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==Gallery==
 
==Gallery==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
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File:Hylian Shield OO Beta1.png|The first beta version of Hylian Shield, it looked more like the shield from ''Link's Awakening''.
  +
File:Hylian Shield OO Beta2.png|The second beta version of Hylian Shield.
 
File:Hylian Shield OoT.png|The Hylian Shield, as seen in ''Ocarina of Time''
 
File:Hylian Shield OoT.png|The Hylian Shield, as seen in ''Ocarina of Time''
 
File:Hylian Shields.png|The Hylian Shields from ''Ocarina of Time'' and ''Twilight Princess'' and the Hero's Shield from ''Majora's Mask''.
 
File:Hylian Shields.png|The Hylian Shields from ''Ocarina of Time'' and ''Twilight Princess'' and the Hero's Shield from ''Majora's Mask''.

Revision as of 05:45, 26 July 2011

[[File:File:Hylian Shield.png.png|20x20px]] [[|]] The Hylian Shield is the traditional shield of the Knights of Hyrule[1] and a shield commonly used by Link in the 3D Zelda games. Unlike Wooden Shields, the Hylian Shield will not burn upon contact with fire.[2][3] Throughout the Zelda games, the Hylian Shield has changed little in terms of overall appearance, always bearing the symbol of the Triforce and, beneath it, the Hylian Crest.

Ocarina of Time

In Ocarina of Time, the Hylian Shield can either be purchased or found by Young Link. Emblazoned with Hylian artwork, complete with an eagle and the Triforce, the Hylian shield is much too large for young Link to wield on his arm and functions more like a turtle's shell.[4] After his seven year sleep, Link became able to use it as his standard shield.

The Hylian Shield becomes almost necessary to survive a visit to the Great Fairy in Death Mountain, as child Link's 'turtle shell' use of the shield protects from recurrent flaming rock eruptions. It is also not prone to the risk of being burnt by particular fire-borne enemies, such as the Fire Keese.[5] However, the shield can be lost by the shield-eating Like Likes if Link is swallowed by one.[6] Child Link's use of the shield does not provide as much adequate protection from the front as the Deku Shield (and the Hylian Shield as an adult) and is similarly unable to reflect Deku Scrub and Octorok attacks, but it can defend Link from the stones that rain from Death Mountain. It is worth noting that the guard at the gates of Kakariko Village (leading to Death Mountain) can offer Link a discount in correspondence with the owner of the Bazaar in Hyrule Castle Town.[7] If Link speaks to the guard and then attempts to purchase the shield at normal price at the Bazaar in the Market, the shop owner will give Link the discount.[8] A free shield can be found if Link opens a certain grave at night in the Kakariko Village Graveyard.

The pedestal on which the avian is perched on is often seen to be the "missing fourth piece" of the Triforce, combined known as the Tetraforce, that completes the triangle. No point in the series has the existence of a fourth piece ever been mentioned, however. This inverted triangle was presumably removed to dismiss the confusion of its such existence.

Twilight Princess

In Twilight Princess, the Hylian Shield becomes available before entering the Goron Mines in the newly established Malo Mart.[9] It can also be bought (for a higher price) from a Goron in Castle Town.[10] Its appearance is largely similar to its Ocarina of Time incarnation, with some minor design changes. It looks more weathered than before due to prolonged use over time. The metal frame is thinner now, and the numerous rivets are replaced by three large bolts. The Triforce symbol has become smaller, now with metal framing it. In contrast, the Hylian eagle is noticeably bigger and takes up the entire bottom half of the shield. The inverted triangle at the bottom has been removed and two metal decals take its place.

Skyward Sword

The Hylian Shield will also make an appearance in the upcoming Wii game Skyward Sword, with a design largely similar to that of Twilight Princess, albeit with brighter colors more akin to the original Ocarina of Time design. The shield is controlled by using the Nunchuck: by quickly thrusting the nunchuck forward, Link will raise his shield and use it to defend himself against enemy attacks.

Similar shields

While not actually identified as a "Hylian Shield", there are various shields in other games that bear a striking resemblance to it.

A Link to the Past

While none of the sprites in-game are detailed enough to show the actual shield design, official art for both the Super Nintendo and Game Boy Advance versions of A Link to the Past depict a shield with similar qualities to the Hylian Shield.

The Triforce symbol is at the top, surrounded by two inverted triangles. Beneath it is a large bejeweled golden bird.

A shield similar to this one also appears in Link's Awakening.

