Anti-Fairy (Spark)
Description: Crackling balls of energy that bounce erratically off walls and obstacles. Contact with them causes damage.
Location: Common in many dungeons.
Strategy: While dangerous to touch, they have a unique interaction: sprinkling Magic Powder on them transforms them into a helpful healing Fairy! Alternatively, the Boomerang or Hookshot can often stun or destroy them from a safe distance. Sword strikes are risky due to their movement.
Aqua Beetle (Water Bug)
Description: Small insects that skitter across the surface of water.
Location: Found in watery areas and dungeons like the Swamp Palace.
Strategy: More of a nuisance than a real threat. A simple sword slash will dispatch them easily.
Archer (Soldier)
Description: Soldiers equipped with bows and arrows. Green Archers typically stand still and fire when Link aligns horizontally or vertically, while tougher Blue Archers may move around.
Location: Hyrule Castle, Eastern Palace, various dungeons, Dark World overworld.
Strategy: Block arrows with your shield. At range, return fire with your own Bow and Arrows or use the Hookshot to stun them before closing in. Up close, the Pegasus Boots allow you to charge through their shots and defeat them quickly, or simply use your sword.
Armos Knight
Description: Stone statues, often arranged in groups, that spring to life when touched or approached. They typically hop towards Link.
Location: Guarding entrances or important items, notably the pendants in the Eastern Palace, Desert Palace, and Tower of Hera. Also found in Ganon’s Tower.
Strategy: They are invulnerable until activated. Once moving, they are vulnerable to sword strikes (especially the Master Sword), arrows, and bombs. The last Armos Knight in a group often turns red and leaps into the air to crash down on Link – keep moving!
Babusu (Sliding Blob)
Description: Red or orange gelatinous blobs that slide across the ground rather than hopping like their green counterparts (Zol). They notably do not split into smaller blobs when attacked. Often referred to by the Japanese name Nuranuru as well.
Location: Common in caves, dungeons, and some overworld areas, often appearing alongside Zols.
Strategy: Simple sword strikes are effective. They are generally more durable than Zols and their sliding movement can sometimes be less predictable than hopping. Since they don’t split, focus on defeating them directly.
Bee
Description: Small, buzzing insects that attack in swarms. A bottled bee (‘Good Bee’) can be released to attack enemies. The friendly ‘Golden Bee’ variant exists but is rare.
Location: Often appear when dashing into certain trees with the Pegasus Boots, or found in grassy areas and some caves.
Strategy: Individually weak, but dangerous in groups. A sword slash works, but they are fast. Clever players can catch them with the Bug-Catching Net. A Bee caught in a bottle can be released later to attack enemies! Running away is also a valid tactic.
Beamos
Description: Stone pillars with a rotating eye that shoots a damaging energy beam when it spots Link.
Location: Common in many dungeons, particularly later ones.
Strategy: Generally invincible to standard weapons. The primary strategy is avoidance – watch the eye’s rotation and move when it’s looking away, or hide behind blocks. They are obstacles more than enemies to be fought directly.
Blue Buri / Red Buri (Bari)
Description: Floating jellyfish-like creatures, often surrounded by an electrical field (Blue/Green variants) or splitting into smaller versions (Red variants).
Location: Watery dungeons like the Swamp Palace and Ice Palace.
Strategy:
- Blue Bari: Surrounded by electricity; hitting it with the sword will cause Link to take damage unless using a Spin Attack or Master Sword beam (if at full health). Use the Boomerang or Hookshot to stun/damage safely.
- Red Bari: Not constantly electrified, but splits into two smaller jellyfish (often called Biri or Cirrus) when hit. Defeat the Biri quickly before they overwhelm you. The Boomerang or Hookshot are safer options here too.
Bomb Knight (Bomb Trooper)
Description: A tougher variant of the standard soldier that throws bombs.
Location: Later dungeons, like Ganon’s Tower.
Strategy: Keep your distance to avoid the bomb blasts. Use arrows to attack from afar, or time your sword strikes carefully between their bomb tosses.
Boulder
Type: Hazard / Obstacle
Description: Large rocks encountered as environmental hazards. Some roll down slopes (like on Death Mountain), requiring timed avoidance. Others are stationary blocks in dungeons that might be pushable for puzzles.
Location: Death Mountain, various dungeons.
