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:'''''Note: This page is <u>not supposed to be a retelling of the game's plot</u>. Make sure that plot rehash is not the focus of this article. Thank you.'''''
==''[[The Legend of Zelda (Game)|The Legend of Zelda]]''==
[[File:Hyrule First Quest.png|thumb|right|400px|The original Hyrule overworld featured in ''The Legend of Zelda''.]]
Hyrule is first seen in the original ''The Legend of Zelda'' as the magical kingdom in which the adventures of a young man named [[Link]] take place in his quest to save Hyrule's young princess, [[Princess Zelda|Zelda]], from the clutches of the evil pig-like sorcerer [[Ganon]]. In this game, Hyrule is described as a beautiful kingdom with deep forests and tall mountains bordering a vast ocean to its southern and eastern borders. As Link explores the kingdom, he visits all the different parts of it, including the Lost Woods to the west-southwest, the [[Graveyard]] in the shadow of Death Mountain to the northwest, the coastline to the southeastern and eastern borders of the kingdom and even the strange forests in the southeastern region of the country. In this original incarnation of Hyrule, the land is shown to have many forests and lakes in addition to the mountainous terrain of Death Mountain. This would mark the gaming world's first experience in the land of Hyrule and began several long traditions that would continue to be featured in later incarnations of the kingdom and would be vastly expanded upon and improved by the game developers.
==''[[Zelda II: The Adventure of Link|The Adventure of Link]]''==
=={{TLoZ|-}}==
{{ImageCaption
[[File:TLoZ Overworld.png|thumb|right|400px|The original Hyrule overworld from {{TLoZ|-}}]]
|image = File:Hyrule AoL 1.gif
Hyrule is first seen in {{TLoZ}} as the magical kingdom that serves as the setting for the adventures of a young boy named [[Link]] in his quest to save Hyrule's young princess, [[Princess Zelda|Zelda]], from the clutches of the evil sorcerer [[Ganon]].<ref>{{Cite|LONG AGO, {{Color|TLoZ Red|GANON}}, PRINCE OF DARKNESS, STOLE THE TRIFORCE OF POWER. {{Color|TLoZ Blue|PRINCESS ZELDA}} OF HYRULE BROKE THE TRIFORCE OF WISDOM INTO EIGHT PIECES AND HID THEM FROM {{Color|TLoZ Red|GANON}} BEFORE SHE WAS KIDNAPPED BY {{Color|TLoZ Red|GANON'S}} MINIONS. {{Color|TLoZ Green|LINK}}, YOU MUST FIND THE PIECES AND SAVE {{Color|TLoZ Blue|ZELDA}}.|N/A|TLoZ}}</ref> In this game, Hyrule is described as a beautiful kingdom with deep forests and tall mountains bordering a vast ocean to its southern and eastern borders. As Link explores the kingdom, he visits all the different parts of it, including the Lost Woods to the west-southwest, the [[Graveyard]] in the shadow of Death Mountain to the northwest, the coastline to the southeastern and eastern borders of the kingdom and even the strange forests in the southeastern region of the country. In this original incarnation of Hyrule, the land is shown to have many forests and lakes in addition to the mountainous terrain of Death Mountain. This would mark the gaming world's first experience in the land of Hyrule and began several long traditions that would continue to be featured in later incarnations of the kingdom and would be vastly expanded upon and improved by the game developers. {{HH}} claims that this land is not exactly Hyrule, but a place called Lesser Hyrule, which could very well be the remains of the once-great kingdom.{{Fact}}
|size = 400px
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|align = right
|caption = The expanded Hyrule overworld featured in ''The Adventure of Link''.
=={{TAoL|-}}==
|captionalign = center
{{ImageCaption|image=File:TAoL Hyrule Map 2.png|size=400px|align=right|caption=The expanded Hyrule overworld featured in {{TAoL|-}}.|captionalign=center}}
}}
The second appearance of Hyrule was in {{TAoL}}; as the game progresses it is revealed that the overworld featured in ''The Legend of Zelda'' is only a small sector of {{TAoL|-}}<nowiki>'</nowiki>s grand landscape, dwarfing it in size. Because this title features three major continents separated by large straits of water, and seven unique towns and settlements, this incarnation of Hyrule is one entirely unique to {{TAoL|-}}. The original Hyrule overworld, featured in ''The Legend of Zelda'' is still explorable, but it is a tiny landmass south of [[Death Mountain]]. Hyrule borders a vast ocean; the landscape is much more varied with swamps, mountains, a graveyard, deserts and islands, in comparison to ''The Legend of Zelda''. The hero also visits several towns that would later provide the namesakes of [[Sage#Ocarina of Time|some very important characters]] in {{OoT}}. This game would also mark the first use of dungeons and palaces as a plot device in Hyrule, a formula that would come to be used time and again in future games. In this game, Link traverses Hyrule to restore six magical crystals to their proper places within six other individual palaces in order to break the seal on the Great Palace and awaken Zelda with the completed Triforce.
The second appearance of Hyrule was in ''The Adventure of Link'', where it is shown to still retain several familiar locales but at the same time with several major changes to the kingdom's terrain as it is revealed that the overworld explored in the previous game was only part of Hyrule. This game takes place in a section of Hyrule not explored in any other game. The overworld of ''Zelda II'' lies to the north of the Hyrule featured in the original game, and utterly dwarfs it in size. It features three major continents and more towns and settlements than the barren landscape featured in the original ''[[The Legend of Zelda (Game)|Zelda]]'' game. The original Hyrule overworld is still explorable, but it is a tiny landmass south of [[Death Mountain]]. As Link progresses through the game, fans see Hyrule has changed somewhat in this incarnation of the kingdom. Although Hyrule still borders a vast ocean, it has swamps, mountains, deserts and islands. The graveyard in the shadow of Death Mountain still remains in this incarnation of Hyrule, although another that is home to the [[King's Tomb]] is featured in this game too. The hero also visits several towns that would later provide the namesakes of [[Seven Sages|some very important characters]] in [[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|a future game]]. This game would also mark the first time that game developers used the idea of palaces or temples to be the dungeons of Hyrule to be explored by the hero, a formula that would come to be used time and again in future games. In this game, Link traverses Hyrule to restore six magical crystals to their proper places within six other individual palaces in order to break the seal on the Great Palace and awaken Zelda with the completed Triforce.
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=={{ALttP|-}}==
[[File:Hyrule Light World map.png|thumb|right|Hyrule in {{ALttP|-}}]]
{{ALttP}} marked the first appearances of such major landmarks as [[Lake Hylia]], [[Zora's Waterfall]], [[Hyrule Castle]], and [[Kakariko Village]]. The mirror of Hyrule, the [[Dark World]], was also made explorable and marks the only time that the Sacred Realm could be explored in any form. The Dark World appeared to be what Hyrule would be like if it were ruled by Ganon. The two worlds were closely linked, and what happened in one would even affect its twin in the other.<ref>{{Cite|If the form of a thing changes in one world, it will change the shape of its twin in the other.|Sahasrahla|ALttP}}</ref> This version of Hyrule began many of the more recurring elements of the kingdom, such as Hyrule Castle being the home of the Royal Family and the Lost Woods being the home of the Master Sword. This template of Hyrule would also be heavily replicated in future games as well.
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=={{OoT|-}}==
[[File:Hyrule Map OoT.jpg|thumb|240px|right|A map of Hyrule as it was featured in {{OoT|-}}]]
{{OoT}} marks the first time the kingdom of Hyrule was represented in three dimensions. Familiar locations like [[Death Mountain]] and [[Lake Hylia]] returned, along with new locations such as [[Gerudo Valley]], [[Lon Lon Ranch]], and the [[Kokiri Forest]]. The geography of the land was rearranged, making [[Hyrule Field]] a central hub area between most of the major locations.
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=={{FS|-}}==
[[File:FS Overworld.png|300px|thumb|right|A map of the Hyrule overworld featured in {{FS|-}}]]
{{FS|-}} features yet another incarnation of Hyrule that contrasts with previous versions of the kingdom. Several locations appear in the game that have not yet appeared in any other, such as the [[Sea of Trees]], the [[Chambers of Insight]], and [[Talus Cave]]. [[Death Mountain]] makes a reappearance as one of the few recurring places that appears in this version of Hyrule. There is also a region above the clouds, where [[Vaati's Palace]] resides floating high above the land.
