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{{Character
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{{Infobox Character
|name = Niko
+
|image=
  +
{{Media
|image = [[File:WW Niko.png]]
 
  +
|Artwork TWW= File:TWW Niko Artwork.png
|caption = Niko as he appears in ''The Wind Waker''
 
  +
|Artwork TWWHD= File:TWWHD Niko Artwork.png
|title =
 
  +
|Artwork ST= File:ST Niko Artwork.png
|race = [[Hylian]]
 
  +
|Model TWW= File:TWW Niko Figurine Model.png
|gender = Male
 
  +
|Model TWWHD= File:TWWHD Niko Model.png
|first game = ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|The Wind Waker]]''
 
  +
|Model FSA= File:FSA Niko Model.png
|latest game = ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks|Spirit Tracks]]''
 
  +
|Model PH= File:PH Niko Holding Picture Frame Model.png
|family =
 
 
|Model ST= File:ST Niko Model.png
|voice actor(s) =
 
 
}}
 
}}
  +
|caption=
'''Niko''' is a member of [[Tetra's Pirate Crew|Tetra's pirate crew]] who makes an appearance in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|The Wind Waker]]'', ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass|Phantom Hourglass]]'', and ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks|Spirit Tracks]]''. He is the skivvy and the lowest-ranking crew member on board [[Tetra's Ship|pirate ship]], often having to deal with humiliating tasks like washing the dirty underpants of the rest of the pirates.<ref name=quote1>{{cite|Helloooooooo, new pirate swabbie! Goooooood-bye, dirty pirate underwear! Yes! This means I don't have to wash the other pirates' dirty underpants anymore!|Niko|The Wind Waker}}</ref> Any new member aboard Tetra's pirate ship has to report to Niko for duty.<ref>{{cite|Heya, shrimplet! Are you gonna be our new pirate swabbie? ...'Cause any new swabbie reports to me!|Niko|The Wind Waker}}</ref>
 
 
|title=
  +
|alias= Old Man Niko<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= Niko, who arrived in the new world one hundred years ago as one of Tetra's pirates, is still going strong in this era. He is affectionately nicknamed "Old Man Niko." He lives with a boy named Link who is identical in appearance to the Hero of Winds. |book= HH |publisher= |page= 133}}</ref>
 
|race= [[Hylian]]
 
|gender= Male
  +
|game= {{TWW}}<br/>{{FSA}} {{Exp|Navi Trackers mode}}<br/>{{PH}}<br/>{{ST}}
  +
|other= {{PH|Himekawa|-}}
  +
|era= [[Era of the Great Sea]]<br/>[[Era of the Great Voyage]]<br/>[[Era of Hyrule's Rebirth]]
 
|family=
  +
|voiceactor=
  +
}}
 
{{Term/Store|Niko||Series, TWW, TWWHD, PH, ST}} is a recurring character in {{TLoZ|Series}}.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= |book= E |publisher= |page= 258,{{Exp Game|TWW}} 283,{{Exp Game|PH}} & 288 {{Exp Game|ST}}}}</ref> He is a member of [[Tetra's Pirate Crew]]. He is the skivvy and the lowest-ranking crew member on board [[Tetra's Ship]], often having to deal with humiliating tasks like washing the dirty underpants of the rest of the pirates.<ref name=quote1>{{Cite|Helloooooooo, new pirate swabbie! Goooooood-bye, dirty pirate underwear! Yes! This means I don't have to wash the other pirates' dirty underpants anymore!|Niko|TWW}}</ref> Any new member aboard [[Tetra]]'s pirate ship has to report to Niko for duty.<ref>{{Cite|Heya, shrimplet! Are you gonna be our new pirate swabbie? ...'Cause any new swabbie reports to me!|Niko|TWW}}</ref>
   
