Bonus Lesson: Hyrule
Welcome back students! I see that you are brave enough to travel to the last land of the course! Well, let me tell you that today, bravery is, indeed, what you will need the most, since we will explore a world filled with adventures but also dangers! Do you see that weird electronic devise on my desk? It is a muggle artifact called television! And that little devise below is a video game console! Using both machines and a little bit of magic we will enter the T.V. and into the fantastic world of Hyrule!! Who knows? At the end of the day you may become the new Hero or Heroine of Time!! Welcome!!!
Creation of Hyrule
Hyrule is a magical kingdom that is the main setting for The Legend of Zelda games. For the purposes of this lesson, we will explore Hyrule as seen in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time game for the Nintendo 64 console.
Hyrule is usually depicted as a vast and prosperous land, with all kind of landscapes, including forests, mountains, lakes, deserts, villages, and cities. It is definitely a beautiful place to live, however, it is also constantly being attacked by enemies and dangerous creatures due to the legend of its creation.
Everything started when the three Golden Goddesses: Din, Farore, and Nayru, descended upon Hyrule (which was a chaotic place!) and created the world. As explained by The Great Deku Tree, Din “with her strong flaming arms, cultivated the land and created the red earth”, forming the terrain of Hyrule. Farore, “with her rich soul, created all living inhabitants in the world to uphold the law”, meaning she created life and creatures to live in Hyrule. Finally, Nayru, “poured her wisdom onto the earth and gave the spirit of law to the world”, so she created the laws that would keep the world in order.
When the Goddesses finished their work, they returned to heavens, leaving behind the Triforce in the Temple of Light in a place called The Sacred Realm. The Triforce is a sacred relic that will grant any wish of the one who finds it. It is depicted as three golden triangles that represent the three goddesses and their three qualities: Power, Courage and Wisdom. Din is associated with the Triforce of Power, Farore with the Triforce of Courage, and Nayru with the Triforce of Wisdom. The one who finds the Triforce will, either bring complete prosperity to the world, or complete destruction.
Hyrule is usually depicted as a vast and prosperous land, with all kind of landscapes, including forests, mountains, lakes, deserts, villages, and cities. It is definitely a beautiful place to live, however, it is also constantly being attacked by enemies and dangerous creatures due to the legend of its creation.
Everything started when the three Golden Goddesses: Din, Farore, and Nayru, descended upon Hyrule (which was a chaotic place!) and created the world. As explained by The Great Deku Tree, Din “with her strong flaming arms, cultivated the land and created the red earth”, forming the terrain of Hyrule. Farore, “with her rich soul, created all living inhabitants in the world to uphold the law”, meaning she created life and creatures to live in Hyrule. Finally, Nayru, “poured her wisdom onto the earth and gave the spirit of law to the world”, so she created the laws that would keep the world in order.
When the Goddesses finished their work, they returned to heavens, leaving behind the Triforce in the Temple of Light in a place called The Sacred Realm. The Triforce is a sacred relic that will grant any wish of the one who finds it. It is depicted as three golden triangles that represent the three goddesses and their three qualities: Power, Courage and Wisdom. Din is associated with the Triforce of Power, Farore with the Triforce of Courage, and Nayru with the Triforce of Wisdom. The one who finds the Triforce will, either bring complete prosperity to the world, or complete destruction.
The Legend Begins
As you may have expected, this magical and powerful relic tempted ambitious people who only wanted to find it and use it for their own whims and purposes. One of those people was Ganondorf, the Gerudo King from the desert in Hyrule.
Zelda, Princess of Hyrule, knowing of Ganondorf’s evil intentions, asked a young boy named Link to find the three spiritual stones: Kokiri’s Emerald, Goron’s Ruby, and Zora’s Sapphire, that would open the Door of Time and enter the Sacred Realm and protect the Triforce from Ganondorf’s hands.
