Hyrule

Hyrule is a fantasy kingdom that serves as the setting for most games of the Zelda series. While the term Hyrule usually refers to Hyrule proper, it can also apply to other surrounding lands that do not fall within the borders of the Kingdom. Hyrule was created by the three Goddesses, Din, Farore, and Nayru. It is a vast kingdom, featuring a wide array of races and geography. Within the Kingdom of Hyrule is the portal to the Sacred Realm, the resting place of the Triforce.

Hylian
The dominant race of Hyrule has since the creation of the world been the Hylians, who were said to be blessed by the gods with some of their magical powers. These Hylians are extremely abundant, and are shockingly similar to humans on earth. Unlike most other races, they tend to live in large cities. They are said to be born with magic-infused blood, and use magic quite often (variating from their Terminian Counterparts, who use magic less and rely on technology more often.) They are thought of to be closer to the gods than other races, and also inhabit Calatia, Holodrum, Labrynna, and Termina.

Goron
These are Rock-consuming Golem-like creatures that inhabit mountains and rocky areas. They boast superhuman strength, and the ability to curl up into a ball and roll. Using magic power and some can sprout spikes when they pick up enough speed while rolling in this manner. They are completely heat resistant, able to wade through lava. Most Gorons (if not all) cannot swim due to their immense weight. They inhabit, aside from Hyrule, Termina, Labrynna, Holodrum, and many other places.

Zora
These are aquatic, mammalian, Merman/mermaid-like creatures that inhabit Rivers and The Ocean. Zora that live in rivers, or Zola, seem to be more fish-like, and aggressive, and can spit fire; where as sea Zoras seem to be more Peaceful, and dolphin/whale-like. Zora also inhabit Termina, Labrynna, Holodrum, and more.

Forest Dwellers
These include Kokiri, Deku Scrubs, Skull Kids, and many others, but altogether are occasionally referred to as Deku. Kokiri are similar to Hylian children, who never grow into the adult stage, and have the Great Deku Tree as a guardian. Deku Shrubs are plantlike, nut-spitting, short creatures that can burrow into flowers. Skull kids are mysterious, mischievous, childlike creatures. They also inhabit Termina.

Differences throughout Hyrulian History
Hyrule's geography seems to be in constant change. The map seen on the left is from one of the first Zelda games in the timeline, Ocarina of Time. The kingdom revolves around Hyrule Castle which is located a little north of the center of the kingdom, a trademark which seems to characterize the geography in near every map of the land which has ever been made. Just south of the castle we'll find the most prominent town of the kingdom, Hyrule Castle Town, or just Hyrule Town which is it referred to in some games. The hub or core of all Hyrules seem to be Hyrule field, a large flat meadow. The map on the right side is a map of Hyrule from A Link to the Past, and as you can see, some of the important trademarks of the kingdom are the same, but there are also big differences. Hyrule Castle is still located in the center, and Death Mountain in the north. However, a village such as Kakariko Village is in the west, as opposed to east on the Ocarina of Time map. The Desert has switched from north west to south west, Lake Hylia from south west to south east, and the Lost Woods is now up in the north western corner, as opposed to the placement in the east.

The differences in the geography could be explained by stating that the games take place in different parts of a vast kingdom. But this doesn't rule out the possibility of re-occurring places. Some believe that the castle under the sea in The Wind Waker is the very same North Castle from The Adventure of Link.



Important Landmarks

 * Hyrule Castle
 * Death Mountain
 * Kakariko Village
 * Lake Hylia
 * Lost Woods
 * Hyrule Field

Other Lands
These lands fall outside of the borders of Hyrule proper.
 * Holodrum
 * Labrynna
 * Terminia