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Although [[The Legend of Zelda (Series)|''The Legend of Zelda'' franchise]] remains as one of the most critically acclaimed gaming series, there have been some instances when a game, in one or another way, motivated scandals in media, as well as within the ''Zelda'' fanbase. Some reasons for this might include religious or content issues, radical changes that concern longtime fans, and opinions during interviews.
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{{Place
  
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|name = Hyrule
 
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|image = [[File:HyruleInPeace.jpg|430px]]
  
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|caption =
 
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|game = ''[[The Legend of Zelda (Game)|The Legend of Zelda]]''<br> ''[[Zelda II: The Adventure of Link|The Adventure of Link]]''<br> ''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past |A Link to the Past]]''<br> ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time |Ocarina of Time]]''<br> ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker |The Wind Waker]]''<br> ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords |Four Swords]]''<br> ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures |Four Swords Adventures]]''<br> ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap |The Minish Cap]]''<br> ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess |Twilight Princess]]''<br> ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks|Spirit Tracks]]''<br>''[[The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword|Skyward Sword]]''
  
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|inhab = [[Anouki]]<br>[[Deku]]<br>[[Fairy|Fairies]]<br>[[Gerudo]]<br>[[Goron|Gorons]]<br>[[Human|Humans]]<br>[[Hylian|Hylians]]<br>[[Kokiri]]<br>[[Lokomo]]<br>[[Minish]]<br>[[Oocca]]<br>[[Sheikah]]<br>[[Wind Tribe]]<br>[[Zora]]<br>[[Zuna]]<br>
  
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|items =
 
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|related = [[Death Mountain]]<br>[[Faron Woods]]<br>[[Gerudo Desert]]<br>[[Hyrule Castle]]<br>[[Hyrule Castle Town]]<br>[[Hyrule Field]]<br>[[Kakariko Village]]<br>[[Kokiri Forest]]<br>[[Lake Hylia]]<br>[[Lon Lon Ranch]]<br>[[Sacred Grove]]<br>[[Snowpeak]]<br>[[Zora's Domain]]<br>[[Zora's River]]<br>}}
  
   
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==Religious content and censorship==
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'''Hyrule''' (Pronounced {{IPA|ˈhаɪ ruːl}}, {{Respell|HIGH|r'''oo'''l}}) is the name of the magical kingdom that serves as the setting for many games in the ''Zelda'' series. It is usually depicted as a beautiful and prosperous land blessed with deep forests, tall mountains, vast lakes, a barren desert, and great cities.<ref>{{cite|Long ago, there existed a kingdom where a golden power lay hidden. It was a prosperous land blessed with green forests, tall mountains, and peace.|Introduction|The Wind Waker}}</ref><ref>{{cite|In the kingdom of Hyrule there is a great castle, and around it is Castle Town, a community far bigger than our little village. ...And far bigger than Hyrule is the rest of the world the gods created.|Rusl|Twilight Princess}}</ref><ref>{{cite|It was another world entirely... The antithesis of Hyrule, where the sun shines bright.|Midna|Twilight Princess}}</ref><ref>{{cite|Long ago, in the beautiful kingdom of Hyrule surrounded by mountains and forests... legends told of an omnipotent and omniscient Golden Power that resided in a hidden land.|Introduction|A Link to the Past}}</ref><ref>{{cite manual|quote=Hyrule is a land rich in beauty.|game=Ocarina of Time|page=7}}</ref> It is ruled by a monarchical government, the [[Royal Family of Hyrule]], with its capital city at the bustling [[Hyrule Castle Town]].<ref>{{cite|The royal gift Rusl told you about is ready, so you should get ready for your trip to Hyrule Castle. Now, the royal family requested this gift specifically, so it's real special.|Mayor Bo|Twilight Princess}}</ref>
 
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*{{ALttP}} is known in the Japanese version as '''''The Legend of Zelda: Triforce of the Gods''''' ({{exp|ゼルダの伝説：　神々のトライフォース|Zeruda no Densetsu: Kamigami no Toraifosu}}). During the SNES era, Nintendo of America had an active policy against religious references in video games (though the first two ''Zelda'' games had some anyway), so the title of the game was changed to ''A Link to the Past''. The game also showed Egyptian characters read on the inscriptions to be translated by the [[Book of Mudora]], but were changed to random symbols when the game was exported overseas.
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*{{OoT}}, in the original [[Nintendo 64]] version, had two major religious references: The [[Fire Temple (Ocarina of Time)|Fire Temple's]] music sampled a group of men chanting Islamic prayer. This was removed from later versions of the game by [[Nintendo]] because of the religious association. The name of 'Allah' can clearly be heard at one point. Another Arabic allusion that was deciphered was "I bear witness that there is no god but Allah". It was replaced by a MIDI Synthesizer in later releases, ports, and remakes.
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*The second religious reference in ''Ocarina of Time'' was the [[Gerudo Symbol]], which was far more widespread as it appeared as a motif on several elements through the game, including [[block]]s, [[switch]]es, and the [[Mirror Shield]]. This symbol was similar, but not identical, to the [[Wikipedia:Star and crescent|Star and crescent]] symbol that is prominent in the [[Wikipedia:Islam|Islam]], the Muslim community in general, and several national flags in Asia. Some of the differences between the two symbols include: The Islamic version has a 5-point star, while the Gerudo version has 4 points; the Islamic crescent faces to the right, and is not as "complete" or "closed" as the Gerudo one, which faces to the left; and many Islamic crescents have the star deeper in it, not at the edge like the Gerudo version does. In any case, due to the religious meaning of the symbol, Nintendo edited it out in all of its spots in the game, [[Dampé's Grave|with a single exception]]. The newer Gerudo Symbol has since been a staple in modern revisions of ''Ocarina of Time''.
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*Another ''Ocarina of Time'' issue revolved around [[Ganon]]dorf's blood. In the original version, after his defeat at the top of [[Ganon's Tower|his lair]], he vomited red blood; after Link stabs the [[Master Sword]] in his forehead, blood drops shed as well. In later versions, the color of the blood was changed to green.
   
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==Controversial changes within the games==
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Hyrule has its unique creation mythology, deities, legendary relics, historical heroes, and villains.<ref>{{cite|When all was chaos, the goddesses descended and gave order and life to the world. They granted power equally to all who dwelt in the light, and then returned to the heavens.|Lanayru|Twilight Princess}}</ref><ref name=gdtoot>{{cite|Before time began, before spirits and life existed... Three golden goddesses descended upon the chaos that was Hyrule... Din, the goddess of power... Nayru, the goddess of wisdom... Farore, the goddess of courage... Din... With her strong flaming arms, she cultivated the land and created the red earth. Nayru... Poured her wisdom onto the earth and gave the spirit of law to the world. Farore... With her rich soul, produced all life forms who would uphold the law.|Great Deku Tree|Ocarina of Time}}</ref> Hyrule also connects to other realms via magical artifacts and portals. Of these, the [[Sacred Realm]] and [[Dark World]] are the most storied. <ref name=alttpmanual>{{cite manual|quote=After the gods had finished their work, they left the world, but not before creating a symbol of their strength, a golden triangle known as the Triforce. A small but powerful portion of the essence of the gods was held in this mighty artifact, which was to guide the intelligent life on the world of Hyrule.|game=A Link to the Past|page=3}}</ref><ref name=gdt>{{cite|The three great goddesses, their labors completed, departed for the heavens. And golden sacred triangles remained at the point where the goddesses left the world. Since then, the sacred triangles have become the basis of our world's providence. And, the resting place of the triangles has become the Sacred Realm.|Great Deku Tree|Ocarina of Time}}</ref> This story of the Triforce would shape Hyrule's future in the centuries that followed its creation, becoming the basis of Hyrule's providence<ref name=gdt/>, especially after the birth of a man from the desert named [[Ganon|Ganondorf]]. After the Triforce is stolen by Ganondorf (who wishes to conquer the land for himself<ref name=zeldaoot>{{cite|What Ganondorf is after must be nothing less than the Triforce of the Sacred Realm. He must have come to Hyrule to obtain it! And, he wants to conquer Hyrule... no, the entire world!|Princess Zelda|Ocarina of Time}}</ref>), a young hero named [[Link]], often armed with the [[Master Sword]], rises up to save Hyrule from destruction. The hero is usually assisted in this effort by Hyrule's young princess, [[Princess Zelda|Zelda]], for whom the series is named. These three characters are the best known figures in Hyrulean history.
 
