Universe of ''The Legend of Zelda''

Legend of Zelda

The Bridge of Eldin, as seen in Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Creators Shigeru Miyamoto
Platform of origin NES
Year of inception February 21, 1986 (1986-02-21)

The universe depicted in The Legend of Zelda series of video games consists of a variety of lands, the most commonly appearing of these being Hyrule (ハイラル, Hairaru) /ˈhaɪruːl/, and was created by Japanese video game developer Shigeru Miyamoto.

Hyrule

The kingdom of Hyrule (ハイラル, Hairaru), a medieval inspired fantasy land, serves as the main setting of the series. Making its first appearance in The Legend of Zelda, many of the designated areas in Hyrule have recurring appearances throughout the series, such as the Lost Woods, Kakariko Village, Death Mountain and Lake Hylia. Several games in the series are set in lands other than Hyrule, including Link's Awakening, set on Koholint Island; Majora's Mask, set in Termina; Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages, set in Holodrum and Labrynna, respectively; The Wind Waker and Phantom Hourglass, both set on the Great Sea, a flooded Hyrule (although a large portion of Phantom Hourglass takes place in the World of the Ocean King, which is in another dimension); Spirit Tracks, in New Hyrule and Skyward Sword, set on Skyloft, a group of islands floating above the clouds.

Hyrule was formed by three goddesses (三柱の女神, Mihashira no Megami) Din (ディン), Farore (フロル, Faroru), and Nayru (ネール, Nēru). According to Hylian legend as depicted in Ocarina of Time, Din created the physical geography of the realm, Nayru created the physical laws to govern the land, and Farore created the races to uphold the law and the flora and fauna that inhabit the world. Once the goddesses had completed their tasks, they departed for the heavens, and left behind three golden triangles. In these, they put their power to govern all things; this relic became known as the Triforce.[1] The realm itself was eventually named after its dominant race, the Hylia.[2]

Hylian is a constructed language that first appears in A Link to the Past, where it is identified as "the ancient language of the Hylians". In A Link to the Past, its written form is composed of symbols that have to be translated by Link to progress in the game. In The Wind Waker, three spirits, the angler fish-like Jabun, the dragon Valoo, and the Great Deku Tree, as well as the King of Red Lions, can speak it. In Japan, an explanation on the Hylian alphabet was printed on the back of the instruction manual, showing the language written with a phonographic writing system, or syllabary, like Japanese.[3] Since then three more Hylian scripts have been developed and/or deciphered for the public: the Old Hylian Syllabary used in Ocarina of Time, the Modern Hylian Syllabary used in The Wind Waker, and the Hylian Alphabet used in Twilight Princess. The first two are used for transcribing Japanese, while the last is used to transcribe English.[4]

The currency of Hyrule and other areas is called the "Rupee" (ルピー, Rupī), and the coins resemble hexagonal crystals or gems, and come in various colors that determine value. In Oracle of Seasons, the Subrosian race accepts only Ore Chunks as currency, and in Four Swords Adventures, Force Gems are used rather than Rupees. Rupees are also absent in The Adventure of Link, which has no apparent in-game currency system. The original The Legend of Zelda only has flashing Rupees, worth one, and blue Rupees, worth five. In the original, they were called "Rupies," the singular being "Rupy"; this was later changed. Subsequent games introduced more colors and sizes for Rupees, each denoting a specific value. Generally, green Rupees have the least value, while huge gold or silver Rupees have the most. Phantom Hourglass introduced black Rupees called "Rupoor" that would steal a certain quantity of Rupees depending on their size. Rupoors have since reappeared in Skyward Sword.

Hyrulean geography

Master Sword

Artwork of the Master Sword in its pedestal from The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

The Master Sword (マスターソード, Masutā Sōdo), also known as "The Blade of Evil's Bane", the "Sword of Resurrection",[8] the "Hyrule Sword", and the "sword that seals the darkness" is a magic sword that often acts as the ultimate weapon for Link as the chosen hero to defeat Ganon and doubles as a key to the Sacred Realm. First introduced in A Link To The Past, it has the power to "repel evil", which enables it to overcome powerful dark magic and evil beings and keep them from using the sword. In The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, the blade originally began as the Goddess Sword, which has a sentient female avatar named Fi integrated into it. Eventually, the Goddess Sword transforms into its current state after being infused with the Three Sacred Flames with Fi's spirit form ceasing to be once the Master Sword absorbed Demise's remains.[9]

The sword traditionally rests in sacrosanct locations indigenous to Hyrule, such as the Temple of Time or the Lost Woods. Similar to Arthurian legend, the Master Sword is often first obtained by pulling it from a stone pedestal. The sword is often not at full power, leading it to need to be "recharged" in some way, or have its power increased beyond its standard level to fight Ganon. There are some situations when the blade, already at full power, can be further improved; in A Link to the Past, it was tempered to the Tempered Sword. It can later be upgraded to the Golden Sword. Similarly, in Twilight Princess, the sword's power is increased by the two Sols in the Palace of Twilight. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker establishes that the sword needs the power of two sages praying to the gods to keep its powers, or else it will no longer be able to prevent an evil person from gaining the Triforce.[10] In The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild the Master Sword is the only unbreakable weapon in the game, though if it is used too often the sword's power needs to be recharged becoming temporarily unusable until it full recharges. The sword is located in the Korok Forest, which Link can only access by going through the Lost Woods, and the game is notable as the first time in the series to explain why it came to be located there. Zelda moved it there to be guarded by the Great Deku Tree and to protect knowledge of its location from Calamity Ganon, while Link sleeps within the Shrine of Resurrection for 100 years. Link can travel to the Korok Forest at any point after receiving the Paraglider, though he can only remove the sword after obtaining 13 or more Heart Containers (temporary Yellow Hearts do not count) as removing it drains Link's hearts as a way to test his strength. In addition to its unbreakability, Link can also fire Sword Beams. It has a base damage of 30 but Its true power glows when in the presence of pools of Calamity Ganon's Malice, Cursed Enemies, and all of Calamity Ganon's various forms and almost never runs out of energy.

Once removed, Link sees a vision of Zelda entrusting the Master Sword to the protection of the Great Deku Tree 100 years ago. During her conversation with him, Princess Zelda reveals that the sword spoke to her (which is implied to be the sword's spirit, Fi, whose consciousness apparently still exists within the sword though unable to manifest her spirit form) and told her that her destiny was not finished and that she still had something she must do, leading to Princess Zelda's sealing Calamity Ganon in Hyrule Castle for 100 years while Link slept. The weapon's in-game description reveals that the sword is delighted to be in Link's possession, echoing Fi's words at the end of Skyward Sword. 100 years after Calamity Ganon was sealed in Hyrule Castle the sword became known across Hyrule as the Sword that Seals the Darkness and is sought by several travelers Link encounters despite the fact that only the chosen hero can wield its power. After obtaining the sword he can show it to these people. There is also a side-quest where Link must show it to a Hylian woman to prove he is the legendary Hero.

The Master Sword is a double-edged one-handed sword. The blade cross-section is hexagonal with no fuller. On the flats of the blade near the hilt is a Triforce symbol, etched into the steel or emblazoned in gold. It has a blue or purple curved crossguard in the shape of a pair of wings with a small yellow jewel where it meets the hilt. The hilt is often padded red with a non-ornate blue pommel. Since The Wind Waker, the Master Sword's blade glows white when it is revived by the sages in the mid-game. In Breath of the Wild, this glow represents the True Master Sword's power. Breath of the Wild is the first game to depict the blade showing signs of wear and rust, when Zelda places it in its pedestal in Korok Forest, though 100 years later the Master Sword is shown to have been restored to its undamaged state, indicating that it can repair itself over time or that its physical condition is somehow tied to Link's as he had been heavily injured at that time and was placed in the Shrine of Resurrection to heal for 100 years. It may have also used Link's life force to repair itself explaining why it drains his heart containers while he is trying to remove it.

