Editing Universe of The Legend of Zelda (section)

==Races==
{{Redirect|Hylian|the language|#Hylian language}}
<!-- This is a limited list of the most prominent and recurring races. All entries should have sufficient coverage from a reliable source. -->
Since the release of the original game, the series has featured several races. Alongside the Hylian race, which established the land of Hyrule, there are various other prominent races, such as the Gorons, Gerudo, Rito and Zora.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Herinkova |first=Eva |date=2021-02-10 |title=Every Legend of Zelda Fictional Race Explained |url=https://screenrant.com/zelda-fictional-races-goron-zora-deku-gerudo-rito/ |access-date=2022-06-08 |website=ScreenRant |language=en-US |archive-date=June 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220608210630/https://screenrant.com/zelda-fictional-races-goron-zora-deku-gerudo-rito/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

* '''Ancient Robots''' are a prehistoric mechanical race that appear in ''Skyward Sword'', who Link encounters in the Lanayru Desert. They were created by the Thunder Dragon Lanayru, but their land eventually became a barren desert and they rusted away. However, they can be revived using a Timeshift Stone to change the present to the past. Although the designers expressed concern about including advanced technology in ''Skyward Sword'', they decided that they did not look out of place with a "softer" design resembling the [[Dogū]], which was more befitting of fantasy.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Phillips |first=Tom |date=2011-11-08 |title=Zelda: Skyward Sword has robots |language=en-gb |work=Eurogamer.net |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/zelda-skyward-sword-has-robots |access-date=2022-04-24 |archive-date=April 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424181415/https://www.eurogamer.net/zelda-skyward-sword-has-robots |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Dragon|'''Dragons''']] are a recurring race that usually appear as benevolent guardians or powerful enemies. In ''Ocarina of Time'', Link must slay Volvagia, a dragon boss in the Fire Temple.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-02-01 |title=Zelda: Every Ocarina of Time Dungeon, Ranked By Difficulty |url=https://screenrant.com/zelda-ocarina-time-dungeons-ranked-easiest-hardest-difficulty/ |access-date=2022-06-02 |website=ScreenRant |language=en-US |archive-date=June 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602080016/https://screenrant.com/zelda-ocarina-time-dungeons-ranked-easiest-hardest-difficulty/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In ''The Wind Waker'', the Sky Spirit Valoo acts as the godlike dragon and the patron deity of the Rito tribe.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reynolds |first=Johnny |date=2021-02-09 |title=The Mythology In The Zelda Series Explained |url=https://www.looper.com/330796/the-mythology-in-the-zelda-series-explained/ |access-date=2022-06-02 |website=Looper.com |language=en-US |archive-date=May 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524191224/https://www.looper.com/330796/the-mythology-in-the-zelda-series-explained/ |url-status=live }}</ref> When Link arrives on Dragon Roost Island, he defeats the boss Gohma by damaging Valoo's tail.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kurland |first=Daniel |date=2020-09-22 |title=10 Most Unique Boss Fights In Zelda History |url=https://www.thegamer.com/zelda-franchise-unique-bosses/ |access-date=2022-06-02 |website=TheGamer |language=en-US |archive-date=June 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602074529/https://www.thegamer.com/zelda-franchise-unique-bosses/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In ''Twilight Princess'', Link encounters the dragon Argorok, who is the boss of the City in the Sky.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kurland |first=Daniel |date=2020-09-22 |title=10 Most Unique Boss Fights In Zelda History |url=https://www.thegamer.com/zelda-franchise-unique-bosses/ |access-date=2022-06-02 |website=TheGamer |language=en-US |archive-date=June 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602074529/https://www.thegamer.com/zelda-franchise-unique-bosses/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In ''Skyward Sword'', Link is aided by the three dragons Faron, Eldin and Lanayru, which guard the three regions of the Surface.