The Monster Multiverse

In the legend of zelda series, or at least the majority of it, there always has been an animal helper that aided you in some way or form. From expository banter, to travel, to even aiding you in combat, this is a staple that really makes things interesting.

Since this is a poll thread about it, I comprised most of them, but not all of them.(I haven't played all the zelda games so there are some I can't mention because I either don't remember, or don't know about it.)

Anyway, for those don't know of these helpers, I'll leave an image and basic description of what they did.

Animal helpers from the Oracle of Seasons and ages.(Within Spoiler) BowWow the Chain Chomp from Link's awakening:

After recusing this chain chomp from some bad guys, you would be allowed to take BowWow on a walk. Probably the strongest of the animal helps because BowWow(Gender unknown) can eat and defeat most if not all enemies with one hit and is used to get in a specific dungeon.

The Crimson Loftwing from Skyward Sword:

Honestly, I don't know much about it since I've never played the game, but as far as I know, he is a means of transport.(Anyone is free to elaborate if they know anymore about this bird)

Animal helpers that appear in multiple zelda games.(Within spoiler) Animal Helps that appear in "A Link To The Past":(Within Spoiler)
Feel free to talk about the animal helps and share why you like certain animal helpers or whatever on the subject.

I like the chain chomp. I'm a little biased because he's from the game that I grew up with most, but it was pretty special to see Mario baddies in a Zelda game.

Epona, all the way. In Majora's Mask where Epona gets stolen a little part of me died inside

My favorite Animal Help has been always, Ricky.

Not only is he my favorite animal(kangaroo), he mows down enemies both up close and from a distance, he lets be go back up cliffs I accidentally dropped off of.

If that wasn't enough, the process of getting him is to use to do something no other zelda game has you doing. Actually, have link in a fist fight and win. That in itself is pretty cool. It's also the precursor to that Goron sumo that's in Twilight princess.

Epona.
Horse companions in video games have a certain charm on me, for many reasons.
It was extremely useful for navigation through the wolrd as well as helpful in some fights, specially ganondorf in twillight princess.

Easily the fairy, but I always liked the Good Bee so that. Good bee was one of the truest companions ever made. ^^