Enhanced Defense

Enhanced Defense is a recurring feature in The Legend of Zelda series. When activated it reduces the amount of damage Link takes when hit by an enemy.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Link can obtain Enhanced Defense from the Great Fairy of Courage in the wasteland surrounding Ganon's Castle. Link can only obtain Enhanced Defense after he obtains the Golden Gauntlets late in the game. When acquired a white ring surrounds Link's Heart meter meaning Link now has Enhanced Defense and that all damage taken will be halved. Once obtained Link cannot lose his Enhanced Defense.

The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
Link can once again obtain Enhanced Defense from the Great Fairy of Courage who resides in a cave in Great Bay Coast. However in this game the Great Fairy has been split into Stray Fairies which must be collected to restore the Great Fairy to her former power. Like in Ocarina of Time, a white ring surrounds Link's heart meter, all damage Link takes is reduces by half and it cannot be undone once obtained.

The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons
Link can enhance his defense using several Magical Rings. The Armor Ring L-1, L-2 and L-3, increase Link's defense by a quarter, half and three quarters his standard defense but reduce his attack power. The Blue Ring also doubles Link's defense without affecting his attack and the Green Ring increases his attack and defense by a quarter of its standard power.

The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
Link can briefly enhance his defensive power by taking Nayru or Farore's Charm. Nayru’s Charm increases his defense by three quarters its standard amount while Farore's Charm increases it by half its standard amount but also increases his attack power.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
Near the beginning of the game Link receives the Hero's Clothes which halves all damage Link takes. The Zora Armor and Magic Armor also have this effect. Since Link wears these clothes for most of his journey the increase to defense is not very significant. However when Link is in his Wolf form the damage he will take will be doubled because he cannot wear protection.

The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
In this game Link can increase his defensive power by collecting ten Wisdom Gems and powering up the Spirit of Wisdom, Neri. When equipped a blue ring surrounds Link's hearts and all damage done is halved. Link's shield also acquires the power to stun enemies upon contact. Enhanced Defense only remains as long as Link has Neri equipped.