King of Red Lions

The King of Red Lions is a character from The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. He is a talking boat whom Link befriends and uses to travel the Great Sea. The King of Red Lions appears after Link is cast away from the Forsaken Fortress, he acts as Link's sidekick throughout the game, but eventually becomes insentient at the end. He gives advice to Link and proclaims him the "Hero of the Winds".

Biography
The King of Red Lions is actually the King of Hyrule, Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule. He controls the ship by using a gossip stone,the improved version of thePirate's Charm, or a similar item. When Link reaches Dragon Roost Island, the King of Red Lions gives Link the Wind Waker.

After Link's second visit to the Forsaken Fortress, the King of Red Lions, Link, and Tetra venture to Hyrule to reveal Tetra's true identity: Princess Zelda. After Link arrives at Hyrule Castle, he cannot talk to the King of Red Lions, as he will not respond nor move for that matter, even when struck with the sword. When Link ventures inside the Castle he learns that King of Red Lions is not alive at all, but rather being controlled by the King of Hyrule.

At the end of the game, Link is seen sailing away in the King of Red Lions, but the boat seems to be only a boat at that point, considering Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule is now presumably dead. The boat's eyes are closed, showing that it is not possessed by Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule anymore.

The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
A boat that is designed to appear like the King of Red Lions, named the Prince of Red Lions, belongs to the Self-proclaimed Hero. It can be found in the Northwestern quadrant of Link's Sea Chart. However, it does not have the presence of Hyrule's King in it and is likely just a cameo. Interestingly, the ship has a large interior area.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl
During the Pirate Ship stage, the King of Red Lions will occasionally appear sailing behind the ship. He is helpful, as players can land on him if they get knocked off the ship during battle.