Nintendo Power listed the Master Sword as one of the best weapons in gaming: citing that it is more than just a powerful sword, but also integral to Link's adventures and development as a character.[11]

Triforce

The Triforce is represented throughout the series as three conjoined golden triangles, with one triangle placed above the other two

The Triforce (トライフォース, Toraifōsu), also called "Power of the Gods" (神の力, Kami no Chikara) and the "Golden Triangle" (黄金の大三角, Ōgon no Dai-Sankaku) in Twilight Princess, is a triangular sacred relic that represents the essences of the Golden Goddesses. It is made up of three smaller triangles known as the Triforce of Power (力のトライフォース, Chikara no Toraifōsu), the Triforce of Wisdom (知恵のトライフォース, Chie no Toraifōsu), and the Triforce of Courage (勇気のトライフォース, Yūki no Toraifōsu). These embody the essences of their respective goddesses, and bestow certain boons on their bearers. In most of its appearances, the Triforce or its pieces manifest as a marking on the hands of their bearers. These markings resonate when near each other, and the Triforce pieces can emerge from their bearers.

When united, the Triforce allows one who touches it to make a wish that usually lasts until he dies or the wish is fulfilled. If the one who finds it does not possess a balance of the three virtues it represents, however, the pieces split into its three components and the finder is left with the one that represents the characteristic he values most; the other two pieces do likewise with two other characters "chosen by destiny". Ganon makes it his goal to obtain the Triforce in various games, often having a single piece himself (the Triforce of Power) that he uses to further his goals.

The Triforce of Power, which is positioned as the topmost of the three, holds the presence of Din, the goddess of Power, and radiates the physical, and magical power of its bearer. It is associated with Ganon, who is power-hungry. The Triforce of Wisdom, positioned on the lower left, embodies the essence of Nayru, the goddess of Wisdom, and amplifies the wisdom and mystical powers of its bearer. It is associated with Princess Zelda, whose great wisdom brings peace and prosperity to Hyrule. The Triforce of Courage, positioned on the lower right, embodies the essence of Farore, the goddess of Courage, and seems to amplify the courage and adventuring skills of its bearer. It is associated with Link, the main protagonist of the series, who bravely defends Hyrule from Ganon and other malevolent forces.

Other worlds

Termina

Termina (タルミナ, Tarumina) is the name of a parallel world, or alternate reality, to Hyrule in Majora's Mask. The land has very similar geography to that of Hyrule and many of the characters are identical to the characters in Ocarina of Time. Notably, the Lost Woods appears in both games. The differences are the names of the locations and in Termina, there are four distinct regions, one in every compass direction, and the main town, Clock Town, in the center. Death Mountain and Woodfall are a pair, Ikana Canyon and the Gerudo Desert are a pair, the Great Bay and Lake Hylia, and Snowhead Mountain corresponds to Zora's Domain.

Lorule

Lorule (ロウラル, Rouraru) is a parallel world, or alternate reality, to Hyrule in A Link Between Worlds. It is similar to Hyrule in both geography, features Lorulean counterparts of many people found in Hyrule, and is ruled by Princess Zelda Lorulean counterpart, Princess Hilda. Like Hyrule, Lorule originally had its own Triforce (which appears as an upside down Triforce) and was the source of various conflicts. However unlike Hyrule, the Royal Family of Lorule decided to destroy the Triforce in an attempt to put an end to conflict, only to bring calamity to their world as a result. Desperate to save kingdom and her people, Princess Hilda conspired with her servant Yuga to steal Hyrule's Triforce, unaware that her actions were exactly the reason that her ancestors had destroyed Lorule's Triforce and that Yuga wanted the Triforce for himself. Eventually Yuga is defeated by Link and Hilda's former servant, Ravio manages to show her the error of her ways. Ultimately Link and Zelda decide to forgive Hilda for her misguided actions and use the Triforce to restore the Lorulean Triforce, which in turn restores the land of Lorule.

Others

Several other parallel worlds to Hyrule exist, such as the Twilight Realm, the World of the Ocean King, and the Dark World, from Twilight Princess, The Phantom Hourglass, and A Link to the Past, respectively. Several other lands also exist beyond the kingdom, in Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons, Link travels to Labrynna and Holodrum. Triforce Heroes is set in Hytopia, which is a kingdom connected to Hyrule.[12]

Races

Anouki

Anouki (ユキワロシ, Yukiwaroshi) are an Inuit-like race that appear to be a cross between reindeer and penguins. There are different variations of them with purple, red, blue, and yellow shirts and have either facial hair or small or big antlers. They are found on the Isle of Frost in the World of Ocean King and in Anouki Village in New Hyrule. In Spirit Tracks, the Anouki are the only race in the snow realm.

Bokoblin

Bokoblins are a race of human-sized Goblin-like creatures, that first appeared in The Wind Waker. Bokoblins come in a variety of colors such as red, blue, and green. They often appear as standard enemies and fight wielding Boko Sticks, machetes, and clubs. Though their appearance varies from game to game, the one thing that remains consistent is they wear loincloths with a single skull. In Twilight Princess, their appearance is less common and their role as standard enemies is largely taken over by Bulblins, which are more prevalent. In Skyward Sword, Bokoblins are revealed to have been around since ancient times and are common monsters that serve the Demon Tribe, under Demon Lord Ghirahim and his master, the Demon King Demise. The game also introduces different varieties of Bokoblin such as Technoblins, which lived in Lanayru Desert in the distant past and wield sophisticated ancient technology and Cursed Bokoblins, undead Bokoblins that possess the power to curse Link. The game introduces the bow wielding Bokoblin Archers and Bokoblin Leaders that can summon other Bokoblins using the Monster Horns they carry. Humorously, Link's companion Fi notes that Bokoblins are obsessed with their idea of fashion, particularly their unusual leopard-print underwear. Red Bokoblins are most commonly encountered on the game's overworld, while green Bokoblins are encountered in dungeons. Blue Bokoblins appear in later stages of the game and effectively replace red Bokoblins. In Breath of the Wild, Bokoblin are revealed to have an omnivorous diet that consists of fruits, vegetables, fish, and meat. They also can occasionally be seen eating food and hunting wild animals for their meat, which they will consume after a successful kill. Bokoblins can wield a variety of melee weapons, bows, and shields though tend to favor their own crafted clubs, bats, spears, and bows the strongest of which are made from Dragonbone. Occasionally they will wield farming tools, soup ladles, and even Wooden Mops as weapons or Pot Lids as shields. Like in The Wind Waker, Link can equip their weapons though Breath of the Wild allows him to keep them in his inventory. The game also introduces another undead variant of Bokoblin called Stalkoblin, which raise from the ground at night and will continue to regenerate unless all Stalkoblin skulls in the area are destroyed as a single skull can reanimate its headless comrades. Link can pick up and wield Bokoblin Arms that are left behind by defeated Stalkoblin who may wield these as weapons themselves. The game also introduces stronger Black Bokoblins and Silver Bokoblins. Cursed Bokoblins return but are depicted in Breath of the Wild as floating Stalkoblin skulls corrupted by Calamity Ganon's malice and are spawned from mouths located in pools of Malice.