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==''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past|A Link to the Past]]''==
=={{TWW|-}}==
[[File:Hyrule Light World map.png|thumb|right|Hyrule, also known as the Light World, as featured in ''A Link to the Past''.]]
[[File:Hyrule-The Wind Waker.jpg|300px|thumb|right|An image of Hyrule as it appeared in {{TWW|-}}]]
''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past|A Link to the Past]]'' marked the first appearances of such major landmarks as [[Lake Hylia]], the [[Lost Woods]], [[Zora's Waterfall]], [[Hyrule Castle]], and [[Kakariko Village]]. The mirror of Hyrule, the [[Dark World]], was also made explorable and marks the only time that the Sacred Realm could be explored in any form. The Dark World appeared to be what Hyrule would be like if it were ruled by Ganon. The two worlds were closely linked, and what happened in one would even affect its twin in the other.<ref>{{cite|If the form of a thing changes in one world, it will change the shape of its twin in the other.|Sahasrahla|A Link to the Past}}</ref> This version of Hyrule began many of the more recurring elements of the kingdom, such as Hyrule Castle being the home of the Royal Family and the Lost Woods being the home of the Master Sword. This template of Hyrule would also be heavily replicated in future games as well.
{{TWW}} features a new incarnation of Hyrule, though it is sealed away beneath the [[Great Sea]]. This is the direct result of the [[Great Flood]] that occurred as a product of the [[Golden Goddesses]] in a timeline of events that occurred before {{TWW|-}}; the survivors of the flood built a new country on the surface, where the highest mountains of Hyrule became islands.<ref>{{Cite|When the gods heard our pleas, they chose to seal away not only Ganon, but Hyrule itself...and so, with a torrential downpour of rains from the heavens... Our fair kingdom was soon buried beneath the waves, forgotten at the bottom of the ocean. Yet all was not lost.[...] So, before the sealing of the kingdom, the gods chose those who would build a new country and commanded them to take refuge on the mountaintops.|Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule|TWW}}</ref> In terms of differences with other incarnations, Hyrule Castle now rests on an island in the middle of a large lake, fueled by a large river. On Hyrule's horizon, large, tall mountains exist; these help explain the existence of islands on the surface of the Great Sea. Ganon's Tower is located beyond a grand canyon leading into one of the kingdom-surrounding mountain ranges, not far from Hyrule Castle. Hyrule still retains a state of regality, despite its desertion and isolation on the seabed.
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[[File:Dark World map2.png|thumb|right|The Dark World, the former Sacred Realm which acted as a dark copy of Hyrule as featured in ''A Link to the Past''.]]
=={{FSA|-}}==
In the backstory of the game, fans are told of Hyrule's creation by the three Golden Goddesses for the first time as well as the history of a conflict known as the [[Imprisoning War]] in which the evil [[Ganon]] was sealed inside the Dark World by the [[Sage|Seven Sages]] and the [[Knights of Hyrule]].<ref>{{cite manual|quote=The Knights took the full brunt of the fierce attack, and although they fought courageously, many a brave soul was lost that day. However, their lives were not lost in vain, for they bought precious time for the Seven Wise Men to magically seal Ganon in the Golden Land.|game=A Link to the Past|page=6}}</ref> This conflict set the stage for the opening of the game, which takes place centuries following the war's end and begins at a time when Hyrule is suffering from a string of unexplained plagues and misfortunes that have driven the country to near-ruin.<ref>{{cite manual|quote=So it is no surprise that no one was prepared for the new disasters that have recently struck Hyrule. Pestilence and drought, uncontrollable even by magic, ravaged the land.|game=A Link to the Past|page=6}}</ref> This changes with the coming of an evil wizard named [[Agahnim]], who helps to quell the plagues with his powerful magic<ref>{{cite manual|quote=In answer to these summons a stranger named Agahnim came and quelled the disasters with a previously unseen form of magic.|game=A Link to the Past|page=6}}</ref> but secretly intends to capture the [[Sage|Seven Maidens]], the descendants of the Sages, in order to break the seal between Hyrule and the Dark World.<ref>{{cite|He cast spells on the soldiers and kidnapped young maidens descended from the sages in order to break the seal...|Introduction|A Link to the Past/Four Swords}}</ref> After eliminating the good [[King of Hyrule]] and taking control of the country himself, Agahnim casts a spell over the country's soldiers and uses Hyrule's military to capture each of the Seven Maidens.<ref>{{cite|A mysterious wizard known as Agahnim came to Hyrule to release the seal. He eliminated the good King of Hyrule... Through evil magic, he began to make descendants of the seven wise men vanish, one after another.|Introduction|A Link to the Past}}</ref> He then uses his dark magic to send them each into the Dark World. [[Link]] is eventually drawn into these events and seeks out the mythical [[Master Sword]] to stop Agahnim before being drawn into the Dark World by the wizard himself, where he rescues the Seven Maidens from their prisons and destroys both Agahnim, (who is revealed to be Ganon's alterego)<ref>{{cite|It's unbelievable that you defeated my alter ego, Agahnim the Dark Wizard, twice!|Ganon|A Link to the Past}}</ref> and Ganon himself, reclaiming the Triforce and restoring both the Sacred Realm and Hyrule to their former beauty.<ref>{{cite|But now, you have totally destroyed Ganon. His Dark World will vanish.|Essence of the Triforce|A Link to the Past}}</ref>
[[File:FSA Overworld.png|thumb|250px|right|An image of the Hyrule overworld featured in {{FSA|-}}]]
The version of Hyrule featured in {{FSA}} shares many landmarks with the version of Hyrule featured in {{ALttP}}. The [[Eastern Palace]], {{Term|Series|Desert Palace|link}}, and what is suspected to be the [[Tower of Hera]] (the [[Tower of Flames]]) are in the same locations, as is [[Kakariko Village]]. [[Hyrule Castle]] also rests in a similar location to its {{ALttP|-}} counterpart, at the very center of the kingdom, although this incarnation of the castle more strongly resembles the one featured in {{TWW|-}}. However, some locations have shifted as well. [[Lake Hylia]] is now in the northeast, and locations not featured in {{ALttP|-}} are present, such as the [[Village of the Blue Maiden]] and [[Lon Lon Ranch]]. The southern part of the map is frozen due to [[Vaati]]'s evil magic. The [[Dark World]] is again present, both as the northwestern portion of Hyrule and the base of Ganon's power, and as an actual mirror universe. Most of the Hyrulean races that were introduced in {{OoT}} return in this game. The [[Goron]]s live on [[Death Mountain]], the [[Deku Scrub]]s live in the [[Lost Woods]], and the [[Gerudo]] live in the [[Desert of Doubt]]. A new race, the [[Zuna]], are also introduced. The Zuna are a tribe of green-skinned desert nomads who are descended from the ancient [[Pyramid]] builders.<ref>{{Cite|We of the Zuna tribe live in this village. We may not look it now, but we are descended from the wise pyramid builders!|Zuna|FSA}}</ref> Another major difference in this incarnation of Hyrule when compared to others is that a large ocean borders the entire continent upon which Hyrule rests.
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==''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|Ocarina of Time]]''==
=={{TMC|-}}==
[[File:hyrule.gif|thumb|right|300px|A map of Hyrule as it was featured in ''Ocarina of Time''.]]
[[File:TMC Hyrule.png|270px|thumb|right|An image of the Hyrule overworld as it appeared in {{TMC|-}}]]
''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|Ocarina of Time]]'' marks the first time the kingdom of Hyrule was represented in three dimensions. It would also be this game's representation of Hyrule that would set the mold of most of its successors in both gameplay and story elements. Familiar locations like [[Death Mountain]] and [[Lake Hylia]] returned, along with new locations such as [[Gerudo Valley]], [[Lon Lon Ranch]], and the [[Kokiri Forest]]. The geography of the land was rearranged, making [[Hyrule Field]] a central hub area between most of the major locations.
