Hyrule Castle

From Zelda Wiki, the Zelda encyclopedia

Hyrule Castle,(ALttP | OoT | OoS | TWW | FSA | TMC | TP | ST | ALBW | BotW | LCT | HW | HWAoC)[1][2][3][4][5][6][7] also known as the Castle of Hyrule,(ALttP)[8] is a recurring location in The Legend of Zelda series. It is the seat of Hyrule's monarchical government and the home of the Royal Family of Hyrule, which usually includes Princess Zelda and the normally unseen King of Hyrule. The castle first debuted in A Link to the Past, the third game in the series. Each game that contains Hyrule Castle features a different layout. Near the castle is Hyrule Castle Town, which serves as the city's marketplace where Hyruleans come to engage in business and trade.[9]

Hyrule Castle is usually directly in the center of Hyrule's geographical layout in each game, serving as the crown jewel of the kingdom. It is often one of the most important places for Link during his numerous adventures in Hyrule and many times is the site of the final confrontations, usually serving as a level or dungeon of sorts.[10] As the seat of Hyrule's government, the Castle has been the location of multiple conflicts and has been the subject of invasion more than once throughout its depiction in The Legend of Zelda series.

Features and Overview

A Link to the Past

 
Hyrule Castle at night in A Link to the Past

Marking its first named appearance in A Link to the Past, Hyrule Castle is home to the Royal Family of Hyrule until shortly before the events of the game. Agahnim, after becoming the King's second-in-command and chief adviser for solving Hyrule's problems with his magic, killed the monarch and took control of the castle.[11]

During the game's opening scenes, Link is telepathically spoken to in a dream by a voice belonging to Princess Zelda, who was taken hostage by Agahnim.[12] Following her request in his dream, Link finds his way to the gates of Hyrule Castle, completely unarmed against Hyrule's corrupted soldiers. Unfortunately, the castle is well-guarded and inaccessible from a direct approach.[13] In the courtyard, Link luckily uncovers a hidden hole beneath a bush that leads him into a Secret Passage.[14] Link's Uncle is soon found, slumped against a wall and mortally wounded. Already exhausted and beaten, he grants Link their family's sword and shield, instructing him to save the Princess.[15] Link then progresses through the castle, fighting off any monsters and soldiers who attempt to stop him.

The rest of Hyrule Castle plays out similarly to a standard dungeon, but it is much shorter than any others in the game and features no dungeon boss during the first visit. After Link saves Zelda from the sorcerer's clutches and brings her to the Sanctuary, Agahnim makes the upper levels of the castle inaccessible by creating an electrical barrier that cannot be bypassed. It isn't until Link retrieves the Master Sword from the Lost Woods that the young hero can access the upper area of the castle by slashing the barrier with the Blade of Evil's Bane. After reaching the top of the castle, Link witnesses Agahnim as he sends Princess Zelda to the Dark World. The young hero battles against the evil wizard who, upon his defeat, sends Link to the Dark World. It is at this point that, in the Light World, a portal is created beneath the main gate of the Castle that sends anyone who passes through it into the Dark World.[16]

In the Light World, Hyrule Castle is found in the center of the Overworld map, and is surrounded by an impassable moat. Within the Castle is a courtyard filled with Grass, as well as Rosehedge and Orangecap bushes. In the Dark World, it is replaced with Ganon's Pyramid of Power, which is surrounded by pits similar to Hyrule Castle's moat. After Agahnim sends Link to the Dark World, Hyrule Castle's doors all become impossible to open, rendering any part of the castle's interior other than the underground passage behind the throne (whose entrance cannot be opened from inside the passage) inaccessible for the rest of the game.

Ocarina of Time

In Ocarina of Time, Hyrule Castle is the second northernmost location in Hyrule, second only to the Death Mountain located directly east of it. It can be accessed by passing through the adjacent Hyrule Castle Town, which is protected by another moat and a drawbridge. Since monsters roam the field outside of town at night, the bridge only lowers during the day and is promptly raised as soon as night falls.

The royal castle is home to Princess Zelda, the King of Hyrule, and other members of the Royal Family.[17] Due to the actions of a certain foolish man who wanted to see Princess Zelda, the castle guards have increased their security and won't allow anyone into the castle.[18][19] The castle's grounds are guarded day and night by Hyrulean Guards, each of which will throw out any intruders they can find.[20] The entrance to the castle itself can only be reached with the aid of a drawbridge, although is never lowered throughout the entire game and thus impedes Link from accessing the entire castle.

After Link obtains the Kokiri's Emerald from the dying Great Deku Tree and first leaves Kokiri Forest, Kaepora Gaebora advises him to visit Princess Zelda in Hyrule Castle.[21] Once Link successfully sneaks past the castle guards, and has assisted Malon in waking up her father Talon, Link can enter the Castle Courtyard via a secret passageway. Here, Link must sneak past even more guards to reach his destination. Coincidentally, guards in the field outside always throw Link out past the Castle's main gate, but guards inside the Castle throw him right outside the secret entrance, where Link would still be trespassing anyway.

