Darknut

Darknuts are slow moving and powerful knights. Typically the thick armor and sturdy shield of a darknut renders it nearly invulnerable from the front, forcing adventurers to circle around and strike from behind. This coupled with the darknut's seemingly random movement and high strength made them a significant obstacle in the original Legend of Zelda. The challenge was only compounded when they appeared in groups.

While they first appeared armed with a short sword and a shield, in Wind Waker they come in many variations. Some are armed only with large swords, and others bearing their trademark shields, and some even wearing protective capes that must be burnt or cut off. These versions can be stripped of their armor through properly placed attacks. Once their helmets are removed, the Darknut's faces are revealed for the first time to resemble the face of a Dobermann or possibly a stylized jackal. The Darknuts in Wind Waker will continue to attack even when disarmed, resorting to hand-to-hand combat. The Darknut's large sword can be taken by Link and used as a powerful (if clumsy) weapon in Wind Waker.