Rauru

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For the town in The Adventure of Link, see Rauru Town.

Rauru,(OoT | TotK | SSBU)[1][13][14] also known as Kaepora Gaebora when in his owl form,(OoT) is a recurring character in The Legend of Zelda series.

Biography

Era of Chaos

During the Era of Chaos and shortly before the Kingdom of Hyrule was established by the royal descendants of the goddess Hylia's mortal incarnation, Rauru built the Temple of Time over the remains of the Sealed Temple that was located deep within the Faron Woods in the Faron Province. In doing this, he protected the Triforce from the chaotic Battle for the Sacred Realm being fought over its ownership at the time.[15][16] Rauru named the temple after the Temple of Time from the legends of the events of Skyward Sword about a hero who had wielded the Master Sword and traveled between two time periods.[17][18] He chose to remain within the Temple of Light, situated in the center of the Sacred Realm, only leaving it in the form of the wise and watchful owl known as Kaepora Gaebora.[19] Knowledge of the Sacred Realm passed onto the Sheikah tribe and Rauru's name faded into obscurity.[20]

Ocarina of Time

After Link defeats Gohma in a failed attempt to save the Great Deku Tree, he leaves the Kokiri Forest and has his first encounter with Rauru, who awaits him in his owl form as Kaepora Gaebora at the edge of the woods. The owl gives him encouragement on the adventure the Great Deku Tree has tasked him with and advises him to visit Princess Zelda at Hyrule Castle before leaving with a promise that they will meet again.[21]

OoT3D Kaepora Gaebora Render.png
Kaepora Gaebora, Rauru's owl form as seen in-game

True to his word, Kaepora Gaebora often appears to tell Link about a new area whenever the young hero comes upon it, and he picks Link up and carries him twice when Link could not progress on his own. Once Link reaches the Spirit Temple, after navigating between the eras of his childhood and adulthood, Kaepora Gaebora compliments him on his growth and bids farewell after giving one final piece of advice on how to defeat the witches, Twinrova.[22]

When Link drew the Master Sword from the Pedestal of the Master Sword, Ganondorf entered the Sacred Realm and obtained the Triforce of Power from the Temple of Light. The Sacred Realm transformed into the Dark World, with the exception of the Chamber of Sages.[23][24][25][26] The Master Sword kept Link in the safety of this chamber so that the boy could grow old enough to truly assume the role of the Hero of Time.[27] Rauru speaks with Link for the first time after a period of seven years, informing him of what has transpired and his duties as the hero.[28][29] After instructing him to awaken the other Sages, Rauru gives him the Light Medallion.[30][31]

Rauru contacts Link again after he frees the other five Sages. He tells Link to meet "someone" waiting at the Temple of Time before facing Ganondorf.[32] This person turns out to be Sheik, who reveals herself as none other than Princess Zelda, the seventh Sage.[33][34] Unfortunately, by revealing herself to Link, Princess Zelda exposes herself to Ganondorf, who subsequently captures her and takes her to his castle.[35][36][37] Rauru then instructs Link to save Princess Zelda and informs him that he and the other Sages will aid him by providing entrance to Ganon's Castle.[38] When Link defeats Ganon, Rauru leads the other Sages when they use their powers to seal Ganondorf within the Sacred Realm.[39]

The Wind Waker

In The Wind Waker, Rauru, like the other Sages who helped seal Ganondorf within the Sacred Realm, is memorialized within one of the stained glass windows in Hyrule Castle's basement, where the Master Sword is now enshrined. The Royal Crest is depicted directly above him.

