room. If Link tries to read it, she says he must not and that it is just a simple journal she writes her personal thoughts in.[54] However, Paya's Diary can be read at night when she is not in the room. On the first page, Paya has written how her grandmother, her aunt Purah, and Zelda put a lone swordsman into a long sleep a century before to prepare for a foretold event.[6] For the sake of Hyrule and her grandmother, who has been waiting for the hero to reappear, Paya prays he comes soon.[55] Deeper in the diary Paya wrote about Link and his memory loss, commenting how despite this her grandmother is much happier.[56] Paya thinks Link looks gallant, the very picture of the hero she always imagined.[57] She poetically describes his features in admiration, writing how her heart won't stop beating a mile a minute.[58] In her Diary she admits she is still not great at interacting with young men.[59] Although, Paya thinks she can finally speak to Link while looking in his eyes, and while she still gets a little embarrassed, her gaze always follows his.[60] Paya suspects Link may be in love with Zelda, stating they suit each other and gives their pairing her full support, even though the thought makes her heart hurt.[61] Thinking she may be sick, Paya explains her troubles to Impa, who only smiles.[62] She attempts to get answers from Cado and Dorian, but the result is the same.[63] Eventually, Paya and Impa talk about her feelings and she realizes that she is in fact in love with Link.[64] Although she realizes it is likely to remain unrequited, Paya is happy just to know what it feels like to be in love and is grateful to Link for giving her this new emotion.[65]

If Link speaks to Paya while she sits at the table her Diary is on, she tells him not to frighten her and asks if he needs something.[66] If he asks what she is doing, Paya replies she is jotting down her boring thoughts.[67] When Link asks what is on her face, Paya panics before realizing he means the Sheikah Symbol on her forehead.[68] She explains the crest is a talisman for the Sheikah to ward off evil.[69] It is customary for those with a long Sheikah lineage to have it inked on their foreheads to honor their past.[70] After answering any of Link's questions, Paya asks if her answer is alright with him.[71] When Link says goodbye, Paya encourages him to get some sleep since staying up late cannot be great for his health.[72] Paya is very shy about her room and if spoken to standing in it rather than sitting at the table, she will ask Link to leave.[73] If Link listens to her while she sleeps, Paya murmurs his name.[74]

In the Journal of Various Worries, Paya writes on how she has been hearing voices from the Sheikah Heirloom, and her belief that it has a great destiny.[5]

If at any time Link attempts to speak to her without any Armor covering his torso, Paya will become incredibly embarrassed and hide her face, asking him to clothe himself.[75]

Trivia[]

  • Initially, Paya was to be a very young girl, but due to a lack of girls around Link's age in the world, she was changed to be a young woman between 18 and 20 years old.[76]

Nomenclature[]

Paya's name comes from the fruit "Papaya" because she has a papaya seed-shaped birthmark on her left buttock.[28][33]

TMC Forest Minish Artwork Names in other regions TMC Jabber Nut Sprite
LanguageName
United KingdomEnglishBRPaya
JapanJapaneseパーヤ (Pāya)
NetherlandsDutchPaya
CanadaFrenchCAPahya
FranceFrenchEUPahya
GermanyGermanPaya
ItalyItalianPaya
RussiaRussianПайя (Payya)
SpainSpanishEUPay
Latin AmericaSpanishLAApaya
This table was generated using translation pages.
To request an addition, please contact a staff member with a reference.

