Sheikah

Have you heard the legend of the "Shadow Folk"? They are the Sheikah...the shadows of the Hylians. They say they swore allegiance to the King of Hyrule and guarded the Royal Family...

The Sheikah (Japanese: シーカー族 SHĪKĀ ZOKU ) (Hylian language: see other languages), or the Shadow Folk is a reappearing race in the Legend of Zelda series. The Sheikah are an ancient clan of ninja-like warriors sworn to protect the Hylian Royal Family, even after death; as such they came to be known as "the Shadows of the Hylians". They were skilled in magical and combative art. It is assumed that many died during Hyrulean Civil War. The race grew more and more rare after the Imprisoning War, and were presumed extinct after the Great Flood.

While three known Sheikah appear in the games, to maintain the mystery of the race, their emblem makes many small appearances in various games in the series.

The plural for Sheikah is debated -- early in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Sheik and Impa both refer to themselves as being of the Sheikahs. However, the grave in Kakariko Village states that the plural of Sheikah is simply Sheikah. It isn't know if this is a translation error, or if there are different Sheikah tribes or ranks. Sheikah has become largely the officially accepted plural of the race.

Characteristics
The physical appearance of the Sheikah is similar to that of the Hylians; the only known difference between Hylian and Sheikah biology are their red-colored eyes.

It can be presumed that the Sheikah are related or evolved from the Hylian race, due to their distinctive pointed ears and their ability to use magic; in fact, Princess Zelda, a native Hylian, has a Sheikah alter ego. It is unknown whether she simply wore a disguise or used magic to transform her shape, but Zelda, when disguised as Sheik, has the red eye color inherent of the Sheikah race. Little is known about their lifespan and other details about their lives. There is no statement of there ever being any male Sheikah and the gender of Sheik is debated by many fans.

The Sheikah maintain and pass on history and legends to their descendants. For untold ages, the Sheikah have spoken of the prophecy of the Hero of Time and how he would save Hyrule in a time of need.

According to the non-canonical Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time manga the young Sheikah males pierce their ears as a traditional rite of passage and adulthood. Also, Sheik explains to Ganondorf that the tribe can't live without "substance", which is why he (Sheik) accepted him as his master, but the soundness of this is uncertain because Sheik was just acting to be accepted as a minion of Ganondorf.

Weaponry, Items and Artifacts
In Ocarina of Time, Sheik has a harp that he uses to teach teleport songs to Link. Another item that both Sheik and Impa use are Deku Nuts, which are frequently used by the two to "disappear" out of Link's sight.

The strange stones known as Gossip Stones, are engraved with the Sheikah emblem. When spoken to while wearing the Mask of Truth these mysterious stones can give Link advice and background information on many things. It is possible that they were created by the Royal Family in order for the two parties to communicate with each other, as explained by Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule in The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. On the official web site of The Legend of Zelda, Gossip Stones are referred to as "Sheikah Stones" that work as eyes and ears of Hyrule and Termina.

The Mask of Truth is a mysterious mask shaped like the Sheikah Symbol. This mask has long been spoken of by the Sheikah, and it is possible that it was created by the mysterious race. When worn, Link can communicate with Gossip Stones and gain their knowledge.

At one point, Link must also retrieve an object known as the Lens of Truth, which allows him to see things not visible to the naked eye as well as optical illusions. The Lens of Truth is similar in appearance to the Sheikah symbol.

In the Ocarina of Time manga
In the Ocarina of Time manga, Impa has a Kodachi (a small Katana), that she uses while fighting some Stalfos and when she is training Link. Later in the story, Sheik draws another Japanese dagger-like sword to defend Link from Twinrova. These two can also be seen in their official artwork.

Additionally, the Mask of Truth makes an appearance in the manga; when Young Link and Princess Zelda are playing through the Hyrule Castle Market, the princess is seen wearing this mask. In the extra chapters of the manga, a Gossip Stone appears in Lost Woods. This time, Link doesn't use the Mask of Truth to communicate with it - he simply smashes a rock against it, which makes the stone reveal something about Saria who was kidnapped by the Skull Kid.

The Sheikah Emblem
The emblem of the Sheikah resembles a human eye, with three triangles above it (as if to imitate eyelashes and/or symbolize the pieces of the Triforce) and a large tear drop running down from the eye. The red tint in which the symbol can be found symbolizes the Sheikah's eye color.

In The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, there are three items with the Sheikah emblem: The Howling Stones, the Wooden Statue and the Fused Shadows.