Strategy: Avoid rolling boulders by watching their paths and using safe spots. Pushable boulders are puzzle elements solved by applying force in the correct direction. Rolling boulders cannot be destroyed.
Bouncing Spike Ball (Debirando)
Type: Hazard / Trap
Description: Large, spiked metal balls (often blue or red) that bounce diagonally around specific rooms, ricocheting off walls and obstacles.
Location: Found in specific rooms in later dungeons (e.g., Ice Palace, Ganon’s Tower).
Strategy: These cannot be destroyed. Carefully observe their bouncing pattern and path to navigate the room safely. Requires timing and spatial awareness.
Bumper
Type: Hazard / Obstacle
Description: Flashing, peg-like obstacles, usually round, fixed in dungeon rooms.
Location: Common in many dungeons.
Strategy: Contact with a Bumper (either by walking into it or hitting it with the sword/Hookshot) causes Link to bounce back. They are indestructible and primarily serve as navigation obstacles or elements in puzzles (e.g., bouncing across gaps with the Hookshot). Avoid unwanted contact.
Buzzblob / Cukeman
Description: Green, jelly-like creatures pulsating with electricity. Sprinkling Magic Powder turns them into vulnerable, skeletal Cukemen.
Location: Hyrule Field, Swamp area, Dark World overworld.
Strategy: Do NOT hit Buzzblobs with your sword! Doing so will electrocute Link. Instead, use the Boomerang or Hookshot to stun or damage them. Sprinkling Magic Powder transforms them into Cukemen, which can be safely defeated with the sword.
Cannon (Wall Mounted)
Type: Hazard / Trap
Description: Fixtures mounted on dungeon walls that periodically fire large cannonballs across a room or passage.
Location: Hyrule Castle, Ganon’s Tower, various dungeons.
Strategy: Observe their firing pattern. Time your movement to pass safely when they are not firing. The cannonballs themselves can be blocked by the Mirror Shield, but avoiding them is usually easier.
Chain Chomp
Description: A black, ball-shaped creature with sharp teeth, tethered to a block by a chain (a cameo from the Super Mario series). It lunges towards Link when he gets within range.
Location: Turtle Rock dungeon.
Strategy: Generally invincible to standard attacks. The main strategy is avoidance, moving past quickly while it retracts or is out of range. Some sources suggest Magic Powder might have a minor effect (like stunning), but avoidance is key.
Cloud (Kodongo)
Description: Fiery, cloud-like beings (Red Kodongo) or green, potentially poisonous variants (Green Kodongo) that breathe streams of fire or other projectiles.
Location: Near Turtle Rock on Death Mountain (Dark World).
Strategy: Immune to sword attacks. Use the Ice Rod to freeze them solid, then shatter them with the Magic Hammer or a sword strike. The Quake Medallion can also defeat them instantly if you have it. Avoiding them is often necessary.
Crow / Raven (Kuri / Keese)
Description: Flying enemies. Some resemble crows/ravens (Kuri) that may perch and then swoop down, others are bat-like (Keese – see separate entry) that fly erratically. This entry primarily refers to the crow-like Kuri.
Location: Common in forests, mountains.
Strategy: Usually weak. A single sword slash timed as they swoop down is typically enough to defeat them.
Cyclop Fish (Gyorm)
Description: Large, one-eyed fish found in underwater sections or large pools. They often shoot projectiles.
Location: Swamp Palace, Ice Palace (water sections).
Strategy: Since they are often out of reach of the sword, ranged weapons are best. The Hookshot can damage or pull smaller ones, while Arrows are effective against larger variants or those farther away.
Dacto
Description: Flying, Pterodactyl-like enemies often found swooping down towards Link, similar to Vultures but typically found in the Dark World.
Location: Dark World Death Mountain region.
Strategy: Individually weak but their swooping attack can be dangerous, especially in groups. Time sword slashes as they descend, or use ranged attacks like the Bow or Hookshot.
Daira (Red/Blue)
Description: Bipedal, axe-wielding alligator-like enemies. Some charge aggressively, others throw their axes.
Location: Swamp Palace, Ice Palace.
Strategy: They hit hard. The Fire Rod is particularly effective against them. If using the sword, block their attacks with your shield (if possible) and strike during openings. Dodge thrown axes carefully.
Eyegore (Red/Green)
Description: Stationary, one-eyed statues that awaken when struck by an arrow, then charge furiously at Link.
Location: Later dungeons, especially Ganon’s Tower, often guarding important paths or rooms.