Gallery[]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 "Someone snuck in and stole Lady Paya's most prized possession... I'm sure Lady Paya would feel a little more at ease if she saw Master Link's face." — Dorian (Breath of the Wild)
  2. "Paya
    Chief of Kakariko Village
    " — Game Screen (Tears of the Kingdom)
  3. "You had the foresight to focus on all of these special ruins and invite the survey team to take a look right away. I'm impressed, Chief Paya!" — Tauro (Tears of the Kingdom)
  4. "Good grief. It's Lady Paya's duty to take care of the village... But whenever I take my eyes off her, she's elbow-deep in some trivial new problem. I..." — Dorian (Tears of the Kingdom)
  5. 5.0 5.1 "There is a precious heirloom that has been passed down through my family for generations. Recently, I've begun to hear voices telling me that the heirloom has an important destiny. It's going to happen soon. It makes me nervous, but I can feel it in my bones. - Papaya" — Journal of Various Worries (Breath of the Wild)
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 "Grandmother says that she conspired with Princess Zelda and Auntie Purah 100 years ago. They decided to put a lone swordsman into a long sleep in order to prepare for an event that was foretold." — Paya's Diary (Breath of the Wild)
  7. "Paya" — N/A (Breath of the Wild)
  8. "A man?!" — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  9. "Huh? Is that-?! It's...a Sheikah Slate! Could you be the hero my grandmother told me about? What was his name? Li... Lin... Ummm..." — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  10. "Oh, it's not that I forgot...I'm just bad with speaking. As for me, my name is Pa... Paaa... Paaay... Oh! My name is Paya! Phew! I got it out..." — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  11. "I know I should be able to say that easily, seeing as how it's my own name and all. I'm so...sorry." — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  12. "Anyway, my grandmother's been awaiting your return ever since I was little. Plea...please hurry inside." — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  13. "AHHHH! Master...Master Link! You...you're very close to me right now! I just... My...my grandmother is waiting for you at her abode. Please hurry to her!" — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  14. "I must protect the heirloom..." — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  15. "M-Master Link!" — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  16. "Is anything the matter? Anything at all? Can I help you in any way?!" — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  17. "Please don't hesitate to let me know if I can ever be of service!" — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  18. "[What's that ball?] This... This priceless artifact here? Is that what you want to know about? This is a Sheikah heirloom that we have long protected." — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  19. ""The hero, as chosen by the Sheikah heirloom, will be gifted the blessing of antiquity." With these words as our guide, we have watched over this sacred artifact since my grandmother's grandmother's time... And even since HER grandmother's grandmother's time before that!" — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  20. "I cannot say that I entirely know the meaning of these words. But now that I think about it... "The hero, as chosen by the Sheikah heirloom..." Could it be..." — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  21. "[This village?] We Sheikah have long served the royal family of Hyrule in secret. During the Great Calamity of 100 years ago...the royal family was destroyed, and the members of our tribe scattered." — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  22. "Sadly, there were some who swore allegiance to Ganon at that time. They joined together as the Yiga Clan, seeking out all who opposed Ganon...cutting them down, one after another." — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  23. "Master Link, now that you are awake, you are surely the most formidable opponent standing against them! No doubt they will come for you, employing whatever underhanded methods they can devise..." — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  24. "Oh, but of course, if there's anything I can do to help you, all you have to do is ask!" — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  25. "The Great Fairy Cotera... Only a few remain who know this, but this village was built under her watchful eye." — Impa (Breath of the Wild)
  26. "The Great Fairy resides behind the shrine that overlooks this village. That is where you should seek her. You can put you trust in the Great Fairy. I can't think of a reason she wouldn't be happy to help you, Master Link." — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  27. "[What's your story?] You... I... Me... You want to know my st-story?" — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  28. 28.0 28.1 "Well... My name is Paya. Th-the reason I was named Paya is because I have a birthmark shaped like a papaya seed..." — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  29. "[Where is it?] Well... It's kinda..." — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  30. "Um, Master Link... I advise you change the subject." — Impa (Breath of the Wild)
  31. "I'll answer you some d-day... Just...just not today!" — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  32. "It's on my l-left... Well... *ahem*" — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  33. 33.0 33.1 "It's smack in the middle of her left butt cheek!" — Impa (Breath of the Wild)
  34. "G-good luck..." — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  35. "This is awful..." — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  36. "Link... I swear I only took my eyes off it for a second! What should I... What should I do?" — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  37. "The Sheikah Heirloom... The heirloom has been stolen! And just when I had finally discovered the heirloom's secret..." — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  38. ""The hero, as chosen by the Sheikah heirloom, will be gifted the blessing of antiquity." — Impa (Breath of the Wild)
  39. "Paya thinks "The hero, as chosen by the Sheikah heirloom" is you, so she stayed up all night researching the heirloom. She came to the conclusion that "the blessing of antiquity" refers to one of those ancient shrines. And the heirloom is the key that opens the shrine." — Impa (Breath of the Wild)
