The Enigmatic Vanished Civilizations of the Legendary Zelda Franchise Unveiled

Highlights

The Sheikah were once a thriving civilization but were destroyed during the Hyrulean Civil War, leaving only one lone Sheikah remaining.

The Ikana Kingdom in Majora's Mask was plagued by a curse, forcing its people into an eternal conflict with the Garo nation. The origins of the curse and the kingdom's ultimate demise remain shrouded in mystery.

Unique to the Zelda series, the Kikwi, Parella, and Mogma species have never been seen in any other game, leaving their origins and ultimate destinies uncertain. Similarly, the Zonai civilization, now extinct, left a plethora of artifacts and were believed to be divine descendants.

In the world of The Legend of Zelda, a variety of amiable species can be found. One such species is the water-dwelling Zora, who are recognized by fans for their appearances in different games, such as forming a band or journeying inside a colossal fish. The Rito, on the other hand, are winged humanoid creatures featured in The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, but their later appearance in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild showcases a more avian-like appearance.

In addition to the Zora and the Rito, the Gorons and Koroks are also prominent clans within The Legend of Zelda series. These clans have developed their own unique cultures and identities over time. However, not all species have thrived as successfully as these clans. Throughout the extensive timeline of The Legend of Zelda, numerous civilizations have been lost to the ravages of war and the passage of time.

The Sheikah

In The Legend of Zelda franchise, the Sheikah are highly esteemed by fans, particularly in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Known for their intellect and dedication to research, the Sheikah were not always a thriving community.

Two distinct Zelda games highlight the Sheikah as a civilization that has been lost, leaving only one remaining member. Princess Zelda's capable protector, Impa, is the sole survivor of her people in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. The Sheikah faced complete annihilation while defending the Royal Family during the Hyrulean Civil War. Their bodies now rest in the Sheikah-founded Graveyard located behind Kakariko Village, where they forever watch over the spirits at peace.

In The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, often regarded as a true continuation of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, the Sheikah are not explicitly mentioned. However, there is an implied member who remains: Impaz, an elderly woman who resides alone in an abandoned town. Although the town is never referred to as Kakariko Village within the game, the inscription in Hylian translates to "Kakariko Village."

Impaz confirms that her name is derived from the town's founder and possesses a statue that belonged to a tribe responsible for guarding the Royal Family of Hyrule in the distant past. Based on this evidence, Impaz appears to be the last remaining Sheikah in the Zelda timeline. However, by this point, the civilization has faded from memory, and no one recognizes her as the last of her kind.

The Ikana Kingdom

Zelda still has numerous unresolved questions surrounding the forsaken Ikana Kingdom in Majora's Mask. When Link arrives, the kingdom is already devoid of life. The history of Ikana Kingdom is unnervingly dark; a curse compels the deceased residents to engage in eternal battles with the rival nation, the Garo, who continue to haunt the kingdom even in death.

The exact cause of the kingdom's demise and subsequent curse remains unclear. While the King of Ikana attributes its decline to war, the curse that traps the dead in Ikana is mostly attributed to the malevolent forces unleashed from the Stone Tower and the deceit of Skull Kid, also known as the "masked one." Little is known about the kingdom of the Garo, the origins of the Stone Tower, or how and why Skull Kid placed a curse on the Ikana Kingdom. It is evident, however, that like the Sheikah, war led to the loss of all life in the kingdom.

The Kikwi

The Parella

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword tells the humble origins of the entire franchise. It introduces unique species that are not featured in later games but are believed to evolve into the familiar tribes. One such species is the timid yet helpful Kikwi, small creatures found in the forest when Link embarks on his first journey from Skyloft. Although they do not reappear in subsequent Zelda games, it is speculated that they eventually transform into the legendary Great Deku Tree.

Once upon a time, Lake Hylia was inhabited by a remarkable aquatic species known as the Parella. These extraordinary creatures, resembling a fascinating blend of a squid and a jellyfish, possessed an exceptional ability to contort their bodies and effortlessly maneuver through minuscule crevices. The Parella, contentedly living under the guardianship and care of the Water Dragon, fulsomely dedicated their lives to serving and protecting its magnificent presence. Just like the elusive Kikwi, the annals of history remain bereft of any further mention regarding the Parella's existence. Nonetheless, considering their striking aquatic characteristics, it is widely speculated that the flourishing Zora civilization derived its origins from these extraordinary beings.

The Mogma

The Mogma, a subterranean species inhabiting the Eldin Volcano, have a deep affection for Rupees. It is believed that they did not evolve into Gorons as Gorons already coexisted during the same era.

Although the Mogma are not encountered in any other Zelda games, it is believed that they became extinct. Curiously, statues resembling the Mogma can be found in the depths of Tears of the Kingdom's Depths. While the game does not confirm this resemblance, it raises the possibility that the Mogma may have retreated deep underground to find solace rather than perishing.

The Zonai

This civilization, believed to be extinct, has left behind the largest number of ancient artifacts spread throughout Hyrule. Traveling through Faron reveals numerous Zonai structures, consisting of towering stone statues in the forms of owls, boars, snakes, and dragons. The Zonai were said to have been descendants of the gods, possessing immense magical abilities and advanced technology that often caused them to be mistaken for deities by the Hylians.

The reasons for their near-extinction remain unknown, but eventually, only two Zonai individuals remained: Rauru, who later became the first king of Hyrule in The Legend of Zelda, and his sister, Mineru. Rauru met his fate while sealing away the Demon King Ganondorf, but his spirit manifested to guide Link through the Great Sky Island and lead him on the quest to once again rescue Hyrule from the encroaching darkness that continuously threatens the land in The Legend of Zelda.