In the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time manga, the symbol was, in past times, used with a single eye until the betrayal of the Royal Family that provoked the banishment of the Sheikah.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time


The Sheikah are first introduced in Ocarina of Time. The race are considered outcasts (especially to the Hylians) in the land of Hyrule, and the other races feared them and still do, perhaps for this very reason. The few people who know of the race reveal little information about them.

The Sheikah eventually came to swear loyalty to the Royal Family of Hyrule and became their protectors. For generations, the Sheikah protected the Royal Family until most of them were killed off during the Hyrulean Civil War. In memory of their heroic deeds, a gravestone dedicated to the Sheikah was raised in Kakariko Graveyard.

After leaving Kokiri Forest, Link travels to Hyrule Castle and meets Princess Zelda. After being asked to gather the Spiritual Stones in order to save Hyrule from an impending evil, Link is introduced to Impa, Zelda's nursemaid and last of the Sheikah. Impa teaches Link "Zelda's Lullaby", a tune known only to close allies of the Hyrulean Royal Family. She also recognizes the potential in Link to be the Hero of Time spoken of by her people. The last time that she appears when Link is a child, is during Ganondorf's Attack on Hyrule Castle; she is seen riding together with Princess Zelda on a white horse while covering her mouth with a bandana. The two manage to escape the pursuing Ganondorf.

Impa was born in Kakariko Village, which was a Sheikah village long before the events of Ocarina of Time. According to the local townsfolk, Impa opened the town to anyone who wanted to enter it and helped the small town to grow. Her house stands there and is free for anyone to enter.

After Link awakens after having been sealed within the Temple of Light for seven years after opening the door to the Sacred Realm, Link is introduced to another Sheikah; Sheik, who is, unknown to Link, Princess Zelda's alter ego. Sheik helps Link in his quest for the Six Medallions needed to create a pathway to Ganon's Tower. Sheik teaches Link songs that allow him to teleport to the Temples and tells him where to go next. While it is not known how Zelda changed her shape, it could be that after Zelda was taken away from the castle by Impa, she learned from her maid the knowledge and techniques of the Sheikah.

Link eventually defeats Bongo Bongo, the boss of the Shadow Temple (which is believed to be the temple of the Sheikah) and awakens Impa as the Sage of Shadow. She adds her power to Link's by giving him the Shadow Medallion. Impa and Princess Zelda aid Link in his final battle, sealing away Ganon to the Sacred Realm.

In The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time manga, the Sheikah have been banished from Hyrule. Sheik is first depicted as a minion of Ganon. Later, when Link is in the Gerudo Fortress, Sheik tells Link that Princess Zelda wanted to help him in the final confrontation with Ganondorf, and thus asked Impa to transform her into a Sheikah boy in order to infiltrate Ganondorf's army and become his follower to later betray him. He also says that when the "time comes", Zelda will regain her true form.

The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
No actual Sheikah appear in Majora's Mask, but they are mentioned by name in the in-game description that appears when Link obtains the Mask of Truth. The Gossip Stones, Mask of Truth and Lens of Truth also appear in the game. In this game, the Mask of Truth can also be used to read the minds of animals.

There is also the All-Night Mask whose design features distinct red eyes and pointed ears. This mask has the power to keep the one who wears it awake at all times.

The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages & The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons
In Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons, a character called Impa appears. However, she is not the same character as the Impa from Ocarina of Time. She helps Link in both games and is the nursemaid of Princess Zelda. There is no statement that this Impa is a Sheikah, but the games' official artwork indicates that she has red eyes and pointed ears.

The artwork of Veran from Oracle of Ages displays a symbol very similar to the Sheikah symbol on her dress. Additionally, a Gerudo symbol can also be seen.

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
The Sheikah are presumed to be extinct in The Wind Waker, but the Sheikah emblem makes a small appearance in the Forsaken Fortress, where it can be seen hanging next to the door of the last room at the top of the fortress where Ganondorf dwells. This symbol has various features that are different from those of the traditional Sheikah symbol, however; the "eye" is smaller and the eyelashes and tear drop are larger. Additionally, the human mailman Baito has the Sheikah emblem tattooed on his back, as well as Mrs. Marie who has an Sheikah-like emblem on her dress. Also the Rito share some characteristics with the Shadow Folk, having red eyes and pointed ears (see theories).

