Hylian Shield

The Hylian Shield is the traditional shield of the Knights of Hyrule and a shield commonly used by Link in the 3D Zelda games. The Hylian shield can either be purchased or found by Young Link in Ocarina of Time. Emblazoned with Hylian artwork, complete with an eagle and the Triforce, the Hylian shield is much too large for young Link to wield on his arm and functions more like a turtle's shell. After his seven year sleep, Link became able to use it as his standard shield (until he finds the Mirror Shield). A similar version, named the same, is used by Link in Twilight Princess and is bought from Malo Mart in Kakariko Village after dispelling the Twilight from Eldin Province.

Ocarina of Time
In Ocarina of Time, the Hylian Shield becomes almost necessary to survive a visit to the Great Fairy in Death Mountain, as child Link's 'turtle shell' use of the shield protects from recurrent flaming rock eruptions. It is also not prone to the risk of being burnt by particular fire-borne enemies, such as the Fire Keese. However, the shield can be lost by the shield-eating Like Likes if Link is swallowed by one. Child Link's use of the shield does not provide as much adequate protection from the front as the Deku Shield (and the Hylian Shield as an adult) and is similarly unable to reflect Deku Scrub and Octorok attacks, but it can defend Link from the stones that rain from Death Mountain. It is worth noting that the guard at the gates of Kakariko Village (leading to Death Mountain) can offer Link a discount in correspondence with the owner of the Bazaar in Hyrule Castle Town. If Link speaks to the guard and then attempts to purchase the shield at normal price, the shop owner will give Link the discount. A free shield can be found if Link opens a certain grave at night in the Kakariko Village Graveyard.

The pedestal on which the avian is perched on is often seen to be the "missing fourth piece" of the Triforce, combined known as the Tetraforce, that completes the triangle. No point in the series has the existence of a fourth piece ever been mentioned, however. This inverted triangle was presumably removed to dismiss the confusion of its such existence.

Twilight Princess
In Twilight Princess, the Hylian Shield becomes available before entering the Goron Mines in the newly established Malo Mart. It is described as a limited-time offer but will be available for purchase until Link buys it. It can also be bought (for a higher price) from a Goron in Castle Town. Its appearance is largely similar to its Ocarina of Time incarnation, with some minor design changes. It looks more weathered than before due to prolonged use over time. The metal frame is thinner now, and the numerous rivets are replaced by three large bolts. The Triforce symbol has become smaller, now with metal framing it. In contrast, the Hylian eagle is noticeably bigger and takes up the entire bottom half of the shield. The inverted triangle at the bottom has been removed and two metal decals take its place.

Skyward Sword
The Hylian Shield will also make an appearance in the upcoming Wii game Skyward Sword, with a design largely similar to that of Twilight Princess, albeit with brighter colors more akin to the original Ocarina of Time design. The shield is controlled by using the Nunchuck: by quickly thrusting the nunchuck forward, Link will raise his shield and use it to defend himself against enemy attacks.

Similar shields
While not actually identified as a "Hylian Shield", there are various shields in other games that bear a striking resemblance to it.

Majora's Mask
In Majora's Mask, Link starts off with a shield called the Hero's Shield. The shield has many of the Hylian Shield's features, including the red Hylian eagle, the blue base, the Triforce, and the metal decals. However, the Hero's Shield features a simplified and abstract style in comparison. The bird's head is more hunched, and the shape can't be seen, but its face is visible. Its wings are also much larger than its body, and point down. The Triforce has moved from above the bird to below it, greatly decreased in size.

For some reason young Link is able to carry this shield with one arm, even though it seems to be the same size as the Hylian shield from Ocarina of Time, a shield which he couldn't carry on his arm. This shield also appeared in the SpaceWorld 2001 tech demo for the Nintendo GameCube. Strangely enough, it is the older incarnation of Link that is wielding it.

The Wind Waker
The Wind Waker also had a shield dubbed the Hero's Shield. Its design is even more simplistic than the Majora's Mask version. The shield is predominantly brown now as opposed to the usual blue. The Triforce is in the very center of the shield. There are long swirls surrounding it as well as three bolts at its corners. A winged creature with horns replaces the bird, but unlike the Majora's Mask version, it faces up, wings spread out like the original Hylian Shield.

Four Swords, Four Swords Adventures, The Minish Cap, Phantom Hourglass, and Spirit Tracks have this shield as well (or a variation of it).

A Link to the Past
While none of the sprites in-game are detailed enough to show the actual shield design, official art for both the Super Nintendo and Game Boy Advance versions of A Link to the Past depicts a shield with similar qualities to the Hylian Shield.

The Triforce symbol is at the top, surrounded by two inverted triangles. Beneath it is a large bejeweled golden bird.

A shield similar to this one also appears in Link's Awakening.

Super Smash Bros.
Link's older incarnation has appeared in all three Super Smash Bros. games to date, and has wielded the Hylian Shield and Master Sword in each game. In Super Smash Bros., the shield is identical to the one Link wields in Ocarina of Time. in Super Smash Bros. Melee, he an updated version of the Ocarina shield, which remains largely the same. One notable difference is that it takes on a noticeably purple hue, rather than blue. In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Link's Hylian Shield is the one found in Twilight Princess. When standing still, it can deflect projectiles, like arrows or bullets.

Soulcalibur II
In Soulcalibur II, a game in which Link was a guest character, the Hylian Shield also appears as Link's default weapon, along with the Master Sword. It is his most balanced weapon in the game.