After Link finished his quest, he returns to Hyrule Castle in order to meet Princess Zelda, only to find out that she is running away with her caretaker Impa. Before leaving, Zelda throws the Ocarina of Time at Link so he, along with the Spiritual Stones, can open the Door of Time and enter the Sacred Realm.
In an episode of Hyrule’s history known as The Great Cataclysm, when Link removes the Master Sword, he is transported to the Sacred Realm, but unfortunately, Ganondorf follows behind and enters as well. He finds the Triforce and asks his dark wish of ruling Hyrule. However, things don’t work out as he had expected, and because Ganondorf wasn’t balanced in the qualities of power, courage, and wisdom, the Triforce splits into three pieces. The Triforce of Power remains with Ganondorf (the quality he valued the most), while the Triforce of Wisdom was given to Princess Zelda and the Triforce of Courage to Link, who were chosen by fate.
Despite this turn of events, Ganondorf uses the power of the Triforce he was given and steals the throne of Hyrule, crowning himself as the “King of Evil”. His evil rule is dooming Hyrule, and now this land is in desperate need of help! Seven years later, Link, who was sealed in the Sacred Realm because he was too young, awakens as the Hero of Time! After Rauru, one of the Sages, tells Link about Hyrule’s current situation, Link is given the task to awake the remaining Six Sages and defeat Ganondorf. But how everything ends will be your job to find after you play the game!!
Zelda, Princess of Hyrule, knowing of Ganondorf’s evil intentions, asked a young boy named Link to find the three spiritual stones: Kokiri’s Emerald, Goron’s Ruby, and Zora’s Sapphire, that would open the Door of Time and enter the Sacred Realm and protect the Triforce from Ganondorf’s hands.
After Link finished his quest, he returns to Hyrule Castle in order to meet Princess Zelda, only to find out that she is running away with her caretaker Impa. Before leaving, Zelda throws the Ocarina of Time at Link so he, along with the Spiritual Stones, can open the Door of Time and enter the Sacred Realm.
In an episode of Hyrule’s history known as The Great Cataclysm, when Link removes the Master Sword, he is transported to the Sacred Realm, but unfortunately, Ganondorf follows behind and enters as well. He finds the Triforce and asks his dark wish of ruling Hyrule. However, things don’t work out as he had expected, and because Ganondorf wasn’t balanced in the qualities of power, courage, and wisdom, the Triforce splits into three pieces. The Triforce of Power remains with Ganondorf (the quality he valued the most), while the Triforce of Wisdom was given to Princess Zelda and the Triforce of Courage to Link, who were chosen by fate.
Despite this turn of events, Ganondorf uses the power of the Triforce he was given and steals the throne of Hyrule, crowning himself as the “King of Evil”. His evil rule is dooming Hyrule, and now this land is in desperate need of help! Seven years later, Link, who was sealed in the Sacred Realm because he was too young, awakens as the Hero of Time! After Rauru, one of the Sages, tells Link about Hyrule’s current situation, Link is given the task to awake the remaining Six Sages and defeat Ganondorf. But how everything ends will be your job to find after you play the game!!
Inhabitants in Hyrule
- Hylian: They are the dominant race of Hyrule, and physically they look like us, humans, quite a lot, but they have pointed ears, which they use to receive special messages from the gods, and also to send telepathic messages to other Hylians. They tend to live in large cities and towns like Hyrule Castle Town, Kakariko Village, or Lon Lon Ranch. Notable Hylians are Princess Zelda, and Link.
- Gerudo: This is a race of female thives. They live in the western desert of Hyrule in the Gerudo Fortress, which is located in Gerudo Valley. They have an arabesque look, brown skin, yellow eyes, and red hair. They are brave warriors who are feared and respected. One particular trait of this race is that only one male is born every 100 years. Notable Gerudos are Ganondorf, the witches Koume and Kotake, and Nabooru.
