I’m operating here under the idea that there are multiple ways that magic abilities can be learned or gained in ALTTP. I know that it’s said that the maidens inherited their powers, but I think it’s a bit odd for all these sage’s descendants to be in the same place together after all the generations have passed, and for this generation in specific to be some of the only people who currently have magic powers. Perhaps some of the maidens are descendants, and others are more like successors, chosen to have this role for various reasons. Usually I don’t like changing canon things but I think there’s wiggle room here because we know so little about the maidens individually. And because it creates a more interesting contrast to Link and Zelda and their themes of destiny.

I’m using the fire/forest/light/spirit/water/shadow sage distinctions for them. I’m trying to use them as themes to determine why they’ve ended up as a maiden or who they are as people. Here’s some individual information (everything in this post is a WIP and subject to change):

Della the Fire Maiden, found in the Misery Mire crystal. Somewhat childish dialogue compared to the rest of the maidens. The sick bug-catching boy from Kakariko Village is her little brother. She is high-energy and passionate and glad to join the maidens in hopes of finding a way to help her brother. She is close friends with Sylvie.

Sylvie the Forest Maiden, found in the Thieves’ Town crystal. She is hopeful, commenting on Link personally and cheering him on but can’t help but worry as well. Blind copies her gentle demeanor to trick Link into believing his disguise. She lives with her family in Kakariko Village and is close friends with Della, though she feels more conflicted about her skill and role as a maiden than Della does.

Reyna the Light Maiden, found in the Ice Palace crystal. She is a relative of the previous Sage of Light. Has lots of knowledge on the maiden’s powers. As the daughter of the fortune teller at Lake Hylia, she is in-tune with magic and her family’s history. She is quite serious and bookish but gets easily flustered. She struggles to get along with the rest of the maidens, though she is interested in Naomi who she shares common interests with.

Naomi the Spirit Maiden, found in the Swamp Palace crystal. Interested in history and warping points, she likes to do research. Granddaughter of the lost old man on Death Mountain, who has taught her his healing magic skills. She likes looking into her grandfather’s Magic Mirror and the Dark World. She’s quiet and stoic and has her head in the clouds a lot but opens up and gets excited when she’s interested in something.

Roxy the Water Maiden, found in the Dark Palace crystal. She talks about the other maidens a lot, she does her best to be close with them. She’s friendly, like the glue of the group but gets frustrated quickly when the others don’t get along perfectly. She lives on her own in Kakariko Village ever since her parents have gone missing after going out to look for the Golden Power.