==Appearances==
+
==Biography==
===''The Wind Waker''===
+
==={{TWW|-}}===
In ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|The Wind Waker]]'', Niko enthusiastically befriends [[Link]] when he is reluctantly cast below the decks for a journey to the [[Forsaken Fortress]]; as with Link's presence, Niko himself no longer had the worst repute on board.<ref name=quote1/> Niko's apparently notorious incompetence leads him to be outwitted by Link on several occasions and has him hand over multiple important treasures to the hero as rewards for completing his challenges. When Link first meets Niko, the young pirate gives him a test which all new pirate swabbies must take, which is to swing from platform to platform using [[Rope (Object)|ropes]] hanging from the ceiling and reach the other end of the ship.<ref>{{cite|Right! Now, first off you have to take the test all new pirates have to take. It's a bit of a doozy, so get ready!|Niko|The Wind Waker}}</ref> Niko is confident that it will take Link at least a year to successfully complete the test, but is astounded when the young hero easily finishes the trial.<ref>{{cite|It will probably take you at least one year
+
In {{TWW}}, Niko enthusiastically befriends [[Link]] when he is reluctantly cast below the decks for a journey to the [[Forsaken Fortress]]; as with Link's presence, Niko himself no longer had the worst reputation aboard the ship.<ref name=quote1/> Niko's notorious incompetence leads him to be outwitted by Link on several occasions, handing over important treasures to the hero as rewards for completing his challenges. When Link first meets Niko, the young pirate gives him a test which all naw pirate swabbies must take, which is to swing from platform to platform using [[Rope (Object)|Ropes]] hanging from the ceiling and reach the other end of the ship.<ref>{{Cite|Right! Now, first off you have to take the test all new pirates have to take. It's a bit of a doozy, so get ready!|Niko|TWW}}</ref> Niko is confident that it will take Link at least a year to successfully complete the test, but is astounded when the young hero easily finishes the trial.<ref>{{Cite|It will probably take you at least one year before you're good enough to make it all the way here. One rough year. One tough year, full of bumps and bruises.|Niko|TWW}}</ref> For his great skills, Niko bestows upon Link the [[Spoils Bag]], and tells the young hero that he is proud to have him as his underling.<ref>{{Cite|Whaaaaat!?? You did it already??? ......... I... I... I'm proud to have you as... As my... As my underling! [...] All right, swabbie! I'll tell you what! You can have the treasure in that chest over there! It's your reward from the great and generous Niko!|Niko|TWW}}</ref>
before you're good enough to make it all the way here. One rough year. One tough year, full of bumps and bruises.|Niko|The Wind Waker}}</ref> For his great skills, Niko bestows upon Link the [[Spoils Bag]], and tells the young hero that he is proud to have him as his underling.<ref>{{cite|Whaaaaat!?? You did it already??? ......... I... I... I'm proud to have you as... As my... As my underling! [...] All right, swabbie! I'll tell you what! You can have the treasure in that chest over there! It's your reward from the great and generous Niko!|Niko|The Wind Waker}}</ref>
 
