The Ultimate Guide to The Major Races of Hyrule: Unveiling the Secrets Beyond!

Does any other series of video games master the balance between adventure and the comforting familiarity of home as well as Zelda? Although some games in The Legend of Zelda series feature recurring characters, each title is set in different time periods or even separate timelines altogether.

Fortunately, there is one important factor that links all the games together: the diverse races of Hyrule. From the original 1986 adventure classic to Tears of the Kingdom, these iconic peoples inhabit the world and contribute to creating a sense of continuity, history, and vibrancy within a franchise known for its ever-changing timelines and shifting landscapes.

9 Hylians / Humans

While Hylians and humans may bear similar appearances, attire, and behaviors, they are distinct from one another in the lore. The primary distinguishing factor lies in the Hylians' pointed ears, which they utilize for divine auditory perception. Humans are frequently found in the outer regions of Hyrule, extending to Holodrum and Labrynna, particularly in the Oracle and Seasons games.

Originating from Skyloft, as depicted in Skyward Sword, the Hylians trace their lineage back to those who resided alongside the goddess Hylia before descending to the surface and establishing Hyrule. Similar to various other mythical elves in literature, the Hylians were once renowned as proficient wielders of magic in ancient times, although their powers have largely diminished over time. It is speculated that the denizens of Termina in Majora's Mask, who readily embrace technology, are alternate reality counterparts of the Hylian people.

8 Sheikah

Symbols of the Sheikah can be spotted by observant players throughout the series. However, apart from Impa in Ocarina of Time, the enigmatic "shadow folk" only emerged in full force in Breath of the Wild, towards the later part of the Zelda timeline. They have distinctive red eyes, which sets them apart from the Hylians, and it is believed that they were once a part of the Hylian race.

Possessing remarkable acrobatic skills and technological expertise, the Sheikah constructed the ancient shrines and towers that populate the post-calamity Hyrule. Unfortunately, despite their duty to safeguard the royal family and Princess Zelda, who is the mortal incarnation of the goddess Hylia, their advanced knowledge of magic and technology led to conflict with the Hyrule king. As a result, they were scattered across the land.

7 Korok / Kokiri

Believed to be descendants of Hylians, the Kokiri are youthful beings adorned in green who are always accompanied by a fairy. In Ocarina of Time, Link, a Hylian raised among these fairy children, is occasionally mistaken for a Kokiri due to his emerald garments and fairy companion. However, the fact that he ages disproves this notion.

Following the flooding of Hyrule, the Kokiri underwent a transformation and became the diminutive, tree-like creatures known as Koroks. Similar to deku scrubs, another plant-like species found throughout Hyrule and Termina, their leafy extensions enable them to soar high above the ocean or land, making their discovery in the wild both challenging and rewarding.

6 Gorons

The Goron, an ancient and resilient race, possess exceptional skills as blacksmiths and have an unusual affinity for consuming rocks. They often opt for residing in mountainous regions, as it provides them with ideal opportunities for downhill rolling. Additionally, they are highly adapted to withstand and tolerate extreme temperatures. Similar to immobile rock formations, certain Goron individuals possess remarkable size, exemplified by renowned figure Biggoron who is credited with the creation of Biggoron's Sword, concealing numerous enigmatic secrets beneath their stony exteriors.

Considering their stone-like attributes and unchanging existence, it is not surprising that the Goron have remained relatively unaltered since their initial introduction in the series during Skyward Sword. Consequently, it can be inferred that they encounter minimal difficulties when confronted with local dangers and formidable creatures.

5 Twili

Also referred to as the "Interlopers," fans of Zelda were only given a brief glimpse of the Twili (in their corrupted state as the Shadow Beasts) in Twilight Princess. The Twili are the ancestors of the present-day tribe and were once powerful Hylian sorcerers. In their quest to possess the Triforce, they were banished from the World of Light and confined to the Twilight Realm as punishment.

As time passed, the magical abilities of the Twili gradually faded, leaving them as mere remnants of their former selves. They are distinguishable by their glowing red eyes and radiant, symbolic markings that adorn their skin, representing their respective clans.

4 Zora / Rito

Not to be confused with the river Zora (or Zola), the creatures that shoot fireballs at Link in the top-down games, the enigmatic Zora of the sea have undergone various transformations throughout the Legend of Zelda series. Following the Great Flood, which occurred before The Wind Waker, many Zora were unable to survive in the altered waters and evolved into the bird-like Rito.

In their initial appearance in Wind Waker, they displayed humanoid features alongside a beak-like nose and the ability to sprout wings from their arms. Thousands of years later, in their Breath of the Wild iterations, they possess more pronounced avian characteristics, such as prominent feathers and clawed feet.

3 Zonai

Appearing in the series with the introduction of the mysterious Ancient Hero's Aspect armor set, the Zonai were first seen in Tears of the Kingdom. However, it is believed that this enigmatic race has actually existed in Hyrule since its ancient and complex timeline began. In Tears of the Kingdom, it is revealed that Rauru, one of the Zonai, is considered the founding king of Hyrule, ruling alongside his Hylian wife, Queen Sonia.

The Zonai identify themselves as descendants of the gods and possess a distinctive animalistic appearance, including a closed third eye that they only open when using magic. Not only are they skilled in the art of magic, but they also possess impressive technological expertise. A striking example of their ingenuity can be seen in the Steward Constructs located on the Great Sky Island.

2 Gerudo

Some races in the land of Hyrule are composed of stone or wood. Among them, the Gerudo, who inhabit the desert, consist solely of women. These women are known for their imposing height, strength, and exceptional survival skills, which they have developed in their harsh environment. In terms of their social structure, the Gerudo mostly adhere to a matriarchal system, although they believe that once every century or so, a male child is destined to become their king.

However, since Ganondorf, the last male to be born in their midst, the Gerudo mysteriously ceased to produce male offspring altogether. Over time, their physical appearance has also evolved. While in the early N64 games, they resembled humans with rounded ears, in later portrayals, the Gerudo are depicted with pointed ears. In the game Breath of the Wild, the Gerudo reveal that this transformation occurred as a result of their profound shame for being responsible for Ganon's presence in the world, as it caused them to become more attuned to the Goddesses, symbolized by their newfound pointed ears.

1 Blins (Moblins, Boarblins)

These individuals have been present since the original release of the Legend of Zelda in 1986. Initially characterized by bulldog-like features, they have progressively acquired pig-like appendages, snouts, and a more goblin-like appearance. The pig-like variations are referred to as "Boarlins" to distinguish them from the rest. Despite lacking intelligence, they typically align themselves with the most powerful and malicious entity present, often Ganon.

Although they were portrayed as weak and disposable adversaries in the top-down games, they become more formidable in the three-dimensional titles, requiring a greater degree of combat finesse beyond simple sword swings. As typical henchmen, there is limited information available about them in the games, aside from their inclination towards acquiring rupees and perpetuating violence.