However, when Link returns seven years later, and after Ganondorf's rise to power, he is shocked to find the Hyrule Castle completely destroyed, and Ganon's Castle erected on the ruins where the castle once stood.[22] Ganon's Castle serves as his seat of power in Hyrule.

Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages

Hyrule Castle appears in the intro of both games, which is seen lying in a densely forested valley in Hyrule. Attracted by an unknown force, Link is seen riding towards the castle. Upon entering it, he discovers that it houses the Triforce, which after his arrival sends him away on a mission to either Holodrum or Labrynna, depending on which game the player plays.[23] Despite not being seen in the intro, the castle is still housed by the royal family, with Princess Zelda, who later leaves to aid the oracles.[24] The Castle is also seen several times during the linked ending, along with Princess Zelda who has returned to it after being rescued by Link.

The Wind Waker

 
Hyrule Castle beneath the Great Sea in The Wind Waker

Hyrule Castle is home to the Master Sword, which is hidden in a basement chamber protected by a giant statue depicting the Hero of Time. The hidden chamber is decorated with stained glass windows that illustrate the Sages of Ocarina of Time, and at the center of the basement is the Master Sword resting in its pedestal.[25][26]

Before the events of The Wind Waker, the remains of Hyrule were drowned beneath the rain waters of the Great Sea as a cause of the Great Flood.[27] Hyrule Castle was magically ensnared in a large barrier of energy, largely protecting it from any harm. However, this also caused time itself to stop, leaving the hordes of enemies who were attacking the castle at the time frozen as well.

 
The ring of light which takes Link beneath the sea to Hyrule Castle

Link can only travel beneath the Great Sea into the castle once he has completed the trial of the gods and has been acknowledged as a true hero.[28] A gateway will then open leading to the flooded land of Hyrule, where Link is allowed access to the inner part of the castle to retrieve the Blade of Evil's Bane. Once the young hero retrieves the Master Sword from its pedestal, the flow of time returns to normal, and the enemies who were assaulting the castle come to life once more.[29] Link must defeat all of the enemies before he is allowed to exit the castle and return to the Great Sea.

Hyrule Castle serves as a prominent location in the storyline, since it is where Tetra discovers her true identity as Princess Zelda, and it is also where she stays in hiding while Link and the King of Red Lions embark on a quest to assemble the Triforce of Courage.[30][31] Later on in the game, with the Triforce of Courage in hand, Link returns to the castle's basement only to find that Ganondorf has kidnapped Princess Zelda and taken her to his Ganon's Castle.[32]

High above the inner walls of the castle is a wall portrait depicting Princess Zelda (Tetra's ancestor) along with several of her courtiers, each of them bearing a striking resemblance to the members of Tetra's Pirate Crew.

Minor Enemies

Four Swords Adventures

In Four Swords Adventures, Hyrule Castle is the location of the entrance to the Four Sword Sanctuary, a hidden chamber where the Four Sword is enshrined. When dark clouds sweep over Hyrule, Link, Princess Zelda and the six Shrine Maidens leave to investigate the seal over the Four Sword, which seals the wind mage Vaati. When Shadow Link emerges from the sanctuary's portal's opening and the princess and Maidens are captured, Link withdraws the Four Sword and splits into four in order to combat the doppelgänger. The removal of the Four Sword, however, releases Vaati from his hold and he sends the Links away in a twister, who all land Lake Hylia. They eventually awake to Kaepora Gaebora, who implores them to save the princess and the Maidens, and the Links travel back to the castle on foot. During this time, it is revealed that an evil influence has corrupted and taken control of the castle guards.[33]

Hyrule Castle appears as the third and final stage of the first level, Whereabouts of the Wind. The Links arrive back at the castle after making their way through Lake Hylia and the Cave of No Return. The castle greatly resembles the one from A Link to the Past, albeit with a much larger and slightly different layout. The Links fight their way through its legions of enemy Soldiers, while also rescuing the Fairy Queen, who was captured and split into two Zoras.[34][35] Eventually the Links make their way to the rooftop, which houses the boss Phantom Ganon. Upon its defeat, the Blue Shrine Maiden is freed.

Hyrule Castle makes another appearance again as the third and final stage of Near the Fields, called Infiltration of Hyrule Castle; however, the stage is set at night, and its environment is similar to that of The Wind Waker's Forsaken Fortress where the Links must evade the searchlights to prevent from getting caught and thrown into prison. At the end of the level, the Links fight the Big Poe, after which the castle makes no other appearances.

