Sheikah

Sheikah

Impa from Ocarina of Time

Special Characteristics	Magical abilities related to time, shadow, and sealing
Games	Ocarina of Time Twilight Princess Skyward Sword Breath of the Wild
Location	Hyrule

The Sheikah are one of the classic clans of The Legend of Zelda series. They were an advanced civilization with power and wisdom that saved Hyrule time and time again. They seem to live in a state of perpetual near-extinction. One Sheikah in particular, Impa, has appeared regularly since the original The Legend of Zelda.

Appearances

Ocarina of Time

The Sheikah are seen as guardians of the Royal Family, though the only one seen in this capacity is Impa. She appears during the first visit to Hyrule Castle and teaches Link the melody of Zelda's Lullaby. She also points Link in the direction of Death Mountain, and mentions the village she once fostered, Kakariko Village.

In the future, Princess Zelda disguises herself by dressing as Sheik, a male Sheikah, and appears often in order to guide Link throughout his journey. She teaches Link the majority of the warping songs, in addition to revealing some of Hyrule's history.

Twilight Princess

The Sheikah are mentioned in Twilight Princess, though two Sheikah do appear: Impaz, a descendant of an incarnation of Impa, and Fanadi, a fortune teller who resides in Hyrule Castle Town. It is revealed that the Sheikah once acted as mediators between the Hyrulean Royal Family and the Oocca, a tribe of Cucco-like, sky dwellers.

Skyward Sword

The recurring Sheikah make yet another appearance in Skyward Sword. Impa is the only Sheikah that makes an appearance in Skyward Sword. She is a tall, slender woman with a tan complexion and blonde hair. Her attire consists of navy, yellow and orange colors, as well as a Sheikah symbol on the abdominal portion of her clothing. Link first encounters her when he ventures into Eldin Volcano, and she assists him by creating a bridge for him to cross. In addition to that, she also informs him that Zelda is ahead. The second time Link encounters her, she acts somewhat brash. She tells Link that he was too late to save Zelda, and she begins to question why the Goddess even chose him in the first place. As she guides Zelda into the light with her, it becomes evident that Impa is alleged Servant of the Goddess.

Breath of the Wild

The Sheikah Tribe dwell primarily in Kakariko Village in Breath of the Wild. Impa resides here also, living with her granddaughter, Paya, in the biggest house in the village, with guards outside. Unlike previous installments, which featured only one or two Sheikah, if any, the Sheikah here are seen as a large, thriving race. 21 regular Sheikah can be encountered, as well as 144 Sheikah Monks and over 112 members of the rebellious Yiga Clan. Sheikah are easily distinguishable by beige, red and navy blue clothes, as well as head-mounted umbrellas, both of which may only be worn Sheikah, and no-one else, including Link.

Trivia

• Sheik is known for playing music on her harp in Ocarina of Time. Her harp, or rather, lyre, looks very similar to the Goddess's Harp from Skyward Sword.

References

1. ↑ "Long ago, an advanced civilization known as the Sheikah inhabited these lands. It was the power and wisdom of the Sheikah that saved this land time and time again. But their civilization disappeared long ago...or so it is said." — Old Man, Breath of the Wild.
2. ↑ The folks in Kakariko Village have really amazing clothes that let them work out in the rain with no problem. Amazing! But only the Sheikah people can wear 'em, so they won't sell us any... - Sagessa
3. ↑ Look at you, out in the rain with no umbrella! I'd lend you mine, but it's actually a special umbrella... Only members of the Sheikah tribe are permitted to use it. Sorry... Please mind you don't catch a cold, OK? - Mellie