Hyrule
Hyrule is a fictional kingdom in The Legend of Zelda series where many of the games are set. It was featured first in The Legend of Zelda, and has been the overworld for many games.
History
Hyrule is found in almost every Zelda game, with the exception of a few. It is present in The Legend of Zelda, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, A Link to the Past, Ocarina of Time, Four Swords, Four Swords Adventures, Wind Waker, Minish Cap, and Twilight Princess.
The Legend of Zelda
Hyrule in The Legend of Zelda is huge, yet empty. The only people found here are old men in caves, and monsters who roam the land. It is mostly made of mountains surrounding a forest area, and a graveyard to the West. Caves lead to shops, inhabited by people, or dungeons.
The Adventure of Link
The Adventure of Link's Hyrule is similar to how it is in the original Zelda, but it now has towns and many more inhabitants. It still contains many monsters, caves, and dungeons.
A Link to the Past
Ocarina of Time
Ocarina of Time's Hyrule is very different from the previous three. Castle Town and Hyrule Castle are both located in the north, populated by Hylians. Lon Lon Ranch and Hyrule Field are in the center, Hyrule Field being infested by monsters during the night. Death Mountain, Zora's Domain,Kokiri Forest, and six dungeons are all located in the east side of Hyrule, populated by Gorons, Zoras, and Kokiri. The South part of Hyrule is Lake Hylia, as well as the Water Temple. The West side of Hyrule is the Gerudo Desert, infested by monsters and populated by the Gerudo, along with the Spirit Temple.
Four Swords
In Four Swords, Hyrule has only five areas (seven in the anniversary edition): Chambers of Insight, Sea of Trees, Talus Cave, Death Mountain, and Vaati's Palace (the anniversary edition includes Realm of Memories and Hero's Trial).
Four Swords Adventures
In Four Swords Adventures, Hyrule is divided by levels like Four Swords, but is much more expanded.
The Wind Waker
The Hyrule of Wind Waker has been flooded and its residents have mostly moved to the mountains, which have now become islands. The only dry area is Hyrule Castle, protected by the gods. The castle houses the Master Sword.
Minish Cap
Minish Cap's hyrule is divided into small sections. Hyrule Town and Hyrule Castle is in the center. Minish Woods, Lake Hylia, and Cloud Tops are in the East. Mt. Crenel and Castor Wilds are in the West.
Twilight Princess
Twilight Princess has probably the biggest Hyrule so far. It is divided into four main provinces. Ordona Province and Faron Province are located in the south. Eldin Province is located to the West. Lanayru Province is in the center of the whole kingdom and Castle Town and Hyrule Castle are both located there. Gerudo Desert and Snowpeak Mountains are pare of the East side.
Spirit Tracks
Hyrule, found in the form of New Hyrule, in Spirit Tracks is divided into five sections, which are connected by railroad tracks. The areas include: the Forest Realm (Southwest), the Snow Realm (Northwest), the Ocean Realm (Southeast), the Fire Realm (Northeast), and the Sand Realm between the Ocean and the Fire Realms. The Tower of Spirits is located right in the center of all five areas.
Heirarchy
In the Legend of Zelda games there is almost always a Hyrule, which is ruled by a king and queen. Zelda, however is the princess of Hyrule who possesses special powers. In almost all the Zelda games I have played, the only real royalty you get to see is princess Zelda, and you almost never get to see the king and queen. (although Zelda mentions the king in some games, you never see him) A former king of Hyrule does appear in The Wind Waker, however -- and the king does make an appearance in The Minish Cap. The queen might not even exist, as she has never been mentioned in any games at all.