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<!-- Before adding any example, please be sure it has garnered actual controversy or debates. If it's something that MAY cause a scandal, but hasn't done so yet, it doesn't belong here. -->
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*{{TAoL}}, being the second installment in the ''Zelda'' series, was expected to retain the core elements of its predecessor, while still adding new ones. Instead, the game changed the gameplay completely, using elements of RPG and platform games, such as [[experience]], jumps, life system, etc. For these reasons, the game is regarded as the black sheep of the series, and has remained one of the most polarizing and divisive entries so far.
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*Before {{TWW}} was revealed, it was believed that the game's visual style would be similar, or even superior, to the [[SpaceWorld 2000 GameCube Tech Demo]] that showed a fight between [[Link]] and Ganondorf in a dark chamber. However, the demo was never meant to showcase an actual game, and ''The Wind Waker'' was instead conceived with cel-shading graphics. The fan reaction was heavily mixed and, prior to the game's release and eventual critical acclaim, it was said that it would affect the series' reputation.
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*{{ST}} was first revealed during the Game Developer's Conference in March 2009. When it was revealed that the game would evolve around train transportation, there were fan concerns about the seemingly high rate of technological advances in Hyrule, [[Technology in The Legend of Zelda Universe|despite them taking place as early as in]] {{LA}}. Another concern was related to the restrictive nature of exploring the overworld with a train, compared to navigating through it on foot or with a more traditional means of [[transportation]].
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*{{BotW}} has received controversy around the art style of the game shown at E3 2014 as it differed from the [[Zelda HD Experience]] tech demo shown at E3 2011. Unlike ''The Wind Waker'', the backlash was no where near as large as it was when the art style from ''The Wind Waker'' contrasted [[SpaceWorld 2000 GameCube Tech Demo]]. For the most part fans were pleased with the art style, but a fair amount were disappointed.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.gengame.net/2013/06/nintendo-is-obsessed-with-forcing-unpopular-art-styles-in-zelda/|title= GenGAME|accessdate=2014-12-19|quote= The Zelda team needs to stop obsessively shoving their “creative art styles” down people’s throats and just give consumers what they want. If they won’t do this, then Wii U deserves to crash and burn in the most spectacular fashion possible.}}</ref> Similar to ''Spirit Tracks'', controversy surrounding ''Zelda''{{'}}s setting and genre changing arose. At E3 2014, an octopus-like machine was firing beams at Link while he used a seemingly high tech bow and arrow to defend himself. This left some fans wondering if the genre of the series would still remain medieval fantasy. Eiji Aonuma confirmed that Zelda Wii U will not be more futuristic than previous games.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.zeldadungeon.net/2014/06/zelda-dungeon-interviews-eiji-aonuma-and-the-hyrule-warriors-team/ |title= Zelda Dungeon|accessdate=2014-12-19 |quote= Ben: "The trailer shown off for Zelda Wii U during the Nintendo digital event was very impressive and very intriguing, especially because there seemed to be a theme of technology with the monster with the mechanical arms and the lasers, and then the high-tech arrow at the end. What can you tell us about the theme or prevalence of technology in the upcoming Zelda?" Aonuma: "It’s not as though this environment is more high tech than past Zeldas. If you remember, we’ve had statues in the past that had beams that shoot out of their eyes. The hookshot is something that is actually really really high tech. We probably couldn’t even make one now if we wanted to. So I wouldn’t say this new Zelda is going to take place in the more distant-future, or even the near-future for that matter."}}</ref>
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*Despite {{MK8}} not being related to ''The Legend of Zelda'' series, Eiji Aonuma stated that he had interest in seeing the [[Master Cycle]] in core ''Zelda'' games. Fans interpreted this as Aonuma foreseeing future ''Zelda'' games becoming high tech or steampunk. Some fans welcomed the idea, while others were unhappy because they wanted the series to remain a medieval fantasy.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://miiverse.nintendo.net/posts/AYMHAAACAAAYUKlrPvX5hw |title= miiverse|accessdate=2014-12-20 |quote= The development team showed me how the Master Cycle races on the track, and I was overwhelmed by how great it looked. (It looked so cool that I also want it to appear in games I work on.)}}</ref>
   
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==Developer comments and demonstrations==
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Hyrule is shown in numerous incarnations, with several shared elements between versions. It is also home to a multitude of different races, each inhabiting a different part of the country.<ref>{{cite manual|quote=In addition to the Hylians, many diverse groups of people dwell in this country.|game=Ocarina of Time|page=7}}</ref>
  
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<!-- Before adding any example, please be sure it has garnered actual controversy or debates. If it's something that MAY cause a scandal, but hasn't done so yet, it doesn't belong here. -->
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*In a 2009 conference in Spain, [[Eiji Aonuma]] had commented that ''Ocarina of Time'' hadn't aged very well, claiming that it had a slower presentation and outdated graphics, and that the subsequent games in the series were technically superior. This caused controversy among longtime fans of the series, who started arguing whether or not he was right. This was compounded by the fact that, in a previous 2008 interview with [[Nintendo Power]], he had stated that he would keep working on the series until surpassing the aforementioned game.
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*When {{SS}} was revealed in E3 2010, [[Shigeru Miyamoto]] made a public demonstration of it during the conference. However, due to wireless interference, the controls didn't respond very well, making Miyamoto realize unintended commands in the game. Though the journalists later managed to play the game better on the demo floor, the previous incident had arisen concerns regarding the effectiveness of using motion controls to play the game to the point that some fans asked for traditional controls instead, which has affected the expectations since.
   
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==Longtime community debates==
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The land of Hyrule is synonymous with the term '''Light World''' in various ''Zelda'' games.
  
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{{OTOC}}
  
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*[[Sheik#Debate on Sheik's gender|Sheik's gender]]. Due to the character's masculine appearance in ''Ocarina of Time'', as well as [[Princess Ruto]] referring to "him" as a male person, it was thought by fans that [[Princess Zelda]] had undergone a gender change while hiding from Ganondorf during the seven-year skip. Even after {{SSBM}} and {{SSBB}} referred to the character as female (despite the games not being considered canon in the first place), and ''Ocarina of Time 3D'' provided Sheik with a more feminine body, fans still debate over the character being male or female.
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{{clear|left}}
  
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*Voice acting. After {{TP}} was revealed without full character speech, fans started debating whether future games should have voice acting. Detractors often cite the Phillips CD-i games as a reason not to feature this element in the games. {{BotW}} will be the first in the series to feature significant voice acting<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.gamespot.com/articles/heres-why-zelda-breath-of-the-wild-has-voice-actin/1100-6441126/|title= GameSpot|accessdate=2016-11-26|quote= It's really difficult to leave an impression on players with just text. It's not that I made everything voiced. But I have these moments where I want to leave impressions on users. I add voice there.}}</ref>.
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==Etymology==
  
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It is unknown where the name Hyrule comes from. However, a theory suggests that it comes from "High rule", judging from the pronounciation similarities.
  
   
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{{Ref}}
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==History and Mythology==
  
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===Early History===
  
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[[File:Creation1.gif|220px|thumb|left|The Golden Goddesses leaving Hyrule after its creation.]]
  
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Hyrule was formed many ages ago through the works of the three [[Golden Goddesses]]: [[Din (Goddess)|Din]] the Goddess of Power, [[Nayru (Goddess)|Nayru]] the Goddess of Wisdom, and [[Farore (Goddess)|Farore]] the Goddess of Courage. Before spirits and life existed, these three goddesses descended upon the chaos that was Hyrule.<ref name=gdtoot/><ref name=ootmanual>{{cite manual|quote=Before life began, before the world had form, three Golden Goddesses descended upon the chaotic land of Hyrule. They were Din, the Goddess of Power, Nayru, the Goddess of Wisdom and Farore, the Goddess of Courage.|game=Ocarina of Time|page=5}}</ref> Din, with her strong flaming arms, cultivated the land, created the red earth, and was thus responsible for the creation of the geography of Hyrule.<ref>{{cite manual|quote=Din, with her strong flaming arms, cultivated the land to create the earth.|game=Ocarina of Time|page=5}}</ref> Nayru poured her wisdom onto the earth and gave the spirit of law to the world, bringing order to a formerly chaotic realm.; thus, she was responsible for the establishment of all the laws of science and wizardry.<ref>{{cite manual|quote=Nayru poured her wisdom onto the earth to give the spirit of law to the world.|game=Ocarina of Time|page=5}}</ref><ref>{{cite manual|quote=The God of Wisdom created science and wizardry and brought order to nature.|game=A Link to the Past|page=3}}</ref> Farore, with her rich soul, created all life forms that would uphold the law established by Nayru.
  
