Riju

Makeela Riju

Riju key art from Tears of the Kingdom

Title	Gerudo Chief
Race	Gerudo
Gender	Female
Member of	Gerudo
Games	Breath of the Wild Age of Calamity Tears of the Kingdom
Location	Gerudo Town
Related	Urbosa
Credits
Voice Actor	Elizabeth Maxwell (English) (More)

Riju, also known by her full name of Makeela Riju, is a key character in Breath of the Wild, Age of Calamity and Tears of the Kingdom.

Appearances

Breath of the Wild

Riju is the Chieftainess of the Gerudo, having inherited the position after her mother passed away. Though she is considerably young for a chief, she is respected by her people. Following the line of succession, she is a direct descendant of Urbosa. She helps Link defeat the Divine Beast Vah Naboris after he retrieves the Thunder Helm from the Yiga Clan Hideout. She is very fond of Sand Seals, and has her own named Patricia. Her bedroom also contains three Sand Seal plush dolls. Buliara is her personal body guard and is extremely protective of her.

When Link first arrives at Gerudo Town to speak with Riju, she allows him to approach, wondering how he got there. Buliara will yell at Link, telling him to speak his business without coming any closer. Riju however thinks there is something special about this particular traveler, asking what his name is. After finding out his name is Link, she remembers the legend that happened during the Calamity. Princess Zelda had placed a fallen swordsman into a deep sleep, and that swordsman was named Link. Buliara will jump in saying that particular story involved a hero that carried the legendary Master Sword, at which point Riju will explain that it is hidden away in a forest somewhere. Riju will ask Link about the Sheikah Slate, thinking that it wouldn't be given to any normal person. Buliara also jumps in, saying that she doesn't remember any of the Champions being a Hylian vai, although she then realizes that Link is actually a man.

Riju will talk to Link about the Divine Beast Vah Naboris, who has been causing havoc to Gerudo Town with its massive sandstorm and lightning attacks. She thinks that if Link is truly a champion, perhaps he'd be able to calm Naboris down. Buliara will suggest that perhaps Link should be tasked in retrieving the Thunder Helm, which was stolen by the Yiga Clan. Riju mentions that the Thunder Helm is capable of withstanding the lightning attacks from Naboris, and without it, there is no way to approach Naboris. Buliara will encourage Link to speak with Captain Teake within the Barracks, to find out more about the thieves that stolen the Thunder Helm.

After Link managed to take back the Thunder Helm from the Yiga Clan and Master Kohga, who falls to his doom upon defeat, Riju will be grateful for his help and she tries on the helm, asking how she looks. This triggers Link's memory of his interaction with Urbosa, which Riju is confused about his staring at him, and will have receive different responses from Link, and explains the threat that Vah Naboris poses and is concerned about it attacking Gerudo Town with it being her duty to protect it and asks for Link's assistance. Once Link agrees, Riju will be pleased, and she tells him to meet him at the south lookout post, she later admits that the Helm is a bit too big for her.

When Link arrives at the post wearing anything but the Gerudo Outfit, Riju will comment on how he really looked like, and admits that due to Gerudo law, it's a very uncommon event. Given how intimidating Vah Naboris is, she tells Link that sand seals are a necessity, asking if he is ready to handle it. When Link agrees, Riju suggests proceeding, and she advises Link that Vah Naboris draws energy from its feet, so he must attack them with Bomb Arrows and to stay close by her when the Thunder Helm is active to avoid being struck by lightning created by the Divine Beast. She makes Link promise that if he gets badly injured to keep going that he returns to the post. She asks Link one last time if he is ready. When Link confirms it, Riju will summon the power of her ancestors to activate the Thunder Helm's power and asks Urbosa for protection before they head out. After they succeed in disabling Vah Naboris, Riju will wish Link luck as he enters Vah Naboris.

After Link appeases Divine Beast Vah Naboris, Urbosa will take it to Spectacle Rock to take aim at Hyrule Castle. After that, when Link returns to her, she will thank Link for his help as they won't be bothered by the Divine Beast anymore. and rewards with Urbosa's Scimitar of the Seven and the Daybreaker Shield.

Riju is on her throne during the day, but when the sun sets, she goes into her room to play with her plush sand seals.