- Kokiri: The Kokiri is a child-like race that lives in Kokiri Forest, and is protected by the Great Deku Tree. The Kokiri are always accompanied by a fairy, who watches over them. The Kokiri also use these fairies to communicate through the distance. They dress in green clothes. They never age, so they always look like children. They never leave the forest either because they believe they will die if they do so, however, this is story is most likely told only to prevent them from going out and protect them from the monsters found in Hyrule. Notable Kokiris are: Saria and Mido.
- Sheikah: They are ninja shadow warriors, and are the guardians of the Royal Family of Hyrule. They look like Hylians and have red-colored eyes. Not much is known about them because they are mysterious and secretive tribe with magical abilities. They are the founders of Kakariko Village. They are the creators of the Mask of Truth, which allows Link to communicate with the Gossip Stones, and also of the Lens of Truth, which allows Link to see invisible things. A notable Sheikah is Impa.
- Zora: The Zoras are an aquatic race that inhabits, of course, the waters of the kingdom. They are amphibious like creatures, with white-blue skin and brown/red eyes. They have fins attached to their hands and a tail at the back of their heads. Their patron deity is Lord Jabu-Jabu.They live in Zora’s Domain and they guard all of Hyrule’s water supply. Notable Zoras are King Zora and Princess Ruto.
- Goron: The Gorons are rock creatures that inhabit the mountains of Hyrule. They are very strong and have the ability to curl up into a ball and roll at high speeds. Their body is also heat resistant. Among them they are very friendly and call each other “Brothers”, but they don’t trust strangers very easily. They are known to be skilled smiths, and harvest bombs from Bomb Flowers, calling them their Goron’s Special Crop. They live in Death Mountain. Notable Gorons are: Medigoron, Biggoron, and Darunia.
- Deku: The Dekus are plant-like creatures who, like the Kokiri, inhabit the forests of Hyrule. Do not let their small size fool you, because these Dekus are wild and violent, and will surely attack you with their nuts! If you come closer they will hide in their Deku Flower. The Dekus do not have any form of government or allegiance with Hyrule, like I told you, this things are just wild and untamed!
Places to Visit
* Hyrule Field: An immense piece of land that connects and branches with other regions in Hyrule.
* Hyrule Castle Town: Also known as City of Hyrule, this place serves as the economical and cultural center of Hyrule, and it is located outside of Hyrule Castle. In here you will find a Market with many businesses like the Bazaar, Bombchu Bowling Alley, Shooting Gallery, and The Happy Mask Shop. In here you will also find the Temple of Time.
* Hyrule Castle: This is the home of the Royal Family of Hyrule, and it is heavily guarded by soldiers. When Ganondorf took power, Hyrule Castle was replaced with Ganon’s Castle.
* Temple of Time: Located in Hyrule Castle Town, this temple is a sacred place where the gateway between Hyrule and the Sacred Realm can be found. When the three spiritual stones are collected, the Door of Time opens and you will access the Chamber of the Master Sword. The Temple of Time was built by the Sages in order to protect the Sacred Realm and the Triforce from evil.
* Lon Lon Ranch: This Ranch is owned by Talon and his daughter Malon. Also, Ingo works with them. They raise horses, cows and hens (cuccos). Their cows produce very nutritious milk. In here, Link receives his horse Epona.
* Kakariko Village: This village was built by the Sheikahs and it was given to the poor Hylians who couldn’t afford living in Hyrule Castle Town. In here you will find the Windmill that draws water to the Well of Three Features, which is the main source of water for the villagers. Over there you will see the House of Skultulla, enter at your own risk!
* Graveyard: Located in Kakariko Village, this graveyard homes 21 graves. The gravekeeper is called Dampé. In here you will find the Royal Family’s Tomb, and the Shadow Temple.
* Death Mountain: The highest point in Hyrule, Death Mountain serves as the homeland of the Gorons. The entry to Death Mountain tends to be restricted, so if you want to enter you need to receive permission from The Royal Family of Hyrule. In here you will find Death Mountain Crater which homes the Fire Temple, and Death Mountain Trail, which homes Dodongo’s Cavern. Another place of interest is Goron City.