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<ref>{{cite manual|quote=Farore's rich soul created all life forms who would uphold the law.|game=Ocarina of Time|page=5}}</ref> When the labors of the three great goddesses were completed, they departed the world for the heavens. It was in the [[Sacred Realm]] that the three goddesses left behind a symbol of their power, the all-powerful relic known as the [[Triforce]], which when mastered in its entirety would grant the heart's desire of its holder.<ref name=alttpmanual/><ref name=gdt/>
  
   
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{{Real World}}
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[[File:Triforce4.jpg|thumb|left|The Triforce inside the Sacred Realm|100px]]
  
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[[Category:Zelda]]
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The whole Triforce could only be claimed by ''one pure of heart'', and this would cause the Sacred Realm to become a paradise. But if that one's heart is unbalanced, the Triforce would split into its three separate pieces, leaving only the piece representing the force in which that one most believes in hand and transforming the Sacred Realm into a world of evil.<ref>{{cite|The three goddesses hid the Triforce containing the power of the gods somewhere in Hyrule. The power to grant the wish of the one who holds the Triforce in his hands. If someone with a righteous heart makes a wish, it will lead Hyrule to a golden age of prosperity....If someone with an evil mind has his wish granted, the world will be consumed by evil...That is what has been told....So, the ancient Sages built the Temple of Time to protect the Triforce from evil ones.|Princess Zelda|Ocarina of Time}}</ref><ref>{{cite|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.|Sheik|Ocarina of Time}}</ref> If that one who shattered the Triforce were to seek the true force to govern all, they would have to acquire the two lost pieces. The other two pieces would dwell within two people chosen by destiny, who would bear the symbol of the Triforce on the backs of their hands.<ref>{{cite|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.|Sheik|Ocarina of Time}}</ref> The ancient [[Sage]]s, fearing that the Triforce's magic could be abused, crafted a sword infused with magic resistant even to the Triforce itself. This weapon, the '''Blade of Evil's Bane''' better known as the [[Master Sword]], was capable of banishing evil and was reserved for use only by a hero in times of great need.<ref>{{cite manual|quote=For that reason, the people of Hyrule were told by the gods to make something that would repulse any evil that may kidnap the Triforce: the blade of evil's bane. It was called the Master Sword, and it is said that only a true hero could use it.|game=A Link to the Past|page=7 [JP version]}}</ref><ref>{{cite|If you are indeed the Hero who has Wisdom, Courage, and Power, the Master Sword sleeping in the forest will be yours.|Aginah|A Link to the Past}}</ref><ref>{{cite|There you will find the blade of evil's bane that was crafted by the wisdom of the ancient sages...the Master Sword. The Master Sword is a sacred blade that evil can never touch.|Princess Zelda|Twilight Princess}}</ref>
  
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The Hylian people were also aided in the development of their kingdom by the [[Oocca]], a race said to be even closer to the gods.<ref name=Shad>{{cite|The common opinion is that Hyrule was created by the Hylia people, the race closest to the gods, but…truth be told, there's also a theory saying that in ancient times there was a race even closer to the gods than the Hylia people, and THEY created it. And they, simultaneously with the birth of the Hylia people, created a new capital, a capital that floated in the heavens.|Shad|Twilight Princess}}</ref> The Oocca also assisted the ancient [[Sage]]s in the construction of the [[Temple of Time]] to protect the portal to the [[Sacred Realm]] and the [[Triforce]] stored within. Once the land of Hyrule had been established, the Oocca left for the [[City in the Sky]], but maintained contact with the [[Royal Family of Hyrule]] for a time.<ref>{{cite|Among the legends of my clan, there is a story from the time when the Oocca still maintained contact with the royal family.|Impaz|Twilight Princess}}</ref>
  
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{{clear}}
  
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===Recent History===
  
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[[File:Normal_opening_3.png|thumb|250px|The Hero of Time vanquishes Ganon, as recorded in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|The Wind Waker]]'']]
  
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The land of Hyrule's more recent history has been a long tale that has woven through many ages and many periods of both light and darkness. Hyrule's beings lived at peace, for much of the early history of the realm. Stories of the [[Sacred Realm]] began to spread across the land, speaking of a "Golden Power" more commonly known as the Triforce that would grant the wishes of its holder.<ref>{{cite|For ages, the people lived at ease, content in mind and body... But soon, word of the Sacred Realm spread through Hyrule, and a great battle ensued...|Lanayru|Twilight Princess}}</ref> These stories of unlimited power eventually stirred such emotions in the hearts and minds of Hyrule's beings that soon there was nothing left in them but pure greed and lust for power.<ref>{{cite manual|quote=That yearning for the Triforce soon turned to lust for power, which in turn led to the spilling of blood. Soon the only motive left among those searching for the Triforce was pure greed.|game=A Link to the Past|page=5}}</ref> Eventually former friends became bitter enemies and even sparked wars over the Triforce. These stories also reached the ears of [[Ganon|Ganondorf]], the king of the [[Gerudo]] thieves that hail from the [[Gerudo Desert]] in the far western region of Hyrule.
 
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Ganondorf originally hoped to attain the Triforce in order to lift his fellow Gerudo, out of their miserable existence in the barren Gerudo Desert.<ref>{{cite|My country lay within a vast desert. When the sun rose into the sky, a burning wind punished my lands, searing the world. And when the moon climbed into the dark of night, a frigid gale pierced our homes. No matter when it came, the wind carried the same thing... Death. But the winds that blew across the green fields of Hyrule brough something other than suffering and ruin. I coveted that wind, I suppose.|Ganondorf|The Wind Waker}}</ref> Soon however, these tales of limitless power twisted and warped Ganondorf's mind into being solely interested in using the Triforce for his own desires, even causing him to seek total domination over Hyrule.<ref name=zeldaoot/> The Gerudo King soon concocted a plan to enter the Sacred Realm and lay claim to the Triforce, and through much cunning and deceit, he succeeded in entering the Sacred Realm with the unwitting assistance of a young boy from the forest named [[Link]] and Hyrule's young princess, [[Princess Zelda|Zelda]].<ref name=ganondorfoot>{{cite|Geh heh heh! Excellent work As I thought, you held the keys to the Door of Time! You have led me to the gates of the Sacred Realm... Yes, I owe it all to you, kid!|Ganondorf|Ocarina of Time}}</ref> When he laid his tainted hands on the Triforce however, the legend came true, causing it to shatter and leave only the [[Triforce#Triforce of Power|Triforce of Power]] in Ganondorf's hand, as that was the force he most believed in and desired most.<ref>{{cite|Seven years ago, Ganondorf, the King of Thieves, used the door you opened in the Temple of Time and entered the Sacred Realm. But when he laid his hands on the Triforce, the legend came true. The Triforce separated into three parts. Only the Triforce of Power remained in Ganondorf's hand.|Princess Zelda|Ocarina of Time}}</ref> The other two pieces were eventually joined within what would become Ganondorf's two archenemies: the [[Triforce#Triforce of Wisdom|Triforce of Wisdom]] was bestowed upon Princess Zelda, and the [[Triforce#Triforce of Courage|Triforce of Courage]] upon Link.<ref>{{cite|To gain complete mastery of the world, Ganondorf started looking for those chosen by destiny to hold the two other Triforce parts. The one who holds the Triforce of Courage is... You, Link! And the other, who holds the Triforce of Wisdom... is the seventh Sage, who is destined to be the leader of them all... It is I, the Princess of Hyrule, Zelda.|Princess Zelda|Ocarina of Time}}</ref>
  
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Since that time, the three have battled across much of Hyrule's history as Ganondorf has sought many times to reunite the Triforce pieces and claim the united relic to completely conquer Hyrule. Zelda and Link usually rising each time to stop him and act as a check on his vast magical powers. When Hyrule is not being threatened by Ganondorf, it has also faced threats from other foes such as the evil Gerudo witch [[Twinrova]], her associates, the Wind Sorcerer [[Vaati]], and the forces of twilight led by [[Zant]]. Each time, Hyrule has had a savior in the form of [[Link]], who has reappeared throughout the ages of Hyrule's history as has Zelda when evil threatens Hyrule. The most recent chapters of Hyrule's history have had very lasting and yet diverging implications for each incarnation of the kingdom depicted, thought by many to be the result of a split in Hyrule's history caused around the time Ganondorf was first defeated by Link and Zelda and the hero was sent back to his own age, causing a split timeline and two Hyrules.
  