   
Later, when Link visits [[Windfall Island]] to find out what the pirates are up to, the young hero finds Niko stuck looking out for the pirate ship while the rest of the pirates are out having fun.<ref>{{cite|Well, after you left, I went back to being the bottom rung on the ladder...which is why I'm stuck here while everyone else is in town having fun and eating and stuff...|Niko|The Wind Waker}}</ref> He mentions that he is happy to see his "old swabbie" again, and gives him another test similar to the one he took first, except this time there are no platforms in which Link can step on to and must swing directly from rope to rope to the other side.<ref>{{Cite|All right! Why don't we set you to your next test, huh? This one is harder than the last! Good luck! You'll need it, swabbie!|Niko|The Wind Waker}}</ref> Once Link successfully finishes the trial, Niko will once again be amazed (especially since that's a test he hadn't even passed himself) and hand him over some of the [[bomb]]s that they acquired from the [[Bomb Shop#The Wind Waker|Bomb Shop]], although somewhat reluctantly since he's afraid he might get caught.<ref>{{cite|This isn't good... I've never even passed this test... How could he do it so quickly...? And make it look so easy?!? And if I give this to him, everyone will know for sure... Oh, I'll be so busted... Uh...OK! You're the best swabbie of all time! So...I guess I'll just give you the bombs! Go on! Take 'em!|Niko|The Wind Waker}}</ref>
+
Later, when Link visits [[Windfall Island]] to find out what the pirates are up to, the young hero finds Niko stuck looking out for the pirate ship while the rest of the pirates are out having fun.<ref>{{Cite|Well, after you left, I went back to being the bottom rung on the ladder...which is why I'm stuck here while everyone else is in town having fun and eating and stuff...|Niko|TWW}}</ref> He mentions that he is happy to see his "old swabbie" again, and gives him another test similar to the one he took first, except this time there are no platforms in which Link can step on to and must swing directly from Rope to Rope to the other side.<ref>{{Cite|All right! Why don't we set you to your next test, huh? This one is harder than the last! Good luck! You'll need it, swabbie!|Niko|TWW}}</ref> Once Link successfully finishes the trial, Niko will once again be amazed (especially since that's a test he hadn't even passed himself) and hand him over some of the [[Bomb]]s that they acquired from the [[Bomb Shop#The Wind Waker|Bomb Shop]], although somewhat reluctantly since he's afraid he might get caught.<ref>{{Cite|This isn't good... I've never even passed this test... How could he do it so quickly...? And make it look so easy?!? And if I give this to him, everyone will know for sure... Oh, I'll be so busted... Uh...OK! You're the best swabbie of all time! So...I guess I'll just give you the bombs! Go on! Take 'em!|Niko|TWW}}</ref>
   
In one of the [[letter]]s that [[Aryll]] writes to Link later on in the game, she mentions how Niko seems sad that Link is not around anymore, and asks whether they used to be good friends.<ref>{{cite|As usual, Niko is always fooling around. He won't take anything serious. Actually, he seems sad not to have you around anymore. Were you guys good friends?|Aryll|The Wind Waker}}</ref>
+
In one of the [[Letter]]s that [[Aryll]] writes to Link later on in the game, she mentions how Niko seems sad that Link is not around anymore, and asks whether they used to be good friends.<ref name="friends"/>
   
Niko makes a final appearance in ''The Wind Waker'' during the game's ending. After Link and Tetra resurface from the sunken Hyrule Castle, Niko, along with the rest of the pirate crew and a few other character, greet the pair aboard their pirate ship. [[Gonzo]] is then seen steering the ship as Link, Tetra, and the gang of pirates set sail from Outset Island in search of new lands.
+
Niko makes a final appearance in {{TWW|-}} during the game's ending. After Link and Tetra resurface from the sunken Hyrule Castle, Niko, along with the rest of the pirate crew and a few other character, greet the pair aboard their pirate ship. [[Gonzo]] is then seen steering the ship as Link, Tetra, and the gang of pirates set sail from Outset Island in search of new lands.
   
Like the rest of the pirates, Niko bears a striking resemble to a man portrayed in a [[:File:Portrait.jpg|wall painting]] hanging in the sunken [[Hyrule Castle]], which heavily hints that the man could be Niko's ancestor serving under the orders of a past [[Princess Zelda]].
+
Like the rest of the pirates, Niko bears a striking resemble to a man portrayed in a [[:File:TWW Portrait.jpg|wall painting]] hanging in the sunken [[Hyrule Castle]], which heavily hints that the man could be Niko's ancestor serving under the orders of a past [[Princess Zelda]].
   
  +
{{Figurine|TWW|Niko}}
{{figurine|TWW|Niko|Personality: Merry.<br>Least Favorite Thing: Gonzo's underwear.<br>Niko is the bottom rung on the pirate ladder, so he's responsible for all the odd jobs on the ship. He's quite childish and rarely thinks of the consequences of his actions. Even so, he shows signs of having what it takes to move up the pirate ladder.|[[File:Niko.jpg|70px]]}}
 