A stained glass window with Impa and the Sheikah symbol also makes a small appearance in the basement of Hyrule Castle. Additionally the Pirate's Charm is an enhanced version of the Gossip Stones.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
In Twilight Princess, various appearances of the Sheikah and their symbol occur. However, the word "Sheikah" is never mentioned in the game. At one point, Link is required to find the Wooden Statue that once belonged to Ilia in order to restore her lost memory. This Wooden Statue is very similar to the symbol of the Sheikah race. When Gor Coron examines the mystical statue, he points out that it belonged to an old tribe, that, in secret, protected the Royal Family of Hyrule. Link travels to the area north of the Bridge of Eldin and discovers a cave. With the help of Darbus, he breaks the rocks blocking the entrance to the cave and inside, he finds the Hidden Village. This village has a Hylian language sign that translated says Old Kakarico. It is entirely possible that the ruined village is in truth the original Kakariko Village from Ocarina of Time. The different spelling may indicate an error in the localization process. In the village, he finds an old lady called Impaz, who has pointed ears and red eyes. She explains that her name came from the founder of the Hidden Village, possibly Impa from Ocarina of Time. She also explains that she is the last member of her tribe. Link shows her the Dominion Rod and she tells him that her tribe had for ages passed down the legend of the "Messenger of the Heavens", the Oocca race and the Dominion Rod. She trusts the young hero with the Ancient Sky Book and tells him that she will pass down her knowledge.

Based on several comments made by Gor Coron and Impaz, the tribe has declined by several wars and monster invasion. It is very likely that the race is the Sheikah, although this is never confirmed as such in the game.

Many other references to the Sheikah appear in the game. For instance, when Link first meets Princess Zelda, she is clothed in robes bearing the Sheikah emblem. When she appears again in her formal wear, the shoulder pads of her attire carry the Sheikah symbol, with blue gems representing the eyes. Fanadi also has the Sheikah symbol on her forehead - additionally, she has red eyes and pointed ears, so it is possible that she is in fact, a Sheikah. The symbol also appears on the back of Midna's helmet and above Zant's Throne. The Howling Stones found in the game closely resemble Gossip Stones, however, their function is different. Renado has been also theorized to be a Sheikah, but there are many facts that are not consistent with the typical definition of a Sheikah. His daughter, Luda has a symbol similar to the Sheikah symbol at the back of her clothes.

It has been stated that Sheik was originally slated to appear in Twilight Princess, however, this idea was eventually dropped. Sheik, in what was supposed to be his Twilight Princess design, appears in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. The design of Sheik in this game is closely based upon Princess Zelda's appearance in Twilight Princess.

The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
The Gossip Stones make another appearance in Phantom Hourglass. Link can communicate with these stones without the Mask of Truth. Gossip Stones unlock certain challenges or reveal where treasure can be found in specific dungeons. The design of Gossip Stones in this game is slightly different from the ones that appear in Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask; the "eye" is circular and features something similar to the mustache of Wario, another Nintendo character. It is possible that these stones have changed due the disappearance of the Sheikah during the Great Flood or because they never existed in World of the Ocean King.

Sheikah in other languages
The word "Sheikah" is different in the original Japanese language: シーカー族, in rōmaji: "SHĪKĀ ZOKU ", which means "Sheikah Tribe". Strangely enough the rōmaji SHIKA can be translated in a lots of words such as "deer" or "poetry", probably this word was used because one the  meanings is "historian", due to the fact that the Sheikah pass down Hyrulean history through generations.

In the German localization, it was changed to "Shiekah" due to pronunciation matters. This also happened with Sheik, who was changed to "Shiek". However, in the German version of Majora's Mask, the dialogue box says "Sheikah" when Link obtains the Mask of Truth.

In the Spanish localization of Majora's Mask, the dialogue box says the following the Link obtains the Mask of Truth; "¡Es la misma máscara de la que hablaba Sheikah!". This can be translated into "It's the same mask Sheikah spoke of!". This suggest that Sheikah is a person and not a race, however, this could be an error by the localization team.

Sheikah in the Hylian language
The only time that the word "Sheikah" can be seen written in the Hylian language in all the The Legend of Zelda series is in Ocarina of Time. It can be seen on the gravestone dedicated to the Sheikah in the Kakariko Graveyard. This word is in Old Hylian syllabary:, meaning "SHI-KA" - two Japanese syllables which when translated to English becomes "Sheikah".

In modern Hylian language the word "Sheikah" is never seen. The word "Sheikah" in this language will would look like this:, meaning, as same as the Old syllabary, SHIKA in Japanese syllables, translated as "Sheikah".

Also, in the Hylian alphabet, this word has never appeared. Due to the characteristics of this alphabet, there is no need of transforming it to Japanese syllables -- if converted directly from English, Sheikah would be:. In the Nintendo Wii version of Twilight Princess, this language, as well as the game, is mirrored and the syllable would look like this (read from right to left):.