Tears of the Kingdom

Rauru founded Hyrule depicted in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom as its first King of Hyrule. It is possible that Hyrule may have been destroyed once before he founded his kingdom.[40] He is a Zonai man married to the Hylian queen Sonia and a distant ancestor to the Zelda of the Era of the Wilds. He is also the younger brother of Mineru, the Sage of Spirit. Rauru and Mineru are the last remaining Zonai in Hyrule.[41] In the distant future, Rauru's body is reduced to a Right Arm which holds Ganondorf in place until Zelda and Link arrive. When the two approach, his arm collapses, dropping his Secret Stone for Zelda to pick up and unwittingly use to travel back in Time. When Ganondorf destroys Link's right arm, Rauru's Spirit transplants his own Arm onto Link's body, allowing Link to use ancient Magic.

Rauru guides Link to the Temple of Time on the Great Sky Island. While Link explores the Garden of Time, Rauru will visit different places and remark upon what life was like for him in the distant past. When Link arrives at the Temple of Time and finds that he cannot open its front doors due to the Darkness residing in his body, Rauru instructs him to visit three of the Shrines of Light atop the Great Sky Island in order to purge this evil. Inside each Shrine, Rauru will gift Link with a new ability that will help him navigate the Shrines and travel across the Great Sky Island.[42]

Once Link receives the three Lights of Blessing from the Shrines, Rauru tells him to return to the Temple of Time.[43] At the Temple of Time, Link receives the Recall ability from Zelda, who quickly disappears. Rauru explains the ability and speculates that this apparition of Zelda may have been a reflection of her will rather than Zelda herself.[44] When Link attempts to open the rear doors of the Temple, Rauru informs him that he is still weak from his encounter with Ganondorf and that he must recover some strength before he can open it.[45] He then guides Link to the Nachoyah Shrine in the southern part of the Great Sky Island where Link can find a fourth Light of Blessing to offer to the Temple of Time's Goddess Statue in exchange for a Piece of Heart.[46]

After Link opens the rear doors to the Temple of Time, Rauru reappears before him to congratulate his progress in spite of his grievous injury.[47] Before disappearing, he declares that Link is exactly as described by Zelda and tells Link that he has done everything he could to help him save her.[48]

Rauru using his power of Light

In the distant past, Rauru and Sonia find Zelda after she is transported to the past with Rauru's Secret Stone, which amplifies Zelda's powers over Time. The two take Zelda in while she searches for a way to return to her own time, and in doing so learn what the future of Hyrule Kingdom is like. They also learn from Zelda that a brave Knight named Link saves the Kingdom from a great evil. At some point, Rauru accepted Ganondorf and the Gerudo as subjects into the fledgling Hyrule Kingdom despite the Gerudo under Ganondorf ignoring prior invitations. Rauru understood that Ganondorf held Darkness within his heart and chose to keep him close in order to keep an eye on him. However, this plan backfired when Ganondorf created a Phantom Ganon that resembled Zelda to distract Sonia long enough to kill her and steal her Secret Stone. By using the Secret Stone to amplify his own powers, Ganondorf transformed into Demon King Ganondorf and summoned an army of Monsters to attack Hyrule Kingdom. This was the first act of the Imprisoning War wherein Rauru swore to stop Ganondorf at any cost.

In order to increase Hyrule Kingdom's odds against Ganondorf's army, Rauru selected six individuals to hold Secret Stones. In accepting their responsibility to protect the land, these six people became the Six Sages. Zelda and Mineru already possessed Secret Stones and became the Sage of Time and Sage of Spirit, while an additional four were shared among leaders of the Rito, Zora, Gorons, and the Gerudo. The Rito leader became the Sage of Wind, the Zora leader became the Sage of Water, the Goron leader became the Sage of Fire, and the Gerudo leader became the Sage of Lightning.

