Hylian Crest


 * Not to be confused with the Royal Crest.

The Hylian Crest is a common engraving or depiction of an archaic bird or dragon, usually beneath the Triforce, and can be seen on the Hylian Shield, around Hyrule Castle, and at the Temple of Time. This crest is mostly used to represent the Hylian race as a whole. A variation of the crest with a Triforce in the place of the bird's head is commonly used to represent the Royal Family of Hyrule.

Appearances
The depiction of a winged figure below the Triforce first appears in A Link to the Past, where the design of Link's shield features an avian design below the Triforce. Another avian figure guards the doorway of the Sanctuary as well. A similar winged figure can also be seen on the Hero's Shield in The Wind Waker.

The familiar red avian crest first appears in Ocarina of Time, on the Hylian Shield. As the shield was used by the Knights of Hyrule, it is possible that the bird or dragon may symbolize devotion to the Royal Family or to the Hylian people. The winged figure also seems to grasp a piece of the Triforce in its talons or claws, perhaps signifying dedication to the protection of the Sacred Realm or the realm of Hyrule. This same design appears on many versions of Princess Zelda's dress.

Kaepora Gaebora
It has been argued that the bird symbol is a representation of Kaepora Gaebora. This owl is said to be the reincarnation of an ancient sage, who some theorize to be Rauru, the Sage of Light from Ocarina of Time.

Oocca
Another plausible inspiration for the Hylian Crest is the Oocca tribe. This tribe was said to have helped create Hyrulean civilization in ancient times, and are said to be the closest race to the gods. The bird symbol on the Hylian Crest may have been used because of the influence that the tribe wielded over Hyrule in ancient times. It is said that the Royal Family once maintained contact with the Oocca, and thus the bird symbol may have been chosen to honor the tribe.

Valoo
It is also mentioned in the The Wind Waker that Valoo is the almighty sky spirit and could also be a source of inspiration. In the recently released logo for the new title, Skyward Sword, the crest of Hyrule is clearly shown. The nature of the game is rooted in the sky, and with Valoo being the spirit of the sky, granting wings to the Rito, he is a plausible inspiration for the crest. He also only speaks in an ancient Hyrulian tongue and bears similar wings to that of the creature in the Royal Crest.

Loftwing Birds
The crest could draw inspiration from a Loftwing in flight from Skyward Sword. If one heeds theories about a timeline for the series, Loftwings are giant birds that share a special connection with the first Hylians, the inhabitants of Skyloft and chosen people of Her Grace Hylia, who gave these birds to them for their protection. As all shields in Skyward Sword have a footprint or depiction of the Loftwing on them, it appears the red bird on the Hylian Shield is meant to be Link's Loftwing.