Loftwings (pronounced /ˈlɒftˌwɪŋ/LOFT-wing and /ˈlɔːftˌwɪŋ/LAWFT-wing)[citation needed],(SeriesThe Legend of Zelda Series | SSSkyward Sword)[2] also known as Guardian Birds,(SSSkyward Sword)[3] are a recurring species in The Legend of Zelda series. They are large birds used by the citizens of Skyloft to travel between the different regions of the Sky and are used during the annual Wing Ceremony.[3]
It is a custom in Skyloft for each person to have their own Loftwing, which is a symbol of the divine protection granted by the Goddess Hylia.[3] A Loftwing and its rider have a special connection, as Skyloftians consider themselves to be one half of a pair until they are made whole by the Loftwings.[3] When a Skyloftian is young, they meet their bird companion under the Statue of the Goddess.[4] Having a Loftwing and being able to ride it separates the kids from the adults.[5]
Loftwings cannot fly during the nighttime since they have a terrible night vision, and only those which have been specially trained can fly in the dark.[6] They can also be taught a special move called the Spiral Charge, but since it is a stressful move for Loftwings to perform, it is usually only taught to senior Knight Academy students.[7][8]
Loftwings are modeled after the Shoebill, a species of bird native to tropical east Africa. The idea for their curled tails came from one of the designers' pet shiba.[1]
Many Loftwings bear characteristics similar to their owners:
↑ 1.01.1Loftwings are modeled after birds called shoebills, and the idea for their curled tails came from the designer's pet shiba. (Hyrule Historia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 9)
↑ 3.03.13.23.3As you know, each of us in Skyloft is but one half of a pair. We are only made whole by our Loftwings, the guardian birds that the goddess bestows upon each of us as a symbol of her divine protection. — Gaepora (Skyward Sword)
↑When we are young, every one of us meets our Loftwing under the great Statue of the Goddess. It's quite a big moment, as I'm sure you recall. — Gaepora (Skyward Sword)
↑Here in Skyloft, it's being able to ride a Loftwing that separates the kids from the adults. — N/A (Skyward Sword)
↑Listen up. Loftwings can't fly at night! They have terrible night vision, and only the few who have received special training can fly in the dark. If you really need to fly, you'll just have to wait for daylight. — Pipit (Skyward Sword)
↑The Spiral Charge is a stressful maneuver for most any Loftwing to pull off. But you and that red bird of yours...I'll bet you can handle it without a sweat! — N/A (Skyward Sword)
↑This is a technique that only senior Knight Academy students who have mastered high-level flight skills are allowed to perform. — Owlan (Skyward Sword)
↑Our hero, who rescues the land that will later become Hyrule, rides a red bird. This is why the mark of a bird appears on his shield. However, since the design had already appeared, was this some herald of fate to come? (Hyrule Historia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 9)
↑Of course, that Crimson Loftwing of yours is something special. I'd feel pretty confident riding him, too! — Pipit (Skyward Sword)
↑The bird that came to him was a Crimson Loftwing. It is a breed so rare we were sure for some time that it had vanished from the line. — Gaepora (Skyward Sword)
↑Skyward Sword manual, European Limited Edition Pack version, pg. 107
↑Skyward Sword manual, European Limited Edition Pack version, pg. 57
↑Skyward Sword manual, European Limited Edition Pack version, pg. 117
↑¡Me alegro que mi neburí haya conseguido despertarte! La promesa que me hiciste... Sabía que se te iba a olvidar. — Zelda (Skyward Sword, Latin American Spanish version)
↑Mi pelícaro se las ha arreglado para despertarte, ¿eh? Nuestra promesa... Seguro se te había olvidado por completo. — Zelda (Skyward Sword, European Spanish version)
↑Skyward Sword manual, European Limited Edition Pack version, pg. 77
Loftwing
Support SpiritNo. 231
Giant Falco