Strategy: They only react to arrows.
- Green Eyegore: A single arrow hit will destroy them before they can react.
- Red Eyegore: A single arrow awakens them. They are then immune to arrows until they open their eye during their charge, requiring several more arrow hits to defeat. Alternatively, awaken them then switch to the sword or Magic Hammer once they start charging.
Eye Keese (Keese)
Description: Small, bat-like creatures that fly in erratic patterns.
Location: Ubiquitous in caves, dungeons, and sometimes overworld at night or in the Dark World.
Strategy: Weak individually. Easily dispatched with a single sword swipe. Can be annoying in large groups.
Floor Tile
Type: Hazard / Trap
Description: Seemingly normal floor tiles that suddenly fly up and hurl themselves at Link when he enters certain rooms.
Location: Specific rooms within various dungeons.
Strategy: Find a safe corner or spot. Holding your shield up blocks them. Alternatively, stand your ground and rapidly swing your sword (Spin Attack helps) to destroy them as they approach. Once all tiles are destroyed, they won’t return.
Freezor
Description: An icy entity that slides rapidly around the room, attempting to freeze Link on contact.
Location: Ice Palace.
Strategy: Extremely vulnerable to fire. A single hit from the Fire Rod destroys them instantly. The Bombos Medallion also works. Otherwise, they are quite durable against other weapons.
Ganon’s Fire Keese
Description: Flaming, bat-like creatures summoned by Ganon during the final battle (also known as Blazing Bat). Functionally similar to regular Keese but with a fiery visual effect.
Location: Pyramid of Power (During Ganon boss fight only).
Strategy: Treat like regular Keese, but prioritize defeating them quickly amidst Ganon’s other attacks. Use the Master Sword (or better).
Geldarm
Description: Segmented, worm-like creatures that emerge from pits of sand. Only their extended body/head is vulnerable.
Location: Desert Palace.
Strategy: Wait for them to emerge and expose their body, then hit them with your sword. Be ready to move, as they often retreat and pop up elsewhere. A few slashes will defeat them.
Geldman
Description: Humanoid figures made of sand that rise from the ground to attack.
Location: Desert of Mystery.
Strategy: Similar to Soldiers but emerge from the sand. A few sword strikes are sufficient. Watch out for their sudden appearance.
Gibdo
Description: Slow-moving mummies wrapped in bandages.
Location: Dark Palace, Skull Woods, Ganon’s Tower.
Strategy: They are durable against sword attacks, taking many hits. However, they are extremely vulnerable to fire. One hit from the Fire Rod will incinerate them instantly.
Goriya (Green/Blue)
Description: Imp-like creatures that patrol areas and throw boomerangs. Blue Goriya usually throw their boomerangs faster or farther.
Location: Eastern Palace, Tower of Hera, various dungeons.
Strategy: Their boomerangs can be tricky to dodge. Arrows are effective from a distance. Up close, the sword works well – a Spin Attack can often defeat them in one go. Your own Boomerang can stun them.
Guruguru Bar (Fire Bar)
Type: Hazard / Obstacle
Description: A rotating bar composed of multiple fireballs, typically pivoting around a central block.
Location: Common in many dungeons.
Strategy: Purely requires observation and timing. Move past when there’s a gap in the rotation. Contact causes fire damage.
Helmasaur / Helmasaur King
Description: Dinosaur-like creatures wearing durable masks (sometimes blue). The Helmasaur King is a larger boss variant.
Location: Dark Palace (Boss), Ganon’s Tower.
Strategy: Their frontal mask blocks most attacks. You must first destroy the mask using either the Magic Hammer or Bombs. Once the mask is shattered, their face is vulnerable to sword strikes and arrows.
Hinox (Blue/Red)
Description: Large, aggressive cyclopses often found as mini-bosses. They throw bombs and charge at Link. Red Hinox are generally tougher.
Location: Caves, specific dungeon rooms (e.g., Skull Woods).
Strategy: Keep moving to avoid their bombs and charges. Their eye is a weak point, making arrows effective. Bombs also work well, dealing significant damage. Sword strikes are possible but require getting close.
Hoarder (Pirogusu)
Description: Small, goblin-like creatures known for carrying valuable items. They actively run away from Link when approached.
Location: Various caves and dungeons, sometimes appearing unexpectedly.
