Lynel

The Lynel is a centaur-like being common to the overworld of The Legend of Zelda, A Link to the Past, Oracle of Ages, and Oracle of Seasons that is known not only for its varying coloration, but its resistance to all forms of close combat attack. These foes are often seen prowling around, but not exclusive to, mountainous climates in the titles they appear in.

Characteristics
The Lynel is an elusive enemy, but a hardened one, in comparison to many of the commonplace overworld creatures such as Octoroks and Keese, both of which can often be defeated in one strike of the sword. Another trademark feature of this species is their abilty to shoot projectiles from their mouths; for example, the incarnation seen in The Legend of Zelda fires beam sword-like projectiles at Link whenever he is close by, while the versions seen in A Link to the Past and the Oracle titles regurgitate fireballs. Interestingly, the sword-like shots coming from the Lynel of The Legend of Zelda cannot be blocked with the shield, and must be evaded at all costs if Link is to remain uninjured. Only the Mirror Shield can deflect the Lynel's shots in A Link to the Past, and rightly so, as the other shields, like in The Legend of Zelda, are much too weak.

In Oracle of Seasons, the Lynel is one of the few foes, including Tektites and Ropes, that may appear in a golden variety, considering certain conditions are met. Overall, the Lynel of the Oracle titles have the same general behavior with a slight change in physical appearance.

Varieties
In all of its appearances, the Lynel appears in different forms, and hence different colors. There are two varieties, with increasing power and strength: the red Lynel, the most basic, will fire projectiles that inflict one heart of damage, while the blue Lynel has attack power that will be sure to leave an impact: each successful hit will take two hearts from Link.

Weaknesses
Just because the Lynel is one of the most stringent enemies in the Zelda franchise does not mean it cannot be vanquished through conventional means. Link's best bet for countering these monsters is his trusty sword, though he could also use the Mirror Shield in A Link to the Past to reflect its own fireballs back on itself from afar, to great success. While using the sword may be the best method, it will take many successful hits to completely bring this foe down using any item.

Animated series
Two Lynels appear in the "Sing for the Unicorn" episode of the animated series. Before Link, Princess Zelda and Sing can make their way to Ganon's lair, Link must fight a pair of Lynels, one blue and one red, that stand on their way. The young hero blocks their attacks and then proceeds to zap both of them, with one of them dropping a recorder that would allow them to escape the Underworld later on in the episode.

The Legend of Zelda comic
Lynels also appear in the Day of the Triforce story from the Legend of Zelda comic. These foes, along with other of Ganon's minions, go to the Water Town of Saria to set fire to the village, as well as capturing and injuring many of its people. When Cassiopia goes to North Palace to inform Princess Zelda of what has happened, Zelda decides to go to Saria to aid Cassiopia and the rest of the citizens. Upon arrival, Zelda encourages the townsfolk to fight back, and together, the princess along with the Saria people successfully defeat the Lynels and the rest of the monsters.

Trivia

 * In the Oracle of Seasons book, Lynels are incorrectly identified as "Fire Cats", a reference to their lion-like appearance.
 * In order to damage the Lynels in A Link to the Past with the Master Sword (Lv2), Link must hit them with a Spin Attack.
 * There are only three Lynels in A Link to the Past, but five of them appear in the secret ending.