Rutela

In Twilight Princess, Rutela (ルテラ, Rutera) was queen and elder of the Zoras in Zora's Domain, wife of the Late King Zora and mother to Prince Ralis. During the events of Twilight Princess, Shadow Beasts raid the Zora village, forcing the Queen to quickly send her son to Hyrule Castle to inform Princess Zelda of what had occurred. However, before Prince Ralis could come back, the dark ones executed Queen Rutela in front of the other Zoras as a message to anyone who would dare oppose the commands of Zant, the Twilight King.

She makes her first appearance in the game soon after Link and Midna unfreeze Zora's Domain. Just as they are departing from the throne room, Queen Rutela stops them on their way and thanks them for saving her village and her people. She informs them the tale of her unfortunate fate and mentions that she senses Prince Ralis's presence growing fainter over time. Although she would gladly give her life for his, she can no longer risk anything for his stead, and asks the young hero to save Prince Ralis in return for the protection of water.

Once Link takes Prince Ralis to Kakariko Village, Queen Rutela appears to him once again as a ghost just outside of Renado's house. She beckons him to follow her to a hidden grave just behind the Kakariko Graveyard, where she thanks him for saving her son in his time of need. It is in that grave that King Zora lies in his eternal sleep, and within it also contains the Zora Tunic. As she had already promised Link, she bestows the tunic upon the young hero, which he needs in order to enter the Lakebed Temple.

As a last message, Queen Rutela says she will now be able to join the king in his slumber and asks of Link to tell her son that she loves him. She also says that Prince Ralis should not grieve her mother's death, for she wants him to be brave and live as the king of the Zoras.

Later, Prince Ralis mentions to Link that Queen Rutela appeared to him in a dream and explained who Link was and what he looked like.

During the ending credits, Queen Rutela is seen watching over her son in Zora's Domain.

Trivia

 * Her name is similar to that of Princess Ruto from Ocarina of Time.
 * Her necklace resembles the Zora Sapphire.
 * Her haunting theme is a remix of the Serenade of Water, a song from Ocarina of Time.