Strategy: They don’t attack, only flee. Hitting them with the sword causes them to drop an item (Rupees, Bombs, Arrows). Continue hitting them for more drops until they disappear. Cornering them against a wall is effective.
Hokkubokku (Terrorpin)
Description: Tough, turtle-like enemies, often with spiked shells, that are highly resistant to damage.
Location: Later dungeons like Turtle Rock and Ganon’s Tower.
Strategy: Invulnerable to most direct attacks. Use the Magic Hammer to flip them onto their backs, exposing their soft underside. Quickly attack with the sword while they are vulnerable.
Hover
Description: Small, metallic-looking enemies that float horizontally back and forth over pits. Some may drop bombs periodically.
Location: Ice Palace, Ganon’s Tower.
Strategy: Their predictable movement makes them avoidable. If necessary, a quick sword slash or ranged attack can dispatch them as they pass. Be wary of potential bomb drops.
Killer Plant (Pikit)
Description: Plant creatures with long, sticky tongues.
Location: Swamp area, Dark World forest/plains.
Strategy: Their primary threat is their tongue, which they use to grab Link’s shield or equipped secondary item (Bombs/Arrows). Defeat them quickly with any weapon (sword, arrows) before they can steal anything. If they do steal, defeat them to get your item back.
Knight (Sword Knight – Green/Blue/Red)
Description: Standard armored soldiers wielding swords. Their color indicates their strength and resilience (Green < Blue < Red). Some Red Knights perform a dangerous dash attack.
Location: Hyrule Castle, various dungeons, Ganon’s Tower.
Strategy: Block their sword strikes with your shield. Attack during openings. The Spin Attack is effective against groups or tougher variants. Red Knights require more caution due to their potential dash attack.
Ku
Description: Small, green, bird-like enemies that fly horizontally across the screen. If Link is aligned horizontally with them, they will quickly charge at him.
Location: Overworld areas, particularly Hyrule Field and near the Desert.
Strategy: Relatively weak but their charge is fast. Time a sword slash to hit them as they charge or attack them from above or below. Arrows also work.
Kyameron
Description: Floating eyeball enemies often found hovering over pits or water. They pause periodically to shoot projectiles downwards.
Location: Ice Palace, Turtle Rock.
Strategy: Often out of reach or dangerous to approach with a sword. Use ranged attacks like the Hookshot or Arrows. Time your movements to avoid their downward shots.
Laser Eye
Type: Hazard / Trap
Description: Stationary eye statues or fixtures, often mounted on walls, that periodically fire damaging laser beams in a straight line when Link crosses their line of sight. Unlike Beamos, they don’t rotate but fire on a fixed path.
Location: Later dungeons, particularly Ganon’s Tower.
Strategy: Observe their firing pattern and the beam’s path. Time your movement to pass quickly when the laser is inactive or stay out of its line of fire. Cannot be destroyed.
Leever (Green/Blue)
Description: Creatures that burrow underground and spin up to attack Link, moving somewhat erratically (also known by names like Devalant). Blue (or Purple) Leevers are often faster or tougher.
Location: Desert of Mystery, fields, Death Mountain.
Strategy: They often appear in groups. Any weapon works, but their unpredictable movement can make them annoying. Keep your sword ready and slash as they approach. Be careful not to get surrounded.
Like Like
Description: Amorphous, blob-like enemies known for engulfing Link. Their primary danger is consuming equipped shields, especially valuable ones like the Mirror Shield.
Location: Some later dungeons like the Ice Palace and Ganon’s Tower.
Strategy: Avoid contact at all costs! Attack quickly with the sword or ranged weapons. If grabbed, mash buttons rapidly to minimize contact time and potentially save your shield. Defeating the Like Like after it consumes a shield might return it, but it’s not guaranteed.
Lynel (Red/Blue)
Description: Powerful, centaur-like monsters wielding swords and shields. They often shoot powerful beams or fireballs. Blue Lynels are significantly stronger.
Location: Death Mountain (especially the Dark World version).
Strategy: These are among the toughest non-boss enemies. Keep your distance and dodge their projectiles. The Master Sword (or Tempered/Golden Sword) is needed to deal effective damage. Silver Arrows are extremely effective, killing them in one or two hits. Approach with caution!
Mace Knight (Ball and Chain Trooper)
Description: Heavily armored knights swinging a large, devastating ball and chain. Sometimes appear in gold armor (tougher variant).