* Goron City: Located in Death Mountain, this is where the Gorons live and it is ruled by its chief Darunia. In here you can find a secret entrance to The Lost Woods.
* Zora’s Domain: The waters of Zora’s Domain form the Zora’s River. This domain is located behind the Sleepless Waterfall, and you will only pass this waterfall if you play the song of the Royal Family (Zelda’s Lullaby). In here the Zoras live.
* Zora’s Fountain: Located in Zora’s Domain, Zora’s Fountain is where Lord Jabu-Jabu, the patron deity of the Zoras, resides. The water of Zora’s Fountain flows through Zora’s Domain, Zora’s River, the Sleeples Waterfall and Lake Hylia, hence why it is considered the primary source of water for all of Hyrule. In here you will also find the Ice Cavern.
* Lake Hylia: This is the largest body of water in Hyrule. There are numerous small islands that are linked by bridges. If you want to have some fun, you can visit the Fishing Pond, or if you want to see some interesting stuff you can visit the Lakeside Laboratory. In Lake Hylia you will also find the entrance to the Water Temple.
* Gerudo Valley: Located in the western desert of Hyrule, in here you will find Gerudo’s Fortress, where the Gerudo thieves live.
* Gerudo Fortress: Also known as Thieves’ Hideout, this is where the Gerudos live. Once you befriend them, you will gain access to their Training Ground and to their Horseback Archery Range. These places are helpful because they will train you and develop your skills.
* Haunted Wasteland: A dangerous place filled with sand, sand traps and sand storms. Guarded by the Gerudo Fortress, Haunted Wasteland is the path to reach Desert Colossus. In order to do that you have to follow a Phantom Guide.
* Desert Colossus: You will find this desert after successfully crossing Haunted Wasteland. In here you will find an oasis and a giant statue of the Gerudo Goddess of the Sand, which is actually the entrance to the Spirit Temple.
* Kokiri Forest: This beautiful forest is where the Kokiris live, and it is Link’s hometown. This is a peaceful place that is guarded by the Great Deku Tree. The Kokiri believe that they will meet sudden death if they leave the forest, so they never do it. In here you can find the entrance to the Lost Woods.
* Lost Woods: Getting lost in here is very easy and common! These woods are more like a maze filled with tunnels that will confuse you! If you successfully explore the Lost Woods you will find the Sacred Forest Meadow.
* Sacred Forest Meadow: Located deep inside the Lost Woods, this is Saria’s favorite place and also the entrance to Forest Temple is found.
* Hyrule Castle Town: Also known as City of Hyrule, this place serves as the economical and cultural center of Hyrule, and it is located outside of Hyrule Castle. In here you will find a Market with many businesses like the Bazaar, Bombchu Bowling Alley, Shooting Gallery, and The Happy Mask Shop. In here you will also find the Temple of Time.
* Hyrule Castle: This is the home of the Royal Family of Hyrule, and it is heavily guarded by soldiers. When Ganondorf took power, Hyrule Castle was replaced with Ganon’s Castle.
* Temple of Time: Located in Hyrule Castle Town, this temple is a sacred place where the gateway between Hyrule and the Sacred Realm can be found. When the three spiritual stones are collected, the Door of Time opens and you will access the Chamber of the Master Sword. The Temple of Time was built by the Sages in order to protect the Sacred Realm and the Triforce from evil.
* Lon Lon Ranch: This Ranch is owned by Talon and his daughter Malon. Also, Ingo works with them. They raise horses, cows and hens (cuccos). Their cows produce very nutritious milk. In here, Link receives his horse Epona.
* Kakariko Village: This village was built by the Sheikahs and it was given to the poor Hylians who couldn’t afford living in Hyrule Castle Town. In here you will find the Windmill that draws water to the Well of Three Features, which is the main source of water for the villagers. Over there you will see the House of Skultulla, enter at your own risk!
