Nayru (Goddess)

Nayru is the Goddess of Wisdom, one of the three Golden Goddesses who created the realm of Hyrule (along with parrallel realms, such as the Sacred Realm). Naryu is the source of the fundamental laws that govern the realm of Hyrule. Nayru's essence, as well as the essence of her two sisters Farore, and Din, is the source of the Golden Power within the omnipotent sacred relic, the Triforce.

At the dawn of existence, Nayru, along with her sisters, Din and Farore, descended upon the void that was to become the land of Hyrule, each of them creating a different facet of the realm. According to Ocarina of Time, Nayru "poured her wisdom onto the earth and gave the spirit of law to the world." Upon departure, they created the Triforce, the essence of their power, and left it within the Sacred Realm.

Nayru's divine essence is what constitutes the Triforce of Wisdom, which affords Princess Zelda her great wisdom and mystical abilities. Though at a much smaller extent, Nayru's essence can also be invoked by a powerful sorcerer. Her essence provides a protective shield of light when the spell Nayru's Love is cast.

Attributes
Nayru, the Goddess of Wisdom, is revered for establishing physics of the Hyrulean realm. She is commonly associated with the element of water, and thusly she is worshipped as the Goddess of the Seas and other great bodies of water, such Lake Hylia. Because of her part in creating the laws of the realm, Nayru is also worshipped as the Goddess of Time (as referred to in Majora's Mask.) It is believed that the Temple of Time dedicated to Nayru.

Of all the races in the Hyrulean realm, the essence of Nayru is best exemplified by the Zoras. These fish-like, humanoid, water-dweller are known for their hierarchial form of government, as well as their stoicism and their great wisdom. Though they are native to Zora's Domain, Zoras' are found within waterways throughout the Lanayru Province, as far south as Lake Hylia. Fittingly Nayru is their matron goddess.

Nayru is commonly associated with string instruments, such as the harp.

Appearance
In her first appearance, in Ocarina of Time, Nayru is represented by a simple golden winged statue surounded by a bluish aura. However, in later games, monuments representing Nayru (such as the statues of the Golden Goddesses in the throne room of Hyrule Castle in Twilight Princess) give her, (as well as Din and Farore) a more detailed, appearance. In Oracle of Ages, the statue of Nayru appears almost identicle to the oracle Nayru.