Age of Calamity

In the Air and Lightning Scenario, Riju and Patricia burst out of the Gate of Time and ram into Thunderblight Ganon when it was about to kill Urbosa. When questioned by the Gerudo Champion about her sudden presence, Riju simply tells her to stay focused on the fight for now. Thunderblight Ganon's speed began to overwhelm them, as Riju chastises herself for thinking she was strong enough to protect her. Urbosa assures Riju that the least she did was buy enough time for help to arrive as Link and his friends appear, and they managed to slay Thunderblight Ganon, saving Urbosa, Riju, and Divine Beast Vah Naboris. Urbosa is too tired to join them, and she uses Naboris's lightning power to strike the top of Mt. Rhoam to release an updraft, while Riju joins Link's so they can reach Vah Medoh to save Revali and Teba from Windblight Ganon. After the battle, Urbosa and Riju board Vah Medoh as the former thanks Princess Zelda for helping them out earlier. She also thanks Riju for saving her life earlier, while Riju politely refuses to take credit and states that they fought as one. After Teba saw how abrasive Revali was to Link and was about to comment on it before Urbosa cuts him off before asking Princess Zelda on Hyrule Castle's fate.

In the EX Liberate the Ancient Lab Guardian of Remembrance Scenario, Riju and Urbosa help protect the Royal Ancient Lab and the Science Academy from Ganon's monsters and Master Kohga's clansmen that were bothering them. When the battle comes to an end, with the Hylian and Gerudo regrouping, Riju was holding the Thunder Helm when Urbosa compliments her handling of it. As Riju puts in on her head and tries to explain her duties, Master Kohga suddenly swipes it from her and places it on his top knot and taunts Urbosa that her lightning attacks won't work on him, but the Gerudo Champion proves him wrong by using Urbosa's Fury and effectively shocks him into submission, making him drop the helm so that Riju can retrieve it. When the stunned Master Kohga demands to know how she still did it, Urbosa harshly replies that it would take him a hundred years or more to master the helm's power. Furious, Master Kohga retorts that even if it took him that long, he would eventually have it before vanishing in a puff of smoke, as the Chieftains have a moment to catch their breath.

In the Each Step Like Thunder Scenario, Riju is discouraged by the horrors of the war through the sight of the corrupted Guardians and the monsters. Urbosa notices and tells her that she didn't have to carry a defeatist attitude, though Riju isn't entirely convinced. Urbosa lets her know that she is the reason why she is still alive and still the pilot of Vah Naboris and wagers that they cannot be stopped. Riju starts to ease a bit, as Urbosa asks for her hand, which Riju accepts, and she is pulled into action. Just when they thought they had really won the battle, enemy reinforcements appear, which frustrates Urbosa, and it was Riju's turn to give her a pep talk, putting Urbosa in a better mood. Thankfully, Mipha, Daruk, and Revali arrive right on time to bring down the reinforcements, with Urbosa musing over how long it took them to get here. This battle was a major turning point for Hyrule when Princess Zelda awoke her power to save Link from Astor and the revived Blight Ganons, Purah activating a failsafe to deactivate almost every Guardian, and Master Kohga and the surviving Yiga Clan allying with Hyrule after Astor had betrayed them through blood sacrifice to revive the Blights.

In the All Hyrule, United Scenario, the present and future Champions, the Divine Beasts and the armies of every race in Hyrule have been summoned by Purah, through the supercharged Sheikah Tower, to Hyrule Field. Riju is more optimistic as she is enjoying the sights, as Urbosa lets Zelda know that they are awaiting her orders. With her surviving father's approval, Princess Zelda gives a speech to the troops and reminds them that Hyrule is their home and as long as they are not divided but united, they cannot be stopped. They rush to the outposts to take control and defeat the monsters that are generating the barrier around Hyrule Castle, so the Champion Pilots can open fire upon Ganon. Despite the Blood Moon's appearance reviving the monsters a few times, the army managed to push through.