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hogeweg |first=Stan |date=2022-04-20 |title=Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 Could Feature Several Key Skyward Sword Characters |url=https://gamerant.com/zelda-breath-of-the-wild-2-skyward-sword-characters-fi-levias-dragons-hylia/ |access-date=2022-06-02 |website=Game Rant |language=en-US |archive-date=April 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421075348/https://gamerant.com/zelda-breath-of-the-wild-2-skyward-sword-characters-fi-levias-dragons-hylia/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In ''Breath of the Wild'' and ''Tears of the Kingdom'', the three dragons {{nihongo foot|Dinraal,|オルドラ|Orudora|group=lower-alpha}} {{nihongo foot|Naydra,|ネルドラ|Nerudora|group=lower-alpha}} and {{nihongo foot|Farosh|フロドラ|Furudora|group=lower-alpha}} can be found in several locations around Hyrule.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ramos |first=Jeff |date=2017-03-29 |title=Breath of the Wild dragon locations for Naydra, Dinraal and Farosh |url=https://www.polygon.com/zelda-breath-of-the-wild-guide-walkthrough/2017/3/29/15107552/dragon-locations-botw-naydra-dinraal-farosh |access-date=2022-06-02 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=June 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602072110/https://www.polygon.com/zelda-breath-of-the-wild-guide-walkthrough/2017/3/29/15107552/dragon-locations-botw-naydra-dinraal-farosh |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Tears of the Kingdom'' features a fourth dragon, the {{Nihongo|Light Dragon|白龍|Hakuryū}}, which is later revealed to be Zelda transformed after undergoing the process of draconification to restore the shattered Master Sword through sacred power.<ref>{{Cite video game|title=[[The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom]]|developer=[[Nintendo Entertainment Planning & Development]]|publisher=[[Nintendo]]|platform=[[Nintendo Switch]]|date=May 12, 2023|quote='''Mineru:''' To swallow a secret stone is to become an immortal dragon... one blessed with eternal life.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom Inverts One Of The Oldest Story Tropes |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/zelda-tears-of-the-kingdom-inverts-one-of-the-oldest-story-tropes/1100-6514567/ |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US}}</ref>
* [[Fairy|'''Fairies''']] are magical creatures that appear as small, winged [[humanoid]]s often obscured by light. They tend to be shy and can be found hiding in many places throughout Hyrule, mainly at fairy fountains or fairy springs. In most games in the series, fairies will heal Link if he manages to catch one; he can also put them in empty bottles to have them heal him later. If Link dies while he has a bottled fairy in his possession, the fairy will automatically resurrect him. Great fairies are powerful, high ranking fairies that use their magic to enchant Link's items into more powerful versions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reynolds |first=Johnny |date=2021-02-09 |title=The Mythology In The Zelda Series Explained |url=https://www.looper.com/330796/the-mythology-in-the-zelda-series-explained/ |access-date=2022-05-27 |website=Looper.com |language=en-US |archive-date=May 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524191224/https://www.looper.com/330796/the-mythology-in-the-zelda-series-explained/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In ''Ocarina of Time'', the Kokiri form a symbiotic relationship with their guardian fairies, who act as companions and mentors. One of these is [[Navi (The Legend of Zelda)|Navi]], who serves as Link's sidekick and helps him learn about the world outside Kokiri Forest.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reyes |first=Jessica |date=2022-02-06 |title=The Zelda: Ocarina Of Time Character Even Its Creator Hated |url=https://www.looper.com/758533/the-zelda-ocarina-of-time-character-even-its-creator-hated/ |access-date=2022-05-27 |website=Looper.com |language=en-US |archive-date=May 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518060709/https://www.looper.com/758533/the-zelda-ocarina-of-time-character-even-its-creator-hated/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:The Legend of Zelda - Gerudo Symbol.svg|thumb|Gerudo symbol]]
