Zora



Zoras are a race of hospitable ocean-dwelling creatures who, since their first appearance in The Legend of Zelda, have become common in the Zelda series. They first appeared as enemies, which confuses many players as to whether these creatures are friend or foe. However, Zoras are most commonly recognized in the form presented in Ocarina of Time which shows a man-like creature with large fins on its head and arms and flipper-like feet. ''(pictured)

Zora or Zola?
There is some confusion about Zoras and Zolas. The term "Zora" first appears in A Link to the Past, but the Zoras that appear in the game are nearly identical to the Zolas, an enemy that attacks Link from the water, that appear in The Legend of Zelda. Link's Awakening also has a similar enemy that appears at one point in the game. It is possible that the term Zora was an error during localization. If that is the case, then Zoras and Zolas are the same race, but they just happened to turn evil at one point in the Zelda timeline. If this was not an error, then Zoras and Zolas are two seperate races that could easily confuse a fan.

It is important to note that this confusion could have been a translation error, as the "R" in Japanese could also be translated as an "L" and vice versa. If this is the case, the two races are most certainly the same.

A Link to the Past
Zoras are common enemies that you will see around just about any body of water. They shoot a small red fireball in Link's direction. The only friendly Zora in the game is the Great Zora, leader of the Zoras. He will sell you the Flippers for five hundred rupees. Another Zora who is slightly friendly dwells in the Dark World. If a rock is thrown into the circle of stones at the river head, he will give Link one of the Medallions. After that though, disturbing him will result in bombs being thrown at Link.

Ocarina of Time
This was the Zoras first peaceful appearance. All of the Zoras live in Zora's Domain and have easy access to Lake Hylia. Lord Jabu Jabu serves as their "god" and the people are led by King Zora. As a child, Link visits the domain and saves Princess Ruto from inside Jabu Jabu.

After Ganondorf has ruled for seven years, Zora's Domain and all of its residents have been covered in ice. Sheik manages to rescue Princess Ruto, but it is up to Link to destroy the evil inside of the Water Temple and restore peace to Zora's Domain.

Majora's Mask
Majora's Mask is the first and only Zelda title that allows you to take control of a Zora. By using the Zora Mask, Link can assume the form of Mikau, a now deceased member of the Indigo-Go's. Mikau and the Zora Mask are the most important Zora elements in the game, but the other members of the Indigo-Go's also have important roles to play. Some of these events are required to complete the game and others are optional activities that leave you with a few extra rupees or a Piece of Heart. The Zoras in this game are also noteably more technologically advanced than in the other games, having built a waterworks factory (the Great Bay Temple) and having a famous rock band. Their home is the Zora Hall in the Zora Cape.

Oracle of Ages
The Zoras have a village in the western areas of the oceans south of land. One Zora in the village makes mention of the evil "River Zora," the aggressive kind that attack with fireballs.

The Wind Waker
The only actual Zora that makes an appearance in the game is Laruto, the sage of Earth. However, it has been a long time since Laruto was alive and Link only meets her spirit.

It is commonly believed the Zoras are the ancestors of the Rito tribe that Link meets on Dragon Roost Island. These theories rise from the idea that Medli, a young Rito, becomes the new sage of Earth (replacing a Zora). These theories are supported by a comment made by Laruto when Link first meets her: ''You must find the one who carries on my bloodline. The one who holds this sacred instrument.'' If Laruto and Medli are of the same bloodline, then that implies that they are related and that at one point in time the Ritos were Zoras. Other text appearing in The Wind Waker states that the Rito were not once people of the sky, but there was no mention what they were in the past. Most likely due to evolution, the Zoras may have evolved into their present state in The Wind Waker where upon birth they do not have wings.

Twilight Princess
In Twilight Princess, Zoras appear once again. After saving the Goron tribe, Link travels with Midna to the Lanayru Province, which is at that time enveloped in twilight. As a wolf, Link must collect the tears of light of Lanayru's light spirit, who is the last of the four spirits to be saved, a quest which culminates in a battle with the Twilit Bloat.

When Link arrives at Telma's bar in Hyrule Castle Town, he finds Ilia with a Zora boy who is facing death. Upon arriving in Zora's Domain, Link finds that it is frozen (much as it was during Ocarina of Time), with all the Zoras visible under the ice. During a conversation there with the spirit of the Zora Queen Rutela, she tells Link that if he can help her find her son, Prince Ralis and bring him back to the Domain, he will be rewarded.

After restoring light to Lanayru Province, Link will help Telma and Ilia to take the Zora prince to Kakariko Village, where Renado will heal him. However, the journey to Kakariko entails a battle with King Bulblin and Lord Bullbo. After Ralis is safe, the Zora Queen makes another appearence. Link follows her to her husband's grave and recieves the Zora Armor, which has a similar function to the Zora Tunic in Ocarina of Time, but actually enables Link to swim underwater just like Majora's Mask's Zora Link.

After completing the Lakebed Temple, Zoras can be found in Death Mountain's hot springs, in Lake Hylia, and of course Zora's Domain and river.