Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule

King Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule (ダフネス・ノハンセン・ハイラル, Dafunesu Nohansen Hairaru) is a King of Hyrule, a character who has a prominent role in The Wind Waker, and may or may not have been King at the time of Ocarina of Time.

Biography
The King of Red Lions is a talking sailboat that Link meets early in the game. It is with this boat that he is able to move from one island to another on the Great Sea. Good-spirited and filled with wisdom, the King of Red Lions was one of Link's greatest allies. The boat speaks to him, explaining what's going on, and what to do next. Later in the game, it is revealed that the boat is operated magically by King Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule, preserved under the sea.

The King can speak the ancient Hylian tongue, and often does so on Link's behalf. Neither Link nor the player can understand the language, however, on the second play through, the player can read these words. Link, on the other hand, still can't understand them.

The King of Red Lions is seen at the end of the game, but appears completely lifeless, as the King himself has died. Eiji Aonuma stated that the boat would not reappear in Phantom Hourglass, though a similar boat helmed by another "hero" did briefly appear.

King Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule is the last king of the long forgotten land of Hyrule. He is of the Royal bloodline, just like Princess Zelda. Daphnes revealed to Tetra that she is the heir to the kingdom of Hyrule. Judging by how he fades in and out of existence, and how he's still living in Hyrule despite the fact that it had been sealed away by the gods long ago, he may merely be an apparition. He may also be grounded spiritually to Hyrule, as Link only meets him in person while in Hyrule. By the end of the game, the King appears before Ganondorf, wishing to the Triforce for Hyrule to be drowned under the Great Sea, and to give Link and Tetra a future. After Ganondorf's final defeat, Daphnes laments to Link and Tetra his regret as he lived bound to the memory of Hyrule, comparing himself to Ganondorf in that regard. The King explained to Link and Tetra to live for the future in a land which would belong only to them. After the ocean drowns Hyrule, Link and Tetra rise to the surface with the king remaining with his doomed kingdom, possibly (finally) dying.

Trivia

 * Rauru is similar to King Hyrule both in appearance and in the fact that he is a wise man who aids Link in his quest. Additionally, both of them seem to have traits that seem to imply that they may be spirits who give Link guidance from beyond the grave.