* The {{nihongo foot|'''[[Gerudo]]'''|ゲルド|group=lower-alpha}} are a race of human warrior-[[Theft|thieves]] indigenous to the Gerudo Desert, which bears their name.<ref>"The Gerudo people live in a harsh, unforgiving desert that bears their name". (Encyclopedia (Dark Horse Books) pg. 45)</ref> Their physical traits include scarlet hair, [[aquiline nose]]s,<ref>"His sharp, bird-like nose is characteristic of the Gerudo". (Hyrule Historia (Dark Horse Books) pg. 148)</ref> gold or green eyes, round or pointed ears, and bronzed skin. Like the [[Amazons]], the race consists entirely of women, apart from a single Gerudo male who is born every century and is lawfully crowned king of the tribe, <ref>{{Cite video game|title=[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time]]|developer=[[Nintendo Entertainment Planning & Development]]|publisher=[[Nintendo]]|platform=[[Nintendo 64]]|date=November 21, 1998|quote='''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!}}</ref> and worshipped like a [[God king]].<ref>{{Cite video game|title=[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D]]|developer=[[Nintendo Entertainment Planning & Development]]|publisher=[[Nintendo]]|platform=[[Nintendo 3DS]]|date=June 16, 2011|quote='''Gossip Stone:''' They say that the Gerudo worship Ganondorf almost like a god.}}</ref> When there is no male present to be king, leadership is instead entrusted to female chiefs.<ref>{{Cite video game|title=[[The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild]]|developer=[[Nintendo Entertainment Planning & Development]]|publisher=[[Nintendo]]|platform=[[Nintendo Switch]]|date=March 3, 2017|quote='''Fegran:''' This town is led by our fantastic chief, Lady Riju. She became chief after her mother, our old chief, passed away.}}</ref> [[Ganon]]dorf, the main antagonist of the series, is king of the Gerudo. The Gerudo appear as pirates in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask|Majora's Mask]]'', where they live in the ocean at Great Bay. In ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild|Breath of the Wild]]'', they are traders and merchants. As men are not permitted in Gerudo Town, [[Link (The Legend of Zelda)|Link]] must [[crossdress]] as a female to enter.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pursey |first=Jack |date=2020-10-25 |title=The Legend Of Zelda: 10 Things You Never Knew About The Gerudo |url=https://gamerant.com/legend-of-zelda-about-gerudo/ |access-date=2022-04-28 |website=Game Rant |language=en-US |archive-date=April 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428205610/https://gamerant.com/legend-of-zelda-about-gerudo/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:The Legend of Zelda - Goron Symbol.svg|thumb|Goron symbol]]
* The {{nihongo foot|'''Gorons'''|ゴロン|group=lower-alpha}} are a race of mountain-dwelling rock people who first appeared in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|Ocarina of Time]]''. They have the ability to roll along the ground and have a round rock-like physical appearance. 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 bravery and enjoy matching their strength with others in competition such as [[sumo wrestling]] and [[racing]]. They live in tribes headed by a [[patriarch]], such as {{nihongo foot|Darunia|ダルニア|group=lower-alpha}} in ''Ocarina of Time''. They mainly inhabit mountainous areas, such as Death Mountain, and are resistant to intense heat and lava. They also consume rocks and minerals, which they mine from the earth.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Boisvert |first=Lauren |date=2020-12-03 |title=The Untold Truth Of The Legend Of Zelda's Gorons - Looper |url=https://www.looper.com/288577/the-untold-truth-of-the-legend-of-zeldas-gorons/ |access-date=2022-04-26 |website=Looper.com |language=en-US |archive-date=April 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426212723/https://www.looper.com/288577/the-untold-truth-of-the-legend-of-zeldas-gorons/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* {{nihongo foot|'''Hylians'''|ハイリア族|Hairia-zoku|group=lower-alpha}} are an [[elf]]-like race of humans that predominantly make up the population of Hyrule, most prominently Link and Zelda, in which they established an organized civilization resembling that of [[medieval]] [[Western Europe#Classical antiquity and medieval origins|Europe]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://zelda.com/universe/pedia/h.jsp |title=Zelda Universe |publisher=Zelda.com |access-date=2012-12-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130207075201/http://zelda.com/universe/pedia/h.jsp |archive-date=2013-02-07 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="CreatingAChampionHylian">{{cite book |author1= Nintendo |last2=Naoyukikayama |last3=Kikai |last4=Akinorisao |last5=Mikame |first5=Chasito |last6=Thorpe |first6=Patrick |date=November 2018 |title=The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Creating a Champion  |publisher=Dark Horse Books |page=341 |quote=Hylian Building Ruins [[Romanesque architecture|Romanesque]] style (thick walls, small windows). |isbn=978-1506710105}}</ref> They were created as the first race of Hyrule by the goddess Hylia, born with magic-infused blood said to be a gift from the goddesses that grants them psychic powers and magical skill. Their long pointed ears are said to allow them to hear messages sent by the gods.<ref>{{Cite video game|title=[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past]]|developer=[[Nintendo Entertainment Planning & Development]]|publisher=[[Nintendo]]|platform=[[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]]|date=November 21, 1991|quote='''A Link to the Past manual, pg. 4:''' It was also said that their long, pointed ears enabled them to hear special messages from the gods.}}</ref> In ''Skyward Sword'', Hylians live on the floating island of Skyloft and are accompanied by bird-like creatures called Loftwings. Hylians are a fairly diverse species, having variations in skin, hair and eye colour. Due to repeated attacks from enemies, such as Ganon, large Hylian armies exist to protect Hyrule.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-12-30 |title=The Legend Of Zelda: 25 Strange Things About Hylians That Everyone Forgets |url=https://www.thegamer.com/legend-zelda-strange-things-hylians-everyone-forgets/ |access-date=2022-04-29 |website=TheGamer |language=en-US |archive-date=May 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525125642/https://www.thegamer.com/legend-zelda-strange-things-hylians-everyone-forgets/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:The Legend of Zelda - Kokiri Symbol.svg|thumb|Kokiri symbol]]
* The {{nihongo foot|'''Kokiri'''|コキリ族|Kokiri-zoku|group=lower-alpha}} are a [[pixie]]-like race who inhabit the Kokiri Forest, who branched off from the Hylians due to wanting to live a more natural life as Hyrule continued to industrialize. They are guarded by the Great Deku Tree, whose power causes them to not age once they grow up into kids, and who considers them to be his children. They are cautious and secretive, believing that they will die if they leave the forest.<ref>{{Cite video game|title=[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time]]|developer=[[Nintendo Entertainment Planning & Development]]|publisher=[[Nintendo]]|platform=[[Nintendo 64]]|date=November 21, 1998|quote='''Kokiri boy:''' The Great Deku Tree said that if a Kokiri leaves the woods, he or she will die!}}</ref> Each one receives a small fairy who serves as their lifelong friend, guardian, and teacher. Link was raised as a Kokiri in ''Ocarina of Time'', but was not born to them, as his Hylian mother entrusted him to the Great Deku Tree when he was an infant.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-06-19 |title=How The Legend of Zelda's Kokiri Became BOTW's Koroks |url=https://screenrant.com/zelda-kokiri-breath-wild-korok-evolution-change-timeline/ |access-date=2022-05-27 |website=ScreenRant |language=en-US |archive-date=May 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527223657/https://screenrant.com/zelda-kokiri-breath-wild-korok-evolution-change-timeline/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* {{anchor|korok}}The {{nihongo foot|'''Koroks'''|コログ|Korogu|group=lower-alpha}} are plant-like beings that first appeared in ''The Wind Waker'' and are said to have been transformed from the Kokiri following the Great Flood.<ref>{{Cite video game|title=[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker]]|developer=[[Nintendo Entertainment Planning & Development]]|publisher=[[Nintendo]]|platform=[[GameCube]]|date=December 13, 2002|quote='''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.}}</ref> They are small creatures with wood-like bodies and masks made from leaves, with their light weight allowing them to travel by using sprouts as propellers. They leave their home, the "Forest Haven", to plant seeds from the Great Deku Tree all over the world, and return once a year to hold a ceremony and obtain more seeds. In ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild|Breath of the Wild]]'', Koroks can be found all over Hyrule and their seeds can be traded with Hestu, a large Korok, to upgrade weapon inventory slots. Koroks are difficult to find despite being numerous and are best protected in Korok Forest, a hidden location in the Lost Woods.