Theories surrounding the Sheikah
The theories below are about characters, items, songs, races and places from The Legend of Zelda series, that can be associated or directly related to the Sheikah. These theories include suggestions such as possible Sheikah in games before Ocarina of Time, evolution of the Shadow Folk in later installments (like The Wind Waker & Twilight Princess), and also speculates on some elements of the game itself.

Earlier Games
The Sheikah are first introduced in Ocarina of Time, but in The Legend of Zelda and Zelda II: Adventure of Link, there is a character called Impa, who is the attendant of Princess Zelda. There are no indications that this Impa is of the Sheikah race, owing to the fact that she does not have red eyes in the game's official artwork. This could be a case of retcon by Nintendo because there are certain similarities between Impa from Ocarina of Time and the one appearing in The Legend of Zelda and Adventure of Link. They both have considerable knowledge of Hyrule, Ganon and the Royal Family.

In The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, there is a wizard from unknown origin that comes to Hyrule to free it from the misfortunes, this dark magic practitioner is know as Agahnim. He is represented with an eye symbol on his robes, in the official game artwork, also this emblem can be seen in the floor just before Links breaks the energy barrier with the Master Sword in Hyrule Castle and in the final room just before meeting Agahnim in Ganon's Tower. The possibility also comes up because Agahnim was really close to the Royal Family. On a side-note, Agahnim shares some features associated with the Zuna tribe, a race which boasts several parallels to the Sheikah.

Dark Interlopers/Twili theory
Some fans theorize that the Twili race of Twilight Princess are connected to the Sheikah, as both are practitioners of dark magic and the tribal symbol of both races are similar. Some even go as far to say that the Sheikah are the Dark Interlopers from whom the Twili are descended, as, being so close to the Royal Family, they would know much of the Triforce. Both the Dark Interlopers and the Twili have red eyes. The Sheikah symbol found on the Fused Shadows and the one in Zant's Throne is regarded a as clue of this supposed relation.

Also, in the game, the Twili are often referred to as "shadow" creatures, similar to "Shadow Folk". Almost everything in the series with the word "shadow" in the name is attributed or theorized to be related to the Twili or the Sheikah.

Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask, People and Places
This section is about the villagers and places from Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask, that are implied to be Sheikah or have a connection with the tribe:

The one eyed man who sees the truth / Bongo Bongo
Bongo Bongo, the boss in the Shadow Temple is theorized to be (or have been) a Sheikah. From Shikashi (whose name bears a striking resemblance to the word Sheikah) in Kakariko Village, Link learns the story of a man who reputedly could see the truth with his one and only eye. This man once lived where Kakariko Well stands in Link's present time.

It is possible that Bongo Bongo, the one-eyed boss of the Shadow Temple is a shapeshifter and the one-eyed man is in truth Bongo Bongo. The Lens of Truth (used against the shadow boss) and Mask of Truth are closely related to this mysterious man. The boss description seen before Bongo Bongo attacks Link refers to Bongo Bongo as a "Phantom Shadow Beast" - "Phantom" indicates the ghost of a deceased person and "Shadow" could be associated with the Shadow Folk. This man was supposedly a Dark Interloper during the Hyrulean Civil War who was executed for his alignment in the conflict.

Another supposed theory is that he was a Twili that wasn't imprisoned in the Twilight Realm. Instead, he was sealed away in the Bottom of the Well by Impa. It is also possible that before they knew about the Twilight Mirror they bound certain Interlopers in distinct places.

Bongo Bongo, isn't the only one theorized as the "one eyed man who sees the truth"; there is also the cloaked Poe Salesman from the Ghost Shop, who claims to read people's minds (ability of the Mask of Truth) and says: "If I looked as good as you, I could run a different kind of business", indicating that he is hiding his real appearance. The one part of his face seen is a bright red dot, supposedly an eye. See also Vaati's theory below.

The Shadow Temple
The place where Bongo Bongo resides when Link is an adult is the "Shadow" Temple (as "Shadow" Folk), also known as the House of the Dead. This dungeon has been theorized to be another Sheikah location. The door to the temple bears something similar to the ever-present Sheikah symbol, perhaps indicating that the temple was once a haven for the outcast race or something in that direction.

