Zora River

Zora's River is a recurring location in the Zelda series. It is one of the main bodies of water in Hyrule, with its water source being either Zora's Domain or Zora's Fountain.

A Link to the Past
In A Link to the Past, Zora's River runs throughout all of Hyrule. 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, supplying Lake Hylia with its water. There are 3 bridges that cross over it as well as two natural bridges on the east and west portions of Hyrule Castle. Zora's River has one Whirlpool Waterway close to the Witch's Hut.

Link cannot swim in the river unless he has the Zora's Flippers, which can be bought at the Zora's Waterfall from the Great Zora for just 500 Rupees. The only enemies in the river itself are River Zoras, and it has several piers where Link can climb up and return to land.

Ocarina of Time
In Ocarina of Time, water from Zora's River flows from Zora's Fountain, which serves as the water source of all Hyrule. Eventually, the water of Zora's River reaches Lake Hylia, passing through Gerudo Valley in the process. At the northern section of the river is the Sleepless Waterfall, a seemingly impassable waterfall that protects the entrance to Zora's Domain. Zora's River is accessible either by Hyrule Field or through an underwater portal located in the Lost Woods.

A few bridges are built over the river for easy crossing. Its waters, however, are infested with monsters such as Octoroks and Blue Tektites. On the way to the Sleepless Waterfall is a group of frogs collectively known as the Fabulous Five Froggish Tenors, although they disappear when Link returns to the river seven years later. 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.

Link's Crossbow Training
Zora's River appears in two stages of Link's Crossbow Training. The first appearance in Stage 2 places Link inside of a canoe and travels downstream of the river of Iza's Rapid Ride. The second appearance of the river in Stage 4 is specifically seated in the outer waters of Zora's Domain.