The Legend of Zelda series boasts a rich diversity of races, each playing a unique role in the games. From once being enemies to becoming allies, these races have undergone various transformations throughout the series.
While there are numerous races in The Legend of Zelda, we will focus on the ones that have made multiple appearances and held significant prominence. Alongside the recurring characters and items, these races have left a lasting impact on the series.
Major Zelda Races
The Legend of Zelda features a total of 14 races that have played pivotal roles throughout the games. The following races have made multiple appearances or held significant importance in the series:
The Zora: Nintendo's beloved aquatic race in The Legend of Zelda. Known for their longevity and affinity for water, the Zora have been a prominent presence. In North America, they were previously referred to as the Zoras, but the name was changed to Zora to avoid confusion with the term 'zorilla'.
The Goron: As one of the oldest races in Hyrule, the Goron dwell in hot, mountainous regions and have a deep connection with rocks. Renowned for their Goron tunics, they were formerly known as the Gorons in North America.
The Rito: Evolving from the Zora in Wind Waker, the avian Rito race possesses a love for high places and the ability to fly. They have acted as allies to various races, including humans and the Zora.
The Gerudo: An isolationist race of formidable, dark-skinned women known for their warrior society and distinctive culture. Led by a Gerudo Champion, they were introduced in Ocarina of Time and have made a comeback in subsequent games.
The Koroks: The Kokiri evolved into the Koroks after the world was flooded in The Wind Waker. While they have become more human-like, they still retain some Kokiri characteristics. Often seen alongside the revered Great Deku Tree, they serve as guardians.
Hylians: The most populous race in Hyrule, the Hylians resemble real-world humans but possess pointed ears. They are considered the 'good guys' and have been a part of the series since its early days. They also have cultural subsets like the Sheikah.
The Zonai: Introduced in Breath of the Wild, the enigmatic Zonai are technologically advanced beings who mysteriously vanished. While initially portrayed as antagonists, it remains to be seen if they will emerge as a major new mainline race or have a more limited presence like the Twili.
Other races that have made multiple appearances or held pivotal roles include:
(Please note that the number of appearances varies for each race, with the Zora and Goron being the most prevalent.)
That concludes our exploration of the major races in The Legend of Zelda series. From the beloved Zora to the enigmatic Zonai, each race has contributed to the rich tapestry of the games. If you're interested in delving deeper into the world of Zelda, we have a comprehensive breakdown of all the games available. Alternatively, if you own a Nintendo Switch, you can check out our curated list of the best games for the console.