Majora's Mask

Majora's Mask - Hero Shield

In Majora's Mask, Link starts off with a shield called the Hero's Shield. The shield has many of the Hylian Shield's features, including the red Hylian eagle, the blue base, the Triforce, and the metal decals. However, the Hero's Shield features a simplified and abstract style in comparison. The bird's head is more hunched, and the shape cannot be seen, but its face is visible. Its wings are also much larger than its body, and point down. The Triforce has moved from above the bird to below it, greatly decreased in size.

This shield also appeared in the SpaceWorld 2001 tech demo for the Nintendo GameCube. Strangely enough, it is the older incarnation of Link that is wielding it.

The Wind Waker

Shield

The Wind Waker also has a shield dubbed the Hero's Shield. Its design is even more simplistic than the Majora's Mask version. The shield is predominantly brown now as opposed to the usual blue. The Triforce is in the very center of the shield. There are long swirls surrounding it as well as three bolts at its corners. A winged creature with horns replaces the bird, but unlike the Majora's Mask version, it faces up, wings spread out like the original Hylian Shield.

Non-canon apperances

Super Smash Bros. Series

Template:Smashwiki Link's older incarnation has appeared in all three Super Smash Bros. games to date, and has wielded the Hylian Shield and Master Sword in each game. In Super Smash Bros., the shield is identical to the one Link wields in Ocarina of Time. In Super Smash Bros. Melee, he has an updated version of the Ocarina of Time shield, which remains largely the same. One notable difference is that it takes on a noticeably purple hue, rather than blue. In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Link's Hylian Shield is the one found in Twilight Princess. When standing still, it can deflect projectiles, like arrows or bullets.

The Hylian Shield appears as a collectible sticker in Brawl.

Name Image Artwork from Effect in The Subspace Emissary Usable by
Hylian Shield File:Hylian Shield Sticker.png Twilight Princess [Slash] - Resistance +10 This sticker is usable by Link, Zelda, Ganondorf, and Toon Link

Soulcalibur II

In Soulcalibur II, the Hylian Shield also appears as Link's default weapon, along with the Master Sword. It is his most balanced weapon in the game.[11] The Hylian Shield is also paired off with other weapons such as the Biggoron's Sword, Razor Sword, the Great Fairy's Sword, and the Bug-Catching Net.

Image Cost Attributes In-game Description
File:Master Sword (SCII).png
Free
Well-balanced
A magic sword and shield that have accompanied Link on many adventures and helped him repeatedly save the land of Hyrule. This journey is no less dire, and Link once again goes into battle equipped with these items, this time in another world. These are well-balanced arms for Link.

Gallery

Template:Refbar

TMC Forest Minish Artwork Names in Other Regions TMC Jabber Nut Sprite
Language Name

Template:Shields

  1. "This is a big, heavy shield just like the ones Hylian Knights use. It can stand up to flame attacks!" — Bazaar Owner (Ocarina of Time)
  2. "Hylian Shield A shield with a Hylian crest. Defend against attacks with Z. It's metal and will never burn." — N/A (Twilight Princess)
  3. "You got the Hylian shield! Press Z to defend yourself. It's metal and will never burn." — N/A (Twilight Princess)
  4. "My current hot seller is the Hylian Shield, but it might be too big for you, kid." — Bazaar Owner (Ocarina of Time)
  5. "Fire Keese Destroy it before it flies into you! If you don't, its flames will burn up your Deku Shield!" — Navi (Ocarina of Time)
  6. "Like Like An enemy that eats shields and certain clothes. Beat it quickly to get your gear back!" — Navi (Ocarina of Time)
  7. "By the way, Mr. Hero... If you're going to climb Death Mountain, you should equip a proper shield! It is an active volcano, after all! If you go back to Hyrule Castle Town Market, you should check out the Bazaar. They sell the shield you need there. Tell 'em I sent you and they should give you a special discount!" — Guard (Ocarina of Time)
  8. "You heard about us from the guard at Death Mountain gate? Well, I have to give you a good deal then!" — Bazaar Owner (Ocarina of Time)
  9. "Hylian Shield: 200 Rupees LIMITED SUPPLY! Don't let them sell out before you buy one!" — Malo (Twilight Princess)
  10. "I cannot sell it for as low a price as you might get in Kakariko Village, but for you, I can still make a decent bargain, Brother. Would you want a Hylian shield for 210 Rupees?" — Castle Town Goron (Twilight Princess)
  11. "A magic sword and shield that have accompanied Link on many adventures and helped him repeatedly save the land of Hyrule. This journey is no less dire, and Link once again goes into battle equipped with these items, this time in another world. These are well-balanced arms for Link." — Weapon description (Soulcalibur II)