* Graveyard: Located in Kakariko Village, this graveyard homes 21 graves. The gravekeeper is called Dampé. In here you will find the Royal Family’s Tomb, and the Shadow Temple.
* Death Mountain: The highest point in Hyrule, Death Mountain serves as the homeland of the Gorons. The entry to Death Mountain tends to be restricted, so if you want to enter you need to receive permission from The Royal Family of Hyrule. In here you will find Death Mountain Crater which homes the Fire Temple, and Death Mountain Trail, which homes Dodongo’s Cavern. Another place of interest is Goron City.
* Goron City: Located in Death Mountain, this is where the Gorons live and it is ruled by its chief Darunia. In here you can find a secret entrance to The Lost Woods.
* Zora’s Domain: The waters of Zora’s Domain form the Zora’s River. This domain is located behind the Sleepless Waterfall, and you will only pass this waterfall if you play the song of the Royal Family (Zelda’s Lullaby). In here the Zoras live.
* Zora’s Fountain: Located in Zora’s Domain, Zora’s Fountain is where Lord Jabu-Jabu, the patron deity of the Zoras, resides. The water of Zora’s Fountain flows through Zora’s Domain, Zora’s River, the Sleeples Waterfall and Lake Hylia, hence why it is considered the primary source of water for all of Hyrule. In here you will also find the Ice Cavern.
* Lake Hylia: This is the largest body of water in Hyrule. There are numerous small islands that are linked by bridges. If you want to have some fun, you can visit the Fishing Pond, or if you want to see some interesting stuff you can visit the Lakeside Laboratory. In Lake Hylia you will also find the entrance to the Water Temple.
* Gerudo Valley: Located in the western desert of Hyrule, in here you will find Gerudo’s Fortress, where the Gerudo thieves live.
* Gerudo Fortress: Also known as Thieves’ Hideout, this is where the Gerudos live. Once you befriend them, you will gain access to their Training Ground and to their Horseback Archery Range. These places are helpful because they will train you and develop your skills.
* Haunted Wasteland: A dangerous place filled with sand, sand traps and sand storms. Guarded by the Gerudo Fortress, Haunted Wasteland is the path to reach Desert Colossus. In order to do that you have to follow a Phantom Guide.
* Desert Colossus: You will find this desert after successfully crossing Haunted Wasteland. In here you will find an oasis and a giant statue of the Gerudo Goddess of the Sand, which is actually the entrance to the Spirit Temple.
* Kokiri Forest: This beautiful forest is where the Kokiris live, and it is Link’s hometown. This is a peaceful place that is guarded by the Great Deku Tree. The Kokiri believe that they will meet sudden death if they leave the forest, so they never do it. In here you can find the entrance to the Lost Woods.
* Lost Woods: Getting lost in here is very easy and common! These woods are more like a maze filled with tunnels that will confuse you! If you successfully explore the Lost Woods you will find the Sacred Forest Meadow.
* Sacred Forest Meadow: Located deep inside the Lost Woods, this is Saria’s favorite place and also the entrance to Forest Temple is found.
Dungeons and Temples
Now the adventure begins! In order to wrap up this lesson, you brave students must accompany me into this dangerous but exciting dungeons that will test your courage and skills!
* Great Deku Tree: When the Great Deku Tree refuses to give the Spiritual Stone he is guarding to Ganondorf, he casts a death curse upon him.
- Location: Kokiri Forest
- Element: Forest Dungeon
- Main Item: Fairy Slingshot
- Boss: Queen Gohma (Parasitic Armored Arachnid)
- Reward: Kokiri’s Emerald
* Dodongo’s Cavern: This cavern was the primary source of food for the Gorons, however, when Darunia refuses to give Ganondorf the Spiritual Stone he is guarding, he blocks the entrance with a boulder in order to weak the Gorons.