Red Bokoblins and Stalkoblins drop Bokoblin Horns and Bokoblin Fangs, while Blue, Black, and Silver Bokoblins drop those along with Bokoblin Guts. These monster parts can be sold to shops and merchants for Rupees or to Kilton in exchange for Mon Fang and Bone shop, though Link can also cook them with bugs to make Elixirs or use them as materials by the Great Fairy to upgrade Link's armor and clothing. If Link cooks Bokoblin monster parts with the wrong ingredients it produces Dubious Food, which can restore hearts. Link can also obtain a Bokoblin Mask with Mon at the Fang and Bone, which allows him to temporarily disguise himself as a Bokoblin and blend in with them.

Bulblin

Bulblins (ブルブリン, Buruburin) are a green, horned race, resembling the orcs of classic fantasy. They are cowardly and always fight for the stronger side. They are led by King Bulblin (キングブルブリン, Kingu Buruburin),[13] who unlike the rest has the ability to talk.[14] Bulblins usually fight with heavy clubs or flaming arrows, and commonly ride on boars. They first appeared in The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. At the end of the final battle between Link and King Bublin, he speaks to Link, and Midna responds to this, saying "Link... He spoke". King Bulblin appears as an obstacle in the Bridge of Eldin stage in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.

Cobble

The Cobble are a race that appear in Phantom Hourglass. The Cobble once inhabited a prosperous land called the Cobble Kingdom. By the time the game takes place, the only Cobble that remain are ghosts of the soldiers and King Mutoh, who dress like Ancient Egyptians and reside within their respective temples, which are shaped like pyramids. The Isle of Ruins in the Northeastern Sea is all that remains of the once-mighty kingdom, and Link must visit there to retrieve the Aquanine, a pure metal entrusted to the Cobble by the Ocean King. There, he delves beneath Mutoh's Temple and destroys a corrupt Cobble war machine that has been disrupting the king's eternal rest. Also, Astrid, the fortune-teller living on the Isle of Ember, tells Link that she and her deceased assistant, Kayo, are part of the Cobble race.

Deku

The Deku (デクナッツ, Dekunattsu) are a race of plant-like creatures that are introduced in The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. They appear mostly in the overworld and dungeons. Deku are generally short and have leaves sprouting out from their heads. They often have red, glowing eyes, and their mouths are short, hollow tubes that can shoot "Deku Nuts". Their bodies consist entirely of wood and leaves, and they perish quickly if set on fire. They can fly by using large leaves to glide, and some can use the leaves on their head to fly for indefinite periods after taking off from a "Deku Flower." There are four types of Deku depicted in the series: Deku Scrubs, Mad Scrubs, Business Scrubs, and Royal Scrubs. Deku Scrubs are the most common type, which have green leaves. They often give information when caught. Mad Scrubs are violent, have red and yellow leaves, and do not talk. Business Scrubs are traders who offer to sell their wares and services. Royal Scrubs have larger heads, bigger eyes, smaller mouths, and they also have extra leaves covering their body. In The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, Link can inhabit the body of an unknown Deku Scrub (who is heavily implied to be the son of the Deku King's butler) and can fly for a limited time with use of a Deku Flower and can shoot bubbles from its mouth (once he receives the magic meter from the Great Fairy). The Deku Scrub cannot go into deep water but hops on top of it five times and then sinks.

Dragon

Dragons are a recurring race that appears in several titles. Dragons usually appear as either benevolent guardians or powerful enemies. In Ocarina of Time, after becoming the King of Evil, Ganondorf uses his power to resurrect the evil Goron-eating Dragon Volvagia, which had terrorized the Goron people in the distant past before it was defeated by a Darunia ancestor using the Megaton Hammer. When Ganondorf orders his minions to capture and feed the Gorons to Volvagia as a warning to those who would defy him, Darunia journeys to the Fire Temple to rescue his people and defeat Volvagia, though is defeated as he was unable to locate his ancestor's legendary Hammer. However, Link manages to free the Gorons and after finding the Megaton Hammer uses it to slay the Dragon and awaken Darunia as the Sage of Fire. In The Wind Waker, the Sky Spirit Valoo acts as the protector and patron deity of the Rito tribe, providing them with his scales that allow the Rito to grow wings. When Link arrives on Dragon Roost Island he discovers that Valoo was being tormented by Gohma, who he defeats to obtain Din's Pearl, which had been entrusted to Valoo, though he later entrusted it to the Rito. Valoo and the Rito later repay their debt to Link by rescuing him and Tetra from Ganondorf during their encounter with him in Forsaken Fortress. In Twilight Princess, Link encounters a species of dragon warriors called Aeralfos, which appear as enemies in the City in the Sky. He also encounters the massive Twilit Dragon Argorok, which appears as the boss of the City in the Sky dungeon. In Skyward Sword, Link is aided by the Three Dragons that guard the three regions of the Surface. Faron, the Water Dragon rules over the Parella and protector of Faron Woods, Lake Floria, and the Ancient Cistern that holds Farore's Flame. Eldin, the Fire Dragon who is the guardian of Eldin Volcano. Lanayru, the Thunder Dragon the creator of the Ancient Robots and protector of Lanayru Desert. Each dragon was entrusted with part of the Song of the Hero, which provides clues on the location of the Triforce. During his quest for Farore's Flame, Link aids Faron who had been injured while fighting Ghirahim and she leads him to the Ancient Cistern. During his quest for the Song of the Hero, Link encounters Eldin after he is captured and imprisoned by Bokoblins during an eruption. Link learns that the Fire Dragon had caused the eruption, and apologizes to Link for all the trouble it caused him. Unlike the other two who are alive in the present, Lanayru is shown to have died from an illness in the past, forcing Link to go back in time and cure him of his illness, thus preventing his death. After curing him and learning his part of the song, Lanayru will allow Link to take part in the Lightning Round, which allows him to face a boss battle challenge and a Silent Realm challenge for various prizes. If Link manages to complete 8 boss battles, Lanayru will reward him with the unbreakable Hylian Shield, the strongest shield in the game. In The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, the three incarnations of Din, Farore, and Nayru are large dragons name Dinraal, Farosh, and Naydra respectively. Naydra must be freed from Ganon's control. You can shoot the dragons bodies for scales and their horns for a shard of her horn.

Fairy

Representation of a fairy

Fairies (妖精, Yōsei) are a magical and benevolent race that aid Link during his quest in several games in the series. Fairies appear as small, winged humanoids, who are often obscured by emitted light. They can be found in many places, but usually reside in a Fairy Fountain or Fairy Spring, sometimes under the protection of a Great Fairy (大妖精, Dai-yōsei), which are the size of humans or even larger. These Fairies from the fountains will heal Link when he approaches, and if he catches one in a bottle, Link can release the fairy to have it heal him, or it will resurrect him if he dies. In Ocarina of Time, Guardian Fairies travel with the Kokiri and give them advice. One of these is Navi, who serves as Link's guardian fairy, or Tatl in Majora's Mask. In Phantom Hourglass, Link's guardian fairy is Ciela, who is eventually joined by two more fairies, Leaf and Neri. In some of the games, such as The Minish Cap, players will be tested of their honesty and if they are, fairies give them gifts and upgrades. In The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, fairies can be found around the springs of the four great fairies. There is a fifth fairy named Malayna, but she is not a Great Fairy, she is the Horse God, who will revive horses who have died. Fairies can be used to cook a multitude of potions and other food. If they are used in making a dish, they will help you cook. Increasing the amount of hearts given, and the amount of fairies used will disappear from your inventory.

