Rito
The Rito are the race of peaceful, anthropomorphic birds that inhabit Dragon Roost Island, the volcanic island located in the Great Sea (The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker). The Rito worship the Sky Spirit, Valoo. The Rito are not aboreal by nature, and in fact gain their wings by obtaining a scale from Valoo.
Not only have these creatures adapted to their lifestyle of flight, but they also serve as the mailmen for their mobility and fast-paced travel. This is the most important part of their lifestyle and the majority of their home island is dedicated to this task.
The Rito-Zora Evolution Theory
A common theory is that somewhere between Ocarina of Time and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, the Rito evolved from the Zoras. This would explain their absence in other games, and the Zoras' absence in The Wind Waker.
Common evidence for this theory is as follows:
- The Rito have the same monarchical system as the Zora.
- The Earth Sage, Laruto (a Zora) indicates that her descendant is Medli (a Rito).
- The Zora's Sapphire symbol is seen on Medli's and Komali's clothes.
However, some of these arguments can be countered:
- A monarchial system is used by most races and most of the shown populations.
- Another Rito strongly resembles (and is somewhat implied to be a descendant of) the postman. It's very well possible that some of the races can interbreed, causing a Rito to be the descendant of a Zora. Similarly, it is unlikely that the races in Ocarina of Time all evolved into Hylians, while the sages in A Link to the Past were Hylians and indicated to be descendants of the sages who locked up Ganondorf in the Sacred Realm.
- Medli's heritage could explain her outfit.
Notable Rito
- Rito Chieftain- the leader of the Ritos.
- Prince Komali- The chieftain's son.
- Medli- The sage of the earth.
- Quill- Mail deliverer and friend