Location: Hyrule Castle Sewers, Ice Palace, Ganon’s Tower.
Strategy: Their attack has a wide range and hits very hard. Keep your distance. Bombs are a safe way to damage them. If using the sword, wait for them to finish their swing, then quickly dash in for a hit and retreat.
Medusa
Description: Floating, Gorgon-like heads that shoot energy projectiles.
Location: Ice Palace, Ganon’s Tower.
Strategy: Their projectiles can be blocked by the normal Shield and reflected by the Mirror Shield. Defeat them with sword slashes or arrows when they are tangible.
Mini-Moldorm
Description: Smaller, segmented worm enemies that move erratically, similar to the full-sized boss. Contact knocks Link back significantly.
Location: Tower of Hera, Ganon’s Tower, often in rooms with pits or narrow walkways.
Strategy: Extremely dangerous near pits due to their knockback. Carefully attack with the sword, aiming for any segment. Be patient and prioritize position to avoid falling.
Moblin
Description: Bulldog-like humanoid monsters, a classic Zelda enemy. They typically wield spears or swords and patrol areas or charge at Link.
Location: Overworld areas, particularly forests and plains in the Dark World. Some caves/dungeons.
Strategy: Block their attacks with the shield. Use sword strikes to defeat them. They are generally straightforward melee enemies, similar in difficulty to Soldiers or Knights depending on the variant.
Octoballoon
Description: Large, balloon-like octopus creatures that float passively. Often orange or red.
Location: Specific overworld areas, like near the Lake Hylia cave.
Strategy: They deflate rapidly and explode into smaller projectiles when Link gets too close or attacks them. It’s often best to avoid them entirely or shoot them from maximum arrow range if you must pass.
Octorok (Red/Blue)
Description: Octopus-like creatures that roam the land and spit rocks at Link. Blue Octoroks might be slightly tougher or shoot more frequently. Orange variants exist visually but behave similarly.
Location: Very common in Hyrule Field, Death Mountain, and other overworld areas.
Strategy: Basic enemies. Block their rocks with your shield. A single sword slash or arrow will usually defeat them.
Poe (Ghost) / Reaper
Description: Ghosts (often called Hyu) that haunt cemeteries and certain dungeon areas. They often turn invisible and drift towards Link before reappearing to attack.
Location: Cemetery, Skull Woods, Ganon’s Tower.
Strategy: Relatively simple to defeat once they appear. Slash them with your sword when they become visible. Be patient and ready to strike.
Puffer (Puff)
Description: Floating enemies that explode into a cloud of damaging spores or smaller projectiles when hit or sometimes just when Link approaches.
Location: Dark Palace, specific dungeon rooms.
Strategy: Attack from a distance if possible. Arrows, the Boomerang, or the Magic Rods are preferable to the sword to avoid the explosion.
Rabbit Beam
Type: Hazard / Trap
Description: A specific trap featuring rabbit-shaped statues that fire damaging energy beams, typically in a set pattern.
Location: Ganon’s Tower.
Strategy: Like other beam traps (Laser Eye, Beamos), observe the firing pattern and timing. Navigate the room safely when the beams are inactive or by finding safe spots. Cannot be destroyed.
Rabbit Fang (Pengator)
Description: Penguin-like creatures that slide on icy surfaces.
Location: Ice Palace.
Strategy: Their sliding movement can make them tricky targets on ice. Any weapon works, but anticipate their trajectory. The Hookshot can sometimes stun them.
Rat
Description: Small, fast-moving rodents.
Location: Common in houses, caves, and some dungeon areas.
Strategy: Simple pests. A quick sword slash is all that’s needed. They are fast, so timing might be required.
Rhinobird (Deadrock)
Description: Creatures found on Death Mountain that turn to stone when Link approaches.
Location: Death Mountain (Light World).
Strategy: They are invulnerable when petrified. To defeat them, you must dash into them with the Pegasus Boots, which will stun/flip them. Then, finish them off with sword slashes while they are vulnerable.
Rhinosaur (Gibo)
Description: Large, reddish creatures that slide quickly across icy floors.
Location: Ice Palace.
Strategy: They have tough hides. The Fire Rod is very effective against them. Sword strikes work but require many hits. Bombs can also be useful. Dodge their charges, especially on slippery ice.
Scissor Crab (Kuatrol)
Description: Crab-like enemies with large claws, often found near water or in damp areas (sometimes referred to as Sand Crab). They tend to block frontal attacks with their claws.