Gerudo

The Gerudo (ゲルド) are a tribe of humanoid thieves who mainly are desert-dwellers. Distinguishing physical traits of Gerudo typically include bronzed skin, scarlet hair, aquiline noses, gold eyes and, unlike the Hylians, round ears (though Ganondorf is given pointed ears for the first time in The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess). Evil Gerudo such as Ganondorf and the Twinrova Sisters possess an olive skin color. Apart from a single male born to the Gerudo every hundred years, the race consists entirely of women. By Gerudo law, this man must become king of the tribe.[15] Ganondorf, the main antagonist of the series, is one such man and is king of the Gerudo in Ocarina of Time and is the surrogate son of a pair of Gerudo witches, the Twinrova Sisters, Kotake and Koume. It is suggested that the Gerudo seek men from outside their tribe as partners.[16] Although nothing is ever really confirmed, it is also thought that the Gerudo kidnap men when they need to reproduce. Gerudo appear as pirates in Majora's Mask, where they live in the ocean at Great Bay, and are ruled by a woman instead of a man, presumably because there are not any male Gerudo alive at the present moment, one that is alive is still a child, or the law itself does not exist among Termina's Gerudo population. These Gerudo are enemies of the Zoras. They search for treasures in the sea (usually ending in trouble and failure, as seen when they steal the Zora Eggs laid by Lulu following a hint given by Skull Kid to invade Great Bay Temple) and assault unaware Zoras and fishermen, although they do not approach Clock Town. In "Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild", only "vai" or women are permitted in the town. "Voe" or men are forbidden entry to Gerudo Town. Link has to dress up as a female in order to enter the town. After gaining entrance to Gerudo Town, Link has to speak with the Gerudo chief Riju. Link must retrieve a Thunder-Resistant Helmet from a clan of thieves called the Yiga, a traitorous formation who broke away from the Sheikah tribe. The helmet is used to board the Divine Beast of thunder, Vah Naboris, named after the Sage of Spirit, Nabooru, as stated by the spirit of former Gerudo Champion Urbosa, who was killed by one of Ganon's creations aboard the Divine Beast.

Goron

A Goron, as seen in The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

The Goron (ゴロン) are a race of strong but peaceful mountain-dwelling rock creatures who first appear in Ocarina of Time as friendly characters, also appearing in The Wind Waker as nomadic traders, and in Twilight Princess in a role similar to that in Ocarina. One Goron, an archaeologist studying ancient Hylian artifacts, appears in Skyward Sword as a guide to using these artifacts. Goron culture revolves around brotherhood and strength, usually referring to each other and those they deem strong as "Brother" or "Big Brother." Gorons show high regard for individuals who display great strength, and particularly enjoy matching their strength with others in sumo wrestling matches.[17] While not all the games that feature Gorons include full tribes, those that do depict Goron policy as headed by a single patriarch, sometimes aided by one or more Goron Elders, who assume leadership of the tribe when the patriarch cannot. Darunia (ダルニア) is the patriarch in Ocarina of Time. The Goron elders in Twilight Princess are: Gor Coron (ドン・コローネ, Don Korōne), Gor Amoto (ドン・シーゲル, Don Sīgeru) Gor Ebizo (ドン・エビーゾ, Don Ebīzo), and Gor Liggs (ドン・レゲーヌ, Don Regēnu)

For leisure, Gorons enjoy music and dance, rolling and racing,[18] games,[19] sumo wrestling, and bathing in hot springs. Gorons have taken on occupations such as crafting, blacksmithing, sculpting, demolition, and merchantry (usually explosives, which they are experts in producing). Gorons maintain a diet of rocks and iron.[20][21] They also eat rock sirloin, amber, and metal shields as delicacies. Gorons enter the fetal position, similar to an armadillo, for several purposes, such as resting, crushing obstacles, assaulting enemies, launching others to higher places and transportation by rolling at great speed. Gorons endowed with fairy magic can grow metal spikes while rolling.[22]

Gorons appear in Skyward Sword. Three Gorons are encountered in Skyward Sword, Gorko, Golo, and Gortram. At least two of them, Gorko and his assistant Golo are shown working as archaeologists, with Gorko traveling the land researching ancient artifacts and ruins, while Golo is busy excavating the Lanayru Caves. Unlike the other two, Gortram works as the proprietor of the Rickety Coaster mine cart ride at the abandoned Lanayru Shipyards. All three Gorons are encountered in the Lanayru Desert region at some point and the Lanayru Caves seems to serve as the base of operations for Gorko and Golo as there are signs on the wall that pertain to their research into various regions of the desert.

Gorons are universally male humanoids with generally beige skin, long arms, short legs, hulking shoulders, and virtually unnoticeable necks. Gorons seen in the games have round, purple eyes as well as prominent, rotund bellies. Gorons lack external hearing organs; like reptiles, Gorons' ears are holes at the sides of their heads. By adulthood, Gorons appear to gain rock-like protrusions on their backs as well as in places where human hair would be on their faces. In Phantom Hourglass, they do grow hair. Most are the size of an average human, though some such as Biggoron (ダイゴロン, Daigoron) can grow as large as a mountain. Due to their great density, Gorons sink to the bottom of bodies of water and are thus helpless in such an environment. However, they do not require respiration to survive, as a Goron child proves by resting underwater, mentioning that he never feels the need to take a breath. Also, in Twilight Princess, a Goron becomes permanently submerged in the main pool in Zora's Domain, but rather enjoys the cold water rather than drowning.[23] Gorons are exceptionally resistant to heat, to the point of being able to walk through shallow lava.

In The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, Link can inhabit the body of the deceased Goron hero Darmani and use the ability to roll and punch as hard as the Megaton Hammer from Ocarina of Time

In The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, the Gorons are encountered all over Hyrule, but they mostly appear in Goron City in the Eldin region. They live around Death Mountain, so special heat-resistant armor or elixirs must be used to enter the area. The Gorons will help you conquer the large Divine Beast Vah Rudania on the volcano. The Goron champion Daruk appears as a spirit after regaining control, as Daruk was killed by one of Ganon's creations in the Beast.

Hylian

Hylians (ハイリア族, Hairia-zoku) are an elf-like race that make up the main population of Hyrule.[24] They were the first race to establish organized civilization in ancient Hyrule and are born with magic-infused blood, said to be a gift from the goddesses, endowing them with psychic powers and skill in wizardry. Their long, pointed ears allow them to hear messages from these goddesses, though this may be simply folklore. Link and Princess Zelda belong to this race in all games of the series. In some games, such as Twilight Princess, Hylians are referred to as "humans". In Skyward Sword, Hylians live on a floating island known as Skyloft and are accompanied by bird-like species called Loftwings.

In "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild", much of the Hylian race was wiped out after the strike of Calamity Ganon. Link and Princess Zelda are of the few Hylians who survived.

Keaton

Keaton (キータン, Kītan) are a generally benevolent, three-tailed fox-like race, mostly found in Termina. They normally stay hidden from sight, although they reveal themselves to Link and challenge him with a quiz if he wears a Keaton Mask. No known Keaton exist in Hyrule at the time of Ocarina of Time, although at least one of them is a well-known fictional character in Hyrule Castle Town.[25][26] In The Minish Cap, however, some rather thuggish Keaton roam the Hyrule countryside, walking on their hindpaws and having only one tail instead of three; if they injure Link, he loses some Rupees.