While they prepared for their upcoming battle, Rauru mourned the late Queen Sonia. He also met with Zelda, who realized that the reanimated mummy she met Beneath Hyrule Castle was Ganondorf after watching him become the Demon King. Recalling the circumstances of her first encounter, she warned Rauru that despite their efforts, he would live on to the distant future where they would meet again. Rauru reassures Zelda that she comes from a future where she did not exist in the past, and that their chances against Ganondorf would be different with her presence.[note 1]

Despite their preparations, Rauru and the Six Sages are soundly defeated by Demon King Ganondorf. Knowing that he can place his faith in the capable Knight Link, Rauru decides to sacrifice himself in order to seal Ganondorf away. The Six Sages attack Ganondorf once more, but he is able to deftly repel their attacks and arrogantly predicts Rauru's next attack. Taking advantage of Ganondorf's arrogance, Rauru sneaks up on the Demon King and grips his chest, binding Ganondorf's heart and using his powers of Light to siphon the Demon King's powers. This process locks both of them together underground.

Following Rauru's imprisoning of Ganondorf underground, his people construct Hyrule Castle atop the Demon King to keep him sealed, the castle remains intact and undestroyed for ages until it is damaged during the Great Calamity 100 years prior to the Era of the Wilds.[49][50] Link and Zelda travel Beneath Hyrule Castle to investigate the Gloom seeping out from Ganondorf's body.

After Link defeats the Demon Dragon, the Spirits of Rauru and Sonia appear to him. They channel their powers of Light and Time through Link to reverse Zelda's transformation into the Light Dragon and the damage done to Link's arm by Ganondorf's Gloom. With the defeat of Demon King Ganondorf and the future of Hyrule saved, Rauru and Sonia both fade into the afterlife.

Other Appearances

Ocarina of Time (Himekawa)

Non-Canon Information
This section of the page is incomplete. You can help Zelda Wiki by expanding it.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Non-Canon Information
Rauru — Spirit Battle Information
SSBU Rauru Spirit Icon.png
Rauru
SSBU Support Spirit Icon.png Support Spirit
No. 1514 		Team Power SSBU Neutral Type Icon.png Neutral | 13,000 Rank ★★★★ LEGEND Fighter(s)
Stage Temple (Battlefield) Theme "Calamity Ganon Battle - Second Form" SSBU Mewtwo Stock Icon 8.png Mewtwo
SSBU Zelda Stock Icon.png Zelda
SSBU R.O.B. Stock Icon 6.png R.O.B.
SSBU Robin Stock Icon 4.png Robin
SSBU Inkling Stock Icon 6.png Inkling
SSBU Charizard Stock Icon 5.png Charizard
SSBU Pit Stock Icon.png Pit
Rule(s) — Hazard(s) —
Condition(s)
 • Stamina BattleTriforce piece.png
 • The enemy favors neutral specials
 • Reinforcments will appear after an enemy is KO'd
Rauru — Spirit Information
SSBU Rauru Spirit Icon.png

Rauru
No. 1514 		Rank ★★★★ LEGEND Cost ⬣
Skill
Special-Move Power 🠅
Slightly increses the power of all special moves.

In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Rauru from Tears of the Kingdom appears as a Support Spirit, first appearing in the Fresh New Faces! event on January 12th, 2024. Rauru holds the skill Special-Move Power 🠅, which increases the power of the fighter's special moves.

Trivia

  • The exact connection between Rauru and the owl Kaepora Gaebora was left up for interpretation and debate by fans from Ocarina of Time's release in 1998 until the Hyrule Historia in 2011, which confirmed that they are indeed one and the same.[51]
  • Rauru, like several other characters from Ocarina of Time, inspired a town featured in The Adventure of Link to be named after him, Rauru Town.
  • In Skyward Sword, the character Gaepora bears a great deal of resemblance and personality to both Rauru and his owl incarnation.

Nomenclature

ZW Nomenclature Asset.png Names in Other Regions ZW Nomenclature Asset 2.png
LanguageNames
Japan
Japanese
  • ラウル (Rauru) (OoT)[54]
  • ラウル (TotK)
The Republic of ChinaThe Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of ChinaThe Macao Special Administrative Region of China
ChineseTR
勞魯 (Láolǔ) (TotK)
The People's Republic of China
ChineseSI
劳鲁 (Láolǔ) (TotK)
Canada
FrenchCA
Rauru (TotK)
The French Republic
FrenchEU
Rauru (OoT | TotK)[55]
The Federal Republic of Germany
German
Rauru (TotK)
The Italian Republic
Italian
The Republic of Korea
Korean
라울 (TotK)
The Kingdom of Spain
SpanishEU
Rauru (TotK)
This table was generated using translation pages.
To request an addition, please contact a staff member with a reference.