In The Future of Hyrule Scenario, Princess Zelda leads the ground troops as Revali and Teba led the aerial army as they move in on Hyrule Castle where Harbinger Ganon and Astor were waiting, as the latter goes on a mad rant that it was his fate to bring down Hyrule. They battled the Blight Ganons one last time and managed to slay them for good before confronting the villainous duo and defeating them as well. Astor finally breaks down as he frantically orders Ganon to consume them, but he himself is consumed by Malice in order to take on a new form: Calamity Ganon. During the transformation, Terrako becomes corrupted and turns on Link and Zelda, who were forced to fight it. After Terrako is defeated, Riju and the Champions have a moment to mourn Terrako's broken state with Zelda, who is now more determined to stop Ganon once and for all. They head upstairs into the Sanctum where Calamity Ganon was waiting for them. The monster proved to be too much for them in the beginning as it shrugged off their attacks, forcing Zelda to try and defeat it with her magic. It brings Terrako back up and it runs upstairs and leaps between her and Ganon to break down the latter's invincibility, allowing the warrior to effectively damage it. When Ganon is wounded, Link uses the Master Sword to slash Ganon and the Princess uses her power to destroy it for good. With the people of Hyrule rejoicing over their victory, the Champions have a moment to enjoy the restored peace until Terrako's blessed screw sends Riju, Sidon, Yunobo, and Teba back to their own time. Urbosa assures Riju that she will lead her people well, with the latter stating that it was an honor to fight alongside her. Princess Zelda expresses eternal gratitude for their efforts and as they vanish, she wishes light to shine in their future for all time.

In the secret DLC ending, Riju and Urbosa are seen sand seal surfing together through the desert night and having a great time, and they are later seen with the present and future Champions as Terrako amuses them.

Weapons

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  Gerudo Bridle

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  Starlight Bridle

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  Bridle of the Seven

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  Thunderous Hero's Bridle (DLC)

Tears of the Kingdom

Gallery

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  Riju on her throne

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  Riju wearing the Thunder Helm

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  Riju and Link in front of Divine Beast Vah Naboris

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Voice Actors

Language	Name	Meaning	Voice Actor
English	Riju	Riju	Elizabeth Maxwell
Japanese (日本語)	ルージュ (Rūju)	Rouge	Arisa Sakuraba (櫻庭 有紗)
French	Riju	Riju	Charlyne Pestel
LA Spanish	Riju	Riju	Monserrat Mendoza González
EU Spanish	Riju	Riju	Joël Mulachs
Italian	Riju	Riju	Tiziana Martello
Russian	Риджу (Ridju)	Riju	Anastasiya Shestovskaya

Trivia

• At age 12, Riju is the oldest Gerudo child in both appearance and age shown in the game.
• Riju is shown to be tremendously intelligent for a child her age, and albeit she has childish preferences when she's on her own, these do not detract from her authority or wisdom as the Chief of the Gerudo
• In spite of her youth and inexperience, Riju is well-liked by her fellow Gerudo.
• Out of the four main questgivers and race leaders in the story (also including Bludo, King Dorephan and Kaneli), Riju is the only one who is not elderly, and is also the only one who is simultaneously a "modern" Champion (alongside Sidon, Teba and Yunobo).

