Gamehiker Wiki:Today's featured article/December 2011

Impa is a supporting character who has had a constant presence throughout the The Legend of Zelda series since the first game, despite her original appearances being restricted to instruction manuals. She has appeared in several different incarnations over the years which are always shown as bodyguards and/or nurses of the Royal Family, particularly for Princess Zelda. Most takes on Impa usually are as a skilled young female warrior or as a wise old woman.

Two versions of Impa have been confirmed to be members of the mysterious Sheikah tribe whom have served Hyrule's royal family for centuries, and it is likely that the rest of the Impas have Sheikah blood as well. Skyward Sword features the chronologically earliest Impa in a role where she travels with and protects the original Zelda. This sets the precedent for her successors from the other games.