The geography of {{Term|TMC|Hyrule}} presented in {{TMC}} introduces new locations such as the wild marshlands of {{Term|TMC|Castor Wilds|link}}, the rocky {{Term|TMC|Mount Crenel|link}}, and the eerie {{Term|TMC|Royal Valley|link}}, while such common landmarks as [[Death Mountain]] and [[Kakariko Village]] are absent. {{Term|TMC|Hyrule Field|link}} is divided into sectors, and locations such as {{Term|TMC|Lon Lon Ranch|link}} and {{Term|TMC|Hyrule Town|link}} serve as major populated areas. Another recurring locale is the classic home of the {{Term|TMC|Royal Family of Hyrule|link}}, {{Term|TMC|Hyrule Castle|link}}. Many areas can only be explored while {{Term|TMC|Link}} is {{Term|TMC|Minish|link}}-sized, such as {{Term|TMC|Melari's Mine|link}} or the {{Term|TMC|Minish Village|link}} in the {{Term|TMC|Minish Woods|link}}. A large part of the {{Term|TMC|Map|link}} is also covered in clouds and is known as the {{Term|TMC|Cloud Tops|link}}. This is the home of the {{Term|TMC|Wind Tribe|link}} and the location of the {{Term|TMC|Palace of Winds|link}}.
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==''[[The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords|Four Swords]]''==
=={{TP|-}}==
[[File:FS Overworld.png|300px|thumb|right|A map of the Hyrule overworld featured in ''Four Swords''.]]
[[File:TP Hyrule Map.png|thumb|200px|right|A map of Hyrule as it was featured in {{TP|-}}]]
''Four Swords'' features yet another incarnation of Hyrule that contrasts with previous versions of the kingdom. Several locations appear in the game that have not yet appeared in any other, such as the [[Sea of Trees]], the [[Chambers of Insight]], and [[Talus Cave]]. [[Death Mountain]] makes a reappearance as one of the few recurring places that appears in this version of Hyrule. There is also a region above the clouds featured, where [[Vaati's Palace]] resides floating high above the land. This game would be the first game to cast the wind sorcerer [[Vaati]] as the main villain and set the stage for future returns by the villain, with Vaati being second only to Ganondorf in their number of appearances. This game would also introduce into the story of Hyrule the legend of the [[Four Sword]], a magical blade that serves as a sort of substitute for the Master Sword in that it can also banish evil, but it also has one key difference from the Blade of Evil's Bane: it has the power to split its holder into four identical copies of themselves.<ref>{{cite manual|quote=The young girls told a story of how with just a wave of his word, he boy's body shattered into four piece, each of which then formed a complete copy of the boy. These four young boys then worked together to defeat the sorcerer. The people did not believe the story, but they called it the Four Sword nonetheless. As rumors of the blade's power to divide a person into four entities spead, the people built a shrine to protect it.|game=A Link to the Past/Four Sword|page=31}}</ref>
The Hyrule appearing in {{TP}} is much larger than in previous games. The government is centralized in [[Hyrule Castle Town|Castle Town]], and [[Kakariko Village]] again appears at the base of [[Death Mountain]]. A sign at the entrance to the [[Hidden Village]] identifies it as "Old Kakariko,"<ref>{{Cite|Welcome to Old {{Typo|Kakarico|Kakariko}}|Sign|TP}}</ref> indicating that the Kakariko Village appearing in {{TP|-}} may perhaps be the same one seen in {{OoT|-}}. [[Hyrule Field]] is larger and again divided into sectors like it was in {{TMC|-}}. The kingdom appears to have a more developed system of roads, with fortified bridges like the [[Bridge of Eldin]] and the [[Great Hylian Bridge]] guarding the roads. New locations such as [[Snowpeak]] and [[Ordon Village]] also appear for the first time. The [[Temple of Time]] reappears in this game, but has shifted locations. It is no longer in the main [[Hyrule Castle Town|Castle Town]] as it was in {{OoT}}, but its ruins are instead in the [[Sacred Grove]], alongside the ruins of what appears to have been a city. This draws parallels with the [[Master Sword]]'s location in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past|A Link to the Past]].'' This game also introduces the concept of Hyrule being divided into a province system, composed of Desert, Ordona, Peak, Faron, Eldin, and Lanayru provinces. The Ordona Province is not technically part of Hyrule, but instead neighbors it.<ref>{{Cite|Oh, no, I don't believe he's from Hyrule proper at all. No, my understanding is that he's from the small neighboring province of Ordona.|Shad|TP}}</ref>
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The game reveals that there was once a demonic entity, the wind sorcerer [[Vaati]], who kidnapped beautiful maidens for himself and carried them off to his [[Vaati's Palace|palace]] high above Hyrule even as he brought misery and destruction to the kingdom.<ref>{{Cite manual|quote=Long ago, in the kingdom of Hyrule, there appeared a Wind Sorcerer named Vaati. Vaati could bend the wind to his will and used this awful power to terrorize many villages of Hyrule. In his assaults on the villages, Vaati would kidnap any beautiful girls who caught his fancy.|game=A Link to the Past/Four Swords|page=30}}</ref> One day however, a boy holding little more than a sword appeared, and to the astonishment of all, the sword split him into four copies of himself. Together, the four-who-were-one worked together to vanquish Vaati and sealed him within the blade of the Four Sword, which was placed into a special pedestal in the [[Four Sword Sanctuary]], home to the [[Four Elements]].<ref>{{cite manual|quote=Just as the people had begun to lose hope, a lone young boy traveling with little but a sword at his side appeared. [...] He boldly entered Vaati's palace, mystically trapped the evil sorcerer inside the blade of his sword, and returned the young girls to their villages.|game=A Link to the Past/Four Swords|page=30}}</ref> When the game begins, [[Princess Zelda]] worries that Vaati's seal is weakening and goes with [[Link]] to check the Four Sword's resting place, only to be abducted from the escaped Vaati, who had hidden nearby when he heard the pair coming.<ref>{{cite manual|quote=One day, Zelda was in Hyrule Castle when she sensed that something unusual was occurring at the Four Sword Shrine. She asked a boy named Link, whom she trusted above anyone else, to accompany her to investigate the happenings at the shrine...|game=A Link to the Past/Four Sword|page=31}}</ref> The demon knocked Link out and carried Zelda off to his palace in the clouds high above Hyrule. Link eventually awoke and took up the Four Sword, causing himself to split into four colorful copies of himself, and together, the quartet journeyed across Hyrule to reach Vaati's Palace, eventually succeeding in reaching the skyward structure. There, they battled Vaati and succeeded in re-sealing him within the Four Sword's blade and restored it to the pedestal, locking Vaati away once again and saving Princess Zelda.<ref>{{cite manual|quote=Then, the wind sorcerer Vaati broke out of his prison and then snatched Princess Zelda of Hyrule. Zelda's childhood friend, a young boy named Link, claimed the strange power of the Four Sword and fought Vaati fiercely. In the end, he succeeded in sealing Vaati away once again.|game=Four Swords Adventures|page=13}}</ref>
=={{ST|-}}==
[[File:Hyrule (ST).png|thumb|250px|The re-established land of Hyrule, consisting of five realms: Forest, Snow, Ocean, Fire and Sand]]
{{ST|-}} is unique in that it features a distinct new land named after Hyrule. '''New Hyrule''',<ref name=HH>{{Cite Book|quote= New Hyrule is split into five regions, with Hyrule Castle and the Tower of Spirits at its center, encircled by the Forest Realm, the Snow Realm, the Ocean Realm, the Fire Realm, and the Sand Realm.|book=HH|page= 134}}</ref> as the land is named, features a unique and complex railroad system that was born out of the war with the Demon King [[Malladus]]. Its most notable features are the titular {{Term|ST|Spirit Tracks (Object)|link}} that span four directions all across the land and the [[Tower of Spirits]] at the center of the kingdom.<ref>{{Cite|As you know, the Tower of Spirits has protected our kingdom for ages. The tower connects all the Spirit Tracks that crisscross the land.|Princess Zelda|ST}}</ref> These special tracks, the tower, and the four temples connected to the tower by the tracks, serve as the means as a lock, by which Malladus is kept bound in his prison deep beneath Hyrule.<ref>{{Cite|Finally, the spirits subdued the Demon King, though they could not destroy him. Their powers were greatly depleted. With their remaining power, they buried the Demon King's spirit in the ground. They built shackles to imprison him, and a tower that acted as a lock. These shackles cover the land to this day.|N/A|ST}}</ref>
==''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|The Wind Waker]]''==
The re-established land of Hyrule features five realms: Forest, Snow, Ocean, Fire, and Sand.<ref name=HH /> Each realm is different in climate, landforms, inhabitants, and culture.
