Rito



The Rito are the race of peaceful, anthropomorphic birds that inhabit Dragon Roost Island, the volcanic island located in the Great Sea (The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker). The Rito worship the Sky Spirit, Valoo. The Rito are not aboreal by nature, and in fact gain their wings by obtaining a scale from Valoo.

Not only have these creatures adapted to their lifestyle of flight, but they also serve as the mailmen for their mobility and fast-paced travel. This is the most important part of their lifestyle and the majority of their home island is dedicated to this task.

The Rito-Zora Evolution Theory
A common theory is that somewhere between Ocarina of Time and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, the Rito evolved from the Zoras. This would explain their absence in other games, and the Zoras' absence in The Wind Waker.

Common evidence for this theory is as follows:
 * 1) The Rito have the same monarchy/worship system as the Zora.
 * 2) The Earth Sage, Laruto (a Zora) indicates that her descendant is Medli (a Rito).
 * 3) The Zora's Sapphire symbol is seen on Medli's and Komali's clothes.
 * 4) Zora are usually shown to be Fresh-water creatures - even in Majora's Mask, they do not go far off shore, and mostly stay in a freshwater cavern, and in Phantom Hourglass, the only Zora still visible are the river-dwelling type.
 * 5) Ganondorf specifically says that the sea itself is nearly devoid of life.
 * 6) The Goddesses were trying to hide Hyrule, and so even if Zora could survive in salt-water, the Goddesses would probably not want them to be spilling the secret and indirectly endangering the peoples.

However, some of these arguments can be countered:
 * 1) Jabun, either a descendant or Jabu-Jabu himself, is alive, and the Zora may have instead evolved into the Fishmen.
 * 2) Medli's heritage could merely be the result of a Zora interbreeding with the Rito.

Notable Rito

 * Rito Chieftain- the leader of the Ritos.
 * Prince Komali- The chieftain's son.
 * Medli- The sage of the earth.
 * Quill- Mail deliverer and friend