The Minish Cap

See also: Dark Hyrule Castle

In The Minish Cap, Hyrule Castle is home to the Elemental Sanctuary that links Hyrule to the Minish Realm.[36][37] As such, Link must return to Hyrule Castle each time he acquires another one of the Four Elements to upgrade the White Sword in the Elemental Sanctuary.

Link first visits the castle when Smith, his grandfather, asks him to deliver a sword to Minister Potho, and it is in the Hyrule Castle Garden that the award ceremony for the tournament's champion, who happens to be Vaati, takes place.[38][39] Although Link is allowed to enter the Castle as he wishes early on in the game, he is only granted access to a few rooms, such as the throne room, a bedroom, and a few hallways. As the story progresses, Vaati takes control of King Daltus, forbidding Link to enter the Castle and, thus, the Elemental Sanctuary itself.[40] Because of this, the young hero is required to use stealth and make his way past the guards in the Garden to discover a secret entrance to the Sanctuary located beneath some bushes in the northwestern section.

After Link restores the power of the White Sword with the Four Elements and transforms it into the Four Sword, Vaati, disguised as King Daltus, learns that the Light Force rests within Princess Zelda. He turns everyone in the Castle into stone, locks the King away, and takes the Princess onto the roof, transforming the Castle into Dark Hyrule Castle.[41][42] Link must navigate the complex interior of the Castle to free Princess Zelda from Vaati's curse and seal Vaati away.[43]

Twilight Princess

In Twilight Princess, Hyrule Castle is seen in its largest incarnation to date and remains at least partially visible from almost anywhere in Hyrule. Twilight Princess is also the first game in the series that allows Link to explore almost all of the castle's areas to its fullest, and as such, the castle plays an important role in the game since it is where most of the plot develops. It consists of a main tower composed of four floors, and the main tower is connected to six other smaller towers, three on each side. On the highest floor of the main tower is the throne room, where Princess Zelda resides. Just like in Ocarina of Time, the castle is located just north of Hyrule Castle Town, and the castle itself is accessed by crossing a small bridge over a moat where two giant doors lead to the enormous and spacious castle courtyard, which surrounds the castle in its entirety. Spread throughout the first area of the courtyard are three tall monuments depicting each of the three pieces of the Triforce. On both sides of the courtyard are two separate entrances that lead to the rest of the areas of the garden, where the right door eventually directs to the Hyrule Castle Graveyard located at the very back of the structure.

A passageway in Telma's Bar grants access to the Castle's Waterway, which connects to the Castle Sewers where the prison cells are located.[44] It is here that Link first catches a glimpse of the colossal castle since he finds himself imprisoned early on in the game after he is transformed into a wolf. A short while after, he meets Midna, who frees him and guides him to one of the outside towers, where he meets the imprisoned Princess Zelda for the first time.[45] During the meeting, Princess Zelda informs Link of Hyrule's current state, and explains to him how it all came about. Prior to the events of Twilight Princess, Hyrule Castle was invaded by the King of Twilight, Zant, along with his horde of Shadow Beasts.[46] Although Princess Zelda tried to fight back, she was forced to surrender to Zant's demands, which led to Hyrule being completely covered in Twilight.

Link returns to Zelda's room after collecting all of the Fused Shadows (and losing them due to Zant), again in wolf form. This time, he brings a dying Midna to Princess Zelda, who saves Midna's life by giving Midna her life force.[47] After this second meeting, Hyrule Castle is encased in an enormous gold colored barrier, much like in The Wind Waker. Link and Midna cannot enter the Castle again until they have defeated Zant and regained the Fused Shadows. When these are obtained, Midna uses the power of the Fused Shadows to obliterate the castle barrier, granting them access to the castle's entrance.

It is at this point that Hyrule Castle now serves as the game's final dungeon. Link must explore all of the castle's areas in order to reach the fourth floor of the main tower, which is where Ganondorf has taken Princess Zelda hostage. At the throne room, Link and Midna come face-to-face with Ganondorf, who uses Princess Zelda as his puppet in an attempt to defeat the young hero. Link, equipped with the Master Sword, promptly defeats Puppet Zelda, and Midna uses her powers to extract Ganondorf's evil influence from the princess. It is here that Ganondorf transforms into the Dark Beast Ganon. After defeating Ganondorf's beast form, Midna will attempt to finish him off, warping Link and Zelda to Hyrule Field. The two witness a giant explosion which seemingly destroys the castle, but Hyrule Castle later appears intact during the credits sequence.

Spirit Tracks

Hyrule Castle reappears in Spirit Tracks in the re-established kingdom of Hyrule. The castle's look borrows heavily from its predecessor that was drowned beneath the Great Sea along with the rest of the original Hyrule, retaining its blue roofing and white stone build. The castle area is also home once more to Castle Town, which lies directly in front of Hyrule Castle itself as in its previous incarnations. The entrance is accessed by crossing a small bridge which runs above a moat, leading to the castle gardens and eventually to the inside of the castle itself.