[[File:Hyrule-The Wind Waker.jpg|thumb|300px|right|An image of Hyrule as it appeared in ''The Wind Waker''.]]
''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|The Wind Waker]]'' features a new incarnation of Hyrule, though this version of Hyrule is revealed to be sealed away beneath a vast ocean known as the [[Great Sea]]. This is the direct result of a catastrophic deluge known as the [[Great Flood]] that befell the land of Hyrule in order to save its people from destruction, and the end result left the original Hyrule locked away and frozen in time at the bottom of the sea while the people would build a new country on the surface, where the highest mountains of Hyrule became islands on the surface of the sea.<ref>{{cite|When the gods heard our pleas, they chose to seal away not only Ganon, but Hyrule itself...and so, with a torrential downpour of rains from the heavens... Our fair kingdom was soon buried beneath the waves, forgotten at the bottom of the ocean. Yet all was not lost.[...] So, before the sealing of the kingdom, the gods chose those who would build a new country and commanded them to take refuge on the mountaintops.|Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule|The Wind Waker}}</ref> When gamers see what remains of Hyrule beneath the sea, it is seen to vastly differ from the previous incarnations of the kingdom gamers saw in previous games. For example, Hyrule Castle now rests on an island in the middle of a large lake speculated to be none other than [[Lake Hylia]] itself, with a large river running into it that is also speculated to be [[Zora's River]]. There are many mountains seen surrounding the outer regions of Hyrule during the brief times it is seen in the game, and these mountains account for the islands on the surface where much of the game takes place. Ganon's Tower is also shown to be located beyond a canyon leading into the mountains surrounding what remains of the kingdom, not far away from the then-site of Hyrule Castle. Hyrule still retains its great beauty, despite its desertion and isolation on the seabed.
After Link traveled back in time and left the timeline after ''Ocarina of Time'', the land of Hyrule knew peace for a little while. However, Ganondorf eventually found a way to break the seal cast by the [[Sage|Seven Sages]] and returned to Hyrule in a red wrath.<ref>{{cite|The great evil that all thought had been forever sealed away by the hero...once again crept forth from the depths of the earth, eager to resume its dark designs.|Introduction|The Wind Waker}}</ref><ref name=laruto>{{cite|After his defeat at the hands of the Hero of Time, Ganondorf was sealed away...but not for all time. He was revived, and he returned to Hyrule in a red wrath. He attacked this temple and stole my soul, knowing that he had to remove the power contained in that enchanted blade.|Laruto|The Wind Waker}}</ref> As he rampaged through Hyrule trailing death and destruction, the people of Hyrule prayed for the Hero of Time to come once again to save them, but the Hero of Time did not appear.<ref>{{cite|The people believed that the Hero of Time would again come to save them. ...But the hero did not appear.|Introduction|The Wind Waker}}</ref> Left with no choice, Hyrule's people appealed to the Golden Goddesses to save them from destruction, and the goddesses answered their prayers.<ref>{{cite|My power alone could not stop the fiend, and our only choice was to leave the fate of the kingdom in the hands of the gods...|Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule|The Wind Waker}}</ref><ref>{{cite|Faced by an onslaught of evil, the people could do nothing but appeal to the gods. In their last hour, as doom drew nigh, they left their future in the hands of fate.|Introduction|The Wind Waker}}</ref> Instructing the people to take refuge on the mountaintops, the goddesses created a great storm that swept the skies over Hyrule and brought down a torrential downpour from the heavens that soon buried the entire kingdom beneath the vast ocean that would come to be known as the Great Sea.<ref>{{cite|When the gods heard our pleas, they chose to seal away not only Ganon, but Hyrule itself...and so, with a torrential downpour of rains from the heavens... Our fair kingdom was soon buried beneath the waves, forgotten at the bottom of the ocean. Yet all was not lost.[...] So, before the sealing of the kingdom, the gods chose those who would build a new country and commanded them to take refuge on the mountaintops.|Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule|The Wind Waker}}</ref>
Hyrule was not destroyed however; a magical seal was cast over the kingdom, locking it in an enchanted air chamber that kept the water from completely obliterating it. Centuries later, Ganondorf escapes his imprisonment down in the sealed Hyrule and returns to haunt the people above the waves. A new [[Link]] and [[Zelda]] rediscover Hyrule's remains at the bottom of the sea and aim to defeat Ganondorf. The final phase of the game takes place down in Hyrule, where Link comes with a recharged [[Master Sword]] to rescue Zelda from captivity in [[Ganon's Tower]].<ref>{{Cite|Did you think you'd be safe inside the castle? Foolish... Now that my power has been restored, there is no safe haven for you! I have taken your precious Zelda.|Ganondorf|The Wind Waker}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|I am certain that the Princess Zelda is being held captive in Ganon's Tower.|King of Red Lions|The Wind Waker}}</ref> Link faces Ganondorf himself atop the roof, where the villain reveals his true reasons for wishing to conquer Hyrule were due to the harsh life he and his people were subjected to in the [[Gerudo Desert]] as opposed to Hyrule's green fields.<ref name=ganondorftww>{{cite|My country lay within a vast desert. When the sun rose into the sky, a burning wind punished my lands, searing the world. And when the moon climbed into the dark of night, a frigid gale pierced our homes. No matter when it came, the wind carried the same thing... Death. But the winds that blew across the green fields of Hyrule brought something other than suffering and ruin. I coveted that wind, I suppose.|Ganondorf|The Wind Waker}}</ref> Ganondorf succeeds in reforming the Triforce, hoping to touch it in order to wish for Hyrule to be exposed to the rays of the sun once more, with him as its ruler.<ref>{{cite|Now! Let us put an end to that which binds us together! Gods! Hear that which I desire! Expose this land to the rays of the sun once more! Let them burn forth! Give Hyrule to me!!!|Ganondorf|The Wind Waker}}</ref> However, King [[Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule]] appears and claims the Triforce first, instead wishing for Hyrule to be washed away forever, along with Ganondorf and himself.<ref>{{cite|He who touches it will have whatever he desires granted... That is what you said, is it not, Ganondorf? Gods of the Triforce! Hear that which I desire! Hope! I desire hope for these children! Give them a future! Wash away this ancient land of Hyrule! Let a ray of hope shine on the future of the world!!! [...] Ganondorf, may you drown with Hyrule!!!|Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule|The Wind Waker}}</ref> Ganondorf then engages Link and Zelda in one final battle during Hyrule's final moments as the air chamber begins to collapse around them, allowing the Great Sea to pour into Hyrule. After Link plunges the Master Sword into Ganondorf's forehead (turning him to stone), the pair share one final moment with the King. Zelda offers to take the king with them, and search for a land that would be the next Hyrule.<ref name=tetra>{{cite|You could... You could come with us! Yes, of course... We have a ship! We can find it. We WILL find it! The land that will be the next Hyrule!|Princess Zelda|The Wind Waker}}</ref> The king, however, elects to stay below the water and die with his kingdom, telling them that the new kingdom would instead be their own land and not the Hyrule he was bound to.<ref name=NewLand/> Then, before the water overtakes the entire land, they are whisked away to the surface by the Triforce's magic. The game ends with Link and Zelda setting out across the sea in search of a new land of their own.<ref name=NewLand>{{cite|Ah, but child... That land will not be Hyrule. It will be YOUR land!|Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule|The Wind Waker}}</ref> The new land seen in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks|Spirit Tracks]]'' is revealed to be the new Hyrule spoken of by Zelda.<ref name=anjean>{{cite|Feisty AND bright, just like she was! The fruit doesn't fall far from the tree, does it? Yes, I knew one of your ancestors. I met her when she had just arrived here.|Anjean|Spirit Tracks}}</ref><ref name=arrive>{{Cite|My family first arrived here about a century ago. Were you already here in the tower then, Anjean?|Princess Zelda|Spirit Tracks}}</ref>
===Forest Realm===
The Forest Realm is located in the southwest corner of "New Hyrule" and is a heavily forested area, but also features vast plains on its eastern side. The realm is home to most of the kingdom's [[Hylian]] population, who reside in the various settlements scattered around the Forest Realm. The capital of Hyrule, [[Castle Town]], lies in the northern extreme of the realm. Other settlements include the lumberjack town of [[Whittleton]], [[Aboda Village]], the {{Term|ST|Trading Post|link}}, which is the home of the [[Linebeck Trading Company]]; [[Rabbitland Rescue]], and the [[Forest Sanctuary]]. The {{Term|ST|Forest Temple|link}}, located deep within the realm's forests, provides power to the Spirit Tracks, and through the tracks the Tower of Spirits.
