Keaton Mask Soldier

The Keaton Mask Soldier is a character in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. He is an unnamed Hylian Knight who guards Kakariko Village when Link is a child.

When Link first meets the knight, he is very obnoxious, and makes fun of Link because he cannot go up the Death Mountain Trail without receiving permission from the Royal Family of Hyrule. After Link shows the knight the letter from Princess Zelda that grants him permission, however, he opens the gate and allows Link to pass. After this event, the soldier become much more friendly, and starts to worry about Link's safety while scaling Death Mountain. He tells Link that Death Mountain is an active volcano, and that he should equipt a proper shield is he is going to climb up it. He then goes on to tell Link that the Hylian Shield is sold at the Bazaar in Hyrule Castle Town, and that if Link stops by there he should mention that the soldier sent him, and he might get a discount. After the knight offers up this advice, he asks Link for a favor. He tells him how The Happy Mask Shop sells the Keaton Mask, which his son wants very much, but he has no time to leave his post and go there. He then tells Link he would be very greatful if he would do him a favor, and go get him the mask. If Link brings the Keaton Mask to the knight, he will pay Link 15 Rupees for it.

The Keaton Mask Soldier is one of the three Hylian Knights assigned to guarding Kakariko Village rather than Hyrule Castle. The other two being the Clock Soldiers whose posts are at the entrance to the village and outside Impa's house. The Keaton Mask Soldier has the appearance of all the other generic Hylian Knights prior to purchasing the Keaton Mask from Link. After he buys the mask, however, he wears it over his face, altering his appearance from all the other generic knights.

When Link is an adult, the Keaton Mask Soldier no longer guards Kakariko Village. The reason for this is more than likely because after Ganondorf seized control of Hyrule, the Royal Family crumbled and thus, there was no longer any need for the Hylian Knights.