References

1. ↑ "Even now, with such a valuable heirloom stolen by thieves, she refuses to tear herself way from me for even a moment." — Riju's Diary, Breath of the Wild
2. ↑ Yet another traveler... How did you get in here? Oh? It seems you have something rather interesting there... - Riju
3. ↑ You stand before Lady Riju, chief of the Gerudo! Declare your business, but come no closer! - Buliara
4. ↑ Hold on, Buliara... This one appears to be more than a common travler. You there-what is your name? - Riju
5. ↑ Link... And what is it you've come all the way here to tell me, Link? - Riju
6. ↑ Hmm... Buliara, a memory just jumped into my head-something my mother spoke of. When the Calamity happened, the princess of Hyrule placed a fallen swordsman into a deep sleep. That swordsman, much like our new friend here, was named Link...though it always seemed more legend than fact. - Riju
7. ↑ But, Lady Riju! Do those same stories not also say that the Hylian Champion carried a legendary sword? I see no such weapon in this person's care. - Buliara
8. ↑ They do indeed... If I recall correctly, it was called the sword that seals the darkness. The Princess of Hyrule supposedly hid it away in a forest somewhere. What of the device on this one's hip? It appears to be a precious relic of the Sheikah. I can't imagine they would give something so valuable to a simple drifter-can you? - Riju
9. ↑ They do indeed... If I recall correctly, it was called the sword that seals the darkness. The Princess of Hyrule supposedly hid it away in a forest somewhere. What of the device on this one's hip? It appears to be a precious relic of the Sheikah. I can't imagine they would give something so valuable to a simple drifter-can you? - Riju
10. ↑ ...I don't remember ever hearing of a Hylian vai among the Champions. Wait a moment... You're a voe! - Buliara
11. ↑ A voe within our walls is a great crime. But a voe who is a Champion... Well, we'd never mistreat a friend of Lady Urbosa. And if you're here to help us with Naboris, then we are allies. You saw it on your way to our town. Divine Beast Vah Naboris, cloaked in a massive sandstorm, hurling lightning at any who dare approach. We have to do something to stop it, but we have yet to find any way to appease the Divine Beast on our own. If you truly are a Champion, perhaps you will be able to enter Naboris and calm its anger. - Riju
12. ↑ Lady Riju! I don't see how you can trust a complete stranger with something as important as this task. Perhaps if this person were first to prove his worth by recovering your stolen Thunder Helm... - Buliara
13. ↑ You needn't worry, Lady Riju. If he truly is a Champion, this should be an easy task for him. Our soldiers can tell you all you need to know about the thieves who stole Lady Riju's heirloom. Head through this arch. It will lead you to the barracks. Then, seek out Captain Teake, and ask for a full report. - Buliara
14. ↑ Ah, yes... An interesting suggestion. You see, there is only one thing in all of Hyrule that can withstand the lightning from Naboris. The Thunder Helm, a family heirloom and relic of the Gerudo. But as Buliara says, it was stolen from us. - Riju
15. ↑ Without my heirloom, you'll never be able to approach Naboris. Heh, you know... I take heart in having such a rare visitor as yourself. Lady Urbosa must be looking out for us. - Riju
16. ↑ What's wrong? If you truly are the Champion of legend, recovering the chief's heirloom should be simple. If you want to know more about the thieves, then you should speak to Captain Teake. Just head down those stairs. Use this chance to show us what you're capable of! - Buliara
17. ↑ "I've been waiting for you... Oh, you needn't say a word. As the chief of the Gerudo, I can sense the power of the heirloom flowing for you. I know that you've succeeded! I am, as you have no doubt noticed, still but a child. The people look on me with nothing but warmth in their eyes, but even this brings me some pain, I must admit... I've tried so hard to be worthy of their love, to be a worthy chief...and to prove to myself that I was worthy, too. When my family heirloom was stolen, I felt as though a shadow had fallen over me... Yes, your arrival in the midst of all of this must be the work of Lady Urbosa... Now, please give me the helm. - Riju", Breath of the Wild
18. ↑ "Um. How do I look? - Riju", Breath of the Wild
19. ↑ "What's wrong? You're just staring... Anyway, what matters now is... How...how is it?! Do I look all right? - Riju", Breath of the Wild
20. ↑ "I see... - Riju", Breath of the Wild
21. ↑ "... ...You don't say. - Riju", Breath of the Wild
22. ↑ "The threat Divine Beast Vah Naboris poses has only grown since we began searching for the heirloom. I believe that Gerudo Town itself may be in danger before too long... As chief, and as a Gerudo, I must find some way to stop that thing before it threatens my people. Will you help me? - Riju", Breath of the Wild
23. ↑ "Heheh, who would have thought that, just before such a momentous battle... hearing a simple, confident pledge of support from you would be what puts me at ease? - Riju", Breath of the Wild