   
===''Phantom Hourglass''===
+
==={{PH|-}}===
In ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass|Phantom Hourglass]]'', Niko recounts the events of ''The Wind Waker'' during the game's introduction before the [[Ghost Ship#Phantom Hourglass|Ghost Ship]] appears; however, Niko's role is severely limited in the game and only makes an appearance during the opening and closing sequences of the game. He is last seen when Tetra and Link reunite with the rest of the pirate crew. He is fond of his paper cutouts,<ref>{{cite|So what did you think of my amazing paper cutouts? Did you guess that Tetra was really Princess Zelda?! Hey! Link! Are you sleeping, swabbie?|Niko|Phantom Hourglass}}</ref> a character traits that he keeps in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks|Spirit Tracks]]''.
+
In {{PH}}, Niko recounts the events of {{TWW|-}} during the game's introduction before the {{Term|PH|Ghost Ship|link}} appears; however, Niko's role is severely limited in the game and only makes an appearance during the opening and closing sequences of the game. He is last seen when Tetra and Link reunite with the rest of the pirate crew. He is fond of his paper cutouts,<ref>{{Cite|So what did you think of my amazing paper cutouts? Did you guess that Tetra was really Princess Zelda?! Hey! Link! Are you sleeping, swabbie?|Niko|PH}}</ref> a character traits that he retains in {{ST}}.
   
===''Spirit Tracks''===
+
==={{ST|-}}===
 
Niko makes an appearance in {{ST|-}} as presumably one of the few, if not the only, surviving founders of the [[Hyrule/Appearances by Game#Spirit Tracks|new Hyrule]]. In this game, which takes place 100 years after {{TWW|-}} and {{PH|-}}, he appears as an old man who keeps pictures and memorabilia from his pirating days in his home. He narrates the opening cutscene of the game, just as he did at the opening of {{PH|-}}. Later on, he gives Link the [[Stamp Book]] after musing about how Link looks like an [[Link#The Wind Waker|old friend of his]]. By putting ten stamps in the book, Niko will give Link the [[Shield of Antiquity]], which he claims used to belong to a friend of his.<ref>{{Cite|You got the Shield of Antiquity! Niko received this precious shield from an old, dear friend.|N/A|ST}}</ref> By putting fifteen stamps in the book, Link can switch back and forth between his [[Engineer's Clothes]] or [[Recruit Uniform]] at any time by speaking with Niko. By putting twenty stamps in the book, Link receives a scroll allowing him to use the [[Great Spin]].
[[File:ST Niko.png|right|150px|Niko]]
 
  +
Niko makes an appearance in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks|Spirit Tracks]]'' as presumably one of the few, if not the only, surviving founders of [[Hyrule]]. In this game, he appears as an ancient man (''Spirit Tracks'' takes place 100 years after ''The Wind Waker'' and ''Phantom Hourglass'', both of which took place in Niko's youth) who keeps pictures and memorabilia from his pirating days in his home. He narrates the opening cutscene of the game, just as he did at the opening of ''Phantom Hourglass''. Later on, he gives Link the [[Stamp Book]] after musing about how Link looks like an old friend of his (an obvious allusion to the [[Link#Hero of Winds|Hero of Winds]]). By putting ten stamps in the book, Niko will give Link the [[Shield of Antiquity]], which he claims used to belong to a friend of his<ref>{{cite|You got the Shield of Antiquity! Niko received this precious shield from an old, dear friend.|N/A|Spirit Tracks}}</ref> (given its appearance, it is evidently the same shield Link used in ''Phantom Hourglass''; another hint that Niko's old friend was the Hero of Winds). By putting fifteen stamps in the book, Link can switch back and forth between his his [[Engineer's Clothes]] or [[Tunic#Recruit Uniform|Recruit Uniform]] at any time by speaking with Niko. By putting twenty stamps in the book, Link receives a scroll allowing him to use the [[Great Spin]].
 