Kikwi

The Kikwi (キュイ族, Kyui-zoku) are a race in Skyward Sword who inhabit the Faron Woods region. They have the appearance of a black-and-white wingless bird wearing a mask. Their name, Kikwi, is a reference to both the kiwi bird and fruit - both of which they resemble. They have the ability to partially bury themselves underground and cause a plant to blossom from their backs for camouflage, though some are better at it than others. They have plant-like camouflage.

Kokiri and Koroks

The Kokiri (コキリ族, Kokiri-zoku) are a pixie-like race in Ocarina of Time who inhabit the Kokiri Forest. They are ageless, childlike elves created by the Great Deku Tree, and each has a guardian fairy that plays the role of friend, parent, guardian, and teacher. Cautious and secretive, these elven creatures believe that they will die if they leave the forest.[27] This belief is either false, as Saria has been seen outside the forest near the end of Ocarina of time; or the forest actually keeps the Kokiri young and if they leave, they will grow old and die. It is also suggested that if they wander too deep into the forest and remain there for too long, they will turn into a Skull Kid, although this has not been proven definitively.

A Kokiri named Saria is the Sage of the Forest. Another Kokiri, Fado, serves as the first Sage of Wind in The Wind Waker, although he is killed prior to the events of the game, leaving the player to interact with his spirit and locate a replacement (later revealed to be the Korok Makar). Link was raised as a Kokiri in Ocarina of Time, but is actually a Hylian whose mother entrusted the Great Deku Tree with his care when he was an infant.

The Koroks (コログ, Korogu) of The Wind Waker are said to have been transformed from the Kokiri after the Great Flood.[28] They are small creatures with bodies that look like wood and masks made from leaves. They are very light, which allows them to travel by using sprouts as propellers over wind currents. They leave their home, the "Forest Haven", to plant seeds from the Great Deku Tree all over the world, and only return once a year to hold a ceremony to obtain more seeds.

In The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Koroks can be found all over Hyrule, even at the top of Hyrule Castle, which is overflown by monsters, debris, weapons, and bones of monsters, including a Stalnox (Skeletal Hinox), who guards the Hylian Shield. Once the player retrieved the seeds from Koroks, one can trade it with Hestu, a large Korok, for more slots for swords, shields, and bows. In order to do that, you must retrieve Hestu's maracas from a group of Bokoblins in the Lanayru or Necluda region. Once that is done, he will retreat to Korok Forest, location of the Great Deku Tree and the Master Sword. Curiously, the Kokiri are absent in the game.

Lokomo

Lokomos (ロコモ, Rokomo) are a humanoid race first appearing in The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks. All but one of the encountered Lokomo are sages who reside in the five realms of New Hyrule, as well as the Tower of Spirits. They are distinguishable by their pointed ears (similar to Hylians) and their short legs, forcing them to use motorized carts for transportation. However, a Lokomo named Byrne [Staven in the European version] is capable of walking on his legs and is exceptionally strong.

Oocca

The Oocca (天空人, Tenkū-jin, lit. "sky people") are a race of birds with long necks and human-like faces that appear in Twilight Princess. They live in the "City in the Sky" (天空都市, Tenkū Toshi),[29] an airborne city that acts as the seventh dungeon in the Twilight Princess. An Oocca female named Ooccoo (おばちゃん, Oba-chan) is found in the game's dungeons, and can warp the player back to the entrance to the dungeon. Ooccoo's son, Ooccoo Jr (ぼくちゃん, Boku-chan), warps the player back to where Ooccoo was used to warp out. They bear a striking resemblance to the statue in M.C. Escher painting, Another World. In Twilight Princess, these creatures are mentioned to be closer to the gods than the Hylians. It is supposed that they were the race who created Hylians, and at the same time created a new capital in the skies for them to live in. In Twilight Princess, Link reaches this city by launching himself out of an enormous reconstructed ancient cannon.

Minish

Minish, also referred to as Picori (ピッコル, Pikkoru, inspired by the Koropokkuru), are small humanoid creatures similar in size of bugs that tend to be helpful, although Vaati (グフー, Gufū) was an example of an evil Picori. They are only visible to children and tend to live in forests, but also appear inside of buildings and holes in and around various spots of Hyrule. Three variations of the Minish, which can be distinguished by their attire: Forest Minish, Town Minish and Mountain Minish. They first appear in The Minish Cap.

Mogma

The Mogma (モグマ族, Moguma-zoku) are a mole-like race from Skyward Sword who live in the Eldin Volcano region. They appear to be anthropmorphic rodentine creatures with elongated arms, and each has their own distinctive hairstyle. The Mogma hide underground by burrowing with their claws. They are demolition experts known to never go anywhere without their bomb bag, and they like digging for treasure. Mogmas are found in all of the subregions of Eldin Volcano, and play major parts in the plot of the Volcano Summit, Eldin Volcano proper, the Fire Sanctuary, and the Earth Temple.

Parella

The Parella (パラゲ族, Parage-zoku) are an aquatic race from Skyward Sword who live in the underwater spiraling caverns of Lake Floria. They are a squid-like race, and look almost like the aquatic Octoroks from Ocarina of Time. Conical spirals seem to be a major part of their design, appearing as both their central body and the shape of their dwellings.

Rito

The Rito (リト), also known as the Bird-people, are a race of bird-like humanoids in The Wind Waker. Their main habitat is on Dragon Roost Island, an island on the Great Sea. They have a tribal elder, with numerous followers and elaborately dressed guards. No Rito is born with wings, and instead, must visit the tribes' guardian, the great Sky Spirit, Valoo, to receive one of his scales, which enables them to grow wings. It is a coming of age ceremony of the Rito, to journey to the great Valoo to receive their scale. Children without wings are called Fledglings.

Rito are viewed upon by outsiders somewhat dubiously. Some have an inexplicable bigotry directed towards them, perhaps out of jealousy. Still, Rito are widely accepted as mail carriers, as only they can traverse the seas without cumbersome ships. Rito are capable of flying quickly, and full-grown members can carry humans for a short time.

Rito resemble condors, and seem to have some relation with the Andean culture: males have dark skin and the main theme of the Dragon Roost Island contains some Andean instruments such as zampoña (or pan pipes) and charango.

Rito have a mix of human and animal biological characteristics, with very distinctive traits. They appear to be covered by dark shaded skin or feathers. Most Rito have red colored eyes, although the Rito Chieftain has yellow eyes. They, like many other races in the series, have pointed ears. The Rito have bird-like feet as well, though oddly without talons. Rito also have some sort of beak where a human's nose would be found, though the shape and size of this beak varies through different Rito. Unlike normal birds this beak appears to be only used for smelling, and cannot be used as a mouth, the Rito have a more human-like mouth below this beak.

Throughout a young Rito's childhood, he or she is called a Fledgling and is flightless without any wings. After a child reaches a certain age they can only receive their wings after they retrieve a scale from the dragon, Valoo. Their wings are unique in that they protrude from their forearms, similar to where a Zora's fins would be. These have an appearance similar to the sleeves of a cloak when the Rito is not in flight. While not in use wings of a Rito are mostly white with black colored plumage located along the ends. When in flight the top of a Rito's wings are colored brown with black along the edges while the bottoms of the wings contain white colored plumage along the wings interior. However Medli has pure white colored wings, possibly suggesting that female Rito have white wings or that her wings are not fully grown yet.

