Hylian Crest

The Hylian Crest is a common engraving or depiction of an archaic bird or dragon, usually beneath the Triforce, and can be seen on the Hylian Shield, around Hyrule Castle, and at the Temple of Time. A variation of the crest with a Triforce in the place of the bird's head is commonly used to represent the Royal Family of Hyrule. The crest has also been used to represent the Hylian race as a whole, as it is the crest over Rauru's stained-glass window in The Wind Waker.

Appearances
The depiction of a winged figure below the Triforce first appeared in A Link to the Past, where the design of Link's shield featured a avian design below the Triforce. Another avian figure guarded the doorway of the Sanctuary as well. A similar winged figure also appeared on the Hero's Shield in The Wind Waker. The familiar red avian crest first appeared in Ocarina of Time, on the Hylian Shield. As the shield was used by the Knights of Hyrule, it is possible that the bird or dragon may symbolize devotion to the Royal Family or to the Hylian people. The winged figure also seems to grasp a piece of the Triforce in its talons or claws, perhaps signifying dedication to the protection of the Sacred Realm or the realm of Hyrule. This same design appears on young Princess Zelda's dress. A design resembling the Royal crest also appears on her dress as an adult, and at Hyrule Castle. By The Wind Waker, the crest was over the gates of Hyrule Castle and used in Rauru's stained-glass window. This crest was also prevalent in Twilight Princess, appearing at Hyrule Castle and on the uniforms of the Castle Guards.

A variation of this crest appears in Spirit Tracks, but substituting a Force Gem for the Triforce in its design. It is visible on the front of the Spirit Train as well as on Anjean. This modified crest appears to be the national symbol of the new Hyrule to distinguish it from the ancient one destroyed during the Great Flood. The same Crest that appears on the Hylian Shield appears on the Phantom when Princess Zelda is possessing it.

Kaepora Gaebora
It has been argued that the bird symbol is a representation of Kaepora Gaebora. This owl is said to be the reincarnation of an ancient sage, who some theorize to be Rauru, the Sage of Light from Ocarina of Time. This is supported by the fact that Rauru's stained glass window in The Wind Waker has the Hylian Crest over it.

Oocca
Another plausible inspiration for the Hylian Crest is the Oocca tribe. This tribe was said to have helped create Hyrulean civilization in ancient times, and are said to be the closest race to the gods. The bird symbol on the Hylian Crest may have been used because of the influence that the tribe wielded over Hyrule in ancient times. It is said that the Royal Family once maintained contact with the Oocca, and thus the bird symbol may have been chosen to honor the tribe.

Valoo
It is also mentioned in the The Wind Waker that Valoo is the almighty sky spirit and could also be a source of inspiration. In the recently released logo for the new title, Skyward Sword, the crest of Hyrule is clearly shown. The nature of the game is rooted in the sky, and with Valoo being the spirit of the sky, granting wings to the Rito, he is a plausible inspiration for the crest. He also only speaks in an ancient Hyrulian tongue and bears similar wings to that of the creature in the Royal Crest.