  +
==Other Appearances==
{{clear}}
 
  +
{{Noncanon|Start}}
  +
===''Navi Trackers''===
 
{{Stub}}
  +
  +
==={{PH|-}} Manga===
  +
Niko is first shown in the {{PH|Himekawa}} as Tetra and Link duel each other. Niko shows concern,<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= They're at it again!|book= {{PH|Himekawa|-}}|publisher= VIZ Media|page= 8}}</ref> although Gonzo says they need their exercise.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= Let them get their exercise.|book= {{PH|Himekawa|-}}|publisher= VIZ Media|page= 8}}</ref> When it is announced that the crew will be entering the {{Term|PH|Ghost Ship|link}}'s territory, Niko exclaims that he is afraid of ghosts.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= Yikes! I don't like ghosts!|book= {{PH|Himekawa|-}}|publisher= VIZ Media|page= 9}}</ref> Link comforts him, saying that the ocean is protected by the [[Ocean King]].<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= ... the Ocean King rules these waters. I doubt we'll see a Ghost Ship in waters protected by such a powerful spirit.|book= {{PH|Himekawa|-}}|publisher= VIZ Media|page= 9}}</ref> As Link and Tetra continue their fight, Link accidentally cuts the pirate captain's scarf, resulting in it falling into the sea. Link undresses to dive after the scarf,<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= Tetra's scarf!... It's my fault! I'll get it!|book= {{PH|Himekawa|-}}|publisher= VIZ Media|page= 10}}</ref> Niko covering his lower area with a mop. Tetra tells Link to not be ridiculous, as the safety of her crew is more important.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= Don't be ridiculous! As captain, nothing is more important than the lives of my crew!|book= {{PH|Himekawa|-}}|publisher= VIZ Media|page= 10, 11}}</ref> In tears, Niko and his fellow pirates agree with her.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= Yes, Ma'am.|book= {{PH|Himekawa|-}}|publisher= VIZ Media|page= 11}}</ref> Niko expresses fear when the Ghost Ship approaches.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= Th-There it is! The Ghost Ship!|book= {{PH|Himekawa|-}}|publisher= VIZ Media|page= 14}}</ref> Tetra tells him to show some spine, saying that she will the prove it is not really a Ghost Ship.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= Show some spine, Niko! Wait here. I'll prove it's not a Ghost Ship.|book= {{PH|Himekawa|-}}|publisher= VIZ Media|page= 15}}</ref> The young captain boards the Ghost Ship, but is captured. Link follows Tetra, Niko shouting at the hero.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= No, Link!|book= {{PH|Himekawa|-}}|publisher= VIZ Media|page= 16}}</ref>
  +
  +
At the end of the manga, Tetra and Link reappear on the pirate ship. Niko greets the captain, asking what the Ghost Ship was like and if there was any treasure.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= Cap'n! What happened on the Ghost Ship? Was there any treasure?|book= {{PH|Himekawa|-}}|publisher= VIZ Media|page= 186}}</ref> Tetra angrily scolds Niko and the pirates for not coming to her rescue, asking why they didn't come to her aid.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= Well, since I was... held prisoner on the Ghost Ship I don't really know! Link sailed the seas and fought monsters to rescue me! But what about you guys? Why didn't you come after me?!|book= {{PH|Himekawa|-}}|publisher= VIZ Media|page= 186, 187}}</ref> Confused, Niko says that it had only been ten minutes since Tetra boarded the Ghost Ship.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= W-what are you talking about, Cap'n? It's only been about ten minutes... since you went aboard the Ghost Ship!|book= {{PH|Himekawa|-}}|publisher= VIZ Media|page= 187}}</ref>
  +
{{Noncanon|End}}
  +
 
==Trivia==
  +
* Niko is one of few supporting characters in the series that has lived long enough to meet more than one incarnation of Link.
  +
  +
==Nomenclature==
  +
{{Nomenclature}}
   
 
==Gallery==
 
==Gallery==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
File:SP13 Niko.png|Niko's image on the [[Sliding Puzzle]] from ''The Wind Waker''
+
File:TWW Niko Sliding Puzzle.png|Niko's image on the [[Sliding Puzzle]] from {{TWW|-}}
  +
File:ST Link and Niko's House.png|{{Term|ST|Niko}} telling {{Term|ST|Link}} a story inside their [[Link and Niko's House|shared house]] from {{ST|-}}
File:Nikoph.png|Niko as he appears in ''Phantom Hourglass''
 