Most Rito are able to fly over a great distance and can hover in place, but some like Medli have trouble flying for long periods of time. This is likely due to inexperience at flying, however. Like humans, Rito's heads are covered by hair that are of different colors and lengths for each person. Most males, however, seem to have white colored hair, even at a young age

In The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, the Rito reside in the Tabantha region in Northwest Hyrule. The Rito can't fly at a preferred height because the Divine Beast Vah Medoh, named after Medli, the Sage of Earth, will shoot down any Rito who fly at that height. Teba, a Rito warrior helps you board Vah Medoh, although being severely injured in the process by Medoh's cannons. The Rito Champion Revali appears as a spirit, as he was killed by one of Ganon's creations in the Beast. He regains control of Medoh and prepares to blast Ganon as soon as Link enters the Sanctum, the location in which Ganon appears, in Hyrule Castle. Notably, Revali resents Link, stating that he has many skills as an archer, and that he was only called to assist Link because Link has the Master Sword.

Ancient Robots

The Ancient Robots (RS-301) are a mechanical race from Skyward Sword. They were created by Lanayru, the Thunder Dragon, though the land they lived in eventually succumbed to time and became a barren desert while they rusted away. By using a Timeshift Stone they can be brought back to life and are shown to serve three purposes. Some of them mine for Timeshift Stones, one group was banded together to serve as protectors of one of the Sacred Flames, and a small number act as servants of the Thunder Dragon. In addition there is a band of Ancient Robot Pirates, though only two of them are seen throughout the entire game, LD-002S Scervo on the Sandship, and LD-003D Dreadfuse in the Sky Keep. During Link's quest for Nayru's Flame, Link is aided by a robot named Skipper, who is captain of the Sandship and its crew that lost his ship to the Pirate Scervo. Like most Ancient Robots, Link can only interact with Skipper in the Timeshifted past. Skipper aids Link in traversing the Lanayru Sand Sea using his Timeshift Stone powered motorboat, which can transform the impassible sea of sand into the ancient sea of water that once existed in the past. Also, Gondo, one of the citizens of Skyloft, owns an Ancient Robot that he inherited from his grandfather; at one point in the game this robot, named Scrapper, is restored to full functionality, and assists Link by carrying cumbersome items up to Skyloft from the surface. Gondo reveals that the Ancient Robots require the oil produced by Ancient Flowers to function. As these flowers can no longer be found in the present day Lanayru Desert, it is implied that the flowers disappearance resulted in the decline of the LD-301 Series Ancient Robots, though Link is able to obtain an Ancient Flower from the timeshifted past and Gondo is able to use its oil to repair Scrapper. Most ancient robots are part of the mass-produced LD-301 Series, including LD-301S Scrapper and LD-301N Skipper, while Servo and Dreadfuse are part of the LD-002 and LD-003 series, which unlike the LD-301 Series remain functional in the present.

In The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, similar robots exist called Guardians and Divine Beasts. Divine Beast Vah Ruta represented Ruto and the Zora. Divine Beast Vah Rudania represents Darunia and the Gorons. Divine Beast Vah Naboris represents Nabooru and the Gerudo. Divine Beast Vah Medoh represents Medli and the Rito. The Guardians are ancient mechanisms with powerful sniper blasts. The robots were intended to be used to defeat Ganon, but Ganon used his power to turn the robots against Hyrule. Mipha, the Zora Princess and Champion, Urbosa, the Gerudo Champion, Daruk, the Goron Champion, and Revali, the Rito Champion, were killed by the Blight Ganons in the Divine Beasts. The Blight Ganons were Ganon's creations, representing the element of the Divine Beast i.e. Thunderblight Ganon for Vah Naboris of the Gerudo.

Sheikah

The Sheikah (シーカー, Shīkā) are an ancient clan of mysterious ninja-like warriors, often referred to as the "shadows" of the Hylians, sworn to protect the Hylian Royal Family.[30] As revealed in Skyward Sword, the Sheikah are servants of the goddess Hylia, whose reincarnation is Zelda, the ancestor of the Hylian Royal Family. The Shiekah have long life spans compared to Hylians. The Sheikah's symbol of a crying eye is commonly seen in the series, even in games where the Sheikah are not present. It is alluded that the tear was added after the Hyrule Civil War, which takes place some time before the events of Ocarina of Time. By the events of Ocarina of Time, the Sheikah are referred to as an extinct race with Impa, named after Zelda's protector in Skyward Sword, among the last few members. The Sheikah also built the Shadow Temple, for reasons unknown. It is said that the Sheikah people were fascinated by a search for truth as they created the Mask of Truth (sold by the happy mask salesmen of castle town in Ocarina of Time). In Skyward Sword, Ocarina of Time, and Majora's Mask, Sheikah Stones or Gossip Stones created by the Sheikah give Link information on where to go and what to do.

In The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, the ancient Sheikah invented the Divine Beasts, Guardian Stalkers, Turrets, Skywatchers, and Sentries found throughout the game 10,000 years before the Great Calamity as weapons against Ganon. The Sheikah reside primarily in Kakariko Village in Necluda. Next to village, near a shrine, is a Great Fairy Fountain, which is where Great Fairy Cotera resides. You must give her 100 rupees to unlock her upgrading ability. A shrine is a test or blessing to prove your worth. Inside, at the end of each shrine, a Sheikah Monk resides and will bless you with a Spirit Orb, which when 4 are obtained, can be traded to a Goddess Statue for Heart Containers or Stamina Vessels. Also, Link possesses a Sheikah Slate, which is a piece of ancient technology, which can be used to take pictures and use a map, It also possesses the ability to open shrines when used by the hero. Sheikah Slates can be used to use various runes. Among the four runes are Magnesis, which allows you to pick up and move metallic objects; Remote Bombs, which are circular or cubic bombs that detonate at the push of a button once thrown or dropped; Stasis, which allows you to freeze objects in its place, attack the frozen object, and use the stored up kinetic energy to make it blast off; Once Stasis is upgraded, it can also be used on monsters to paralyze them for a short period of time; and Cryonis, which allows you to create icy blocks in any body of water, including shallow water and waterfalls, to jump onto or to push otherwise immobile objects upwards (usually used to lift gates or similar obstacles).

Additionally in Breath of the Wild, a clan known as the Yiga Clan, led by the humorous Master Kohga, were once part of the Sheikah before the Great Calamity. A group of Sheikah swore allegiance to Ganon and formed the Yiga Clan. They would vow to destroy all who oppose him. Their hideout is located in Karusa Valley in the Gerudo Highlands. They spawn at set locations throughout the world, sometimes only at night. They sometimes appear as lost travelers or merchants, who you can buy bananas from, who will then give a strange conversation before attacking you. There are three types of Yiga: Yiga Footsoldiers, who commonly carry around a bow or sword to use to attack Link; Yiga Blademasters, who carry around a Windcleaver to attack Link with, and Master Kogha, who is cited in almost every disguised Yiga.

Light Spirits

There are four Light Spirits (光の精霊, Hikari no Seirei) throughout Hyrule. All of the light spirits are found in Twilight Princess.

The first light spirit is Ordona (ラトアーヌ, Ratoānu), best described as an Ordon Goat. Ordona has a spiraling circular orb in between her antlers and first appears at Ordon Spring. She appears once Link has defeated the first Shadow Beast.

The second light spirit, Faron (フィローネ, Firōne), is described as a monkey/ape. He is holding his golden orb with his tail eclipsed over his head. He appears in Faron Spring, and will fully appear when Link has completed the first collection of twilight bugs.

