Link has just turned sixteen when a strange mark appears on the back of his hand. Impa, Zelda's nursemaid, explains that the mark is connected to an ancient secret concerning Princess Zelda.

Years earlier, a magician attempted to discover the location of the Triforce of Power from Zelda. When she refused to reveal what she knew, he placed her under a sleeping curse. Unable to awaken her, the prince of Hyrule ordered that every female member of the royal family be named Zelda so that her fate would never be forgotten.

Link must now find the six fragments of the Triforce hidden inside temples across Hyrule. By placing them together, he hopes to obtain the Triforce and awaken the sleeping princess. At the same time, Ganon's followers are searching for Link, believing that his blood can be used to resurrect their fallen master.