Other Names

These names, though from official English sources, are not considered Canon by Zelda Wiki as they contradict a name or names from a higher-priority source.
Name
Raura[56]
Applies to
Ocarina of Time
Source

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time—Official Strategy Guide by BradyGames

Superseded by
Encyclopedia
NameApplies toSourceSuperseded by
Raura[56]
Ocarina of Time

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time—Official Strategy Guide by BradyGames

Encyclopedia

Gallery

  • Rauru's window from The Wind Waker

    Rauru's window from The Wind Waker

  • Rauru painting from Twilight Princess HD

    Rauru painting from Twilight Princess HD

  • Model of Rauru from Tears of the Kingdom

    Model of Rauru from Tears of the Kingdom

  • Rauru's introduction from Tears of the Kingdom

    Rauru's introduction from Tears of the Kingdom

  • Rauru channeling his power of Light from Tears of the Kingdom

    Rauru channeling his power of Light from Tears of the Kingdom

See Also

Notes

  1. ↑ Rauru is incorrect about this, however. When Link and Zelda first meet Ganondorf, he recognizes Zelda and recalls Rauru telling him about a future hero named Link who carries the Sword that Seals the Darkness.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 239 (OoT | OoT3D)
  2. ↑ "This Rauru you met... I think that's what the first king of Hyrule was named." — Purah (Tears of the Kingdom)
  3. ↑ "Rauru
    Founding King    " — Character Profiles (Tears of the Kingdom)
  4. ↑ "We all, gathered here, swear on our lives to serve Rauru, the King of Light." — Six Sages (Tears of the Kingdom)
  5. ↑ "King Rauru... I believe that man's heart holds many dark ambitions." — Zelda (Tears of the Kingdom)
  6. ↑ "My name is Rauru. King Rauru of Hyrule." — Rauru (Tears of the Kingdom)
  7. ↑ "Rauru
    Source of the Right Arm    " — Game Screen (Tears of the Kingdom)
  8. ↑ "Your Majesty has certainly risen above your admirable lineage." — Ganondorf (Tears of the Kingdom)
  9. ↑ "And now you rule as king and have taken a Hyrulean woman as your wife." — Ganondorf (Tears of the Kingdom)
  10. ↑ "I can feel your light power within her. As well as my time power. Additionally, I sense that we share a blood connection." — Sonia (Tears of the Kingdom)
  11. ↑ "Looking out across the world she's found herself in, Zelda realizes she's traveled to the ancient past and questions how she can get back to her own time. Sonia offers some helpful thoughts, but it's Rauru who realizes his older sister, Mineru, might know a way Zelda can travel forward in time." — Adventure Log (Tears of the Kingdom)
  12. ↑ "It's been a few weeks, so time to start sharing beautiful art of my boy, Rauru. Still can't believe this is me. 🙏" — @ChrisHackneyGGK on Twitter, May 27, 2023 (Archive)
  13. ↑ "Rauru" — Game Screen (Tears of the Kingdom)
  14. ↑ "The Legend of Zelda Series
    Rauru    " — Spirit List (Super Smash Bros. Ultimate)
  15. ↑ Hyrule Historia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 87
  16. ↑ Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 11
  17. ↑ Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 25
  18. ↑ Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 25
  19. ↑ Hyrule Historia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 77
  20. ↑ Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 25
  21. ↑ "Hoo hoot! Link... Look up here! 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... If you are lost and don't know which way to go, look at the Map. The areas you have explored will be shown on the Map. Press START to enter the Subscreens and (Z) or (R) to find the Map. On the Map Subscreen, you will also see a flashing dot showing you which way you should go next. Did you get all that? All right then, I'll see you around! Hoot hoot hoot ho!" — Kaepora Gaebora (Ocarina of Time)
