Demon


 * For the seventh dungeon in The Legend of Zelda, see Demon (Dungeon).

Demons are a race of monstrous, humanoid beings that are usually evil villains. Although not all demons are evil, they still exude a dark aura that attracts monsters and mutates animals. Demons appear many times in different Zelda games.

Demise, said to be "the source of all monsters", is likely the source of all demons.

Transformation
It is possible for demons to turn into humans. In Skyward Sword, Gratitude Crystals can be used to turn Batreaux into a human.

Likewise, humans can turn into demons. Ganondorf, originally a Gerudo, became the Demon King Ganon after claiming the Triforce of Power by allowing the rebirth of an ancient demon inside of him.

Possession
Demons have demonstrated the ability to possess other creatures. Both Ganon and Malladus have possessed Zelda; both have also demonstrated the ability to exist as a disembodies spirit.

Demon Kings
Demise, Ganon, and Malladus have all held the title of demon king. Demon kings are generally depicted as requiring specialized weapons such as Silver Arrows to kill; usually, demon kings are merely imprisoned rather than killed. Due to the inability to permanently eliminate the demon king (due to the existence of resurrection) the title is seemingly retained after death rather than given to a new demon. Despite this, no two demon kings have appeared in the same game.

Ganon


Ganon is a former Gerudo who turned into the demon king upon claiming the Triforce of Power and allowing an ancient demon to be reborn inside of him.

Malladus
Malladus is an ancient demon king that terrorized the land that eventually became New Hyrule, so was locked away beneath the Altar of the Demon King of the Tower of Spirits by the Spirits of Good after a long war.

Chancellor Cole


Chancellor Cole is a demonic servant to Malladus who posed as a human to gain influence in the court of New Hyrule.

Skeldritch


Skeldritch is an ancient skeletal demon that resides in the Sand Temple.

Ghirahim


Ghirahim is a Sword Spirit and demon lord who is posing as a human.

Demise


Demise is an imprisoned demon king who will desires to flaunt his great power.

Batreaux


Batreaux is a demon who wishes to be human so that he doesn't scare people. With Link's Gratitude Crystals, he is able to turn into a human.

Vire


The Vire is the leader of the Keese, and is composed of multiple of them.

Uncle Rupee


Uncle Rupee is a Rupee-shaped demon that turns people into Tingles and promises he will allow them into Rupeeland, a supposed paradise, if they gather him enough rupees.

Other Appearances
Boomerang Demons appear in The Crystal Trap, dwelling beneath Midoro Palace.