Zora (Enemy)

The River Zora (or Zola) are an evil and mischievous race related to the Zoras, that hide under the water's surface (typically within rivers, hence their name) in order to surprise their victims that appeared for the first time in The Legend of Zelda. While still within deeper waters, they occasionally will stick their heads beyond the surface and shoot fireballs at people, while in more shallow waters they are known to emerge fully and give chase on foot, after their foes. Their skin is scaly and green, while their maw has developed sharp fangs and whiskers akin to a catfish. They have yet to make an appearance in a 3D game, although they were present in The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass (a semi-3D game).

The Legend of Zelda
The first appearance of River Zoras (called Zolas back then) was in The Legend of Zelda.

A Link to the Past
Zoras are common enemies that you will see around just about any body of water. They shoot a small red fireball in Link's direction. The only friendly Zora in the game is the Great Zora, leader of the Zoras. He will sell you the Flippers for five hundred rupees. Another Zora who is slightly friendly dwells in the Dark World. If a rock is thrown into the circle of stones at the river head, he will give Link one of the Medallions. After that though, disturbing him will result in bombs being thrown at Link.

Link's Awakening
Another friendly Zora appeared in Link's Awakening, although he/she, like everyone else in that game, only was part of a dream.

Oracle of Ages
Oracle of Ages is as of yet the only game that features both Zora species.

Phantom Hourglass
Zolas return in Phantom Hourglass (see Zora Warrior), but this time around they come out of the water and attack with swords and shields. They still have their well known spitting attack, but will attack with a sword and block Link's attacks with a shield.

Trivia
Due to a translation error in the original Legend of Zelda, evil River Zora were called Zola. When Ocarina of Time came out, there had to be a fine line drawn between the two races (the older enemy Zora and the newer friendly species), thus the name River Zora was born. However, some fans still choose to refer to River Zora as the Zola. Image:River_Zora.jpg Image:Zola.jpg