Location: Eastern Palace, Swamp Palace area.
Strategy: The Ice Rod can freeze them, allowing the Magic Hammer to shatter them instantly. Otherwise, circle around to attack their sides or back with the sword, or use weapons like bombs or arrows.
Serpents (Rope)
Description: Small, fast-moving snake enemies that charge directly at Link upon spotting him.
Location: Common in caves, dungeons, and some overworld areas.
Strategy: Very basic enemy. A single sword slash defeats them. Be ready for their quick charge.
Shell Spider (Hardhat Beetle)
Description: Durable beetle-like enemies (Red or Blue variants) that ricochet off walls when struck. Blue beetles may be tougher or move differently.
Location: Various dungeons.
Strategy: Difficult to damage directly with the sword due to knockback. The best strategy is often to use your sword or shield to knock them into pits. Bombs are also effective. The Magic Hammer might also work.
Skeleton Warrior (Stalfos)
Description: Undead skeletons (sometimes shortened to Stal). Red Stalfos often throw bones, while Blue Stalfos are melee attackers (some may hop). Both collapse into a pile of bones when defeated initially.
Location: Very common in most dungeons.
Strategy: Strike them with your sword until they collapse. Crucially, they will reassemble unless destroyed permanently. Place a Bomb next to the pile of bones before they get back up to finish them off for good.
Skull Stone (Stalfos Head)
Description: Floating skulls, often appearing in dungeon rooms. Some variants may shoot projectiles.
Location: Various dungeons.
Strategy: Usually very weak. A single sword slash is typically enough to destroy them.
Sluggula
Description: Slow-moving slug enemies that often crawl along dungeon floors.
Location: Dungeons, particularly damp or dark ones like Skull Woods or Ice Palace.
Strategy: Very weak and slow. Easily dispatched with a single sword strike. Primarily a minor obstacle.
Snap Dragon
Description: Stationary, hostile plant enemies, often resembling large Venus flytraps, that snap shut violently if Link approaches too closely.
Location: Dark World overworld (particularly swampy or forested areas), some dungeon rooms.
Strategy: Their snap is powerful. Attack them from just outside their snapping range using the sword’s reach, or use ranged weapons like the Bow and Arrow or Hookshot. Avoid walking directly into their mouths.
Soldier (Guard)
Description: The most basic guards of Hyrule Castle and surrounding areas, typically armed with a sword and shield (Green Sword Soldier) or sometimes a spear (Green Spear Soldier). Spear variants typically thrust but some may throw their weapon.
Location: Hyrule Castle, Hyrule Castle Sewers, Eastern Palace region.
Strategy: Very simple enemies. A few sword slashes will defeat them. Their shields may block attacks, so aim carefully or use Spin Attacks. Spear Soldiers have longer reach.
Spiderock (Popo)
Description: Small, crawling spider enemies.
Location: Dungeons and caves.
Strategy: Simple fodder enemies. One hit from the sword will dispatch them. Distinguish from Tektites, which jump.
Spike Trap (Moving Spiked Ball/Block)
Type: Hazard / Obstacle
Description: Comes in various forms: large rolling spiked logs (‘Spiked Rollers’), blocks that slide across the floor on a set path (Blade Traps), or large spiked balls that retract and shoot out from walls.
Location: Common in many dungeons.
Strategy: Purely requires pattern observation and timing. Find safe spots and move when the path is clear. Cannot be destroyed.
Stalfos Knight
Description: Large, imposing skeleton knights clad in heavy armor, wielding large swords and shields. Much tougher than standard Stalfos.
Location: Later dungeons, particularly Ganon’s Tower.
Strategy: These are formidable melee opponents. Block their attacks and counter carefully with powerful sword strikes (Tempered/Golden Sword recommended). Spin attacks can be useful. Unlike regular Stalfos, they are defeated when their HP runs out and do not need to be bombed.
Swamola
Description: Small, jellyfish-like creatures (often called Arrgi) that emerge from swamp water or are attached to the boss Arrghus.
Location: Swamp Palace (especially during the boss fight).
Strategy: When spawned by Arrghus, use the Hookshot to pull them off the main body, then destroy them with the sword. If encountered independently, simple sword slashes suffice.
Taros
Description: Large, heavily armored knight-like enemies, visually distinct from standard Knights or Stalfos Knights. They wield large weapons and possess significant durability.