The Sheikah Composer brothers
Sharp, one of the Composer brothers found in Kakariko Graveyard, states that he and his brother were originally from Kakariko Village, and all inhabitants from the village had to serve the Royal Family, and were assigned to study the mystic power of the family. The brothers (as well as the early villagers) were possibly members of the Sheikah tribe because they are the only race known to have served the Royal Family. The "Sun's Song" is also questioned to be a Sheikah song (along with the "Nocturne of Shadow"), because it was composed by the brothers.

The Skulltula family
The Skulltula family consists of five teenagers and their father who are victims of the Gold Skulltula curse. They live in Kakariko Village in the House of Skulltula, a house with spider webs and eroded bricks, reputedly one of the oldest houses in the village. According to a villager they were a rich family who were cursed because of their greed. When Link finds the 100 Gold Skulltula Tokens, the family who were once spider-like beings are transformed back to their human forms, and they all share the same characteristics: long pointed ears and red hair. However, their eyes are closed, so it is not possible to determine whether they have the red eyes of the Sheikah.

The Happy Mask Salesman
The Happy Mask Salesman who appears in both Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask is one of the characters most frequently associated with the race and is a likely descendant of the Sheikah. Whenever the Salesman is angered, his eyes can be clearly seen to be blood red, however, this may be due to the fact that his eyes are bloodshot due to the anger and frustration. The Salesman can also appear and disappear without notice. Another possible connections with the Sheikah, are his possession of the Mask of Truth, a mask passed down by the Shadow Folk; and his physical similarities with the Skulltula family.

Kafei and Madame Aroma
Kafei, from Majora's Mask has red eyes and pointed ears, although this could only be a temporal transformation by Majora, he also could have got the pigmentation by heredity. His father, Mayor Dotour, has the particular purple hair but black eyes, this characteristic probably came from his mother, Madame Aroma, who is red-haired, has long and pointed ears and eyes too closed to see their color, making another possible connection to the Skulltula family and the Sheikah tribe.

The red hair, as a characteristic of the Sheikah (seen in Skulltula Family, Happy Mask Salesman and Madame Aroma), is a theory that also helps the Sheikah-Rito evolution theory, because the only hair color the Rito show are white and red, that reflect the only colors seen in Sheikah, the white (Impa's hair) and the red (Skulltula family). (Read more below).

Sheikah evolving into Rito
In The Wind Waker a new race is introduced, the Rito, who have red eyes and pointed ears, but there are no Sheikah. There is a possibility that the Sheikah needed to evolve to survive the Great Flood. Some other facts that support this theory is the similarity of Dragon Roost Island with Death Mountain, if the two are the same mountain, the Sheikah could have traveled from Kakariko Village to this neighboring mountain. Additionally, the dungeon associated to the Rito is the Earth Temple, that is similar to the Shadow Temple (see the theory above).

The most discussed theory of the Rito, are their probable evolution from Zora, but with the similarities with the Sheikah, they could be a combination between these two races, and Valoo provided them wings. Also the Zora sage, Laruto and her successor have an harp, an instrument used by Sheik. The Hookshot that Link finds in Kakariko Graveyard thanks to Sheik, who knew where it was, is another probable Sheikah item; an object similar to this, in terms of climbing or crossing distances, is the Grappling Hook, the Rito Medli say that this item comes from her ancestors. This can make a connection with the Sheikah due the fact that the Zora are not in the habit of using ropes or climbing.

Vaati
The sorcerer Vaati is a recurring villain of the Four Swords subseries. This character, although he is from the Minish race, resembles a Sheikah in his Human form, due to the fact that he has red eyes and pointed ears. Also in most of his "monster" forms he is just an enormous eye. In the The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, his penultimate transformation (Vaati Transfigured) the eye has three triangles/eye slashes, resembling the Sheikah symbol.

Taking the Four Swords subseries as being after Ocarina of Time in the chronology, it is possible that when Vaati wished to be "the most powerful sorcerer in the world" he adopted the form of a great Sheikah (possibly Bongo Bongo), explaining the "Vaati posters" in Kakariko's Shooting Gallery in Ocarina of Time. The lack of credibility of the theory comes from the fact Vaati has red eyes in his Minish form. There is a possibility that the Wind Mage could be the reincarnation of an ancient Sheikah, due the fact that any other Minish have red eyes. In the theories that place Four Swords subseries as the first in chronology, Vaati could be seen from being the "one eyed man who could see the truth"  to being the proverbial Adam of the Sheikah tribe.

Quotes about the Sheikah
R.I.P. Here lie the souls of those who swore fealty to the Royal Family of Hyrule. The Sheikah, guardians of the Royal Family and founders of Kakariko, watch over these spirits in their eternal slumber.

