Hyrule

Hyrule (ハイラル, Hairaru) 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.

History
Hyrule was formed by the three Golden Goddesses: Din, Farore, and Nayru. According to Hylian mythology as depicted in "Ocarina of Time", Din formed the physical geography of Hyrule, while Nayru established the laws that would govern the land and Farore created the various races that would uphold the law. Their labors completed, the three Goddesses departed from the world they had created. As they vanished, they left behind them three golden triangles that contained their essence. Together, these triangles became known as the Triforce, the most sacred and sought-after relic in all Hyrule.

Currency
The rupee is the most common currency in Hyrule. They are depicted as jewel-like objects that you can even find on the ground. Some colors of rupee, like green, blue, and yellow, are less valuable then the actual gems they represent, barely being able to buy Bee Larva.

Landmarks
Although Hylian geography varies from game to game, Hyrule features several reoccurring landmarks and locations. These are:

Hyrule Field
Hyrule Field is a large field where most other areas of Hyrule can be accessed. Because of its size, it is easiest to traverse riding a horse.

Lon Lon Ranch
Lon Lon Ranch is a ranch located south of Hyrule Castle and is home to Malon, Talon, and Ingo. At one point in ocarina of time,Ingo took over the ranch, and link had to win two horse races against him in order to free the ranch from his rule and obtain epona.

Death Mountain
Death Mountain is a large mountain in the most northern part of Hyrule. It eventually became a mountain range that spread to the left and right of the original Death Mountain. It is very volcanic.

Kakariko Village
Commonly found at the base of the Death Mountain, Kakariko Village was once a village full of the Sheikah, but they eventually died out and Impa let other people live in the village. Since then, it has become the second large settlement of hylians.

Lake Hylia
Lake Hylia is a lake in Hyrule. It is always in one of the southern corners of Hyrule. It connected to Zora's Domain early in Hyrule's life.

Zora's Domain
Zora's Domain was a cavern with water in it that was home to the Zoras. Zora's Fountain was behind it, and behind that was the Ice Cavern.

Lost Woods
The Lost Woods is a large forest. It is always on the eastern or western part of Hyrule. It is home to Deku Scrubs and Skullkids in earlier Hyrule times, and later, it is full of thieves and small woodland animals.

Gerudo Desert
Located at the western corner of the kingdom. It is a vast region of desserts.

Hyrule Castle
The castle where the Royal Family of Hyrule lives. A river usually goes around it. It was grey with blue and/or purple spires. In Zelda II it was called the North Castle.

Hyrule Castle Town
Hyrule Castle Town was a town that is situated right in front of the castle. Most of the hylians live here.

Theory
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.

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 Terminan 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 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, 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.

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