Jumping Ganondorf: Link and Zelda 2v1
Ganondorf is extremely powerful.
He cannot be killed. He can only be sealed away… for a time.
And even when he’s sealed away, he still exerts significant influence in Hyrule either directly or via proxy (Agahnim, Zant, Guardians, etc).
To even face Ganondorf, Link and Zelda need the power of the Triforce of Courage and Wisdom, respectively, the power of the Sages, the Master Sword, and… EACH OTHER!
OCARINA OF TIME
Ocarina of Time is the first time we see this dynamic in action.
Zelda is present for the entire fight. She helps Link out by using her powers to open passages by which the two can escape the collapsing castle. In the second phase of the final battle, Zelda helps by blasting Ganon with a beam of light, stunning him, so that Link can deliver the final blow. Of course, Ganon cannot be killed, so the Sages sealed him away.
THE WIND WAKER
In this title, Zelda is helping Link out from the very beginning of the game! We just don’t find out who Zelda is until about mid-game! However, during the battle with Ganondorf, TWW Zelda learned from OoT Zelda and came equipped with a weapon this time - a bow and arrow.
She is 100% a part of this fight - until she isn’t. Ganondorf eventually gets tired of being pelted by light arrows and takes her out for a time. Still, you’ll need her to land the final blow once she comes to.
Link and Zelda team up for a 2v1 against Ganondorf
TWILIGHT PRINCESS
In this title, Zelda sacrifices a lot, including herself, toward the midway point of the game. She does still make it back to help Link during the final fight though - once she’s exorcised.
Zelda is active during the third phase of the final boss fight - the horseback battle. Like Wind Waker, Zelda is equipped with a bow, the Twilight Bow, and shoots light arrows at Ganondorf. This stuns him, allowing Link to attack him.
TEARS OF THE KINGDOM
No other character makes incredible sacrifices in the Zelda series than Zelda herself. She probably makes her biggest one in the series here; with the deeply unselfish actions she took in TotK. Like Ocarina of TIme, Zelda’s role in the final battle comes during the final phase. This part of the fight (vs. “Dragondorf”), I’m convinced, is just for cinematic purposes; as it doesn’t seem like you can actually die here and I don’t know that Zelda won’t catch you if want to intentionally fall far enough down - but she helps out during the fight nonetheless.
Light Dragon (Zelda) vs. Demon Dragon (Ganondorf)
Requiring Link and Zelda to join forces to confront Ganondorf adds depth to the lore. It highlights Ganondorf's formidable power, emphasizing that it necessitates the combined strength of both heroes and the assistance of the Sages for his defeat. Moreover, it actively involves Zelda in the battle, shifting her role from a damsel in distress to an integral part of the conflict.
Each of these final sequences was truly magnificent, delivering an epic conclusion. I'm really anticipating whatever creative and thrilling end game sequences Nintendo comes up with for the next installment of the series!