==''[[The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures|Four Swords Adventures]]''==
===Snow Realm===
[[File:Fsa map.png|thumb|250px|right|An image of the Hyrule overworld featured in ''Four Swords Adventures''.]]
The Snow Realm is located in the northwest corner of the kingdom and is covered with a blanket of snow which provides a suitable habitat for the conifer forests in the realm. The [[Anouki]]s, a race that migrated to the re-established land of Hyrule from their homeland of the [[Isle of Frost]] are also found in the realm, living in the [[Anouki Village]]. The realm also holds a number of stations including the [[Snow Sanctuary]], [[Bridge Worker's Home]], [[Wellspring Station]], the [[Snowdrift Station]], and the [[Slippery Station]]. At the northern end of the realm past a vast icy plain, where the Snow Temple is found. This temple possesses the same function as the Forest Temple.
The version of Hyrule featured in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures|Four Swords Adventures]]'' shares many landmarks with the version of Hyrule featured in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past|A Link to the Past]].'' The [[Eastern Palace]], [[Desert Palace]], and what is suspected to be the [[Tower of Hera]] (the [[Tower of Flames]]) are in the same locations, as is [[Kakariko Village]]. [[Hyrule Castle]] also rests in a similar location to its ''A Link to the Past'' counterpart, at the very center of the kingdom, although this incarnation of the castle more strongly resembles the one featued in ''The Wind Waker''. However, some locations have shifted as well. [[Lake Hylia]] is now in the northeast, and locations not featured in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past|A Link to the Past]]'' are present, such as the [[Village of the Blue Maiden]] and [[Lon Lon Ranch]]. The southern part of the map is frozen due to [[Vaati]]'s evil magic. The [[Dark World]] is again present, both as the northwestern portion of Hyrule and the base of Ganon's power, and as an actual mirror universe. Most of the Hyrulean races that were introduced in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|Ocarina of Time]]'' return in this game. The [[Goron]]s live on [[Death Mountain]], the [[Deku Scrub]]s live in the [[Lost Woods]], and the [[Gerudo]] live in the [[Desert of Doubt]]. A new race, the [[Zuna]], are also introduced. The Zuna are a tribe of green-skinned desert nomads who are descended from the ancient [[Pyramid]] builders.<ref>{{cite|We of the Zuna tribe live in this village. We may not look it now, but we are descended from the wise pyramid builders!|Zuna|Four Swords Adventures}}</ref> Another major difference in this incarnation of Hyrule when compared to others is that a large ocean borders the entire continent upon which Hyrule rests.
The game takes place some time after ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords|Four Swords]]'', where it is revealed that peace reigned in Hyrule for a time, but soon dark, foreboding clouds begin to cover the land and cause many dreadful storms to overtake the skies.<ref>{{cite|Swiftly and suddenly, dark clouds covered all of Hyrule. Ominous clouds that filled all those who saw them with fear... A sense of dread swept across the land.|N/A|Four Swords Adventures}}</ref> This causes Princess Zelda and the six [[Sage#Four Swords Adventures|Shrine Maidens]] that protect the different regions of Hyrule to suspect that Vaati's seal is weakening.<ref>{{cite|The six maidens who guard Hyrule are gathered here in the castle. The sky has become so dark and foreboding... I'm worried about the seal that binds the wind sorcerer Vaati.|Princess Zelda|Four Swords Adventures}}</ref> Link was to accompany Zelda to check Vaati's seal, but he instead witnesses the abduction of Zelda and the Shrine Maidens by [[Shadow Link]], who then flees through the portal to the [[Four Sword Sanctuary]].<ref>{{cite|Princess Zelda and the six maidens have been taken by dark forces.|Kaepora Gaebora|Four Swords Adventures}}</ref> There, the evil shadow tricks Link into drawing the Four Sword from its pedestal, releasing Vaati in the process.<ref>{{cite|This sword guards the seal on the wind sorcerer Vaati. If you draw the sword, you must know what will happen. Will you still draw forth the sword?|N/A|Four Swords Adventures}}</ref> Now split into four copies of himself, Link, upon the advice of the wise owl [[Kaepora Gaebora]], scours Hyrule in search of the Shrine Maidens and Zelda. Eventually, the four Links learn of the [[Dark Mirror]] and its theft from the [[Temple of Darkness]] by [[Ganon]].<ref>{{cite|Ah! The Dark Mirror... Someone's stolen the Dark Mirror! That mirror reveals the wickedness within a person and brings it to life. It's an item of terrible, dark power. No good can come from this.|White Maiden|Four Swords Adventures}}</ref> They then learn that Ganon was originally a member of the [[Gerudo]] tribe named [[Ganon|Ganondorf]], and that he stole a powerful [[Trident]] from the ancient [[Pyramid]] in the [[Desert of Doubt]].<ref>{{cite|Do you think the person who took this trident was... Ganondorf?!? The King of Darkness is not Vaati?|Red Maiden|Four Swords Adventures}}</ref>This they learn from the now-deceased [[Knights of Hyrule]], the guardians of the [[Four Elements|Royal Jewels]] that have the power to restore the [[Tower of Winds]], the road to the [[Palace of Winds]] in the [[Realm of the Heavens]]. The Links rescue all the Shrine Maidens and Princess Zelda before recovering the Dark Mirror and destroying Vaati at the Palace of Winds. However, they are then faced with the true force behind the events plaguing Hyrule: Ganon himself. The Links defeat Ganon with the power of the Four Sword, and the Shrine Maidens seal him within the sword's blade.<ref>{{cite|Now! Hold the Four Sword over your head!|Princess Zelda|Four Swords Adventures}}</ref> The sword is then restored to its place in the Four Sword Sanctuary as Hyrule returns to its former peaceful state.<ref>{{Cite|Now, the Four Sword... Place the sword that sealed away the darkness on the pedestal.|Princess Zelda|Four Swords Adventures}}</ref>
===Ocean Realm===
The Ocean Realm is located in the southeast part of Hyrule and is a vast large ocean, dotted with small islands and flourishing with sea life. A group of Hylians who make their living off of fish live in the small coastal village by the name of [[Papuchia Village]]. However, the citizens of the realm have been having trouble with the local gang of pirates residing at the [[Pirate Hideout]]. Other stations found in the realm include the [[Ocean Sanctuary]] and the [[Lost at Sea Station]]. Found deep within the depths of the ocean is the [[Ocean Temple]], which powers the tracks leading to the Tower of Spirits.
==''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap|The Minish Cap]]''==
===Fire Realm===
[[File:800px-Hyrule (The Minish Cap).png|300px|thumb|right|An image of the Hyrule overworld as it appeared in ''The Minish Cap''.]]