At the beginning of the game, Link needs to go to the castle in order to receive his train engineer's certificate from Princess Zelda and thus officially become a Royal Engineer. The Throne Room is revealed to contain a large stained glass window of Tetra, the incarnation of Princess Zelda in her day and one of the founders of the reinstated kingdom of Hyrule. It is here as well that Princess Zelda slips him a note during the ceremony which gives Link directions to her private quarters in the northeastern section of the castle. Later on, Link and Princess Zelda sneak out of the castle in order to travel to the Tower of Spirits and find out why the Spirit Tracks have begun to disappear. After they are waylaid by Chancellor Cole and Byrne, Link finds himself and Alfonzo back in Hyrule Castle and finds Zelda's spirit wandering its corridors, he being the only person able to see her mysteriously. Link would continue to visit the castle several times throughout his adventure to defeat Cole and stop the return of the Demon King Malladus.

It is in Hyrule Castle where Link receives the Recruit's Sword from Russell, the guard captain. Unlike some games where Link's access to the castle is usually prohibited, the young hero can wander around the castle's hallways provided that he has the Recruit Uniform, which allows him to blend in with the rest of the castle guards.

Minor Enemies

A Link Between Worlds

In A Link Between Worlds, Hyrule Castle is home to Princess Zelda and Impa and is guarded by many soldiers. The walls are graffitied with paintings of Soldiers that come to life after Yuga conquers the castle. Link must travel here to search for the Captain to return his sword [48][49]. Link must journey again to the castle to warn Zelda of Yuga's attack on Seres and of Yuga's plan to target Zelda next[50]. It is in Hyrule Castle that Link receives the Pendant of Courage from Zelda to help him obtain the Master Sword. Later, after Link has confronted Yuga in the Eastern Palace, Yuga places a barrier around the castle that can only be broken by the Master Sword. After Link obtains the Master Sword, he is able to shatter the barrier around the palace[51] and enter in an attempt to rescue the princess from Yuga. The castle serves as a dungeon, with various enemies attempting to impede Link's progress through the castle. At the top of the castle, Link must fight Yuga, who possesses the painting of Princess Zelda. Yuga ultimately escapes, with Link in pursuit, through a crack into Lorule.

Breath of the Wild

100 years prior to the events of Breath of the Wild, an evil known as the Calamity Ganon rose up and laid waste to Hyrule. Unable to be defeated, it was sealed within Hyrule Castle, where it has grown in power since.[52][53] Hyrule Castle is prominently located in Central Hyrule, appearing to be one of the few intact structures that remains of the ruined kingdom. The Castle is surrounded by Giant Columns and a purple and red swirling mist that contains the Calamity Ganon itself.

 
King Rhoam watching over Link and Zelda alongside the Champions

Although Hyrule Castle serves as the final dungeon in the game, it can be accessed at any point after exiting the Great Plateau. It is an immense place, overtaken by Malice and swarming with dangerous enemies such as all kinds of Guardians, Lizalfos, Moblins and Lynels. However, it also contains troves of precious equipment, including the Hylian Shield, the strongest shield in the game. The castle appears severely dilapidated and crumbled, with large amounts of Malice everywhere making progression difficult. Calamity Ganon rests near the top of the castle, in the main quarters. If any of the Blight Ganons have been ignored during the main quest, Link will have to face them in succession before fighting Calamity Ganon itself.

Areas

Tears of the Kingdom

Related Quests


 
A promotional image from the Winter 2021 issue of the Nintendo Magazine

In Tears of the Kingdom, Hyrule Castle is seen being pushed into the air by large tendrils of Malice coming from underneath the castle.

Following Rauru's imprisoning of Ganondorf underground, his people constructed Hyrule Castle atop the Demon King to keep him sealed, the castle remained intact and undestroyed for ages ever since, until was damaged during the Great Calamity 100 years prior to the Era of the Wilds.[54][55] Hyrule Castle ends up suffering even more damage from the Upheaval and from the draconified Ganondorf's emergence from the Depths than the Great Calamity ever did as a result.