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-11-07 |title=The Legend of Zelda: 10 Weird Facts You Didn't Know About Koroks |url=https://www.thegamer.com/nintendo-legend-zelda-koroks-facts/ |access-date=2022-05-02 |website=TheGamer |language=en-US |archive-date=May 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220502201758/https://www.thegamer.com/nintendo-legend-zelda-koroks-facts/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* The {{nihongo foot|'''Oocca'''|天空人|Tenkū-jin|lit. "sky people"|group=lower-alpha}} are a race of birds with long necks and human-like faces that appear in ''Twilight Princess''. They live in the {{nihongo foot|"City in the Sky",|天空都市|Tenkū Toshi|group=lower-alpha}}<ref>"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.</ref> an airborne city that is the seventh [[dungeon]] in ''Twilight Princess'' and which Link reaches by launching himself out of an enormous cannon''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lambertsen |first=Carrie |date=2022-12-18 |title=Zelda's Weirdest Creatures Can Return In Tears Of The Kingdom |url=https://screenrant.com/zelda-weirdest-creatures-tears-kingdom-botw/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629100733/https://screenrant.com/zelda-weirdest-creatures-tears-kingdom-botw/ |archive-date=June 29, 2023 |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=ScreenRant |language=en}}</ref>'' A female Oocca, {{nihongo foot|Ooccoo|おばちゃん|Oba-chan|group=lower-alpha}} can warp the player back to the entrance of the game's dungeons, and her son, {{nihongo foot|Ooccoo Jr,|ぼくちゃん|Boku-chan|group=lower-alpha}} warps the player to Ooccoo's location. In ''Twilight Princess'', they are mentioned to be closer to the gods than the Hylians. Some in Hyrule theorize that the Oocca actually evolved into the Hylians, or that they created Hylians and a city in the sky for them to live in.<ref>{{Cite video game|title=[[The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess]]|developer=[[Nintendo Entertainment Planning & Development]]|publisher=[[Nintendo]]|platform=[[GameCube]], [[Nintendo Wii]]|date=December 2, 2006|quote='''Shad:''' The common opinion is that Hyrule was created by the Hylia people, the race closest to the gods, but...truth be told, there's also a theory saying that in ancient times, there was a race even closer to the gods than the Hylia people, and THEY created it. And they, simultaneously with the birth of the Hylia people, created a new capital, a capital that floated in the heavens.}}</ref> Ooccoo has also appeared in other Nintendo games, such as ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' and ''[[Hyrule Warriors]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shinkle |first=Ky |date=2021-06-11 |title=Why The Legend of Zelda's Ooccoo Looks So Creepy |url=https://screenrant.com/legend-zelda-twilight-princess-ooccoo-creepy-character-design/ |access-date=2022-04-28 |website=ScreenRant |language=en-US |archive-date=April 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428222159/https://screenrant.com/legend-zelda-twilight-princess-ooccoo-creepy-character-design/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* '''Minish''', referred to in their native language as {{nihongo foot|Picori,|ピッコル|Pikkoru|inspired by the [[Koropokkuru]]|group=lower-alpha}} are small humanoid [[Sprite (folklore)|sprites]] no bigger than a human thumb that live in secret, who first appear in ''The Minish Cap''. 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harris |first=Craig |date=2005-01-11 |title=The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/01/11/the-legend-of-zelda-the-minish-cap |access-date=2022-05-27 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630020946/https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/01/11/the-legend-of-zelda-the-minish-cap |url-status=live }}</ref> There are three variations of the Minish, which are distinguished by their attire: Forest Minish, Town Minish and Mountain Minish. Most Minish are helpful and like to hide valuable objects for others to find, although one Picori, {{nihongo foot|Vaati|グフー|Gufū|group=lower-alpha}} became evil after becoming obsessed with human nature.
