The Intriguing Symbolism Unveiled: Unraveling Zelda's Majestic Hyrule Crest

Highlights

The Royal Hyrule Crest is a highly recognizable symbol in The Legend of Zelda series, appearing on buildings, armor, and the Hylian Shield wielded by Link.

The crest signifies the affiliation of the Royal Family of Hyrule with the Goddess Hylia, and the Triforce symbolizes their responsibility to safeguard it. Originating from Ocarina of Time, the crest takes inspiration from Skyward Sword and has become an integral component of the series' mythology, appearing across various games.

The Royal Hyrule Crest is one of the most recognizable images in The Legend of Zelda series. It can be seen in various locations throughout the games and is often associated with the Master Sword. Even casual fans are able to identify the emblem as a symbol of the series. However, the crest holds a deeper significance, linking together important aspects of the game's lore.

Named after the Royal Family of Hyrule, descendants of the Goddess Hylia and the birthplace of every incarnation of Princess Zelda, the crest can be found on structures like the Temple of Time and Hyrule Castle. It is also prominently featured on the uniforms and armor worn by Hyrule guards. Among the many appearances of the crest, players are most familiar with its presence on the Hylian Shield, which is frequently wielded by the protagonist, Link, throughout the series.

The Meaning Behind the Royal Hyrule Crest's Design

The Royal Hyrule Crest, which has become an iconic image in the series, made its first appearance in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. It could be seen around Castle Town and on the Hylian Shield. Since then, it has also appeared in various other Zelda games such as Wind Waker, Twilight Princess, Spirit Tracks, Skyward Sword, A Link Between Worlds, Breath of the Wild, and Tears of the Kingdom. Although the extent of its presence differs in each game, it is undeniably a significant symbol in the Zelda series.

The design of the Royal Hyrule Crest consists of two main elements. Firstly, it features a pair of bird-like wings on both sides of the crest, creating a symmetrical display. These wings, along with claw-like designs at the bottom of the crest, represent the Crimson Loftwing of the hero from the Sky Era, before Hyrule was settled on the ground. This particular aspect of the Royal Crest of Hyrule is a nod to the events in Skyward Sword, and its design bears similarities to the Goddess Crest from that game.

The Triforce, which is depicted above the Loftwing, is another important element of the Royal Hyrule Crest. In the Zelda series, the Triforce is a well-known symbol with its power divided into three sections: the Triforce of Wisdom, the Triforce of Courage, and the Triforce of Power, possessed by Zelda, Link, and Ganon respectively. Initially created by the Golden Goddesses Din, Nayru, and Farore, the responsibility of protecting the Triforce was passed on to the royal family by the Goddess Hylia. This is why the Triforce is incorporated into the design of the family crest.

It is fascinating to observe how the Royal Crest of Hyrule draws inspiration from Skyward Sword, despite its original appearance in Ocarina of Time. This demonstrates the developers' dedication to expanding the lore of the Zelda series. Additionally, it is worth noting that the crest can be seen in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, even though a proper depiction of the Triforce is absent in those titles. The continued presence of the Royal Hyrule Crest in these games is a testament to its well-designed nature and the symbol's rich legacy, solidifying its importance within The Legend of Zelda series.