Other Appearances

A Link to the Past (Ishinomori)

 
Hyrule Castle in the A Link to the Past comic

Like in the game, Hyrule Castle is a prominent location in the A Link to the Past comic by Shotaro Ishinomori. Link first ventures into the castle after Princess Zelda contacts him telepathically to save her from the castle's prison.[56] Following Zelda's voice to Hyrule Castle, Link sneaks into the castle and sees his uncle dueling Agahnim, where he witnesses his uncle's death at the hands of the wizard. Before passing away, Link's uncle gives the young hero his sword and shield and tells him to save Zelda.[57] The young hero eventually finds the princess and, after distracting two Castle Soldiers that were taking her away, Link rescues Zelda and the two escape the castle through a hidden passage to the Sanctuary with the use of a nearby lantern.[58]

After Link retrieves the Master Sword, he travels to the castle's top tower via an air balloon made by his friends in Kakariko Village since all approaches to the castle are blocked by Agahnim's soldiers.[59] Link lands on the castle's highest tower and, after easily defeating a few soldiers with the Master Sword's might, he rushes to find Agahnim in the middle of his spell. However, Link is unable to defeat the wizard in time, and Zelda is transported to the Dark World.[60] With the help of Sahasrahla,[61] Link kills Agahnim by deflecting his own magic, but Agahnim, with his final breath, manages to transport Link into the Dark World, with Hyrule Castle collapsing as the Pyramid of Power is revealed.[62]

At the end of the comic, once Link makes his wish to the Triforce, Link and Zelda are transported back to Hyrule Castle, where the newly-crowned Queen Zelda appoints Link as the Master of the Knights of Hyrule.[63]

Super Smash Bros.

 
The Hyrule Castle stage from Super Smash Bros.
See SmashWiki's article on Hyrule Castle for more information.

Hyrule Castle appears a Stage in Super Smash Bros.. It features a similar appearance to its model seen in Ocarina of Time. Small tornadoes frequently pass through the stage, sending fighters who come in contact with one flying up in the air. It is the largest stage in the game, a tradition that continued with the Hyrule: Temple stage in Super Smash Bros. Melee.

Link's Crossbow Training

The Hyrule Castle Courtyard appears in a Defender Mode scenario in Stage 4 of Link's Crossbow Training. Link stands in one place to slay oncoming Stalfos and Keese. Several Fairies glowing green can be shot for the Automatic Crossbow Upgrade.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl

The Twilight Princess version of Hyrule Castle can be seen in the background of the Bridge of Eldin Stage in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.

Hyrule Warriors

Hyrule Castle appears in the background of the Hyrule Field stage in Hyrule Warriors. After Ganondorf seizes the kingdom at the game's climax, the castle is transformed into Ganon's Tower.

My Nintendo Picross: Twilight Princess

 

The forty-fifth puzzle in the Picross series and the forty-first puzzle in the Mega Picross series depict Hyrule Castle.

Mario Kart 8

Hyrule Castle appears as part of the Mario Kart 8 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe track Hyrule Circuit. After taking a ramp and gliding, the track leads into the outside of the castle, eventually leading to its interior. Once inside, three switches that can be used to receive a Spin Boost, can be hit in order to activate a ramp leading to the Master Sword.

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U

Hyrule Castle can be seen in the background of the Bridge of Eldin Stage in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U. Hyrule Castle also returned as a Stage as DLC in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Hyrule Castle reappears as a Stage in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. The Twilight Princess version of the Castle can also once again be seen in the background of the Bridge of Eldin Stage. The Breath of the Wild version of the Castle can be seen in the background of the Great Plateau Tower Stage as well.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity



Trivia

  • In A Link to the Past, Hyrule Castle has a Dungeon Map and a Big Key (necessary to unlock Zelda's cell), but no Compass. It is the only dungeon in the game without one. The game treats the portion of the castle after Agahnim's magical barrier as a separate area from the rest of the castle, and so the latter has no boss, while the former has no dungeon items whatsoever. As the Compass's only purpose in A Link to the Past is to show the location of bosses, there is no use for a Compass in the lower part of Hyrule Castle.
  • It is uncertain whether there has been several distinct Hyrule Castles throughout the series, or they are modified versions of the same structure. However, the Hyrule Castle of Spirit Tracks is undoubtedly different as it is located in a different Hyrule.

Nomenclature

  Names in Other Regions  
LanguageNamesMeanings
Japanese
ハイラル城 (Hairaru-jō) (ALttP | OoT | ALBW)[71][72][73]Hairaru Castle
ChineseSI
海拉鲁城堡 (Hǎilālǔ chéngbǎo) (ST)[76] 
Dutch
Kasteel Hyrule (HWAoC)[83]Same as English.
FrenchCA
Château d'Hyrule (ST | ALBW)[84]Hyrule Castle
FrenchEU
Château d'Hyrule (ST | ALBW)[74][75]Hyrule Castle
German
Schloss Hyrule (ST | ALBW | HWAoC)[79][80][81] 
Italian
Castello di Hyrule (ALttP | OoT | OoT3D | TWW | FSA | ST | ALBW)[64][65][66][67][68][69][70]Same as English.
Korean
하이랄 성 (Hailal Seong) (ALBW)[82]Hyrule Castle
SpanishLA
Castillo de Hyrule (ST | ALBW)[77][78] 
SpanishEU
Castillo de Hyrule (ST | ALBW)[85] 
This table was generated using translation pages.
To request an addition, please contact a staff member with a reference.

