dampe

Dampe, also spelled Dampé in some texts, is a fictional character in Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda video game series. He serves as the gravekeeper of the Kakariko Village Graveyard, tending the graves and overseeing the resting places of the dead. Across appearances his appearance and demeanor vary, ranging from an elderly man to a spectral figure, reflecting his role within the graveyard setting.

Gameplay role: Dampé interacts with the player as a quest-giver and, in some titles, as the host of a graveyard–related minigame. Players may be asked to explore graves, dig for treasures, or complete other tasks in exchange for items or rewards. The character’s presence contributes to the series’ atmospheric blend of quiet humor and eerie ambiance.

Appearances and influence: Dampé’s first appearance is in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Since then he has appeared in various iterations and remakes, maintaining recognition among fans for the graveyard theme he embodies.

Legacy: Dampé is considered a minor but memorable figure within the Zelda canon, cited for adding world-building texture to the Kakariko Village setting and for providing a familiar, recurring motif of graveyard exploration throughout the series.