* The {{nihongo foot|'''Rito'''|リト|group=lower-alpha}} are a race of [[Bird of prey|raptor]]-like humanoids first introduced in ''The Wind Waker'' who evolved from the Zora. In ''The Wind Waker'', they live on Dragon Roost Island, an island on the Great Sea, and have a tribal elder and elaborately dressed guards. They are initially flightless, as they are born without wings; throughout a young Rito's childhood, they are called a Fledgling. After a child reaches a certain age, they must visit their guardian, the Sky Spirit, Valoo, in a coming-of-age ceremony to receive one of his scales, which enables them to grow wings. Most Rito can fly for great distances and hover in place, but some struggle to fly for long periods of time. In [[The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild|''Breath of the Wild'']], the Rito reside in the Hebra region in northwest Hyrule and tolerate cold climates. These Rito feature a much more prominent avian design that includes wings and are able to fly using updrafts. Prominent Rito characters include [[Revali]], the Rito Champion, and Kass, a wandering minstrel who displays the Rito's appreciation of music through song.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pricener |first=Zachary |date=2021-04-27 |title=Breath Of The Wild: 5 Things You Didn't Know About The Rito |url=https://gamerant.com/zelda-breath-of-the-wild-rito-facts/ |access-date=2022-05-02 |website=Game Rant |language=en-US |archive-date=May 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220502193032/https://gamerant.com/zelda-breath-of-the-wild-rito-facts/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* The {{nihongo foot|'''Sheikah'''|シーカー|Shīkā|group=lower-alpha}} are ancient and mysterious [[ninja]]-like warriors commonly distinguished by their red eyes and white hair, whose most prominent recurring representative is Zelda's nursemaid and bodyguard [[Impa]]. They have a divinely ordained role to protect the royal family of Hyrule. Despite their physical resemblance to Hylians, they are a different race with great technological prowess, as seen in ''Breath of the Wild'' with the Guardians, Shrines, and Towers, as well as the Sheikah Slate.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-08-06 |title=The Legend of Zelda's Sheikah Explained |url=https://screenrant.com/legend-zelda-sheikah-tribe-hyrule-lore-impa/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907215115/https://screenrant.com/legend-zelda-sheikah-tribe-hyrule-lore-impa/ |archive-date=September 7, 2021 |access-date=2022-04-30 |website=ScreenRant |language=en-US}}</ref>  They are physically stronger than other races and are among the most potent magic wielders in Hyrule. Their symbol, the Eye of the Sheikah, which is a single eye with three triangles above and a teardrop beneath, is commonly seen in the series, even in games where the Sheikah are not present. 