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One of those two incarnations of Hyrule show it to be drowned beneath a deluge known as the [[Great Flood]] and destroyed centuries later after Ganondorf is defeated once again, leaving Link and Zelda to seek out a new Hyrule, which would later appear in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks|Spirit Tracks]]''. Another incarnation of Hyrule, depicts an invasion by the forces of twilight led by the [[Twili]] known as Zant, with a new incarnation of Link and Zelda rising up to defeat Zant and his dark master, Ganondorf himself. Both incarnations of Hyrule have shown vastly different fates for the kingdom. In the Adult Timeline, Hyrule is destroyed and buried underneath the oceans while Link and Tetra search for a new land that is revealed in ''Spirit Tracks'' to be the next Hyrule that was spoken of by Tetra in ''The Wind Waker''. Meanwhile, in the other timeline, Zelda resumes her place as Hyrule's ruler, with Ganondorf left dead after a great battle in [[Hyrule Field]] and Link riding away on a new adventure.
  
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In ''Spirit Tracks'', the new incarnation of the kingdom of Hyrule established by Tetra and Link appears in a land that has strong connections to spirits and demons.<ref name=intro>{{Cite|This is a tale from long ago. It's the tale of the first settlers of this land. In the beginning, the people followed the spirits of good, and all was peaceful. But that era of peace soon came to an end. The evil Demon King rose to power, destroying everything in his path.|Introduction|Spirit Tracks}}</ref> In the game, which takes place a century following the events of ''The Wind Waker'' and ''Phantom Hourglass'',<ref>{{cite|My family first arrived here about a century ago. Were you already here in the tower then, Anjean?|Princess Zelda|Spirit Tracks}}</ref> a new Link and Tetra's granddaughter, the reigning Princess Zelda, are forced to go on a quest to restore the Spirit Tracks and the Tower of Spirits at the center of the land to stop the plot of [[Chancellor Cole]] to revive the Demon King [[Malladus]], who attacked the land a century earlier near the time of its founding.<ref name=intro/><ref>{{cite|To prevent him from possessing your body, you must fortify his prison. To do this, restore the energy between the temples and this tower. In other words... Restore the tracks between here and the temples.|Anjean|Spirit Tracks}}</ref> The game ends with Hyrule being restored to peace after Malladus's destruction, with the [[Lokomo]] returning to the heavens to be with their kindred, leaving the [[Hylian]]s to protect it henceforth.<ref>{{cite|But our protection is no longer needed. Even without the spirits' guidance, you will do well. So I think I will return to the heavens... In the company of my old friend Byrne. Please watch over this land, my dear. And, [Link]... You must help her.|Anjean|Spirit Tracks}}</ref>
  
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{{clear}}
  
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===Theology===
  
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[[File:Goddesses.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A Hylian manuscript of the Golden Goddesses and the creation of Hyrule and the Triforce.]]
  
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Hyrule is known to be a polytheistic society, and the greatest of the deities worshiped by the Hyruleans are the three [[Golden Goddesses]]: [[Din (Goddess)|Din]] the Goddess of Power, [[Nayru (Goddess)|Nayru]] the Goddess of Wisdom, and [[Farore (Goddess)|Farore]] the Goddess of Courage. These three goddesses are the most highly-revered of all deities throughout the entire realm of Hyrule, as they were responsible for the creation of Hyrule and all who live in it. The people have also been known to worship the essences of these goddesses, which live within the almighty relic the goddesses created, the mythical [[Triforce]]. The goddesses have answered the prayers of the people at dark times of Hyrule's history, such as drowning Hyrule beneath the [[Great Flood]] to save its people from destruction at Ganon's hands and sending the [[Light Spirits]] to imprison the [[Dark Interlopers]] within the confines of the [[Twilight Realm]] to save Hyrule's people from their wicked reign.
  
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The Golden Goddesses are not the only deities worshiped. The [[Zora]]s worship their patron deity, the great fish [[Lord Jabu-Jabu]], going so far as to accord him a special place of honor in their society.<ref>{{cite|Lord Jabu-Jabu is the patron deity of the Zoras.|Zora|Ocarina of Time}}</ref> They are also known to use the [[Water Temple]] to worship water spirits.<ref>{{cite|At the lake bottom there is a Water Temple used to worship the water spirits. The Zoras are guardians of the temple.|Kaepora Gaebora|Ocarina of Time}}</ref> The [[Kokiri]] pay homage to the great forest spirit known as the [[Great Deku Tree]] and hold him in the highest regard as both their father and protector.<ref>{{cite|The Great Deku Tree is our father, the forest guardian, and he gave life to all of us Kokiri!|Kokiri girl|Ocarina of Time}}</ref> The [[Gerudo]] are known to worship the mysterious [[Goddess of the Sand]], to whom they dedicated the construction of the [[Spirit Temple]].<ref>{{cite|One inside a goddess of the sand...|Sheik|Ocarina of Time}}</ref><ref>{{cite|I once heard a mysterious bird say..."Go, young man. Go to the Desert Goddess with an ocarina."|Saria|Ocarina of Time}}</ref> There have also been other deities, such as the aforementioned Light Spirits, that are also worshiped by the people as the guardian deities of their respective provinces.
 
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[[File:TempleofTime.jpg|thumb|left|The Temple of Time|150px]]
  
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Several houses of worship and temples exist in Hyrulean society. Hyrule has been known to have temples dedicated to each of several different elements, each with a caretaker [[Sage]] that is guardian of the temple.<ref>{{cite|When evil rules all, an awakening voice from the Sacred Realm will call those destined to be Sages, who dwell in the five temples.|Sheik|Ocarina of Time}}</ref> The most well known of these Sages are the Seven Sages: [[Rauru]] in the [[Temple of Light]] at the heart of the [[Sacred Realm]], [[Saria]] in the [[Forest Temple]] deep within the [[Lost Woods]], [[Darunia]] in the [[Fire Temple]] on Death Mountain, [[Princess Ruto|Ruto]] in the [[Water Temple]] deep beneath Lake Hylia, [[Impa]] in the [[Shadow Temple]] residing in the graveyard in the shadow of Death Mountain, [[Nabooru]] in the [[Spirit Temple]] far across the desert in the [[Desert Colossus]], and [[Princess Zelda]] in the [[Temple of Time]]. The Temple of Time's architecture also draws from Gothic cathedral architecture, and acts as the primary gateway to the Sacred Realm. The [[Earth Temple]] and the [[Wind Temple]] house the Sages whose prayers power the [[Master Sword]] and grant it the [[Power to Repel Evil]].<ref>{{cite|The fact that the Master Sword lost the power to repel evil suggests to me that something has happened to the sages who
  
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infused the blade with the gods' power. The sages should be here in Hyrule...in the Wind Temple to the north and the Earth Temple to the south, praying to the gods.|King of Red Lions|The Wind Waker}}</ref>
  
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Several towns in ''[[Zelda II: The Adventure of Link|The Adventure of Link]]'' have churches, and a lone priest that resides at the [[Sanctuary]] in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past|A Link to the Past]]'' helped smuggle Zelda out of Agahnim's clutches. [[Renado]] is the village shaman of [[Kakariko Village]] in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|Twilight Princess]]'' and the unofficial leader of the village. These figures, alongside the Sages, act as chief members of Hyrule's theological sphere.
  
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{{clear}}
  
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==Appearances by Game==
  
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{{main|Hyrule/Appearances by Game}}
  
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Hyrule has appeared multiple times throughout the series as the setting for most installments in one form or another. Starting with the original ''The Legend of Zelda'' and extending to even the most recent installment in the series, ''Spirit Tracks'', Hyrule has seen a many great aesthetic changes to its makeup over the years, though certain elements have bound each game's portrayal of Hyrule together. ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword|Skyward Sword]]'', which takes place before ''Ocarina of Time'', has also been confirmed to take place in Hyrule, where it has been taken over by evil forces.<ref>{{cite web|quote=Even something as simple as the aiming, which is handled not necessarily with a pointer but by moving your hand around, just like you would aim an item in real life, will make it that much easier for you to feel like you're in that world of Hyrule and experiencing the adventure that Link is, because you're so connected to what's going on.|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/16/interview-nintendos-shigeru-miyamoto-on-3ds-retro-zelda-and/|title=joystiq's Interview with Shigeru Miyamoto|site=joystiq.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|quote=Aonuma says that the scene which concludes the trailer, in which Link leaps off a cliff into a sea of clouds, is an important story point. Instead of being raised in a village on the ground, he's been brought up in a town called Skyloft, which is a floating island. He's lived his life in the clouds, and has only recently "discovered" the land below, which he finds has been overrun with evil forces. You spend the game going back and forth between these two regions: Skyloft, and the ground below.|url=http://kotaku.com/5564576/live-from-nintendos-e3-briefing|site=kotaku.com}}</ref>
  
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==Governance==
  
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{{main|Royal Family of Hyrule}}
  
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{{ImageCaption
  
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|image = File:Crest of Hyrule.png
  
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|size = 180px
  
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|align = right
  
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|caption = The crest of the Hyrulean Royal Family.
  