  22. ↑ "Hey, what's up, Link? Surprised to see me? A long time in this world is almost nothing to you, is it? How mysterious! Even I thought that the tales of a boy who could travel back and forth through time was merely a legend. Link, you have fully matured as an adult. From now on, the future of all the people in Hyrule is on your shoulders. Maybe it's not my time anymore. Here is my last advice. Two witches inhabit this temple. In order to destroy them, turn their own magic against them. Hoo hoot! I will continue to watch you... Hoo hoo hoo hoot!" — Kaepora Gaebora (Ocarina of Time)
  23. ↑ "My power now has only little influence, even in this Sacred Realm... Namely, this Chamber of Sages." — Rauru (Ocarina of Time)
  24. ↑ "The resting place of the sacred triangle, the Sacred Realm, is a mirror that reflects what is in the heart... the heart of one who enters it... If an evil heart, the Realm will become full of evil" — Princess Zelda (Ocarina of Time)
  25. ↑ "Ancient Creators of Hyrule! Now, open the sealed door and send the Evil Incarnation of Darkness into the void of the Evil Realm!" — Rauru (Ocarina of Time)
  26. ↑ "Thank you, Link... Thanks to you, Ganondorf has been sealed inside the Evil Realm!" — Princess Zelda (Ocarina of Time)
  27. ↑ "On that day, seven years ago, Ganondorf attacked Hyrule Castle. After you opened the door of time, the Master Sword sealed you away in the Sacred Realm..." — Princess Zelda (Ocarina of Time)
  28. ↑ "But, remember... Though you opened the Door of Time in the name of peace... Ganondorf, the Gerudo King of Thieves, used it to enter this forbidden Sacred Realm! He obtained the Triforce from the Temple of Light, and with its power, he became the King of Evil... His evil power radiated from the temples of Hyrule, and in seven short years, it transformed Hyrule into a world of monsters. My power now has only little influence, even in this Sacred Realm... Namely, this Chamber of Sages. But there is still hope... The power of the Sages remains. When the power of all the Sages is awakened... The Sages' Seals will contain all the evil power in the void of the Realm... I, Rauru, am one of the Sages... And... Your power to fight together with the Sages makes you the Hero of Time! The Hero of Time, chosen by the Master Sword! Keep my spirit with you... And, find the power of the other Sages and add their might to your own!" — Rauru (Ocarina of Time)
  29. ↑ "The Master Sword is a sacred blade which evil ones may never touch.... Only one worthy of the title of "Hero of Time" can pull it from the Pedestal of Time.... However, you were too young to be the Hero of Time.... Therefore, your spirit was sealed here for seven years. And now that you are old enough, the time has come for you to awaken as the Hero of Time! Well, do you understand your destiny?" — Rauru (Ocarina of Time)
  30. ↑ "You received the Light Medallion! Rauru the Sage adds his power to yours!" — N/A (Ocarina of Time)
  31. ↑ "As a symbol of your pact, Rauru gives you the Light Medallion, because he is the Sage of Light." (The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D—Prima Official Game Guide by Prima Games, pg. 69)
  32. ↑ "Link, the hero! Finally, all of us, the six Sages, have been awakened! The time for the final showdown with the King of Evil has come! Before that, though, you should meet the one who is waiting for you... The one who is waiting for you at the Temple of Time..." — Rauru (Ocarina of Time)
  33. ↑ "And the other, who holds the Triforce of Wisdom...is the seventh Sage, who is destined to be the leader of them all..." — Sheik (Ocarina of Time 3D)
  34. ↑ "It is I, the Princess of Hyrule, Zelda." — Princess Zelda (Ocarina of Time)
  35. ↑ "Princess Zelda...you foolish traitor! I commend you for avoiding my pursuit for seven long years." — Ganondorf (Ocarina of Time 3D)
  36. ↑ "But you let your guard down... I knew you would appear if I let this kid wander around!" — Ganondorf (Ocarina of Time 3D)