Gallery

References

  1. Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 71,(Series) 109,(OoT) 113,(TP | ST) 146,(ALttP) 152,(TWW) 153,(FSA) 248,(OoS) 301 (ALBW)
  2. Hyrule Historia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 78 (TMC)
  3. "From Hyrule Castle, off in the distance, you hear the woman's voice speaking to you again..." — Adventure Log (Breath of the Wild)
  4. "The Hyrule Castle rising" (Nintendo Magazine, 2021 Winter, pg. 19)
  5. "Hyrule Castle: Defender
    Those Keese aren't making this graveyard any more inviting. Watch your radar, and take them down!
    " — Stage Select (Link's Crossbow Training)
  6. Hyrule Warriors: Prima Official Game Guide, Prima Games, pg. 262
  7. "Hyrule Castle" — Map (Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity)
  8. "CASTLE OF HYRULE" — Quest History (A Link to the Past)
  9. "Thanks to all, the bridge is built, the trade route is secure, and we saved money for the economic development of Castle Town!" — Goron (Twilight Princess)
  10. "He's in Hyrule Castle, I'm sure of it... Princess Zelda is in grave danger! We must return to the world of light and hurry to the castle!" — Midna (Twilight Princess)
  11. "Agahnim has seized control of the castle and is now trying to open the seven wise men's seal." — Princess Zelda (A Link to the Past)
  12. "Help me... Please help me... I am a prisoner in the dungeon of the castle. My name is Zelda. The wizard, Agahnim, has done... something to the other missing girls. Now only I remain..." — Princess Zelda (A Link to the Past)
  13. "Hey hey! You're not allowed in the castle, son!" — Soldier (A Link to the Past)
  14. "I know there is a hidden path from outside of the castle to the garden inside." — Princess Zelda (Ocarina of Time)
  15. "Unnh... Link, I didn't want you involved in this... I told you not to leave the house... Take my sword and shield and listen." — Link's Uncle (A Link to the Past)
  16. "The wizard has broken the wise men's seal and opened a gate to link the worlds at Hyrule Castle." — Sahasrahla (A Link to the Past)
  17. "The Great Deku Tree wanted us to go to visit the princess at Hyrule Castle.... Shouldn't we get going?" — Navi (Ocarina of Time)
  18. "Wha-ha-ha! What a crazy guy! Can you believe this guy was crazy enough to try to sneak into the castle to see Princess Zelda? All because of this idiot, they've tightened security at the castle. Wha-ha-hah!" — Hylian (Ocarina of Time)
  19. "There's a lot going on in the castle right now. I can't allow even a dog to get into the castle!" — Soldier (Ocarina of Time)
  20. "The princess is inside the castle just ahead. Be careful not to get caught by the guards!" — Kaepora Gaebora (Ocarina of Time)
  21. "It appears that the time has finally come for you to start your adventure! You will encounter many hardships ahead... That is your fate. Don't feel discouraged, even during the toughest times! Go straight this way and you will see Hyrule Castle. You will meet a princess there..." — Kaepora Gaebora (Ocarina of Time)
  22. "On that day seven years ago, Ganondorf suddenly attacked... and Hyrule Castle surrendered after a short time." — Sheik (Ocarina of Time)
  23. "One day in Hyrule, a strange force drew Link deep within Hyrule castle, where he found the Triforce resting, glittering brilliantly as it awaited him." (Oracle of Seasons manual, pg. 4)
  24. "Zelda has left the castle in Hyrule without any guard and is on her way here!" — Impa (Oracle of Seasons)
  25. "The item you seek is hidden somewhere in this castle. To find it, you must find the entrance to the basement. But...that entrance has been blocked by a mighty threshold, firmly sealed to prevent evil from ever gaining access." — King of Red Lions (The Wind Waker)
  26. "Excellent, [player_name]. To perceive such a puzzle and decipher it is no small feat. Now, take the sword that lies before you. It is none other than the Master Sword... The blade of evil's bane." — King of Red Lions (The Wind Waker)
  27. "Tales of the kingdom spoken of in the legend of the great hero... The place where the power of the gods lies hidden... This place, where the two of you now stand, is that kingdom." — Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule (The Wind Waker)
  28. "This tower, which the pearls of the gods have caused to appear, is a place that the gods of the ancient world prepared so that they might test the courage of men. Only one who is able to overcome the trials that await here will be acknowledged by the gods to be a true hero. Only then will that hero be permitted to wield the power to destroy the great evil." — King of Red Lions (The Wind Waker)
  29. "By the way, boy... When you drew that sword of yours out of its resting place... Did you by chance notice how all of the monsters frozen in time down there suddenly began stirring again?" — Ganondorf (The Wind Waker)