File:Niko.png|Niko, as he appears in ''Spirit Tracks''
 
 
File:ST Credits 4.png|Niko telling the tale of Link's adventure to the children of [[Aboda Village]]
 
File:ST Credits 4.png|Niko telling the tale of Link's adventure to the children of [[Aboda Village]]
  +
File:HWL Toon Link Master Wind Waker Standard Outfit Costume Artwork.png|A Costume based on Niko for Toon Link from {{HW|L|-}}
  +
File:HWDE Tetra Standard Outfit (Great Sea) Model.png|A Costume based on Niko for Tetra from {{HW|DE|-}}
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 
==Trivia==
 
*Niko is the first NPC, that is not a final boss, to have lived long enough to see Link of another generation.
 
   
 
{{Ref}}
 
{{Ref}}
<br>
 
{{Names
 
|English=
 
|Japanese= {{Japanese|ニコ|Niko||1}}
 
|Spanish=
 
|Spanish(LA)=
 
|Spanish(SP)= Nico
 
|French= Nico
 
|French(CA)=
 
|French(FR)=
 
|German= Niko
 
|Italian= Nico}}
 
   
  +
{{Categories
[[Category:Hylians]]
 
 
|Hylians, Swordsmen
[[Category:People]]
 
  +
|characters= TWW, TWWHD, FSA, PH, ST, PH (Himekawa)
[[Category:Swordsmen]]
 
{{de}}
+
}}

Latest revision as of 14:17, 9 June 2023

Niko is a recurring character in The Legend of Zelda series.[2] He is a member of Tetra's Pirate Crew. He is the skivvy and the lowest-ranking crew member on board Tetra's Ship, often having to deal with humiliating tasks like washing the dirty underpants of the rest of the pirates.[3] Any new member aboard Tetra's pirate ship has to report to Niko for duty.[4]

Biography

The Wind Waker

In The Wind Waker, Niko enthusiastically befriends Link when he is reluctantly cast below the decks for a journey to the Forsaken Fortress; as with Link's presence, Niko himself no longer had the worst reputation aboard the ship.[3] Niko's notorious incompetence leads him to be outwitted by Link on several occasions, handing over important treasures to the hero as rewards for completing his challenges. When Link first meets Niko, the young pirate gives him a test which all naw pirate swabbies must take, which is to swing from platform to platform using Ropes hanging from the ceiling and reach the other end of the ship.[5] Niko is confident that it will take Link at least a year to successfully complete the test, but is astounded when the young hero easily finishes the trial.[6] For his great skills, Niko bestows upon Link the Spoils Bag, and tells the young hero that he is proud to have him as his underling.[7]

Later, when Link visits Windfall Island to find out what the pirates are up to, the young hero finds Niko stuck looking out for the pirate ship while the rest of the pirates are out having fun.[8] He mentions that he is happy to see his "old swabbie" again, and gives him another test similar to the one he took first, except this time there are no platforms in which Link can step on to and must swing directly from Rope to Rope to the other side.[9] Once Link successfully finishes the trial, Niko will once again be amazed (especially since that's a test he hadn't even passed himself) and hand him over some of the Bombs that they acquired from the Bomb Shop, although somewhat reluctantly since he's afraid he might get caught.[10]

In one of the Letters that Aryll writes to Link later on in the game, she mentions how Niko seems sad that Link is not around anymore, and asks whether they used to be good friends.[11]

Niko makes a final appearance in The Wind Waker during the game's ending. After Link and Tetra resurface from the sunken Hyrule Castle, Niko, along with the rest of the pirate crew and a few other character, greet the pair aboard their pirate ship. Gonzo is then seen steering the ship as Link, Tetra, and the gang of pirates set sail from Outset Island in search of new lands.