This used to be the great Impa's house, but she doesn't live here any longer. It is now open to all villagers. You are free to go on in. This village used to be a Sheikah village, but the great Impa opened it to everyone

I have things I want to tell only to you. Please listen. Another unknown legend of the Triforce passed down by the shadow folk, the Sheikahs.... (cut scene) If you would seek the sacred triangle, listen well... The resting place of the sacred triangle, the Sacred Realm, is a mirror that reflects what is in the heart... the heart of one who enters it... If an evil heart, the Realm will become full of evil; if pure, the Realm will become a paradise. The Triforce...the sacred triangle... it is a balance that weighs the three forces: Power, Wisdom and Courage. If the heart of the one who holds the sacred triangle has all three forces in balance, that one will gain the True Force to govern all. But, if that one's heart is not in balance, the Triforce will separate into three parts: Power, Wisdom and Courage. Only one part will remain for the one who touched the Triforce...the part representing the force that one most believes in. If that one seeks the True Force, that one must acquire the two lost parts. Those two parts will be held within others chosen by destiny, who will bear the Triforce mark on the backs of their hands.

This is the Mask of Truth. It is a mysterious mask passed down by the Sheikah. With this mask you can see into other people's minds..

You got the Mask of Truth! This is the same mask the Sheikah spoke of! This mask allows you to hear and understand the wisdom of Gossip Stones and the thoughts of animals...

Regarding Impa and Kakariko Village
They say that Princess Zelda's nanny is actually one of the Sheikah, who many thought had died out.

I am Impa of the Sheikahs. I am responsible for protecting Princess Zelda. Everything is exactly as the Princess foretold. You are a courageous boy... You are heading out on a big, new adventure, aren't you? My role in the Princess's dream was to teach a melody to the one from the forest. This is a ancient melody passed down by the Royal Family. I have played this song for Princess Zelda as a lullaby ever since she was a baby. There is a mysterious power in these notes. Now listen carefully... Memorize this song...

Have you heard the legend of the "Shadow Folk"? They are the Sheikah...the shadows of the Hylians. They say they swore allegiance to the King of Hyrule and guarded the Royal Family. But with the long peace, no one has seen a Sheikah around here for a long time. However... I heard there is one Sheikah woman living in the castle...

The one riding on the white horse holding the little girl... Wasn't that a legendary Sheikah?

Get back, Link! [Sheik and Link get attacked by a swarm of darkness] Looks like you're coming around... Link... A terrible thing has happened! The evil shadow spirit has been released! Impa, the leader of Kakariko Village, had sealed the evil shadow spirit in the bottom of the well.... But the force of the evil spirit got so strong, the seal of the well broke, and it escaped into the world!! I believe Impa has gone to the Shadow Temple to seal it up again, but...she will be in danger without any help! Link! Impa is one of the six Sages. Destroy the evil shadow spirit and save Impa! There is an entrance to the Shadow Temple beneath the graveyard behind this village. The only thing I can do for you is teach you the melody that will lead you to the Shadow Temple... This is the melody that will draw you into the infinite darkness that absorbs even time... Listen to this, the Nocturne of Shadow!! [Link learns the Nocturne of Shadow] Let me take care of the village! I'm counting on you, Link!

You brave lad... We must protect this beautiful land of Hyrule! Take a good look at that mountain. That is Death Mountain, home of the Gorons. They hold the Spiritual Stone of Fire. At the foot of Death Mountain you will find my village, Kakariko. That is where I was born and raised. You should talk to some of the villagers there before you go up Death Mountain. The song I just taught you has some mysterious power. Only Royal Family members are allowed to learn this song. Remember, it will help to prove your connection with the Royal Family. The Princess is waiting for you to return to the castle with the stones. All right. We're counting on you!

Hello there, son. Zelda's attendant, the great Impa, opened this village to the common people. We have only a small population now, but someday this place will be as lively as Hyrule Castle Town! Oh, yes! It will! Climb up the stairs at the north end of the village to find the trail that leads up Death Mountain. But you need the King's permission to actually go up the mountain.

A great woman, Impa, opened this village to us poor folk.

Hey! Young man! A grown boy like you entering a person's house without permission?! I want to talk to your parents! Oh well. This isn't my house anyway. This is the great Impa's house! The great Impa has gone to the graveyard to seal up the humongous creature there. Since Ganondorf appeared, many monsters have been sighted around here. Only the great Impa has kept peace in our village. You have to remember that, young man! Oh well. Speaking of the great Impa, she hasn't come back yet. I wonder what happened to her?