  40. "And just before we were able to tell you this, the thing is stolen!" — Impa (Breath of the Wild)
  41. "I had been cleaning the heirloom regularly every day from morning to dusk. Someone must have stolen it during the deepest hour of the night." — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  42. "This place is off limits to outsiders... And no one from the village would do such a thing! Would they?" — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  43. "Someone with evil intent came into this sacred place. I'm glad Grandmother is safe, but I still feel so...violated." — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  44. "Link... Paya is afraid that the thief may still be nearby. Would you please stay by her side today?" — Impa (Breath of the Wild)
  45. "Master Link... Thank you for staying by my side for the whole day. I see now that crying and feeling scared won't help us get the heirloom back." — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  46. "I checked with Dorian and Cado, but they said they didn't see anyone other than villagers around." — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  47. "I'll try again to remember all I can about the night the heirloom was stolen, but the thief may still be hiding nearby." — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  48. "I have a bad feeling. If you spot any suspicious movement at night, don't approach..." — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  49. "Oh... Master Link... Because I wasn't there...the heirloom... Our precious Sheikah heirloom..." — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  50. "What?! Oh... So that means the heirloom...has finally fulfilled its purpose... Thank goodness!... So long as it was able to help you out in some way, I couldn't be happier!" — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  51. "I pray that the protection of the gods of old follows you wherever you go..." — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  52. "Oh, it was always trouble taking care of the Shiekah heirloom. But... I've grown quite lonely now that it's gone..." — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  53. "It's a little lonely here now that the Shiekah heirloom is gone... Still, I'm so happy it was of use to you." — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  54. "You m-m-musn't! It's nothing more than a s-single journal where I jot down my personal thoughts. Please don't trouble yourself over it." — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  55. "Since then, Grandmother has been waiting for him to reappear after all these years. I, too, pray that he comes soon. For the sake of Hyrule...and for Grandmother's sake as well." — Paya's Diary (Breath of the Wild)
  56. "After sleeping for ages, Master Link has finally awoken. It seems his memory is completely gone... But that hardly mattered to Grandmother. I believe this is the first time I've ever seen her quite so happy." — Paya's Diary (Breath of the Wild)
  57. "Master Link himself looks so gallant... He is the very picture of the hero I always imagined." — Paya's Diary (Breath of the Wild)
  58. "His blond sideburns flow like a golden waterfall over his dignified, pointy ears. And the way his hair is so perfectly parted to the side, wow! I don't know why, but my heart won't stop beating a mile a minute..." — Paya's Diary (Breath of the Wild)
  59. "I must admit, I'm still not great at interacting with young men." — Paya's Diary (Breath of the Wild)
  60. "But I think I am finally able to speak to Master Link while looking him in the eyes! Those wonderful eyes... Naturally I still get embarrassed...but I can't help it! I always follow his gorgeous gaze with my own." — Paya's Diary (Breath of the Wild)
  61. "I wonder if Master Link is in love with Princess Zelda... If so, I think they suit each other quite splendidly. If they became a couple, I'd give that pairing my full support. Though just the thought of that makes my heart hurt..." — Paya's Diary (Breath of the Wild)
  62. "When I asked Grandmother for some medicine, she just sat there with a grin on her face." — Paya's Diary (Breath of the Wild)
  63. "I went to Cado and Dorian to ask them what that meant, but they just grinned at me too." — Paya's Diary (Breath of the Wild)
  64. "I spoke to Grandmother about what's been weighing on my mind lately. For the first time...my heart knows what it means to love." — Paya's Diary (Breath of the Wild)
  65. "Though it may be a love that is never shared or returned, just having it for myself is gift enough. Seeing him brings me great joy... I bet he has that effect on everyone. I have only gratitude toward him for showing me what it's like to feel this way about someone." — Paya's Diary (Breath of the Wild)
  66. "P-please don't frighten me like that! Do you need something from me at this hour?" — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  67. "I'm just j-jotting down some thoughts... Just my boring daily affairs and such. Really! Th-that's all it is!" — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  68. "Wh-wh-what?! There's something on my face? What are you speaking of... Oh! Are you perhaps refering to this crest?" — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  69. "This symbol is a sort of talisman for the Sheikah. It wards off evil." — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  70. "It is customary for those with a long Sheikah lineage to have this crest inked onto their skin to honor their past." — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  71. "Is that...OK with you?" — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  72. "It's almost dawn. If you haven't slept yet, you really should... Staying up late can't be great for your health." — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  73. "M-Master Link! Th-this is my private bedroom! Kindly take your leave!" — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  74. "Master Link..." — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  75. "M-Master Link! Th-that immodest outfit is quite unbecoming of a hero like you. P-please cover yourself up this instant!" — Paya (Breath of the Wild)
  76. Creating a Champion, Dark Horse Books, pg. 107
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