* {{nihongo foot|'''Twili'''|トワイライトの民|Towairaito no Tami|group=lower-alpha}} are a race that inhabit the Twilight Realm and appear in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|Twilight Princess]]''. They come from a group referred to as the Interlopers, who used extraordinary magic to dominate a war between Hylians for the Triforce and the Sacred Realm. After witnessing this, the Golden Goddesses ordered the Light Spirits to seal their magic in the Fused Shadow; the Interlopers were then banished to the Twilight Realm, a dark mirror world of Hyrule, where they adapted and evolved into the Twili. The most prominent members of their race are {{nihongo foot|[[Midna]]|ミドナ|Midona|group=lower-alpha}}, the titular Twilight Princess, and {{nihongo foot|Zant,|ザント|Zanto|group=lower-alpha}} who overthrew her with Ganondorf's help to become king of the Twilight.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Capel |first=Chris |date=2019-06-12 |title=Breath of the Wild 2 Twili {{!}} Does the BotW sequel link to Twilight Princess? |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/guides/552849-breath-of-the-wild-2-sequel-twili-twilight-princess |access-date=2022-05-01 |website=GameRevolution |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913233019/https://www.gamerevolution.com/guides/552849-breath-of-the-wild-2-sequel-twili-twilight-princess |url-status=live }}</ref>
* The '''Zonai''' are an ancient race that appear in ''[[Tears of the Kingdom]]''. Initially referenced through various ruins in ''Breath of the Wild'', they are established in ''Tears of the Kingdom'' as the tribe that originally founded Hyrule, with Rauru being the first king alongside his wife Sonia. In the game, Zonai technology is prominent across Hyrule in the form of Shrines, ruins, Constructs, and other Zonai devices. They also created the Geoglyphs, which Link investigates during the Main Quest "The Dragon's Tears" along with their respective Dragon's Tears in order to learn more about Zelda's disappearance.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Mahardy |first1=Mike |last2=Parkin |first2=Jeffrey |date=2023-05-14 |title=The Dragon's Tears geoglyph locations in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom |url=https://www.polygon.com/zelda-tears-of-the-kingdom-guide/23721466/dragon-tear-locations-geoglyph-memories-map |access-date=2024-03-27 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}}</ref> In the ancient past, they were created around the Dragon's Tears by individuals who viewed the memories within them.<ref>{{Cite video game|title=[[The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom]]|developer=[[Nintendo Entertainment Planning & Development]]|publisher=[[Nintendo]]|platform=[[Nintendo Switch]]|date=May 12, 2023|quote='''Impa:''' I see... So the Dragon's Tears were shed by Princess Zelda when she transformed. And the geoglyphs were drawn by an ancient people who touched those memories and saw visions, as you did. Perhaps in the past they were more attuned to that sort of thing than the people of today.}}</ref> In ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Creating a Champion|Creating a Champion]]'', the Zonai are described as magic users who worship the Triforce.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Norman |first=Jim |date=2023-05-16 |title=Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom: Who Are The Zonai? - Zelda's Ancient Tribe Explained |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/zelda-tears-of-the-kingdom-who-are-the-zonai-zeldas-ancient-tribe-explained |access-date=2023-05-28 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=May 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528122156/https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/zelda-tears-of-the-kingdom-who-are-the-zonai-zeldas-ancient-tribe-explained |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:The Legend of Zelda - Zora Symbol.svg|thumb|Zora symbol]]
* The {{nihongo foot|'''Zora'''|ゾーラ|Zōra|group=lower-alpha}} are a race of aquatic [[piscine humanoid]]s that inhabit Zora's Domain or Lake Hylia. In the original game and ''Link to the Past'', Zora were enemies that attacked Link from the water with projectiles, though in ''A Link to the Past'' the giant Zora King aids Link by selling him a pair of flippers, allowing him to swim and use the network of whirlpools that link far corners of Hyrule. By ''Ocarina of Time'', their role in most stories changed to a neutral or friendly race. Zora government is [[Monarchy|monarchical]], either ruled by a king, such as King Dorephan in ''Breath of the Wild,'' Sidon in ''Tears of the Kingdom,'' and King Zora De Bon XVI in ''Ocarina of Time'', or queen, such as Queen Oren in ''A Link Between Worlds'' and Queen {{nihongo foot|Rutela|ルテラ|Rutera|group=lower-alpha}} in ''Twilight Princess''. Two different branches exist: "River Zora" are more violent and can shoot fire, while "Sea Zora" are generally passive. Zora have long lifespans and lay [[egg]]s to reproduce, which must be kept in cold, clean water to develop healthily, and eggs from the same clutch must be kept together to hatch. Newborn Zora have the appearance of a [[tadpole]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pursey |first=Jack |date=2020-11-05 |title=The Legend Of Zelda: 10 Most Interesting Things About The Zora |url=https://gamerant.com/legend-of-zelda-zora-most-interesting-facts/ |access-date=2022-04-29 |website=Game Rant |language=en-US |archive-date=May 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220502193121/https://gamerant.com/legend-of-zelda-zora-most-interesting-facts/ |url-status=live }}</ref>