I am the boss of the carpenters that Impa hired to improve this village and make it into a true city! But young men these days don't have any ambition... Do you know what I mean, kid? My workers are just running aimlessly around the village, and they're not making any progress at all... Even my own son doesn't have a job, and he just wanders around all day! They're all worthless, I tell you!

The boy with the noble Zelda's Ocarina...As I expected, you have come. I am Impa, one of the Sheikah. I am Princess Zelda's caretaker, and I am also the Sage who guards the Shadow Temple. We Sheikah have served the royalty of Hyrule from generation to generation as attendants. However... On that day seven years ago, Ganondorf suddenly attacked... and Hyrule Castle surrendered after a short time. Ganondorf's target was one of the keys to the Sacred Realm...the hidden treasure of the Royal Family... The Ocarina of Time! My duty bound me to take Zelda out of Ganondorf's reach. When last I saw you, as we made our escape from the castle, you were just a lad... Now I see that you have become a fine hero... There's nothing to worry about... The Princess is safe now. Soon, you'll meet Princess Zelda face-to-face, and she will explain everything... That is when we, the six Wise Ones, will seal up the Evil King and return peace to Hyrule. I have to stay here... You go to Princess Zelda's side and protect her on my behalf. Now I put my power, which should be helpful to you, into this Medallion!

Regarding Sheik
I've been waiting for you, Hero of Time... When evil rules all, an awakening voice from the Sacred Realm will call those destined to be Sages, who dwell in the five temples. One in a deep forest... One on a high mountain... One under a vast lake... One within the house of the dead... One inside a goddess of the sand... Together with the Hero of Time, the awakened ones will bind the evil and return the light of peace to the world... This is the legend of the temples passed down by my people, the Sheikah. I am Sheik. Survivor of the Sheikahs... As I see you standing there holding the mythical Master Sword, you really do look like the legendary Hero of Time... If you believe the legend, you have no choice. You must look for the five temples and awaken the five Sages... One Sage is waiting for the time of awakening in the Forest Temple. The Sage is a girl I am sure you know... Because of the evil power in the temple, she cannot hear the awakening call from the Sacred Realm... Unfortunately, equipped as you currently are, you cannot even enter the temple... But, if you believe what I'm saying, you should head to Kakariko Village... Do you understand, Link?

[Sheik reveals himself as Zelda] It is I, the Princess of Hyrule, Zelda. I apologize for meeting you in disguise, but it was necessary to hide from the King of Evil. Please forgive me... On that day, seven years ago, Ganondorf attacked Hyrule Castle. (flashback) I saw you as I was escaping from the castle with my attendant, Impa. I thought I should entrust the Ocarina to you... I thought that would be our best chance... (end flashback) As long as you had the Ocarina in your possession, I thought Ganondorf could never enter the Sacred Realm, but... something I could never expect happened... After you opened the Door of Time, the Master Sword sealed you away in the Sacred Realm... Your spirit remained in the Sacred Realm...and then the Triforce fell into Ganondorf's hands. He went on to invade the Sacred Realm... Ganondorf had become the Evil King, and the Sacred Realm became a world of evil. All of this is an unfortunate coincidence. I passed myself off as a Sheikah and hoped that you would return. I waited for seven years... And...now you are back. The dark age ruled by Ganondorf the Evil King will end! The six Sages will open the sealed door and lure Ganondorf back into the Sacred Realm. I will then seal the door to the Sacred Realm from this world. Thus, Ganondorf the Evil King will vanish from Hyrule. Link... In order to do this, I need your courage again. Please protect me while I do my part. And here is a weapon that can penetrate the Evil King's defenses... The power given to the chosen ones...

They say that, contrary to her elegant image, Princess Zelda of Hyrule Castle is, in fact, a tomboy!

Regarding Impaz and the Hidden Village
WELCOME TO OLD KAKARIKO

The howls of the beasts... They've faded into silence... Wait, are you... The savior! It's you, the savior! Please, please forgive me... for not opening up the door. My name is Impaz. I'm the last resident of this poor village. My name comes from the great one who built this village so long ago... This village was once the secret home of a proud tribe who served the royal family... But it fell into decline, and became infested with dangerous beasts. It's become an awful place... Excuse me for asking, but is your name... Link? Ah! I knew it... So then, you saved that nice girl?... How lovely. When she was here, she would often cheer me up by saying that you would come to help. That sweet girl... She worried about this old woman even as I helped her to escape from here... By royal order, I can't leave this place until a certain person arrives.... No matter what terrible fate is visited upon it... Oh, but listen to me blather on! I have a favor to ask: would you help me return this to her? I think she always kept it close to her heart, but even so, she didn't hesitate to part with it in order to protect me... I believe in my heart that it's kept me safe all this time... So please... I ask that you return it to that girl.