The third light spirit, Eldin (オルディン, Orudin), is described as an eagle, with his orb between his feet. He appears in the lake near the shaman's house in Kakariko Village, and will fully appear once Link has completed the second collection of twilight bugs.

The fourth and last light spirit, Lanayru (ラネール, Ranēru), is described as a serpent, with his orb inside his mouth. He appears in the cave at Lake Hylia. He fully appears when Link has completed the third and final collection of twilight bugs. But once Link is back to his human form, and after Lanayru tells him the story of the three goddesses and the three Fused Shadows, Zant appears. Zant will then embed the Shadow Crystal in Link's skull that will allow Link to transform into his human and wolf form. He will also expose Midna to Lanayru, causing her to become very ill, and sending Link on the quest for the Master Sword.

Subrosian

Subrosians (ウーラ, Ūra) are a mysterious race that live in the subterranean world of Subrosia. They have large glowing eyes and are always seen wearing either green, blue or red hooded cloaks. There are two exceptions. One Subrosian, Rosa, wears a yellow cloak with a ribbon, another unnamed Subrosian also wears yellow and gives you a Secret to use in Oracle of Ages. They are shy when around people of other races and prefer to be rarely seen. They can survive in lava and tend to relax in pools of lava, and use a currency made of metal rocks found in the ground called Ore Chunks. They first appear in Oracle of Seasons.

Tokay

Tokay (トカゲ人, Tokage-jin, lit. "lizard people") are a race of reptilian lizards with green scales and tails who reside on Crescent Island in Labrynna. They are known to search for valuable items that they can find and are known to be deceitful. They are also expert gardeners which are able to grow scent seeds from seedlings over a course of four hundred years. They have never seen anyone from other races so when they see Link, they think he's a Tokay without a tail and call him "Strange Tokay". They first appear in Oracle of Ages.

Twili

Twili (トワイライトの民, Towairaito no Tami) are a race that come from the Twilight Realm. They are the descendants of the Dark Interlopers, who were sent to the Twilight Realm by the Golden Goddesses (三柱の女神, Mihashira no Megami Three Goddesses) after trying to seize control of the Sacred Realm and later evolved to what they are now. Eventually, they abandoned their plans to rule the Sacred Realm and Hyrule and became peacefully adapted to their new lifestyle in the Twilight Realm. One member of their race is Midna (ミドナ, Midona). They first appeared in The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. Zant (ザント, Zanto) was also part of this race. He was granted the power to overthrow Midna by Ganon and then served Ganon in taking over Hyrule. It is possible that the Interlopers were either the Sheikah since there is a symbol on Zant's throne and they were allies of The Royal Family, or they were the Gerudo since the Twili were a tribe of thieves, in which the Gerudo are well known for, and due to the entrance of the Twilight Realm located in the Gerudo Desert. It is also known that the recurring villain, Dark Link, might be an Interloper or possibly a relative to them, for which it is unknown.

The skin tone of the Twili is mostly black while their faces, necks, and chest tend to have gray and patterns in a marked contrast to the rest of their bodies. The Twili have a stretched, elongated appearance, with long limbs, necks, and heads, and great variances in overall height and girth.

Wizzrobes

Wizzrobes (ウィズローブ, Wizurōbu) are magician creatures that wear wizard's robes (hence their name) and often use fire and ice magic before disappearing and reappearing somewhere else. In The Wind Waker they can also summon other enemies and wear toucan-like or bird-like masks and headdresses. They first appeared in The Legend of Zelda. Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild introduced the Electric Wizzrobe, who used Lighting or Thunderstorm Rods. The can teleport to avoid attacks and shoot 1-3 balls of fire, ice, or electricity at a time.

Yeti

Yeta (マトーニャ, Matōnya) and Yeto (ドサンコフ, Dosankofu) in Snowpeak Ruins in the game Twilight Princess were Yetis (雪男, yukiotoko).[31] Yeto helps Link by giving him soup that heal up to eight hearts of his health. Male yetis look like the 'real-life' Yeti only they have large, beaver tails, have saddles for hats and speak with poor grammar. The females, however, are smaller than the males and wear an armless sweater, showing no arms or tail.

Zora

The Zora (ゾーラ, Zōra}{ZOR-ah) are a race of aquatic piscine humanoids that appear in nearly every game of the series. In the original game and Link to the Past, Zoras were an enemy race that attacked Link from the water with projectiles, though the giant Zora King sells Link a pair of flippers in Link to the Past, allowing him to swim and to use the network of whirlpools that link far corners of Hyrule. By Ocarina of Time, their role in most stories had changed to a neutral or friendly race. Zoras rely heavily on water, in fact they can only live on land "for limited time periods,"[32] and reflect this dependency in their culture. Zoras are mostly seen gracefully swimming about and frolicking in water. Besides routine swimming and sports, Zoras also enjoy music.[33]

Most Zoras do not wear clothing, and they are generally covered in silver scales, which give them a pale blue sheen from a distance. Where humans sometimes have long hair, average Zoras have rear-hanging caudal extensions that resemble tails. These tails undulate periodically, which gives a Zora's head the unique semblance of a fish. They are sometimes depicted as having webbed feet (except for Queen Rutela from Twilight Princess who appears to have two flat mermaid-like fins that fall down like a skirt) and hands. They lack ears in the traditional sense, but do have pronounced noses and gills on their abdomen. Their fins can be used to fight by extending out to serve as sharp-edged weapons. Zoras lay eggs to reproduce. Zora eggs need to be kept in cold, clean water to develop healthily, and every egg from the same clutch must be kept together for them to hatch. Newborn Zoras are tadpole-like with a circular body and a long, skinny tail ending in a fluke.

Zora government is apparently monarchical, either ruled by a king, King Zora (キングゾーラ, Kinguzōra), or queen, such as Queen Rutela (ルテラ, Rutera) from Twilight Princess. Two different tribes exist, "river Zora" are more violent and are able to shoot fire, while "sea Zora" make up the friendly Zoras. The Zora Royal Family is responsible for maintaining order among their people, overseeing care for Jabu Jabu (ジャブジャブ), whom they worship as a guardian god,[34] and assuring that the waters upon which he and all creatures rely are clean and pure.

The Zora appear to be an extinct race in The Wind Waker; a sage named Laruto (ラルト, Raruto) is encountered in spirit. They may be linked to the Rito (リト) race of bird people, along with the Princess Ruto (ルト). The Zora of Hyrule typically inhabit fresh water such as Zora River and Lake Hylia, while sea-dwelling Zora are known to appear in Termina (Majora's Mask) and Labrynna (Oracle of Ages)

In The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, Link is able to inhabit the body of the Zora Mikau, who was killed by Gerudo pirates, and can use his fins in the same manner as the boomerang.

In Breath of the Wild, Zoras are a major part of the game. Link must head to Zora's Domain in the Lanayru region to meet with King Dorephan and Prince Sidon. The King called for a Hylian because Zora's Domain was in danger of being washed away by Divine Beast Vah Ruta, who was at the East Reservoir Lake. Prince Sidon brings Link without knowing that Link was the Hylian Champion himself. Muzu, a Zora elder and the King's assistant, resents Link, because him and most Zora elders blame Link for the death of the beloved Zora Champion and Princess, Mipha. After realizing that Link has had a special connection with the princess, he tasks Link with finding 20 shock arrows from Ploymus Mountain. At the top, a strong Lynel waits, guarding Shatterback Point. Link must either defeat the Lynel, and get all the shock arrows, which are jabbed in trees or rocks along the trail to Shatterback Point, on most of the trees in the place, or on the small cliff on the east side of Shatterback Point. After retrieving the arrows, Link heads for the East Reservoir Lake to board Vah Ruta. Once he regains control of the beast, Mipha appears as a spirit and grants you her healing ability. She then moves Vah Ruta to a location that isn't blocked so she can have a direct lock on Hyrule Castle.