Like the rest of the pirates, Niko bears a striking resemble to a man portrayed in a wall painting hanging in the sunken Hyrule Castle, which heavily hints that the man could be Niko's ancestor serving under the orders of a past Princess Zelda.

Niko (Figurine from The Wind Waker)
TWW Niko Figurine Model
Niko
Personality: Merry
Least Favorite Thing: Gonzo's underwear

Niko is the bottom rang on the pirate ladder, so he's responsible for all the odd jobs on the ship.

He's quite childish and rarely thinks of the consequences of his actions. Even so, he shows signs of having what it takes to move up the pirate ladder.

Phantom Hourglass

In Phantom Hourglass, Niko recounts the events of The Wind Waker during the game's introduction before the Ghost Ship appears; however, Niko's role is severely limited in the game and only makes an appearance during the opening and closing sequences of the game. He is last seen when Tetra and Link reunite with the rest of the pirate crew. He is fond of his paper cutouts,[12] a character traits that he retains in Spirit Tracks.

Spirit Tracks

Niko makes an appearance in Spirit Tracks as presumably one of the few, if not the only, surviving founders of the new Hyrule. In this game, which takes place 100 years after The Wind Waker and Phantom Hourglass, he appears as an old man who keeps pictures and memorabilia from his pirating days in his home. He narrates the opening cutscene of the game, just as he did at the opening of Phantom Hourglass. Later on, he gives Link the Stamp Book after musing about how Link looks like an old friend of his. By putting ten stamps in the book, Niko will give Link the Shield of Antiquity, which he claims used to belong to a friend of his.[13] By putting fifteen stamps in the book, Link can switch back and forth between his Engineer's Clothes or Recruit Uniform at any time by speaking with Niko. By putting twenty stamps in the book, Link receives a scroll allowing him to use the Great Spin.

Other Appearances

Navi Trackers



Phantom Hourglass Manga

Niko is first shown in the Phantom Hourglass manga by Akira Himekawa as Tetra and Link duel each other. Niko shows concern,[14] although Gonzo says they need their exercise.[15] When it is announced that the crew will be entering the Ghost Ship's territory, Niko exclaims that he is afraid of ghosts.[16] Link comforts him, saying that the ocean is protected by the Ocean King.[17] As Link and Tetra continue their fight, Link accidentally cuts the pirate captain's scarf, resulting in it falling into the sea. Link undresses to dive after the scarf,[18] Niko covering his lower area with a mop. Tetra tells Link to not be ridiculous, as the safety of her crew is more important.[19] In tears, Niko and his fellow pirates agree with her.[20] Niko expresses fear when the Ghost Ship approaches.[21] Tetra tells him to show some spine, saying that she will the prove it is not really a Ghost Ship.[22] The young captain boards the Ghost Ship, but is captured. Link follows Tetra, Niko shouting at the hero.[23]

At the end of the manga, Tetra and Link reappear on the pirate ship. Niko greets the captain, asking what the Ghost Ship was like and if there was any treasure.[24] Tetra angrily scolds Niko and the pirates for not coming to her rescue, asking why they didn't come to her aid.[25] Confused, Niko says that it had only been ten minutes since Tetra boarded the Ghost Ship.[26]

Trivia

  • Niko is one of few supporting characters in the series that has lived long enough to meet more than one incarnation of Link.

Nomenclature

TMC Forest Minish Artwork Names in other regions TMC Jabber Nut Sprite
LanguageName
JapanJapaneseニコ (Niko) (ST)[27]
FranceFrenchEUNico (TWWHD)[28]
This table was generated using translation pages.
To request an addition, please contact a staff member with a reference.