- Location: Death Mountain
- Element: Fire and Earth Dungeon
- Main Item: Bomb Bag
- Mini-Boss: Lizalfos
- Boss: King Dodongo (Infernal Dinosaur)
- Reward: Goron’s Ruby
* Inside Jabu-Jabu’s Belly: Trouble begins after Lord Jabu-Jabu swallows Princess Ruto when she was feeding him. Now we have to enter his belly in order to rescue her!
- Location: Zora’s Fountain
- Element: Water and Electric Dungeon
- Main Item: Boomerang
- Mini-Boss: Big Octo
- Boss: Barinade (Bio-electric Anemone)
- Reward: Zora’s Sapphire
* Ice Cavern: This Mini-Dungeon is a prerequisite for the Water Temple. It is a frozen cave.
- Location: Zora’s Fountain
- Element: Ice Dungeon
- Main Item: Iron Boots
- Mini-Boss: White Wolfos
- Reward: Serenade of Water learned
* Bottom of the Well: This is a Mini-Dungeon located below the Well of Three Features.
Location: Kakariko Village
Element: Shadow Dungeon
Main Item: Lens of Truth
Mini-Boss: Dead Hand
Reward: Lens of Truth
Location: Kakariko Village
Element: Shadow Dungeon
Main Item: Lens of Truth
Mini-Boss: Dead Hand
Reward: Lens of Truth
* Forest Temple: Large labyrinth with complex puzzles. The Poe Sisters steal the colored flames from four golden torches, sealing the way to the boss’ chamber. Obtaining the Hookshot from the Kakariko Graveyard is a prerequisite.
- Location: Sacred Forest Meadow
- Element: Forest and Shadow Dungeon
- Main Item: Fairy Bow
- Ocarina Song: Minuet of Forest
- Mini-Boss: Poe Sisters
- Boss: Phantom Ganon (Evil Spirit from Beyond)
- Reward: Forest Medallion
- Sage: Saria
* Fire Temple: Built by the Gorons as a place of worship to the Fire Spirits, in this dungeon you need the Goron Tunic in order to survive the extreme heat. The Gorons need to be rescued before Ganondorf use them to feed the boss of the temple.
- Location: Death Mountain Crater
- Element: Fire and Earth Dungeon
- Main Item: Megaton Hammer
- Ocarina Song: Bolero of Fire
- Mini-Boss: Flare Dancer
- Boss: Volvagia (Subterranean Lava Dragon)
- Reward: Fire Medallion
- Sage: Darunia
* Water Temple: It was built by the Zora to pay homage to water spirits. It is considered the most difficult temple because of the water levels. The Iron Boots and Zora Tunic are required, the latter allowing Link to breathe under water.
- Location: Lake Hylia
- Element: Water Dungeon
- Main Item: Longshot
- Ocarina Song: Serenade of Water
- Mini-Boss: Dark Link
- Boss: Morpha (Giant Aquatic Amoeba)
- Reward: Water Medallion
- Sage: Princess Ruto
* Shadow Temple: Considered one of the scariest dungeons. It is filled with invisible enemies, hence why the Lens of Truth is needed.
- Location: Kakariko Graveyard
- Element: Shadow and Wind Dungeon
- Main Item: Hover Boots
- Ocarina Song: Nocturne of Shadow
- Mini-Boss: Dead Hand
- Boss: Bongo Bongo (Phantom Shadow Beast)
- Reward: Shadow Medallion
- Sage: Impa
* Spirit Temple: This was constructed by the Gerudo and it served as their headquarters. Link needs to be adult and child in order to complete this dungeon.
- Location: Desert Colossus
- Element: Desert and Light Dungeon
- Main Item: Silver Gauntlets and Mirror Shield
- Ocarina Song: Requiem of Spirit
- Mini-Boss: Iron Knuckle
- Boss: Twinrova (Sorceress Sisters)
- Reward: Spirit Medallion
- Sage: Nabooru
With this extreme adventure finished, and seeing that all of us returned safely, now you can proceed to your assignment. I hope you had fun!!!