  30. "You are the true heir of the royal family of Hyrule...the last link in the bloodline. You are Princess Zelda." — Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule (The Wind Waker)
  31. "Zelda... It is far too dangerous for you to join us in this task. Fortunately, this sacred chamber is not yet known to Ganon. It is my wish that you wait here in hiding until we return." — Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule (The Wind Waker)
  32. "Did you think you'd be safe inside the castle? Foolish... Now that my power has been restored, there is no safe haven for you! I have taken your precious Zelda." — Ganondorf (The Wind Waker)
  33. "The soldiers in the castle were behaving so oddly, and I couldn't get past them. They were moving the old cannons around...and they even aimed their bows at me!" — Malon (Four Swords Adventures)
  34. "I heard the maidens' cries and came running to find the castle a nest of fiends. They captured me and split me in two. That's why I look so horrible right now. Please, I beg of you. Reunite my two halves! Make me whole again!" — Zora (Four Swords Adventures)
  35. "I didn't think I would ever be allowed to reclaim my true form as a Great Fairy again! Thank you so much, brave ones!" — Fairy Queen (Four Swords Adventures)
  36. "We must find the elemental sanctuary to fill the sword with elemental power. I'd never have looked for the elemental sanctuary in Hyrule Castle, though!" — N/A (The Minish Cap)
  37. "The elemental sanctuary exists between the human world and the Minish world." — N/A (The Minish Cap)
  38. "Yes. After all, the festival only comes once a year. Go on, have fun! And while you're there, you can do me a favor. I just finished making this Sword for the minister as Hyrule Castle." — Smith (The Minish Cap)
  39. "Since you're here, Link, why don't you join us for the award ceremony?" — Minister Potho (The Minish Cap)
  40. "By the order of the king, none shall pass! Now! Begone with you!!" — Soldier (The Minish Cap)
  41. "What? ...What is this? What's happened here!? They've been turned to stone! All of them! The minister...And the guards! Just like Princess Zelda!" — Ezlo (The Minish Cap)
  42. "Link! We need your help! Vaati took out petrified princess to the roof of the castle... He must be planning something fiendish. You must stop him!" — Minister Potho (The Minish Cap)
  43. "Hyrule Castle has fallen into darkness. This place is a den of evil for Vaati and his beast minions now..." — N/A (The Minish Cap)
  44. "The bar is actually a kind of safe house for my friends. There's a passageway that leads to the castle from in there, as well." — Telma (Twilight Princess)
  45. "Look, there's someone I want to introduce you to...but I'll need you to go to that tower to do it!" — Midna (Twilight Princess)
  46. "It is time for you to choose: surrender or die. Oh yes, a question for all the land and people of Hyrule... Life? Or death?!" — Zant (Twilight Princess)
  47. "Despite your mortal injuries, you act in our stead... These dark times are the result of our deeds, yet it is you who have reaped the penalty. Accept this now, Midna. I pass it to you..." — Princess Zelda (Twilight Princess)
  48. "Take that sword and hurry after the captain" — Blacksmith (A Link Between Worlds)
  49. "He's got to be headed back to Hyrule Castle! — Blacksmith (A Link Between Worlds)
  50. "You've gotta report this to the castle!" — Ravio (A Link Between Worlds)
  51. You have found the Master Sword! Well done, Link. Now there's no time to waste. Strike down this nefarious barrier! — Sahasrahla (A Link Between Worlds)
  52. "A mysterious female voice over beckons Link to “open his eyes.” Our hero has been asleep for 100 years, a callback to Link’s previous adventures but he wakes up to some dire circumstances: the world has been ravaged in the time Link’s been asleep by Calamity Ganon, a fog-like beast that creates a dark mist around what looks like Hyrule Castle. The voice tells Link if this calamity gains enough power, he could bring the world to an end."E3 2016: THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: BREATH OF THE WILD MIGHT BE THE OPEN WORLD ZELDA WE ALWAYS WANTED , .
  53. "The looming threat to Hyrule is equally familiar. Not long after the game starts, you learn that a being called Calamity Ganon had been trapped in Hyrule Castle for 100 years. In seeming tie to Link's own awakening, Ganon has been gathering power and is right on the cusp of breaking loose. Should that happen, Hyrule is doomed."Freeform exploration in the new 'Zelda' game is an NES throwback , .
  54. "He was imprisoned beneath Hyrule Castle for ages, but the magic holding him weakened when the castle was damaged during the calamity a century ago, and his power has steadily been growing since. Now he has revived as a threat beyond the knowledge of any." — Character Profiles (Tears of the Kingdom)