The Fire Realm is located in the northeastern corner of the kingdom, and comprises a large number of volcanoes, lava lakes, rocky mountains, and underground tunnels. The [[Gorons]] reside throughout the realm living in the [[Goron Village]]/{{Term|ST|Fire Sanctuary|link}}, [[Dark Ore Mine]], and the [[Goron Target Range]]. At the top of the large mountain in the center of the Fire Realm is the Fire Temple. This temple is source of the [[Force Gem]] that powers the realm's Spirit Tracks leading to the Tower of Spirits, but it also the source of the evil causing the violent volcanic eruptions troubling the inhabitants of the realm.
The geography of Hyrule presented in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap|The Minish Cap]]'' introduces new locations such as the wild marshlands of [[Castor Wilds]], the rocky [[Mount Crenel]], and the eerie [[Royal Valley]], while such common landmarks as [[Death Mountain]] and [[Kakariko Village]] are absent. [[Hyrule Field]] is divided into sectors, and locations such as [[Lon Lon Ranch]] and [[Hyrule Castle Town|Hyrule Town]] (a different incarnation of [[Hyrule Castle Town]]) serve as major populated areas. Another recurring locale is the classic home of the Royal Family, [[Hyrule Castle]], which sits to Hyrule Field's northern borders and plays a pivotal role in the progression of the game. Many areas can only be explored while Link is small, such as Melari's Mines or the Minish Village in the [[Minish Woods]], and only through the power granted to him by a strange cap by the name of [[Ezlo]] can he shrink to Minish size and back again. Link encounters many "portals" around Hyrule that act as locations capable of invoking Ezlo's magic and thus shrinking Link down to Minish size and back. A large part of the map is also covered in clouds and is known as the [[Cloud Tops]]. This is the home of the [[Wind Tribe]] and the location of the [[Palace of Winds]]. There is some continuity with locations from the rest of the ''Four Swords'' trilogy, as this game likely shows the palace before [[Vaati]] began using it as his residence, in addition to the [[Tower of Winds]], which is revealed to have begun as the home of the Wind Tribe in this game. This game also seemingly explains the origins of the ''Four Swords'' series, such as the origins of Vaati, the origins of the Four Sword and the origins of the aforementioned Palace of Winds.
''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap|The Minish Cap]]'' begins with an ancient legend of Hyrule. Long ago, Hyrule was being plagued by evil monsters, until the [[Minish]] descended from the sky and gave the [[Hero of Men]] the [[Picori Blade]] and the [[Light Force]].<ref>{{cite|The tiny Picori appeared from the sky, bringing the hero of men a sword and a golden light. With wisdom and courage, the hero drove out the darkness.|Prologue|The Minish Cap}}</ref> With these, the Hero defeated the monsters and sealed them away in an enchanted chest that came to be known as the Bound Chest.<ref>{{cite|It is called the Picori Blade, and it locks much evil away in that chest.|Potho|The Minish Cap}}</ref> This event is honored yearly by the people with their Picori Festival.<ref>{{cite|So as not to forget our gratitude, we hold this festival each year.|Man|The Minish Cap}}</ref> Once every century, the Minish Door opens in [[Hyrule Castle Garden]] for a limited time, linking the Minish Realm to Hyrule through the [[Elemental Sanctuary]]. Some time after the conflict involving the Hero of Men, a young Minish named [[Vaati]] grew enchanted with the evil that could come from the hearts of men and sought to become an immensely powerful being to escape the constraints of his tiny size. One day, Vaati discovered the magical [[Minish Cap]], which had been made by his master, the great Minish sage [[Ezlo]], as a gift for the humans and had the power to turn its wearer's wishes into reality. Vaati put the cap on withiout permission, transformed into an evil Hylian sorcerer, cursed his master into the form of a living cap, and fled through the Minish Door into Hyrule to find the mythical [[Light Force]]. Vaati uses the Minish Cap to earn the right to approach the Bound Chest and uses it to blast the chest open, unleashing the monsters held within to infest Hyrule once more. After Vaati turns Hyrule's [[Princess Zelda]] into a stone statue, her childhood friend [[Link]] embarks on a quest to search Hyrule for the mystical [[Four Elements]] needed to restore the Picori Blade to full power and break Vaati's curse on Zelda. Through much trickery and deceit, Vaati uses Link and Ezlo to discover the Light Force's true location, within Princess Zelda herself. Vaati then uses the Minish Cap to transform the castle into [[Dark Hyrule Castle]] and attempts to extract the Light Force from Zelda, which would result in her death. Link and Ezlo stop this plot however and defeat Vaati, sealing him within the blade of the newly-remade [[Four Sword]] and causing him to leave only the Minish Cap behind. Zelda and Ezlo are restored to their true forms with Vaati's defeat, and Zelda combines the Minish Cap's power with the Light Force to heal Hyrule of all evil, returning it to its former peaceful state. Ezlo then bids the pair farewell as he returns to his homeland through the closing Minish Door.
===Sand Realm===
The Sand Realm is located in the eastern part of Hyrule, between the Ocean and Fire Realms. It is a desolate, arid region with few inhabitants other than [[Malgyorg]]s. Its only stations are the [[Sand Sanctuary]] and the [[Sand Temple]], a fortress built to guard the sacred [[Bow of Light]]. It is home to the [[Three Trials]], a test of the worth of anyone who wishes to possess this powerful holy weapon.{{clear}}
==''[[The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|Twilight Princess]]''==
=={{SS|-}}==
[[File:Hyrule TP Map.png|250px|thumb|right|A map of Hyrule as it was featured in ''Twilight Princess''.]]
[[File:SS Map.png|thumb|right|300px|A map of Hyrule featured in {{SS|-}}]]
The Hyrule appearing in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|Twilight Princess]]'' is much larger than in previous games. The government is centralized in [[Hyrule Castle Town|Castle Town]], and [[Kakariko Village]] again appears at the base of [[Death Mountain]]. A sign at the entrance to the [[Hidden Village]] identifies it as "Old Kakariko,"<ref>{{cite|Welcome to Old Kakarico [sic]|Sign in Hylian|Twilight Princess}}</ref> indicating that the Kakariko Village appearing in ''Twilight Princess'' may perhaps be the same one seen in ''Ocarina of Time''. [[Hyrule Field]] is larger and again divided into sectors like it was in ''The Minish Cap''. The kingdom appears to have a more developed system of roads, with fortified bridges like the [[Bridge of Eldin]] and the [[Great Bridge of Hylia]] guarding the roads. New locations such as [[Snowpeak]] and [[Ordon Village]] also appear for the first time. Four new races are also introduced in this game. The [[Twili]] are the descendants of the [[Dark Interlopers]] who once attempted to conquer the [[Sacred Realm]] and were banished to the [[Twilight Realm]]. <ref>{{cite|What do you think happened to the magic wielders who tried to rule the Sacred Realm? They were banished. They were chased across the sacred lands of Hyrule and driven into another realm by the goddesses.|Midna|Twilight Princess}}</ref> The [[Bulbin|Bulblins]] are a goblinoid race of mercenary boar-riders who fight on [[Ganon|Ganon's]] side until Link proves that he is stronger.<ref>{{cite|I follow the strongest side! ...That is all I have ever known.|King Bulbin|Twilight Princess}}</ref> The [[Yeti]] race has two known members, [[Yeto]] and his wife [[Yeta]]. They are good-natured snow creatures who live in an old mansion the [[Snowpeak Ruins]]. The [[Oocca]] are a curious-looking race of bird people who live in the [[City in the Sky]] and once helped found the kingdom of Hyrule in ancient times.<ref name=Shad>{{cite|The common opinion is that Hyrule was created by the Hylia people, the race closest to the gods, but…truth be told, there's also a theory saying that in ancient times there was a race even closer to the gods than the Hylia people, and THEY created it. And they, simultaneously with the birth of the Hylia people, created a new capital, a capital that floated in the heavens.|Shad|Twilight Princess}}</ref> Two members of this race, [[Ooccoo]] and her son, [[Ooccoo Jr.]], help Link by providing easy entry and exit points in dungeons. The [[Temple of Time]] reappears in this game, but has shifted locations. It is no longer in the main [[Hyrule Castle Town|Castle Town]] as it was in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|Ocarina of Time]]'', but its ruins are instead in the [[Sacred Grove]], alongside the ruins of what appears to have been a city. This draws parallels with the [[Master Sword]]'s location in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past|A Link to the Past]].'' This game also introduces the [[Light Spirits]], who guard the four provinces of Hyrule: Ordona, Faron, Eldin, and Lanayru.