Gallery

References

  1. "Niko, who arrived in the new world one hundred years ago as one of Tetra's pirates, is still going strong in this era. He is affectionately nicknamed "Old Man Niko." He lives with a boy named Link who is identical in appearance to the Hero of Winds." (Hyrule Historia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 133)
  2. Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 258,(TWW) 283,(PH) & 288 (ST)
  3. 3.0 3.1 "Helloooooooo, new pirate swabbie! Goooooood-bye, dirty pirate underwear! Yes! This means I don't have to wash the other pirates' dirty underpants anymore!" — Niko (The Wind Waker)
  4. "Heya, shrimplet! Are you gonna be our new pirate swabbie? ...'Cause any new swabbie reports to me!" — Niko (The Wind Waker)
  5. "Right! Now, first off you have to take the test all new pirates have to take. It's a bit of a doozy, so get ready!" — Niko (The Wind Waker)
  6. "It will probably take you at least one year before you're good enough to make it all the way here. One rough year. One tough year, full of bumps and bruises." — Niko (The Wind Waker)
  7. "Whaaaaat!?? You did it already??? ......... I... I... I'm proud to have you as... As my... As my underling! [...] All right, swabbie! I'll tell you what! You can have the treasure in that chest over there! It's your reward from the great and generous Niko!" — Niko (The Wind Waker)
  8. "Well, after you left, I went back to being the bottom rung on the ladder...which is why I'm stuck here while everyone else is in town having fun and eating and stuff..." — Niko (The Wind Waker)
  9. "All right! Why don't we set you to your next test, huh? This one is harder than the last! Good luck! You'll need it, swabbie!" — Niko (The Wind Waker)
  10. "This isn't good... I've never even passed this test... How could he do it so quickly...? And make it look so easy?!? And if I give this to him, everyone will know for sure... Oh, I'll be so busted... Uh...OK! You're the best swabbie of all time! So...I guess I'll just give you the bombs! Go on! Take 'em!" — Niko (The Wind Waker)
  11. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named friends
  12. "So what did you think of my amazing paper cutouts? Did you guess that Tetra was really Princess Zelda?! Hey! Link! Are you sleeping, swabbie?" — Niko (Phantom Hourglass)
  13. "You got the Shield of Antiquity! Niko received this precious shield from an old, dear friend." — N/A (Spirit Tracks)
  14. "They're at it again!" (Phantom Hourglass (Himekawa), VIZ Media, pg. 8)
  15. "Let them get their exercise." (Phantom Hourglass (Himekawa), VIZ Media, pg. 8)
  16. "Yikes! I don't like ghosts!" (Phantom Hourglass (Himekawa), VIZ Media, pg. 9)
  17. "... the Ocean King rules these waters. I doubt we'll see a Ghost Ship in waters protected by such a powerful spirit." (Phantom Hourglass (Himekawa), VIZ Media, pg. 9)
  18. "Tetra's scarf!... It's my fault! I'll get it!" (Phantom Hourglass (Himekawa), VIZ Media, pg. 10)
  19. "Don't be ridiculous! As captain, nothing is more important than the lives of my crew!" (Phantom Hourglass (Himekawa), VIZ Media, pg. 10, 11)
  20. "Yes, Ma'am." (Phantom Hourglass (Himekawa), VIZ Media, pg. 11)
  21. "Th-There it is! The Ghost Ship!" (Phantom Hourglass (Himekawa), VIZ Media, pg. 14)
  22. "Show some spine, Niko! Wait here. I'll prove it's not a Ghost Ship." (Phantom Hourglass (Himekawa), VIZ Media, pg. 15)
  23. "No, Link!" (Phantom Hourglass (Himekawa), VIZ Media, pg. 16)
  24. "Cap'n! What happened on the Ghost Ship? Was there any treasure?" (Phantom Hourglass (Himekawa), VIZ Media, pg. 186)
  25. "Well, since I was... held prisoner on the Ghost Ship I don't really know! Link sailed the seas and fought monsters to rescue me! But what about you guys? Why didn't you come after me?!" (Phantom Hourglass (Himekawa), VIZ Media, pg. 186, 187)
  26. "W-what are you talking about, Cap'n? It's only been about ten minutes... since you went aboard the Ghost Ship!" (Phantom Hourglass (Himekawa), VIZ Media, pg. 187)
  27. Encyclopedia, TOKYOPOP, pg. 286 (ST)
  28. Encyclopedia (Les Éditions Soleil) pg. 258