I REMEMBER! I thought I had seen that before somewhere... That belonged to the tribe that protected the Hylian royal family long ago. They worked in secret, so they lived in a lonely, forgotten place. But I heard that tribe dwindled in the prolonged wars... If you want to find that hidden village, look for a path leading to the Lanayru Province on the far side of the Bridge of Eldin. But...a rock slide blocked the way to the village long ago, so you can't get there anymore. What? Oh, I do not mean to worry you, little human. Problems like these are not problems to Gorons. Our patriarch, Darbus, will be waiting for you up ahead. Look at your map to see where. I would try to find the path beyond the Bridge of Eldin that leads to Lanayru Province.

Hey! That rod... Is that the Dominion Rod? Ahh... Could it really be? Are you the messenger to the heavens?! Among the legends of my clan, there is a story from the time when the Oocca still maintained contact with the royal family. Yes, it said that a mysterious rod was handed down from the people of the sky, and it was called the Dominion Rod... The rod was only to be carried by the messenger to the heavens when the royal family needed to communicate with the Oocca. From generation to generation, my ancestors have guarded the book that, by royal decree, was to be given to the messenger to the heavens. This is that book. Please, take it. This book is written in the ancient language of Sky Writing. I am so glad I stayed in this village... If I had not met that young girl, what would have become of me? Meeting that girl must have been ordained by the gods, so that I could be here today to pass on this knowledge...

Quotes for theory section
A long time ago... There was a man in this very village who had an eye they said could see the truth! Now usually, you have to train your mind's eye most strenuously to actually see the truth... But this fella, no, they say he had a different way of doing things... His house stood where the well is now...

I am one of the ghostly composer brothers of Kakariko Village. All the people in this village are born to serve the Royal Family of Hyrule, brothers also served the Royal Family, and were assigned to study the hereditary mystic powers of the family.

Folks around here tell of a fabulously rich family that once lived in one of the houses in this village... But they say that the entire family was cursed due to their greed! Who knows what might happen to those who are consumed by greed...

No In-Game quotes
Sheikah Stones: Working as the eyes and ears of Hyrule and Termina, Sheikah Stones are scattered over both lands. No one has ever been able to completely understand their mysterious ways, but in the past they were known to provide unusual information to those wearing the long-lost Mask of Truth.--Ocarina of Time, Majora's Mask

Impa: Impa was the sworn protector of Princess Zelda and Sage to the Shadow Temple. Despite her hard exterior, her heart was bigger than the realm of Hyrule itself. Like Zelda, her impact on those around her was profound. Future female servants assigned to serve and protect Princess Zelda were named Impa to honor the legacy and loyal service which Impa provided.-- The Legend of Zelda, Ocarina of Time, Oracle of Seasons

Sheik doesn’t appear in The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, but we based her model on a design that was drafted up during the development of that game.

Non-canon quotes
I am... Sheik. One of the last of the Sheikah tribe...

Kakariko Village was where I was born and raised.

[Impa after piercing Link's ears] Even though you're not of the Sheikah tribe... This is a rite of passage for young Sheikah males. You've truly become splendid Link.

Sheik why do you serve me? You, a descendant of the Sheikah tribe who've served Hyrule's Royal Family for a long time... It is revenge?

We are a tribe of "Shadows" without substance we cannot exist. While I was without a master, you appeared. That is the only reason.

Before this [the Sheikah symbol], it was nothing but an eye. Since a long time ago, the Sheikah tribe were used as "Shadows" to protect the Hyrule Royal Family. However, there was one instance of betrayal from the Royal Family. At that time, our tears were added as a single line to this seal.

I'll become a boy. I foresaw the attack. But, I was powerless to do anything. It's too frustrating to bear. I want to become strong enough to protect myself by myself.

It won't be suspicious if you tell them when you get close that you're the descendant of the Sheikah, who a very long time ago were betrayed by the Royal Family and banished from Hyrule, and you've returned to Hyrule because you heard of it's collapse. Until "that time" comes, I will put Princess Zelda's consciousness to sleep. Live now as a Sheikah boy!

This is Zelda's alter ego. Using a variation of the name of the ancient Sheikah tribe, she appears before Link and teaches him melodies instrumental to his success. It's believed that she's not just a quick-change artist, but rather that she is able to instantaneously alter her clothing and her eye and skin color by using her magical skills.