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|captionalign = center
  
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}}
  
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Hyrule's form of government has remained relatively consistent throughout its history, with an ancient monarchy, the [[Royal Family of Hyrule]], ruling over the lower-caste citizens of the kingdom from Hyrule's capital city, [[Hyrule Castle Town]]. The Royal Family itself rules from the seat of government in the land of Hyrule, [[Hyrule Castle]], the namesake of the capital. The government is typically headed by the [[King of Hyrule]], and his heir in most depictions of Hyrule is his daughter or descendant, [[Princess Zelda]]. In some cases, Zelda herself has ruled over the land as matriarch of the Royal Family as well, such as during the Twili invasion of Hyrule. Hyrule is typically divided into various provinces and most of the various races pledge their allegiance to the central government headed by the Royal Family. Each race has its own local government and the individual tribal leaders, but all races pledge their overall allegiance to the Royal Family as kingdom of Hyrule citizens .
 
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Hyrule has faced many coups throughout its history, but ultimately the Royal Family is usually restored to power through the efforts of Hyrule's hero, Link.
  
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{{clear}}
  
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===Military===
  
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{{main|Castle Guard}}
  
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[[File:Hylianguard.png|right|100px]]
  
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The Hyrulean [[Castle Guard|Castle Guards]] make up the bulk of Hyrule's military forces.
 
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Despite their duty to protect the peace, the guards have a poor reputation and a tendency towards cowardice,<ref>{{cite|And here I was, thinking Hyrule was empty of men of valor...|Ashei|Twilight Princess}}</ref> they will shrink in fear whenever [[Wolf Link]] passes by them. The guards have been unsuccessful in defending Hyrule in more recent games, falling to the army led by Ganondorf in ''Ocarina of Time'' as well as being overpowered by the forces of twilight led by [[Zant]]. Due to their minor inefficiencies, they often are unable to prevent [[Stealth Missions|infiltration]] of even Hyrule Castle. However, they have not always been cowardly; they have valiantly defended [[Princess Zelda]] from Zant's forces even as the Throne Room of Hyrule Castle underwent the twilight invasion of ''Twilight Princess''; and while trying to prevent [[Vaati]] from blasting open the Bound Chest in ''The Minish Cap''.
 
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[[File:Knight.jpg|thumb|left|110px|A Knight of Hyrule]]
  
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However, these guards were also very wary of when evil took over their kingdom. When [[Vaati]] impersonated King [[Daltus]], the guards who dissented were turned to stone.<ref>{{cite|He's taken over the castle! One by one, he turned us all to stone. Everyone, cursed by his evil magic...|Guard|The Minish Cap}}</ref> When the guards would not follow an evil ruler, they were brainwashed into doing so.<ref>{{cite|After Agahnim took over, everyone began to act strangely. I suppose it's only a matter of time before I'm affected, too.|Guard|A Link to the Past}}</ref> In ''A Link to the Past'', the dark wizard Agahnim took over the country through much cunning and deceit; one of the first things he did was take over Hyrule's military force using his powerful magic. The guards are shown to be freed of this spell when Link destroys Agahnim and returns the Royal Family to power. Although the guards are mostly concentrated in the Hyrulean capital city [[Hyrule Castle Town]], they are seen spread out all across the kingdom as well.
  
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The more recent interpretations of the guards are vastly different compared to the more noble [[Knights of Hyrule]] spoken of in ''A Link to the Past'', who gave their lives almost to the utter last in order to protect the [[Sages|Seven Sages]] as they cast their seal on the [[Dark World]]. Whether the Knights of Hyrule have any connection to the present day guards that make up Hyrule's military is unclear, but if the Knights of Hyrule were indeed the forerunners of the present guards, it would mean a vast decline in their efficiency and courage since the times of the Imprisoning War. A similar set of knights also called the "Knights of Hyrule" acted as the guardians of the [[Royal Jewels]] in ''Four Swords Adventures'', and only four existed. Each protecting one of the four jewels that would restore the [[Tower of Winds]] and yield access to the [[Realm of the Heavens]]. Whether these four knights have any connection to the Knights of Hyrule spoken of in the tales of the Imprisoning War is unclear, but both are reputed for their bravery.
  
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{{clear}}
  
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===Major Conflicts===
  
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[[File:War for the Triforce.png|thumb|right|Official art of one of the wars fought over the Sacred Realm and the Triforce.]]
  
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[[File:War_before_Imprisoning_War.jpg|thumb|right|One of the many wars fought over the entrance to the [[Sacred Realm]].]]
  
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Most of the wars in Hyrule's history were fought over possession of the [[Triforce]] or dominion over the [[Sacred Realm]].
  
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* '''[[Hyrulean Civil War]]''': This war was begun for unknown reasons, but it was said according to the [[Great Deku Tree]] to be a horrific and prolonged war that resulted in the unification of the country under the banner of the [[Royal Family of Hyrule|Royal Family]].
  
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* '''[[Interloper War]]''': This war began when the [[Dark Interlopers]] attempted to seize control of the Sacred Realm and claim the Triforce for themselves, but the intervention of the Light Spirits caused them to be sealed away in the [[Twilight Realm]], outside of which they could only exist as shadows.
  
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* '''[[Imprisoning War]]''': This conflict is spoken of in the backstory of ''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past|A Link to the Past]]'', where it is said to have begun when Ganondorf stole the Triforce from the Sacred Realm. The [[Knights of Hyrule]] were nearly wiped out during the ensuing conflict, but the [[Sage|Seven Sages]] were able to trap Ganon in the Sacred Realm-turned-[[Dark World]].
  
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* '''[[War of the Bound Chest]]''': The [[Hero of Men]] fought many evil creatures during ancient times using the [[Picori Blade]]. He sealed the evil monsters inside of the Bound Chest using the Picori Blade and the [[Light Force]], until [[Vaati]] broke the blade and released the monsters back into the world some time later.
  
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* '''[[Great Flood]]''': In the Adult Timeline following the end of ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|Ocarina of Time]]'', Hyrule was invaded once again by [[Ganon|Ganondorf]] and was subsequently buried beneath a deluge of rainwater in the [[Great Flood]] when the Hero of Time failed to appear.
  
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* '''[[Zant's Invasion of Hyrule]]''': In the Child Timeline following the end of ''Ocarina of Time'' and ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask|Majora's Mask]]'', Hyrule was invaded by an evil [[Twili]] named [[Zant]], who seized control of the [[Twilight Realm]] and covered Hyrule in twilight on the order of his dark master, Ganondorf, who returned to haunt Hyrule once again.
  
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*'''[[Spirit War]]''': Long before ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks|Spirit Tracks]]'', war breaks out between the good spirits of the land and the Demon King [[Malladus]]. This results in the Demon King being imprisoned by the [[Spirit Tracks (Rails)|Spirit Tracks]] and the [[Tower of Spirits]], the good spirits returning to the heavens, and the kingdom of Hyrule being re-established in this new land when it is given over to the Hyrulean settlers.
  
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{{clear}}
  
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==Economy==
  
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{{ImageCaption
  
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|image = File:RupeeBlueArtwork.png
  
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|size = 70px
  
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|align = right
  
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|caption = A Blue Rupee.
  
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|captionalign = center
  
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}}
  
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{{main|Rupee}}
  
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Hyrule's official currency is a small jewel-like object known as the Rupee. Several color and size variations are used to denote values. Some, such as green, blue or yellow Rupees are worth less than rarer Rupees as red, purple, orange, silver or gold. Rupees are accepted in almost any establishment throughout the kingdom of Hyrule and are the single most common form of payment in the marketplace of Hyrule's capital city, [[Hyrule Castle Town]].
  
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{{clear}}
  
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==Technology in Hyrule==
  
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Hyrule is usually portrayed as a medieval land, though some advancements take place in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|Twilight Princess]]'' and ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks|Spirit Tracks]]''.
  
