Zora River



Zora's River is a river & one of the main bodies of water in Hyrule (the Light World). It has appeared in several The Legend of Zelda games, first appearing in A Link to the Past. The river's name implies that it was named after the king of the River Zoras, Great Zora. Had it been named Zoras' River, it would instead imply that its name was based on the River Zora race as a whole, but this is not the case. It also appears in Ocarina of Time and Twilight Princess.

A Link to the Past
In A Link to the Past, Zora's River is one of the two main bodies of water in Hyrule (the Light World). At its source are Zora's Lake, Zora's Waterfall, and the Waterfall of Wishing, which are located at the northeast part of Hyrule. From the source at Zora's Lake, it flows down south of Death Mountain, continues between the Magic Shop and Graveyard, surrounds Hyrule Castle, flows just east of Link's House, and continues south into & supplies Lake Hylia. It also borders the Smithery. There are 3 bridges that cross over it as well as 2 natural bridges on the east & west sides of Hyrule Castle.

It can not be swam in unless Link has the Zora's Flippers. The only enemies in the river itself are River Zoras. Link can swim under the southernmost bridge in the river. The river has several piers where Link can climb up & return to land.

Ocarina of Time
In Ocarina of Time, it is the source of Lake Hylia, starting in Zora's Domain where the Zoras dwell. The Sleepless Waterfall, originating from Zora's Fountain, is the water source of the river itself, making the water near the Ice Cavern the primary source of water for most of Hyrule. A few bridges are built over the river for easy crossing and to allow horses to cross. Zora's River is considered to be the source of all major bodies of water in Hyrule. As in A Link to the Past, Zora's River passes in front of Death Mountain in Ocarina of Time.

Twilight Princess
In Twilight Princess, the majority of Zora's River is used for two mini-games and for capturing Shadow Insects. This part of the river is not accessible by foot and can only be reached by boat or Kargarok.

Unlike A Link to the Past and Ocarina of Time, Zora's River does not pass in front of Death Mountain in Twilight Princess.



Upper Zora's River


Upper Zora's River is the location of Link's first fight with Shadow Beasts while in Hylian form in Twilight Princess, and is also the location of a Howling Stone. When the young hero defeats the messengers, Iza, the owner of the boat rental shop, will thank him by giving him a ride down to Lake Hylia by use of her boat rides. She also asks Link to blow up some rocks while he paddles down the river, and she provides Bomb Arrows to help. After clearing the way and returning, Link can play the Rapid Ride mini game, where he will again use Bomb Arrows to hit targets, but instead of rocks, Iza has placed large pots for him to destroy.

Iza's sister, Hena, also resides in Upper Zora's River. Hena runs a Fishing Hole where Link can go fishing. Link can bobber fish without charge in the fishing hole, or he can rent a canoe from Hena for a small charge and go lure fishing instead. Hena also gives Link a chance to test his skills in the game of Rollgoal, which she invented herself.