In {{SS}}, Hyrule is known as the '''Surface''' for much of the game, and was also named '''Grooseland''' by [[Groose]]. Many enemies roam the land, as the armies of [[Demise]]. Link descends to Hyrule from [[Skyloft]] with the help of the [[Goddess Sword]], and continues to travel back and forth between his homeland and the land below using [[Bird Statue]]s.<ref>{{Cite Web|quote=Even something as simple as the aiming, which is handled not necessarily with a pointer but by moving your hand around, just like you would aim an item in real life, will make it that much easier for you to feel like you're in that world of Hyrule and experiencing the adventure that Link is, because you're so connected to what's going on.|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/16/interview-nintendos-shigeru-miyamoto-on-3ds-retro-zelda-and/|title=joystiq's Interview with Shigeru Miyamoto|site=joystiq.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite Web|quote=Aonuma says that the scene which concludes the trailer, in which Link leaps off a cliff into a sea of clouds, is an important story point. Instead of being raised in a village on the ground, he's been brought up in a town called Skyloft, which is a floating island. He's lived his life in the clouds, and has only recently "discovered" the land below, which he finds has been overrun with evil forces. You spend the game going back and forth between these two regions: Skyloft, and the ground below.|url=http://kotaku.com/5564576/live-from-nintendos-e3-briefing|site=kotaku.com}}</ref> The surface is divided into three provinces, with names corresponding to their {{TP|-}} counterparts. The [[Faron Woods|woodlands]] in the [[Faron Province]] is the home of the [[Kikwi]] race and contains the [[Sealed Grounds]], the [[Skyview Temple]], and [[Lake Floria]], home of the [[Faron (Dragon)|Water Dragon]]. [[Eldin Province]] is the northernmost province, inhabited by the [[Mogma]]s and home to the {{Term|SS|Earth Temple|link}} and {{Term|SS|Fire Sanctuary (Dungeon)|link}}. Death Mountain does not appear by name in the game; its role is played by [[Eldin Volcano]], which is generally believed to be the same location. [[Lanayru Province]] is a desert region in the far west, containing the [[Temple of Time]], [[Lanayru Mining Facility]], and the [[Sandship]]. This province was once a verdant green area surrounded by the sea, rich in minerals mined by the [[Ancient Robot]]s.
{{clear}}
''Twilight Princess'' begins roughly a hundred years after the end of ''Ocarina of Time'' in the Child Timeline. In this story, Hyrule has greatly expanded and has been subdivided into various provinces named for the four [[Light Spirits]] that protect Hyrule at the behest of the [[Golden Goddesses]]. An evil [[Twili]] named [[Zant]] is revealed to have been empowered by [[Ganon|Ganondorf]] after the latter was sealed into the [[Twilight Realm]] by the ancient [[Sage]]s following a failed execution attempt for his crimes following the Child Timeline end of ''Ocarina of Time''.<ref name=ganondorftp>{{cite|I shall house my power in you...If there is anything you desire, then I shall desire it, too.|Ganondorf|Twilight Princess}}</ref> Zant uses this power granted to him by Ganondorf to seize control of the Twilight Realm, overthrowing the Twilight Princess [[Midna]] and unleashing twilight into Hyrule as he invades it on Ganondorf's encouragement.<ref>{{cite|It was a peaceful place...until Zant took control of the Twilight Realm and transformed all of the Twili into shadow beasts.It's clear to me now that he somehow gained a great evil power previously unknown to our tribe... In any case, I was sent from there, and could no longer get into the Twilight Realm without his power.|Midna|Twilight Princess}}</ref><ref>{{cite|My god had only one wish... To merge shadow and light...and make darkness!|Zant|Twilight Princess}}</ref> These events draw a new [[Link]] into the battle against Zant, and he meets Midna, who teams up with him to reverse the overtake of Hyrule by the twilight and to recover the lost fragments of a mighty weapon made by the ancestors of the Twili, the [[Fused Shadow]]. After successfully lifting the twilight covering Hyrule, Link is told by the Light Spirit [[Lanayru (Spirit)|Lanayru]] the tale of the [[Dark Interlopers]], the creators of the Fused Shadow and ancestors of the Twili, and of how they once attempted to use the Fused Shadow to seize control of the [[Sacred Realm]] some time in the past and take over Hyrule during the [[Interloper War]], causing the Golden Goddesses to order the Light Spirits to intervene and lock them away within the confines of the Twilight Realm.<ref>{{cite|The lands where the goddesses descended came to be known as the Sacred Realm. For ages, the people lived at ease, content in mind and body... But soon, word of the Sacred Realm spread through Hyrule, and a great battle ensued... Among those living in the light, interlopers who excelled at magic appeared. Wielding powerful sorcery, they tried to establish dominion over the Sacred Realm. It was then that the goddesses ordered us three light spirits to intervene. We sealed away the great magic those individuals had mastered.|Lanayru|Twilight Princess}}</ref> After twilight was lifted from Hyrule, Zant fled back into the Twilight Realm, trying to shatter the [[Mirror of Twilight]] that links the two worlds, but as he was not the Twilight Realm's true ruler, he only succeeded in breaking it into four fragments that scattered around Hyrule.<ref>{{Cite|Only the true leader of the Twili can utterly destroy the Mirror of Twilight...so Zant could merely break it into pieces.|A Sage|Twilight Princess}}</ref> Link and Midna recover these fragments and pursue the King of Shadows into the Twilight Realm, where they put an end to his wicked reign, but not before discovering the truth of his relationship with Ganondorf.<ref>{{cite|It was then, in the thrall of hatred and despair, that I turned my eyes to the heavens...and found a god.|Zant|Twilight Princess}}</ref> The pair return to Hyrule and journey to the sealed-off [[Hyrule Castle]], where they enter the castle to save [[Princess Zelda]] and confront the former Gerudo King of Thieves. Link engages Ganondorf in a lengthy battle that spans from the Throne Room of Hyrule Castle all the way into the vast expanse of Hyrule Field, eventually overpowering the villain and running the Master Sword through his chest, presumably killing him (though this has been left in doubt due to the circumstances surrounding this scene). Midna is restored to her true form and Zelda is saved. Link and Zelda bid the Twilight Princess farewell as she returns to the Twilight Realm, utterly shattering the Mirror of Twilight upon her departure and sealing off the only known road between Hyrule and the Twilight Realm for good.
=={{ALBW|-}}==
==''[[The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks|Spirit Tracks]]''==
[[File:ALBW Hyrule Field Map.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A map of Hyrule featured in {{ALBW|-}}]]
[[File:Hyrule (ST).png|thumb|250px|The re-established land of Hyrule, consisting of five realms: Forest, Snow, Ocean, Fire and Sand.]]
Hyrule in {{ALBW|-}} closely resembles its appearance in {{ALttP|-}}, with nearly all major features in the same locations as their counterparts in {{ALttP|-}} and most areas having similar layouts. The main exceptions are dungeon entrances, with the [[House of Gales]] added to [[Lake Hylia]] where no such structure exists in {{ALttP|-}}, certain smaller buildings, such as those in [[Kakariko Village]], and [[cave]]s, which have little in common with those of {{ALttP|-}}. In this case Hyrule is connected by [[fissure]]s to a parallel world known as [[Lorule]]. Lorule also resembles the [[Dark World]] of {{ALttP|-}}, although not quite as closely, with certain major landmarks in different positions and chasms in the place of some of the Dark World's bodies of water.