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==Geography==
  
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{{main|Hyrule/Locations and Landmarks}}
  
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Like many of the other lands depicted in the ''Zelda'' series such as [[Termina]], [[Holodrum]] and [[Labrynna]], Hyrule's geography varies greatly from region to region. In most depictions of Hyrule, the land is shown to be a collection of regions with varying geographies and climates usually linked by a great open expanse of land known as [[Hyrule Field]]. Hyrule Castle Town and by extension Hyrule Castle are usually located near the central part of the country and not far away from Hyrule Field. The other regions of Hyrule as stated before vary greatly in their composition and appearance. For example, the region most associated with the rock-loving [[Goron]]s is the sweltering and rocky [[Death Mountain]], which has little to no vegetation and is for all intents and purposes a large volcano. On the other hand, there are parts of the country covered by deep forests that have a more hospitable climate and atmosphere, where plant-life and vegetation are much more common and provide a means to live for such forest-dwellers as the child-like [[Kokiri]] race. Hyrule is also usually shown to be home to a vast lake usually named [[Lake Hylia]] as well as a watery grotto named [[Zora's Domain]], both being more hospitable and suitable to the aquatic [[Zora]] race. Hyrule is also known to have snowy regions as well, such as the [[Snowpeak]] Mountain Range, which is the preferred home region of the [[Yeti]] race. Finally, Hyrule is also usually shown to be home to a vast desert (usually to the west), more commonly known as the [[Gerudo Desert]] amongst other names, which is home to such desert-dwelling tribes as the [[Gerudo]] or the [[Zuna]]. Taken altogether, Hyrule is shown to be a melting pot of sorts in regards to its geography as it has been shown to possess nearly every kind of climate and terrain.
  
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==Population==
  
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===Races of Hyrule===
  
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{{merge|Hyrulean}}
  
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{{ImageCaption
  
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|image = File:Princess Zelda.png
  
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|size = 80px
  
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|align = right
  
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|caption = Princess Zelda, a notable Hylian
  
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|captionalign = center
  
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}}
  
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Hyrule is home to numerous races which are scattered all across the land, each inhabiting a different part of the kingdom. The main distinction between Hyrule's inhabitants is that of Hylians and Hyruleans. ''Hylian'' refers to the specific race prominently appearing throughout Hyrule. ''Hyrulean'' refers to the many humanoid and non humanoid races that have inhabited Hyrule.
  
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With the exception of the Hylians, most of the races have preferred environments and primarily reside among members of their own race. Moreover, few of Hyrule's races are limited to residency in just this one kingdom. Other lands of the ''Legend of Zelda'' series have featured these, and even more exotic races.
 
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====Humanoid Hyruleans====
  
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'''Hylians'''
 
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{{main|Hylian}}
  
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The '''Hylians''' are the dominant race of the realm, with close ties to the goddesses as their chosen people.<ref>{{cite|Yes, according to legend, Hyrule was made by the Hylians, who, as we all know, are the closest race to the gods.|Shad|Twilight Princess}}</ref> The Hylians are extremely abundant and are quite similar to humans on earth. Unlike most other races of Hyrule, Hylians tend to live in large cities, such as [[Hyrule Castle Town]] or [[Kakariko Village]]. They are said to be born with magic-infused blood and use magic quite often.<ref>{{cite manual|quote=With their magic infused blood, the Hylian people were endowed with psychic powers and skill in wizardry.|game=A Link to the Past|page=3}}</ref>
  
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{{ImageCaption
  
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|image = File:OoT Saria.png
  
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|size = 80px
  
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|align = right
  
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|caption = Saria, one of the most famous members of the Kokiri race.
  
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|captionalign = center
  
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}}
  
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'''Gerudo'''
  
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{{main|Gerudo}}
  
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The '''[[Gerudo]]''' are a race of largely female thieves who hail from the desert far to the west of Hyrule. They live in the [[Gerudo's Fortress]], nestled in the cliffs of [[Gerudo Valley]], where they guard the entrance to the desert. According to Gerudo lore, only one male Gerudo is born every century, and that single male is to become King of the Gerudo. It is hinted that the Gerudo take on relationships with Hylian men for reproductive purposes.<ref>{{cite|They say that Gerudos sometimes come to Hyrule Castle Town to look for boyfriends.|Gossip Stone|Ocarina of Time}}</ref> The Gerudo have a largely Arabesque appearance, even carrying scimitar-like swords for protection.
  
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'''Kokiri'''
  
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{{main|Kokiri}}
  
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The '''[[Kokiri]]''', a humanoid, child-like race, reside deep in the [[Kokiri Forest]] under the protection of the [[Great Deku Tree]]. With long lifespans and never aging,<ref>{{cite|That's because the Kokiri never grow up! Even after seven years, they're still kids!|Deku Sprout|Ocarina of Time}}</ref> these small beings are the dominant race of the forest and are the guardians of the [[Forest Temple]] deep in the [[Lost Woods]]. They have only ever appeared in Hyrule, making them unique to the land, unlike other races.
  
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'''Sheikah'''
  
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{{main|Sheikah}}
  
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The mysterious '''[[Sheikah]]''' are a race of ninja-like shadow warriors, said to be the guardians of the Royal Family of Hyrule.<ref>{{cite|They are the Sheikah...the shadows of the Hylians. They say they swore allegiance to the King of Hyrule and guarded the Royal Family.|Shikashi|Ocarina of Time}}</ref> They are said to have been the builders and founders of [[Kakariko Village]].<ref>{{cite|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!|A guard|Ocarina of Time}}</ref> Little definite information is known about this race, but speculation abounds as to their history and the reasons for their subsequent disappearance. The Sheikah have red-colored eyes but are otherwise a humanoid race of beings quite similar in appearance to Hylians and humans.
  
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'''Wind Tribe'''
  
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{{main|Wind Tribe}}
  
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The '''Wind Tribe''' are a race of humanoid beings who have magical powers strongly connected to the winds, as the guardians of the [[Wind Element]]. They were responsible for the construction of the [[Fortress of Winds]] in the [[Wind Ruins]] just south of [[Castor Wilds]] as well as the [[Palace of Winds]] and the [[Tower of Winds]] above Hyrule.{{fact}} They were said to have been the favorite tribe of [[Gustaf]], an ancient [[King of Hyrule]].{{fact}} After living in the marshlands of the Castor Wilds for a time, the Wind Tribe abandoned the Wind Ruins and the Fortress of Winds, leaving for the [[Cloud Tops]] and taking the Wind Element with them. In the Cloud Tops, they have made the Tower of Winds their home as well as the road to the Palace of Winds.
  
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====Non-Humanoid Hyruleans====
  
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'''Zoras'''
  
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{{main|Zora}}
  
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{{ImageCaption
  
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|image = File:TP Zora.png
  
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|size = 150px
  
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|align = right
  
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|caption = A Zora.
  
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|captionalign = center
  
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}}
  
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The '''Zoras''' are aquatic, amphibious creatures that inhabit the waters of the kingdom, and are found in different forms which differ greatly in appearance and behavior. [[River Zora]]s occupy the rivers and appear more fish-like and aggressive, and can spit fireballs at passers-by, whereas Sea Zoras seem to be more peaceful and appear to be a hybrid between human and fish. [[Zora’s Domain]] is home to much of the Zora race, and is the source of all of Hyrule’s water in most stories set in Hyrule. The Zoras are often ruled by a monarchy themselves, the Royal Family of the Zoras usually headed by [[King Zora]], though they also swear allegiance to the central Hyrulean government.<ref>{{cite|We Zoras all serve the great King Zora.|A Zora|Ocarina of Time}}</ref><ref name=kg>{{cite|The Zoras serve Hyrule's Royal Family by protecting this water source.|Kaepora Gaebora|Ocarina of Time}}</ref> They serve the Royal Family of Hyrule largely by guarding Hyrule’s water supply.<ref name=kg/>
  
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'''Gorons'''
  
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{{main|Goron}}
  
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The '''[[Goron]]s''' are a race of rock-consuming, golem-like creatures that inhabit the mountainous regions and rocky areas of Hyrule, largely [[Death Mountain]].<ref>{{cite|I am one of the Gorons, the stone-eating people who live on Death Mountain.|A Goron|Ocarina of Time}}</ref> They possess superhuman strength and the ability to curl up into a ball and roll at high speeds, and are completely heat-resistant, able to wade through lava for extended periods of time. They have formed an alliance with the Royal Family of Hyrule, answering to the central government headed by the [[King of Hyrule]].<ref name=darunia>{{cite|Has Darunia, the big boss of the Gorons, really lost so much status to be treated like this by his Sworn Brother, the King?|Darunia|Ocarina of Time}}</ref> However, in the day-to-day governing of their tribe, they live under a council of elders typically headed by a patriarch, such as [[Darunia]] or [[Darbus]].<ref name=darunia/><ref>{{cite|Because of certain...circumstances, I must lead the Goron tribe in place of Darbus, our tribal patriarch.|Gor Coron|Twilight Princess}}</ref>
  
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'''Deku'''
  
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{{main|Deku}}
  
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{{ImageCaption
  
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|image = File:Deku Scrub.png
  
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|size = 150px
  
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|align = right
  
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|caption = A Deku Scrub, one of the primary members of the Deku family.
  