Creatures

Note: Some creatures' outlook may vary in different titles of the series. An advanced list of recurring enemies in the series can be found here.

Reception

In their January 2010 issue, Nintendo Power listed Hyrule as one of the greatest Nintendo locations, citing the vast number of areas to explore, as well as referencing players' first experiences with the Lost Woods and Death Mountain as highlights of the players' adventures.[43]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Nintendo Entertainment Analysis and Development (1998-11-23). The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Nintendo 64. Nintendo of America. Level/area: Deku Tree.
  2. ↑ A Link to the Past, Japanese Manual: In books left behind for their Hyrulian descendants by the race once closest to the gods, the Hylians (the root word for Hyrule), it is written that the three gods, the "god of power", the "god of wisdom," and the "god of courage," created the state of heaven and earth. (かつて神に最も近い民 族とされたハイリア人(ハイラルの語源でもあります)が、ハイラルの子孫に残した書物の中に三人の神々「力の神」「知恵の神」「勇気の神」による天地創造の様子が書かれています。)
  3. ↑ "Hyrule Glyphics translated. Article on Hylian". ign.com. December 12, 2002. Retrieved May 28, 2007.
  4. ↑ "Hylian alphabet". omniglot.com. Archived from the original on 2012-02-24. Retrieved 2012-12-06.
  5. ↑ The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks, Princess Zelda: "My family first arrived here about a century ago. Were you already here in the tower then, Anjean?"
  6. ↑ The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, King Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule: "Gods of the Triforce! Hear that which I desire! Hope! I desire hope for these children! Give them a future! Wash away this ancient land of Hyrule! Let a ray of hope shine on the future of the world!!! And let our destinies finally be fulfilled...Ganondorf! May you drown with Hyrule!!!"
  7. ↑ The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Gorko: "Anyway, bud, there is something I am dying to tell you. It is the discovery of the century! This is a sacred place known as the Temple of Time."
  8. ↑ "Aonuma ventures out into the wild to find the Master Sword of Resurrection". NintendoWire. Retrieved 12 July 2017.
  9. ↑ E3 2010: Nintendo Developer Roundtable Live Blog. IGN, June 15, 2010.
  10. ↑ The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, King of Red Lions: The fact that the Master Sword lost the power to repel evil suggests to me that something has happened to the sages who infused the blade with the gods’ power. The sages should be in Hyrule... in the Wind Temple to the north and the Earth Temple to the south, praying to the gods.
  11. ↑ Nintendo Power 250th issue!. South San Francisco, California: Future US. 2010. p. 44.
  12. ↑ Tri Force Heroes developers (October 22, 2015). "Most games in The Legend of Zelda series have a connection to Hyrule. Does the land of Hytopia connect to Hyrule in any way?". Facebook. Retrieved October 22, 2015. Hyrule and Hytopia are connected.
  13. ↑ Super Smash Bros. Brawl (2008). In-game trophy description "Bulblin" trophy.
  14. ↑ "King Bulblin... When he loses in his final battle, he pays subtle respect to Link when he says, 'I follow the strongest side!'". Super Smash Bros. Brawl. (2008). Trophy description of the "King Bulblin" trophy.
  15. ↑ The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Nabooru: "A kid like you may not know this, but the Gerudo race consists only of women. Only one man is born every hundred years… Even though our laws say that lone male Gerudo must become King of the Gerudo, I'll never bow to such an evil man!"
  16. ↑ The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Gossip Stone: "They say that Gerudos sometimes come to Hyrule Castle Town to look for boyfriends."
  17. ↑ In-game trophy description of a "Goron" from Super Smash Bros. Brawl. (2008).
  18. ↑ The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Goron: “This wild rolling is the only way to relieve my stress!” […] “Let me express my joy with more wild rolling!”
  19. ↑ The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages, Goron: "We Gorons love games!"
  20. ↑ The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, Goron figurine: "These rock- and iron-eaters once lived on Mount Crenel in Western Hyrule."
  21. ↑ The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Goron: "You shouldn't be so picky about what you eat! Do you eat all of your green rocks? If you don't, you won't grow up big and strong!"
  22. ↑ The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, Darmani's memorial: "If Gorons who possess magic power roll swiftly enough, spikes will emerge from their bodies so that they may mow down enemies."
  23. ↑ The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, Darmani III's memorial: "Water is disastrous for Goron heroes, for they sink like stones and are rendered motionless in the deep. Beware."
  24. ↑ "Zelda Universe". Zelda.com. Retrieved 2012-12-06.
  25. ↑ The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time: "Oh, I know that character! It's Keaton! He's very hot in Hyrule Castle Town right now!"
  26. ↑ The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Death Mountain Guard: "Oh? Is that a "Kee...something..." character mask? I heard he's very popular recently? He's my boy's favorite."
  27. ↑ : Ocarina of Time, Kokiri boy: "The Great Deku Tree said that if a Kokiri leaves the woods, he or she will die!"
  28. ↑ The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Great Deku Tree: "Once upon a time, long ago, the Koroks took on human forms, but when they came to live on the sea, they took these shapes."
  29. ↑ "One of the Oocca, Ooccoo travels around with her son in search of a means to return to her home, the City in the Sky." Super Smash Bros. Brawl. (2008). Ooccoo & Son in-game trophy description.
  30. ↑ The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, old man: "Have you heard the legend of the "Shadow Folk"? They are the Sheikah...the shadows of the Hylians. They say they swore allegiance to the King of Hyrule and guarded the Royal Family."
  31. ↑ Super Smash Bros. Brawl (2008) In-game trophy description of the "Yeta" trophy.
  32. ↑ Super Smash Brothers Brawl (2008). In game trophy description of the "Zora" trophy.
  33. ↑ “Led by their King, the Zoras are peaceful creatures who enjoy music and sports.”
  34. ↑ The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, King Zora: “Our guardian god, Lord Jabu-Jabu, would never eat my dear Princess Ruto!”
  35. ↑ "Zelda Dungeon Wiki: Enemies: ChuChus". Zeldadungeon.net. Retrieved 2012-12-06.
  36. ↑ "The Great Hyrule Encyclopedia: Dodongos". Zelda.com. Retrieved 2012-12-06.
  37. ↑ "The Great Hyrule Encyclopedia: Baby Dodongo". Zelda.com. Retrieved 2012-12-06.
  38. ↑ They The Great Hyrule Encyclopedia: Big Dodongo
  39. ↑ The Wind Waker, Moblin Figurine: "These mighty enemies swing their long spears with the greatest of ease."
  40. ↑ The Minish Cap, Swiftblade: "Those pig-faced Moblins...You see them around the Minish Woods, right? They're big and dumb? Well, they're also rich!"
  41. ↑ Nintendo (January 1, 2006). "The Great Hyrule Encyclopedia - Moblin". Zelda Universe. Retrieved 2007-06-11.
  42. ↑ Reparaz, Mikel (2008-06-13). "The scariest villains EVER". GamesRadar. Retrieved 2008-08-01.
  43. ↑ Top 250 Games (PDF). 250. South San Francisco, California: Future US. January 2010. p. 42. Archived from the original (Magazine) on December 29, 2009. Retrieved 2010-07-17.
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