24. ↑ "I'll head out now. Let's meet up at the Lookout Post south of town. There's only one way to get close to Naboris, and that's with the help of a sand seal. The lookout post isn't too far from town, but you should take a sand seal there. You can get some practice in that way. I'll be waiting for you with my favorite sand seal, Patricia. - Riju", Breath of the Wild
25. ↑ "Still... It really is a little big... - Riju", Breath of the Wild
26. ↑ "Well then... That's what you really look like, huh... Hehe... With voe banned from town, it's not very common for me to see someone like you. - Riju", Breath of the Wild
27. ↑ "What a sight. Divine Beast Vah Naboris is pretty intimidating... If we want to get close enough to that thing, we'll need to use sand seals... Are you ready? - Riju", Breath of the Wild
28. ↑ "Feeling confident? Good. Let's get going, then! - Riju", Breath of the Wild
29. ↑ "First, we'll use the sand seals to get in really close to that thing. I'll take the lead. I'm counting on you to shoot at its feet with bomb arrows. Naboris draws energy from the ground to keep moving. If you damage the feet, I think you can stop it. Those lightning strikes, though... Getting hit even once could prove fatal. The Thunder Helm can repel the lightning strikes, protecting me from harm. But it can also shield a limited area around me... You'll have to stay close if you don't want to be shocked. - Riju", Breath of the Wild
30. ↑ "And listen... If you're too injured to keep fighting, promise me you'll retreat here, to the lookout post. Don't do anything reckless under any circumstances. Here are some Gerudo bomb arrows. There aren't many, so be sure to put them to good use. - Riju", Breath of the Wild
31. ↑ "This is the last time I'll ask... Are you ready? - Riju", Breath of the Wild
32. ↑ "Could you give me a bit of room, just for a moment? My name is Riju, descendant of the royal line and leader of the Gerudo people! With the power of the heirloom passed down in my family, I shall calm the Divine Beast Vah Naboris. Ancestors of the Gerudo! Answer my call! Aid me in this task! Oh, wow! I can feel their power coursing through me! Let's move! Lady Urbosa... Please grant Link and me your protection... - Riju", Breath of the Wild
33. ↑ "Unfortunately, I cannot appease Naboris on my own. I have no choice but to entrust the rest to you. Don't let us down, Link. - Riju", Breath of the Wild
34. ↑ "Oh, you're back?! I'm glad you're OK... Truly, I am... Naboris is no longer a threat to the town... I'm still worried about the larger threat to Hyrule, but at least my people won't be troubled by Naboris anymore. - Riju", Breath of the Wild
35. ↑ "I want to offer you these as thanks for your help. I trust you'll accept them. These pieces of equipment are priceless treasures of the Gerudo people. They were once worn by Lady Urbosa. Since you and Lady Urbosa were friends, it's only right that you have them. - Riju", Breath of the Wild
36. ↑ "Wh-What?! The sand-seal stuffed animals? Don't worry about them! Just... Just ignore them, OK? Besides, town hero or no, you shouldn't just come wandering into someone's room at this time of night! - Riju", Breath of the Wild
37. ↑ "Where did you...? - Urbosa", Age of Calamity
38. ↑ "Lady Urbosa...For now, let us focus on winning this fight. - Riju", Age of Calamity
39. ↑ "Vile creature! How is it moving like that? - Urbosa", Age of Calamity
40. ↑ "I thought...I was strong enough to protect you. - Riju", Age of Calamity
41. ↑ "Listen. You bought us much-needed time. Now look who's come to help. - Urbosa", Age of Calamity
42. ↑ "Now then... First, I owe you my gratitude. Thank you for your help. Truly. And second... Riju, you said? We could not have prevailed without your aid. - Urbosa", Age of Calamity
43. ↑ "I-I would not presume to take credit. We-all of us- fought as one. - Riju", Age of Calamity
44. ↑ "Hold that thought for now. Little bird, please tell us what happened at the castle. - Urbosa", Age of Calamity
45. ↑ "You've really gotten the hang of the helm, haven't you? - Urbosa", Age of Calamity
46. ↑ "As the chief, it's my responsibility to- - Riju", Age of Calamity
47. ↑ "One such as you would need a hundred years or more before you could wield this Helm. - Urbosa", Age of Calamity
48. ↑ "This is like a nightmare. - Riju", Age of Calamity
49. ↑ "You needn't sound so defeated. Together, we'll put a stop to it. - Urbosa", Age of Calamity
50. ↑ "But how? Look how many there are! - Riju", Age of Calamity
51. ↑ "I would likely have died if it wasn't for your courage. But I'm still here, and Naboris still has its pilot. I'd wager that nothing can stop us. - Urbosa", Age of Calamity
52. ↑ "We will triumph - Riju", Age of Calamity
53. ↑ "Exactly. Now then, let's begin. Will you take my hand? - Urbosa", Age of Calamity
54. ↑ "Yes. - Riju", Age of Calamity
55. ↑ "They're not making this easy. - Urbosa", Age of Calamity
56. ↑ "Lady Urbosa! We've come so far. We must persevere until the battle's done! - Riju", Age of Calamity
57. ↑ "A vai after my own heart. You never give in, huh? - Urbosa", Age of Calamity
58. ↑ "It's about time! What took them so long? - Urbosa", Age of Calamity
59. ↑ "What a sight... I never imagined things could go this way. - Riju", Age of Calamity
60. ↑ "Awaiting your orders, Your Highness. - Urbosa", Age of Calamity
61. ↑ "I know you'll lead our people well, Riju. - Urbosa", Age of Calamity
62. ↑ "I could not be prouder. It was an honor to be of service. - Riju", Age of Calamity