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|captionalign = center
  
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}}
  
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Also inhabiting the forests of the kingdom are the plant-like race known as the '''Deku'''. The Deku of Hyrule are composed of the [[Deku Scrub]]s, which spit nuts as passersby or try to sell wares to those whom they meet. Typically these Deku Scrubs will live near a [[Deku Flower]], into which they can retreat. The Deku do not appear to have any allegiance to any form of government in Hyrule. The term "Deku" has referred to [[Great Deku Tree]], [[Deku Baba]], and many items related to the forest nature of the creatures.
  
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'''Zuna'''
  
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{{main|Zuna}}
  
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The '''[[Zuna]]''' are a race of desert-dwelling nomads featured so far only in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures|Four Swords Adventures]]'', where they inhabit the [[Desert of Doubt]] alongside the [[Gerudo]]. They are a race of green-skinned humanoid beings that are said to be descended from the ancient tribe that built the [[Pyramid]] and sealed the [[Trident|Trident of Power]] there.<ref>{{cite|We of the Zuna tribe live in this village. We may not look it now, but we are descended from the wise pyramid builders!|Zuna|Four Swords Adventures}}</ref> Outside of that, little is known of their race's origins or how they came to live in Hyrule. They live in a small village in the central part of the Desert of Doubt, in small huts with flowers atop their roofs.
  
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'''Minish'''
  
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{{main|Minish}}
  
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[[File:Forest minish.png|right|100px|An example of a Forest Minish.]]
  
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The '''Minish''' are a race of tiny beings who are largely responsible for [[Rupee]]s and countless objects such as [[Magic Jar]]s and [[Bomb]]s being hidden in the weeds, grass, and beneath the pots throughout Hyrule. They are said to be concerned with bringing happiness to humans.{{fact}} The Minish seemingly did not originate from Hyrule however, as their homeland is said to be the Minish Realm that is connected to Hyrule. The passageway connecting the two worlds, the Minish Door, opens only temporarily once a century to allow the Minish to traverse to or from Hyrule. Though they primarily live in the [[Minish Village]] deep in the [[Minish Woods]] of Hyrule, they are also scattered around Hyrule, such as in [[Hyrule Castle Town|Hyrule Town]], [[Castor Wilds]], and even up on [[Mount Crenel]].
  
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'''Oocca'''
  
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{{main|Oocca}}
  
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[[File:OOCCOO.jpg|thumb|right|100px|A grown and infant Oocca.]]
  
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The strange '''Oocca''' race inhabits the [[City in the Sky]], floating high above Hyrule. Only fragments of the Oocca's history have been revealed. They are said to be the creators of the [[Dominion Rod]] (known to their tribe as the "Rod of the Heavens"), a magical rod that possesses the power to infuse life into certain statues found scattered across Hyrule.<ref name=dr>{{cite|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.|Impaz|Twilight Princess}}</ref> They are hinted to have had a close connection to both the Royal Family of Hyrule and the [[Sheikah]], as they left the [[Ancient Sky Book]] to the Sheikah tribe upon departing for the City in the Sky.<ref>{{cite|From generation to generation, my ancestors have guarded the book that, by royal decree, was to be given to the messenger to the heavens.|Impaz|Twilight Princess}}</ref> The Oocca maintained relations with the Royal Family even after they left for the skies, by means of the "Messenger to the Heavens" who would carry the "Rod of the Heavens" and journey between the surface and the city by the [[Sky Cannon]].<ref name=dr/> The Oocca have mysteriously lost touch with the surface-dwellers of Hyrule and nobody has seen one in living memory, causing many to believe their existence to be a myth.
  
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{{clear}}
  
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===Animals===
  
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Aside from the following races, Hyrule's inhabitants include many familiar [[Animals|animals]] such as horses, cows, dogs, cats, and the like. The distinction between Animals and Beasts lies in the aggressiveness of the two. Hyrulean [[Enemies|beasts]] are very varied; the primary categorization used by the ''Legend of Zelda'' series' creators is the ones found in the Overworld and those of the Underworlds of Hyrule.
  
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==Theories==
  
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{{theory}}
  
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[[File:littlekingdom.png|right|thumb|Similarities between ''[[The Legend of Zelda (Game)|The Legend of Zelda]]'' 's map and the southwestern corner of ''[[Zelda II: The Adventure of Link|The Adventure of Link]]'' 's map]]
  
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*The manuals for ''[[The Legend of Zelda (Game)|The Legend of Zelda]]'' and ''[[Zelda II: The Adventure of Link|The Adventure of Link]]'' place the two games in a little kingdom in the land of Hyrule.<ref>{{cite manual|quote=A long, long time ago the World was in an age of Chaos. In the midst of this chaos, in a little kingdom in the land of Hyrule, a legend was being handed down from generation to generation, the legend of the "Triforce"; golden triangles possessing mystical powers.|game= The Legend of Zelda|page= 3}}</ref><ref>{{cite manual|quote=Meanwhile, Link remained in the little kingdom of Hyrule and lent his hand to its restoration. But the situation did not look very good.|game= The Adventure of Link|page= 4}}</ref> ''The Adventure of Link'' also mentions that there was a time when Hyrule was united under one kingdom.<ref>{{cite manual|quote=It is said that long ago, when Hyrule was one country, a great ruler maintained the peace in Hyrule using the Triforce.|game= The Adventure of Link|page= 6}}</ref> This indicates that the kingdom in which the events of the games unfold, is part of a greater geographical territory collectively known as Hyrule. There are also some evidence suggesting that the southwestern corner of ''The Adventure of Link'''s map is actually the area that Link is able to explore in the original game. Both territories contain a Death Mountain, Spectacle Rock, graveyard, twin ponds, sideways L-shaped forested area, mazelike forested area, and a eastern side that borders water. The overworld map of the [[Valiant Comics]] helps support this idea, though the comics themselves are universally considered [[Help:Glossary#A#Ambiguously Canon|ambiguously canonical]].
  
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*If one rotates the Light World map from ''A Link to the Past'' clockwise forty-five degrees, several landmarks end up roughly where they are located in the map for ''Ocarina of Time'' - with Hyrule Castle in the center of the map, Death Mountain is to the north-east, Zora's River to the south-east, Lake Hylia to the south, and the desert is to the west. The only major locations that don't match up are the Lost Woods and Kakariko Village, which move to where Hyrule Castle and Castle Town are on the ''Ocarina of Time'' map.
  
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==Gallery==
  
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<gallery>
  
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File:Death Mountain LoZ.jpg|Link looks over Hyrule, official art from ''[[The Legend of Zelda (Game)|The Legend of Zelda]]''.
  
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File:Legend of zelda overworld.png|Hyrule overworld from ''The Legend of Zelda''.
  
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File:Hyrule TAoL.png|Hyrule overworld map from ''[[Zelda II: The Adventure of Link|The Adventure of Link]]''.
  
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File:Hyrule AoL 1.gif|Artwork of the Hyrule map from ''The Adventure of Link''
  
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File:Hyrule-Map-LoZ.jpg|Map of Hyrule from the ''Legend of Zelda'' [[Valiant Comics]].
  
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File:Land of hyrule.jpg|Hyrule, official art from ''A Link to the Past''.
  
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File:Lightworldalttp.png|Light World Map from ''A Link to the Past''.
  
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File:Hyrule Light World map.png|The Light World map, as seen in ''A Link to the Past''
  
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File:Darkworldalttp.png|Dark World Map from ''A Link to the Past''.
  
