Small Shield

Small Shield
Artwork of the Small Shield from The Legend of Zelda
First appearance	The Legend of Zelda (1987)
Appearances	The Legend of Zelda The Minish Cap
Found	(The Legend of Zelda) Origin (The Minish Cap) Hyrule Town
Use	Defense
Effective against	Projectiles

"Princess Zelda gave you a small shield! Hold the button to protect yourself. ...It IS a little embarrassing, though. It's so tiny!"

— In-game description from The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap

The Small Shield is a recurring item in the Legend of Zelda series. It is a defensive item that is presumably lightweight and not very strong.

Appearances

The Legend of Zelda

Link has the Small Shield with him when the game begins; it is the only item he possesses at the outset. The Small Shield is only capable of blocking rocks Octoroks spit at Link and arrows Moblins fire at him. Interestingly, the Small Shield is engraved with a cross.

When Link acquires enough Rupees, he can upgrade to the Magical Shield by purchasing one from a Merchant. However, the Magical Shield may be lost if it is consumed by a Like Like, in which case Link will revert to using the Small Shield. The Small Shield, conversely, cannot be swallowed by a Like Like.

The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap

Link receives the Small Shield after Princess Zelda wins a lottery draw during the Picori Festival. He must later use it to bypass a Deku Scrub north of Hyrule Town. This shield can be replaced by the Mirror Shield after Link has completed the main quest. The Small Shield can be taken by Like Likes. If Link defeats the Like Like, he can get his shield back. However, if Link is defeated, or leaves the room, he will have to buy a new Small Shield from the Hyrule Town Shop. The Small Shield can block most enemy attacks, such as sword strikes or head on attacks. It can also block Octorok attacks, and be used to push some enemies. This shield bears many similarities in appearance to the Hero's Shield from The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker.

Non-canonical appearances

Non-canon warning: This article or section contains non-canonical information that is not considered to be an official part of the Legend of Zelda series and should not be considered part of the overall storyline.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl

The Small Shield from The Minish Cap appears as a sticker although it is mislabeled as the Hylian Shield. It gives a +5 bonus to shield recovery and can be equipped by any character. It is also featured on a sticker of Princess Zelda from The Minish Cap.

Hyrule Warriors

The 8-Bit Small Shield appears alongside the 8-Bit Wooden Sword, Link's 8-bit weapon in his Hylian Sword.

Non-canon warning: Non-canonical information ends here.