The world of The Legend of Zelda is shaped by many different peoples, tribes and civilizations.
Across Hyrule and the lands beyond it, Link has encountered aquatic Zora, mountain-dwelling Gorons, Gerudo warriors, forest spirits, ancient civilizations and inhabitants of entirely different realms.
Explore the major races and peoples of The Legend of Zelda, including their history, notable characters, cultures and appearances throughout the series.
Major Peoples of Hyrule
These groups have played recurring roles throughout Zelda history and include many of the series’ most recognizable civilizations.
Zora
An aquatic people with kingdoms and settlements throughout Zelda history.
Gerudo
A desert people known for skilled warriors, powerful leaders and Ganondorf.
Gorons
Rock-eating mountain dwellers famous for their strength and loyalty.
Koroks
Small forest spirits who live under the protection of the Great Deku Tree.
Rito
A birdlike people known for flight and life in Hyrule’s highlands.
Sheikah
An ancient people with a long history of protecting Hyrule’s Royal Family.
Hylians
The people most closely associated with the Kingdom of Hyrule.
Other Important Peoples and Civilizations
These groups are especially important to particular eras, regions or stories within the Zelda series.
Zonai
An ancient people central to the history revealed in Tears of the Kingdom.
Kokiri
The eternally young forest people who raised Link in Ocarina of Time.
Deku Scrubs
Plantlike beings who appear as enemies, merchants and organized communities.
Twili
The inhabitants of the Twilight Realm, including Midna and Zant.
Minish
Tiny beings hidden throughout Hyrule in The Minish Cap.
How Zelda’s Peoples Change Between Games
The same race does not always look or behave exactly the same from one Zelda game to another.
Different adventures can take place generations or even ages apart. Civilizations change, settlements disappear and familiar peoples can return in new forms.
The Zora, for example, have appeared as enemies in some games and as one of Hyrule’s major civilizations in others. The Rito, Gerudo, Sheikah and Koroks have also changed significantly depending on the era.
Each Zelda Central race guide looks across the series rather than focusing on a single game, bringing together major appearances, characters, locations and important lore in one place.