  37. ↑ "If you want to rescue Zelda, come to my castle!" — Ganondorf (Ocarina of Time 3D)
  38. ↑ "Link...can you hear me? It's Rauru, the Sage. We six will gather our power to create a bridge to the castle where Ganondorf dwells... The castle's keep, which is known as Ganon's Tower, is protected by six evil barriers. Bring down the six barriers and save Princess Zelda!!" — Rauru (Ocarina of Time)
  39. ↑ "Ancient Creators of Hyrule! Now, open the sealed door and send the Evil Incarnation of Darkness into the void of the Evil Realm!!" — Rauru (Ocarina of Time)
  40. ↑ "あくまで可能性として話すとすれば、ハイラル建国の話があってもその前に一度滅んだ歴史がある可能性もあります。[If I'm just talking about this as a possibility, even if there is a story about the founding of Hyrule, there is a possibility that there is a history where Hyrule was destroyed once before that.]" — Hidemaro Fujibayashi, An interview with the developer of "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom" that can still be talked about. A marvelous sequel completed through "play priority" (web archive), Famitsu.
  41. ↑ "It is unfortunate that the noble Zonai no longer grace this world with their presence. All except you and your sister, that is." — Ganondorf (Tears of the Kingdom)
  42. ↑ "So you've made it here. This is a Shrine of Light. Long ago, I filled these places with light that purges evil. I believe this light will restore an ability your right arm has lost. Now then, extend your hand." — Rauru (Tears of the Kingdom)
  43. ↑ "I see you've restored some power to that new arm of yours. The door into the Temple of Time should now open for you." — Rauru (Tears of the Kingdom)
  44. ↑ "Ah, Recall...the ability to reverse the movement of an object through time. And Zelda has vanished as well... What you just saw... It's a mystery even to me. Perhaps it was a sort of echo—one that reflects her sheer will. That you've now been given this ability... No doubt, it will prove important." — Rauru (Tears of the Kingdom)
  45. ↑ "You remain in a weakened state. You're not yet strong enough to open it. But...there is one more shrine on this island. There, you can get another blessing. If you add that to the other blessings you received at shrines and offer them all to the Goddess...you might just find your way forward after all. Let me see the Purah Pad..." — Rauru (Tears of the Kingdom)
  46. ↑ "The Purah Pad lets you travel to certain places instantly. Now, see all of the blue marks on your map? You can travel instantly to any of them. I'd suggest the one at the bottom of your map. Use the travel function to reach that area quickly. You'll find the last of this island's shrines around there somewhere." — Rauru (Tears of the Kingdom)
  47. ↑ "Ah, good. I see you have managed to open the door. You haven't fully recovered yet, but that is to be expected—you were almost beyond saving... By visiting the shrines and receiving their blessings, you have mitigated some of the corruption's effects. Though our time together has been brief, I am so happy that we finally met... You are exactly as Zelda said." — Rauru (Tears of the Kingdom)
  48. ↑ "I've done everything I can for her. Now it is up to you." — Rauru (Tears of the Kingdom)
  49. ↑ "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)
  50. ↑ "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 therfore tied to the prosperity of the kingdom." — Stone Tablet (Tears of the Kingdom)
  51. ↑ Hyrule Historia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 87
  52. ↑ "Io sono Raul, uno degli antichi Saggi!" — Rauru (Ocarina of Time 3D, Italian localization)
  53. ↑ Enciclopedia di Hyrule, Magazzini Salani, pg. 239
  54. ↑ Nintendo Official Guidebook—The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Shogakukan, pg. 140
  55. ↑ Encyclopedia, Les Éditions Soleil, pg. 239
  56. ↑ The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time—Official Strategy Guide, BradyGames, pg. 22
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