King of Hyrule

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The King of Hyrule is a recurring character in The Legend of Zelda series. He was introduced in the backstory of The Adventure of Link, and first appeared physically in A Link to the Past.

The Adventure of Link

The King of Hyrule ruled the kingdom of Hyrule with the power of the united Triforce; however, anticipating his death and deciding his son was not worthy of succession to possess the complete Triforce, he split the artifact into three parts. The wisdom and power portions remained in Hyrule whereas the Triforce of Courage was locked in the Great Palace to be obtained by the hero after numerous trails of endurance.

A Link to the Past

When Hyrule is struck by misfortune, the King of Hyrule offers a reward to anyone who can solve the kingdom's problems. Agahnim steps forth, assumes role of chief adviser, brainwashes the soldiers, and kills the King of Hyrule.

The King is later resurrected when Link wishes Hyrule to be healed at the end of the game.

Ocarina of Time

The King of Hyrule in Ocarina of Time is never actually seen in-game, so his physical appearance is unknown. He is the father of Princess Zelda and the sworn brother of the Goron's patriarch Darunia. The king is first mentioned during Link's introduction to Zelda; she mentions telling her father about the prophetic dream she had as they spy on Ganondorf bowing to him. It is the king's disbelief in her dream that drives Zelda to enlist Link's help and stop Ganondorf's plans in secret.

Once Link has collected all three Spiritual Stones, Ganondorf suddenly attacks Hyrule Castle, driving Zelda and Impa into hiding, with the castle surrendering a short time afterward. It is unknown what became of the king as a result of this or whether he survived into Link's adulthood.

Upon being returned to his childhood at the end of the game, Link revisits Hyrule Castle warns the King of Hyrule of what Ganondorf has planned. His possession of the Triforce of Courage is enough to sway Zelda's father's decision, and he proceeds to arrange for Ganondorf's arrest so that he can be tried and executed for his crimes.

The Wind Waker

Spoiler Alert! This section describes a subject that is sensitive to plot development.
Main article: Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule

In The Wind Waker, the King takes on a new form as the King of Red Lions, Link's talking boat companion. After Link gains the Master Sword, he informs Link that he was the king of the old Hyrule that had to be flooded by the three Golden Goddesses to prevent the destruction of Ganondorf.

The Minish Cap

Main article: King Daltus

In The Minish Cap, the King of Hyrule is imprisoned and impersonated by the evil sorcerer Vaati, until being rescued by Link. Additionally, the phantom of a past king makes an appearance in order to impart prophecy and counsel to Link.

Breath of the Wild

Main article: King Rhoam

First introduced as the Old Man on the Great Plateau, King Rhoam Bosphoramus Hyrule serves as a guide for Link at the start of his quest. King Rhoam reveals his true self after Link has completed the first four Shrines and is ready to leave the Great Plateau. 100 years prior to the events of Breath of the Wild, King Rhoam lost his life during the Great Calamity, alongside the four Champions. King Rhoam appears in a number of Memories, focusing on his relationship with his daughter, that Link finds during the Captured Memories main quest.

Non-Canon Appearances

This section describes a subject that is or may be outside the core Zelda canon.

Cadence of Hyrule

CoH King of Hyrule Sprite.png

In Cadence of Hyrule, the King of Hyrule appears only once in gameplay and only under the right conditions. Entering the castle as Zelda opens the way to the throne room where the king is asleep under Octavo's spell. By completing the Music Puzzle, the king wakes up and offers Zelda the Royal Rapier to help defeat Octavo.

Trivia

  • Although Ganondorf is shown paying respects to the King of Hyrule in Ocarina of Time, the king is not visible in the scene. As such, no model was included in the game.
  • The King of Hyrule appears only twice in the Ocarina of Time manga, both times with his face obscured.

Gallery