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File:Dark World Map.png|The Dark World map, as seen in ''A Link to the Past''
  
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File:Hyrule Map OoT.jpg|The Hyrule map from ''Ocarina of Time''
  
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File:OOT3D Map of Hyrule.png|The Hyrule map from ''Ocarina of Time 3D''
  
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File:Opening 1.png|Hyrule as shown in the prologue of ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|The Wind Waker]]''
  
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File:Hyrule B and W.jpeg|Hyrule frozen in time, from ''The Wind Waker''.
  
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File:Hyrule-The Wind Waker.jpg|Hyrule from ''The Wind Waker''
  
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File:View of Hyrule From Atop Ganon's Tower.jpg|View of Hyrule from atop [[Ganon's Tower]] in ''The Wind Waker''.
  
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File:FS Overworld.png|The map of Hyrule from ''Four Swords''
  
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File:FSAHyruleMap.png|A map of Hyrule, as it appears in ''Four Swords Adventures''.
  
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File:Fsa map.png|A map of Hyrule from ''Four Swords Adventures''
  
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File:Hyrule Minish Cap.png|Map of Hyrule as featured in ''The Minish Cap''.
  
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File:800px-Hyrule (The Minish Cap).png|Hyrule, as seen in ''The Minish Cap''
  
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File:Hyrule TP Map.png|The Hyrule map from ''Twilight Princess''
  
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File:Hyrule Rail Map.png|Map of Hyrule as featured in ''Spirit Tracks''.
  
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File:Hyrule (ST).png|The map of Hyrule in ''Spirit Tracks''
  
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</gallery>
  
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{{Refbar}}
  
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==External Links==
  
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{{Wikipedia|Hyrule}}
  
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{{Names|English=|Japanese={{Exp|Hairaru|ハイラル}}|Spanish=|Spanish(LA)=|Spanish(SP)=|French=|French(CA)=| French(FR)=|German=|Italian=}}
  
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[[Category:Hyrule]]
  
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[[Category:Countries]]
  
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[[Category:Places]]
  
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[[Category:Places in Zelda II: The Adventure of Link]]
  
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[[Category:Places in The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past]]
  
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[[Category:Places in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time]]
  
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[[Category:Places in The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker]]
  
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[[Category:Places in The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap]]
  
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[[Category:Places in The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess]]
  
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[[Category:Places in The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks]]
  
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[[Category:Places in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword]]
  
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[[Category:Places in The Crystal Trap]]
  
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[[Category:Places in The Shadow Prince]]
  

Revision as of 00:19, 27 November 2016

Although The Legend of Zelda franchise remains as one of the most critically acclaimed gaming series, there have been some instances when a game, in one or another way, motivated scandals in media, as well as within the Zelda fanbase. Some reasons for this might include religious or content issues, radical changes that concern longtime fans, and opinions during interviews.

Religious content and censorship

  • A Link to the Past is known in the Japanese version as The Legend of Zelda: Triforce of the Gods (Zeruda no Densetsu: Kamigami no Toraifosu). During the SNES era, Nintendo of America had an active policy against religious references in video games (though the first two Zelda games had some anyway), so the title of the game was changed to A Link to the Past. The game also showed Egyptian characters read on the inscriptions to be translated by the Book of Mudora, but were changed to random symbols when the game was exported overseas.
  • Ocarina of Time, in the original Nintendo 64 version, had two major religious references: The Fire Temple's music sampled a group of men chanting Islamic prayer. This was removed from later versions of the game by Nintendo because of the religious association. The name of 'Allah' can clearly be heard at one point. Another Arabic allusion that was deciphered was "I bear witness that there is no god but Allah". It was replaced by a MIDI Synthesizer in later releases, ports, and remakes.
  • The second religious reference in Ocarina of Time was the Gerudo Symbol, which was far more widespread as it appeared as a motif on several elements through the game, including blocks, switches, and the Mirror Shield. This symbol was similar, but not identical, to the Star and crescent symbol that is prominent in the Islam, the Muslim community in general, and several national flags in Asia. Some of the differences between the two symbols include: The Islamic version has a 5-point star, while the Gerudo version has 4 points; the Islamic crescent faces to the right, and is not as "complete" or "closed" as the Gerudo one, which faces to the left; and many Islamic crescents have the star deeper in it, not at the edge like the Gerudo version does. In any case, due to the religious meaning of the symbol, Nintendo edited it out in all of its spots in the game, with a single exception. The newer Gerudo Symbol has since been a staple in modern revisions of Ocarina of Time.
  • Another Ocarina of Time issue revolved around Ganondorf's blood. In the original version, after his defeat at the top of his lair, he vomited red blood; after Link stabs the Master Sword in his forehead, blood drops shed as well. In later versions, the color of the blood was changed to green.

Controversial changes within the games

  • The Adventure of Link, being the second installment in the Zelda series, was expected to retain the core elements of its predecessor, while still adding new ones. Instead, the game changed the gameplay completely, using elements of RPG and platform games, such as experience, jumps, life system, etc. For these reasons, the game is regarded as the black sheep of the series, and has remained one of the most polarizing and divisive entries so far.
  • Before The Wind Waker was revealed, it was believed that the game's visual style would be similar, or even superior, to the SpaceWorld 2000 GameCube Tech Demo that showed a fight between Link and Ganondorf in a dark chamber. However, the demo was never meant to showcase an actual game, and The Wind Waker was instead conceived with cel-shading graphics. The fan reaction was heavily mixed and, prior to the game's release and eventual critical acclaim, it was said that it would affect the series' reputation.
  • Spirit Tracks was first revealed during the Game Developer's Conference in March 2009. When it was revealed that the game would evolve around train transportation, there were fan concerns about the seemingly high rate of technological advances in Hyrule, despite them taking place as early as in Link's Awakening. Another concern was related to the restrictive nature of exploring the overworld with a train, compared to navigating through it on foot or with a more traditional means of transportation.
  • Breath of the Wild has received controversy around the art style of the game shown at E3 2014 as it differed from the Zelda HD Experience tech demo shown at E3 2011. Unlike The Wind Waker, the backlash was no where near as large as it was when the art style from The Wind Waker contrasted SpaceWorld 2000 GameCube Tech Demo. For the most part fans were pleased with the art style, but a fair amount were disappointed.[1] Similar to Spirit Tracks, controversy surrounding Zelda's setting and genre changing arose. At E3 2014, an octopus-like machine was firing beams at Link while he used a seemingly high tech bow and arrow to defend himself. This left some fans wondering if the genre of the series would still remain medieval fantasy. Eiji Aonuma confirmed that Zelda Wii U will not be more futuristic than previous games.[2]
  • Despite Mario Kart 8 not being related to The Legend of Zelda series, Eiji Aonuma stated that he had interest in seeing the Master Cycle in core Zelda games. Fans interpreted this as Aonuma foreseeing future Zelda games becoming high tech or steampunk. Some fans welcomed the idea, while others were unhappy because they wanted the series to remain a medieval fantasy.[3]

Developer comments and demonstrations

  • In a 2009 conference in Spain, Eiji Aonuma had commented that Ocarina of Time hadn't aged very well, claiming that it had a slower presentation and outdated graphics, and that the subsequent games in the series were technically superior. This caused controversy among longtime fans of the series, who started arguing whether or not he was right. This was compounded by the fact that, in a previous 2008 interview with Nintendo Power, he had stated that he would keep working on the series until surpassing the aforementioned game.
  • When Skyward Sword was revealed in E3 2010, Shigeru Miyamoto made a public demonstration of it during the conference. However, due to wireless interference, the controls didn't respond very well, making Miyamoto realize unintended commands in the game. Though the journalists later managed to play the game better on the demo floor, the previous incident had arisen concerns regarding the effectiveness of using motion controls to play the game to the point that some fans asked for traditional controls instead, which has affected the expectations since.

Longtime community debates

  • Sheik's gender. Due to the character's masculine appearance in Ocarina of Time, as well as Princess Ruto referring to "him" as a male person, it was thought by fans that Princess Zelda had undergone a gender change while hiding from Ganondorf during the seven-year skip. Even after Super Smash Bros. Melee and Super Smash Bros. Brawl referred to the character as female (despite the games not being considered canon in the first place), and Ocarina of Time 3D provided Sheik with a more feminine body, fans still debate over the character being male or female.
  • Voice acting. After Twilight Princess was revealed without full character speech, fans started debating whether future games should have voice acting. Detractors often cite the Phillips CD-i games as a reason not to feature this element in the games. Breath of the Wild will be the first in the series to feature significant voice acting[4].

References

  1. ↑ Template:Cite web
  2. ↑ Template:Cite web
  3. ↑ Template:Cite web
  4. ↑ Template:Cite web
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