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.

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

Death Mountain-A large mountain that is usually home to the Goron.

Lake Hylia-A lake that is home to the Zora.

Castle Town-As the name implies, a town just outside of Hyrule Castle.

Lost Woods-A winding, twisting, seemingly ever-changing forest. Home to the Skull Kid.

Hyrule Castle-The castle where the Hyrule royal family lives.

Kakariko Village-Another town found at the base of Death Mountain.

Gerudo Desert-A vast desert that is home to the Gerudo, as well as Ganondorf.

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.

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
 * Termina