Which Game First Revealed Link Has the Triforce of Courage?

Link is explicitly revealed to possess the Triforce of Courage in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64, 1998).

The Key Moment

Near the end, when Ganondorf seizes the Triforce of Power and Zelda holds the Triforce of Wisdom, the Triforce of Courage resonates within Link—marking him as the chosen hero. The three pieces unite into the full Triforce during the final confrontation.

Other Notable Appearances

• The Wind Waker: Link reassembles the Triforce of Courage (shattered into 8 shards) across the Great Sea
• Twilight Princess: The Triforce mark appears on his hand, but the split Triforce lore is less central
• Skyward Sword: Origin story—Hylia's chosen hero earns the Triforce through trials

Ocarina of Time is the first game where the three-piece Triforce and Link's Courage piece are explicitly named and shown, establishing the mythology that defines the series.