Location: Primarily found in Ganon’s Tower.
Strategy: Treat these as elite enemies. The Mirror Shield is highly recommended for blocking their powerful attacks. Use your strongest sword (Tempered/Golden) and aim for openings after their attacks. Spin Attacks can be effective. Silver Arrows, if conserved, can also deal significant damage. Requires patience and careful defense.
Tektite (Red/Blue)
Description: One-eyed, spider-like creatures that jump erratically. Red Tektites often jump farther or higher than Blue ones.
Location: Death Mountain, various overworld areas.
Strategy: Their jumping makes them hard to predict. Use the sword when they land or arrows to pick them off from a distance.
Toppo (Mole)
Description: Small, mole-like creatures that briefly pop out of holes in the ground or walls, often tossing dirt or small rocks.
Location: Various dungeons, like Skull Woods and Misery Mire.
Strategy: They appear and disappear quickly. A well-timed sword slash as they emerge is usually enough to defeat them. Mostly a nuisance, but can sometimes be part of puzzles requiring interaction (e.g., using Magic Hammer).
Vulture (Kyune)
Description: Vultures that circle overhead and occasionally swoop down to attack Link.
Location: Desert of Mystery.
Strategy: More of an environmental nuisance. A single sword slash as they swoop down is enough to defeat them.
Wallmaster
Description: Giant hands that descend from the ceiling in certain dungeon rooms, attempting to grab Link.
Location: Common in many dungeons, notoriously in the Dark Palace.
Strategy: Listen for their distinct descending sound cue and watch for their shadow on the floor. If grabbed, they return Link to the dungeon’s entrance, forcing backtracking. Attack them quickly with the sword, arrows, or Fire Rod before they grab you. The Boomerang or Hookshot can often stun them briefly.
Winder
Type: Hazard / Trap
Description: A moving hazard, often a spiked ball or similar damaging object, that travels along the perimeter walls of a room following a set path.
Location: Common in many dungeons.
Strategy: Observe their predictable path and speed. Stay clear of the walls they travel along or time your movements carefully to pass through safe areas. Cannot be destroyed.
Wizzrobe (Red/Blue)
Description: Magic-wielding specters that teleport around rooms and fire magical projectiles. Red Wizzrobes appear, fire, and disappear. Blue Wizzrobes (often Purple visually) frequently move around while tangible after appearing.
Location: Later, tougher dungeons like Misery Mire, Ice Palace, Turtle Rock, Ganon’s Tower.
Strategy: Can be very dangerous, especially in groups. Time your sword attacks for when they materialize. Arrows, the Fire Rod, or the Ice Rod can also be effective. Blue Wizzrobes are generally more difficult due to their movement. Patience and timing are key.
Zazak (Red/Blue)
Description: Aggressive, bipedal lizard-like enemies wielding short swords or claws (known as Zazakku in Japanese). They often charge or lunge at Link and attack in groups. Blue Zazaks are typically stronger.
Location: Common in later Dark World dungeons like Misery Mire, Turtle Rock, and Ganon’s Tower.
Strategy: Their lunges can be quick. Block with the shield and counterattack with the sword. Be wary when facing multiple Zazaks simultaneously.
Zirro
Description: Flying, bird-like enemies, often blue or red, found in the Dark World. They typically fly across the screen horizontally or diagonally.
Location: Dark World overworld, especially near plains or water.
Strategy: Similar to Ku or Kuri (Crows), but may have slightly different flight paths. Use timed sword slashes or arrows to defeat them as they fly past.
Zol / Gel (Hopping Blob)
Description: Green, gelatinous blobs (Zol) that hop towards Link. When struck, a Zol splits into two smaller green blobs (Gels).
Location: Very common in fields, caves, and dungeons throughout Hyrule and the Dark World.
Strategy: Basic enemies. Strike the Zol with the sword, causing it to split. Quickly dispatch the two resulting Gels with further sword strikes before they become a nuisance.
Zora (River Zora)
Description: Aquatic creatures that pop up from bodies of water to spit fireballs at Link.
Location: Zora’s River, Lake Hylia, some watery cave/dungeon sections.
Strategy: They only appear briefly to attack, making them vulnerable for a short window. Use ranged weapons like the Bow and Arrow or Hookshot, or time a sword slash precisely as they surface. Blocking their fireballs with a shield is essential.