  55. "Deep beneath this land, our mighty first ruler imprisoned the Demon King. To ensure the king's magic would hold, we erected a castle here to protect this sacred site. Without the castle in place, the site may be disturbed, allowing the Demon King's hatred and rage to be revived. The preservation of this castle is therefore tied to the prosperity of the kingdom." — Stone Tablet (Tears of the Kingdom)
  56. "Link... Help me... I'm being held prisoner in the castle... Help me... My name is Zelda..." (A Link to the Past manga, VIZ Media, pg. 4)
  57. "Take my sword and shield. The princess...you must save her! After you rescue Zelda...and the people in the Dark World...you may meet your parents..." (A Link to the Past manga, VIZ Media, pg. 8)
  58. "We must escape and make our way to the Sanctuary!! The Old Man there will help us" (A Link to the Past manga, VIZ Media, pg. 13)
  59. "Link: So all the approaches to the castle are blocked by Agahnim's sentries?
    Boy: Yep! Even approaching the castle means certain death!
    " (A Link to the Past manga, VIZ Media, pg. 5)
  60. "I have been awaiting your arrival, foolish hero! Watch now as your precious princess vanishes--before your very eyes! Behold! The last moment of Princess Zelda! NOW!" (A Link to the Past manga, VIZ Media, pg. 13,14)
  61. "Link, listen! Agahnim's magic is like a double-edged sword... The Master Sword was also forged to repel evil magic!" (A Link to the Past manga, VIZ Media, pg. 4)
  62. "It appears you are not such a fool after all... But it makes no difference... My defeat will not restore the wise men's seal, on the contrary... [...] And with my final breath...you will join Zelda in...the Dark World!" (A Link to the Past manga, VIZ Media, pg. 5,6)
  63. "Link was appointed as Master of the Knights of Hyrule by the newly-crowned Queen Zelda." (A Link to the Past manga, VIZ Media, pg. 13)
  64. "Il ritorno del re - Castello di Hyrule" — Credits (A Link to the Past, Italian localization)
  65. Enciclopedia di Hyrule, Magazzini Salani, pg. 109
  66. "Andiamo al castello di Hyrule, Link!" — Navi (Ocarina of Time 3D, Italian localization)
  67. "Castello di Hyrule" — N/A (The Wind Waker, Italian localization)
  68. "Link... dirigiti al Castello di Hyrule..." — Princess Zelda (Four Swords Adventures, Italian localization)
  69. "Castello di Hyrule" — Rail Map (Spirit Tracks)
  70. "Dove vuoi che vada il capitano se non al Castello di Hyrule?!" — Blacksmith (A Link Between Worlds, Italian localization)
  71. A Link to the Past manual, pg. 2, 3 Nintendo Official Guidebook: The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past Vol. 1, Shogakukan, pg. 3
  72. Nintendo Official Guidebook—The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Shogakukan, pg. 155
  73. "ようこそハイラル城" — Princess Zelda (A Link Between Worlds)
  74. "Château d'Hyrule" — Rail Map (Spirit Tracks)
  75. "Bienvenue au château d'Hyrule." — Princess Zelda (A Link Between Worlds)
  76. 塞尔达传说:百科全书, New Star Press, pg. 290
  77. "Castillo de Hyrule" — Rail Map (Spirit Tracks)
  78. "Bienvenido al castillo de Hyrule." — Princess Zelda (A Link Between Worlds)
  79. "Schloss Hyrule" — Rail Map (Spirit Tracks)
  80. "Willkommen in Schloss Hyrule." — Princess Zelda (A Link Between Worlds)
  81. "Schloss Hyrule" — Map (Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity)
  82. "하이랄 성에 오신 것을 환영합니다" — Princess Zelda (A Link Between Worlds)
  83. "Kasteel Hyrule" — Map (Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity)
  84. "Bienvenue au château d'Hyrule." — Princess Zelda (A Link Between Worlds)
  85. "Bienvenido al Castillo de Hyrule." — Princess Zelda (A Link Between Worlds)
Locations in A Link to the Past
Locations in the Light World Locations in the Dark World
 Waterfall of WishingEastern PalaceGraveyardLost WoodsKakariko VillageDesert PalaceDesert of MysteryHyrule CastleGreat SwampTower of HeraPond of HappinessLake HyliaLink's HouseZora's WaterfallHaunted GroveSanctuaryWitch's HutDeath Mountain

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 Skull WoodsSkeleton ForestGhostly GardenThieves' TownVillage of OutcastsMisery MireSwamp of EvilSwamp PalaceGanon's TowerPalace of DarknessPyramid of PowerIce PalaceIce LakeLake of Ill OmenBomb ShopTurtle Rock

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Regions in Ocarina of Time
 Lon Lon RanchLakeside LaboratoryFishing HoleLake HyliaKokiri ForestInside the Deku TreeLost WoodsSacred Forest MeadowMarketHyrule CastleGerudo ValleyGerudo's FortressHaunted WastelandDesert ColossusKakariko VillageKakariko GraveyardDeath MountainGoron CityDeath Mountain TrailZora's RiverZora's DomainZora's FountainHyrule Field

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Hyrule in Twilight Princess
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