Hyrule appears in its newest incarnation in ''Spirit Tracks'', as the re-established kingdom founded a century prior to the events of the game by the [[Link|Hero of Winds]] and [[Tetra]] following a great [[Spirit War|war]] with the Demon King [[Malladus]].<ref name=arrive/> This land is the one they had been seeking in ''Phantom Hourglass'' to replace the original kingdom drowned beneath the waters of the [[Great Sea]] as a result of the [[Great Flood]] and ultimately destroyed beneath the waves in ''The Wind Waker'' by the late [[Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule]].<ref name=NewLand/> This new incarnation of Hyrule, which is referred to as '''New Hyrule'''{{name}} by some fans, features a unique and complex railroad system that was born out of the war with the Demon King, with its most notable features being the titular [[Spirit Tracks (Rails)|Spirit Tracks]] that span four directions all across the land and the great [[Tower of Spirits]] that rests at the center of the kingdom.<ref>{{cite|As you know, the Tower of Spirits has protected our kingdom for ages. The tower connects all the Spirit Tracks that crisscross the land.|Princess Zelda|Spirit Tracks}}</ref> These special tracks, the tower, and the four temples connected to the tower by the tracks, serve as the means by which Malladus is kept bound in his prison deep beneath Hyrule.<ref>{{cite|Finally, the spirits subdued the Demon King, though they could not destroy him. Their powers were greatly depleted. With their remaining power, they buried the Demon King's spirit in the ground. They built shackles to imprison him, and a tower that acted as a lock. These shackles cover the land to this day.|Introduction|Spirit Tracks}}</ref> A new race appears in this incarnation of Hyrule, the [[Lokomo]], servants of the [[Spirits of Good]] that guard the land against the Demon King's return by their order and act as sages for each region of Hyrule.<ref>{{cite|Indeed. We are called the Lokomos. We are servants of the spirits. They have entrusted us with protecting the temples and the Spirit Tracks. By playing our sacred instruments... We generate energy that powers the Spirit Tracks. The Spirit Flute you hold is one of them.|Anjean|Spirit Tracks}}</ref> It is unknown if the Lokomo populated the land before the arrival of the Hyruleans, but it is clear they were supportive of the new order established by the [[Royal Family of Hyrule]].<ref name=anjean/> Within the land of Hyrule in this game, several races appear in general: the [[Hylian]]s, the [[Lokomo]], the [[Anouki]], and the [[Goron]]s being amongst the most prominent of them. Hyrule is composed of four main regions in this game: the [[Forest Realm]], the [[Snow Realm]], the [[Ocean Realm]], and the [[Fire Realm]]. In addition, a vast desert collectively known as the [[Sand Realm]] resides between the Ocean Realm and the Fire Realm. This new Hyrule's capital city is, like its predecessor, once again [[Castle Town]], residing in front of the kingdom's seat of government, [[Hyrule Castle]]. Other settlements such as [[Whittleton]], [[Aboda Village]], and [[Papuchia Village]] make up most of the country's [[Hylian]] population. The Snow Realm is mostly populated by the [[Anouki]] tribe, and the Fire Realm by the [[Goron]]s, who live at [[Goron Village]].
During the events of the game, Hyrule faces the threat of the return of the Demon King Malladus as the Spirit Tracks have begun to mysteriously disappear all across the kingdom, weakening his shackles.<ref>{{cite|However, for some reason, they seem to be vanishing from everywhere. Something must have happened at the tower to cause all this.|Princess Zelda|Spirit Tracks}}</ref> Unbeknown to the kingdom's matriarch, [[Princess Zelda]], the kingdom's chancellor, [[Chancellor Cole|Cole]], has enacted a scheme to free Malladus from his prison beneath Hyrule and, with him, take over Hyrule and cover it in a second darkness by the evil demon's power.<ref>{{cite|Correct, my dear. The Spirit Tracks carry that energy. If the tracks are lost, the tower's energy will fade, and so will the Demon King's prison. And that's just what the evil ones are after! They aim to resurrect Malladus, the Demon King. Right now, my strength maintains his shackles, but it's only a matter of time until they're broken.|Anjean|Spirit Tracks}}</ref> When the chancellor rips Zelda from her body to use as a vessel for the Demon King and fragments the Tower of Spirits by powerful dark magic, a new incarnation of [[Link]] rises up to save both Hyrule and Zelda from terrible fates.<ref>{{cite|But now that those vile tracks are disappearing, the time is finally at hand! All we need now is... A little help--hee hee--from you, Your Highness!|Chancellor Cole|Spirit Tracks}}</ref> Alongside the feisty princess's spirit, he embarks on a quest to restore the four temples responsible for sustaining the Spirit Tracks and powering the Tower of Spirits to their original states and ascend the tower to stop Malladus's revival.<ref>{{cite|To prevent him from possessing your body, you must fortify his prison. To do this, restore the energy between the temples and this tower. In other words... Restore the tracks between here and the temples.|Anjean|Spirit Tracks}}</ref> Though the duo succeeds in restoring the tracks and the tower, they are too late to stop the Demon King's revival and his escape with Cole back to the [[Dark Realm]].<ref>{{Cite|This is the nest of evil, the Dark Realm. Cole is lurking here...somewhere.|Princess Zelda|Spirit Tracks}}</ref> Knowing that it will be only a matter of time before Malladus covers Hyrule in darkness and destruction once again, the pair search the temple across the sands of the Sand Realm to find the mighty [[Bow of Light]] that can banish Malladus from Zelda's body. Armed with this weapon, alongside the legendary [[Lokomo Sword]] and the [[Compass of Light]], the duo enter the Dark Realm and confront Cole and Malladus in a battle for the fate of Hyrule. Following the destruction of the villains, the Lokomo, seeing that Hyrule is now free of the threat of the Demon King, return to the heavens, leaving Link and Zelda to protect Hyrule with the spirits as their guardians and guides.<ref>{{cite|But our protection is no longer needed. Even without the spirits' guidance, you will do well. So I think I will return to the heavens... In the company of my old friend Byrne. Please watch over this land, my dear. And, [Link]... You must help her.|Anjean|Spirit Tracks}}</ref>
According to {{E}}, {{TLoZ|-}} takes place in a fraction of the land seen in {{ALBW|-}}.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote=In The Legend of Zelda, Link's quest to defeat Ganon takes place in a fraction of the space seen in this map of A Link Between Worlds.|book=E|publisher=Dark Horse Books|page=61}}</ref>
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=={{BotW|-}}==
[[File:BotW Greater Hyrule Map.png|thumb|right|300px|A map of Hyrule from {{BotW|-}}]]
10,000 years prior to the events in {{BotW}}, the defeat of [[Calamity Ganon]] heralded a lengthy age of peace and prosperity for Hyrule. This peace came to an abrupt end 100 years prior to {{BotW|-}} when Calamity Ganon returned as an entity of [[Malice]]. The kingdom of Hyrule fell as Calamity Ganon seized control of the [[Divine Beast]]s and [[Guardians]] designed to protect the kingdom, leaving it covered in ruin. The former heart of Hylian civilization, [[Central Hyrule]], suffered greatly from the Calamity's destruction. The Region, along with [[Hyrule Castle#Breath of the Wild|Hyrule Castle]], became inhabited by Guardians and various monsters. The civilizations of Hyrule survived and continue to live in their settlements, with the [[Hylian]]s in [[Hateno Village]] and [[Lurelin Village]], the [[Sheikah]] in [[Kakariko Village]], the [[Zora]] in [[Zora's Domain]], the [[Gerudo]] in [[Gerudo Town]], the [[Goron]]s in [[Goron City]] and the [[Rito]] in [[Rito Village]]. While the Sheikah survived the Calamity, they steeply declined from an era of technological prosperity. Long ago, they built the [[Sheikah Tower]]s, the [[Ancient Shrine]]s as well as the Divine Beasts and Guardians, all of which attest to their advanced level of science and technology. While the elder [[Impa]] still lives in Kakariko Village, the other surviving Sheikah elders, [[Purah]] and [[Robbie]], relocated to the [[Hateno Ancient Tech Lab]] and [[Akkala Ancient Tech Lab]] respectively. They did this so that they would not be wiped out in one strike should Calamity Ganon attack again, allowing at least one of them to survive and speak to Link after he awakes from the [[Shrine of Resurrection]].<ref>{{Cite|"Dr. Purah and I departed for Kakariko Village, where we left Lady Impa... All three of us couldn't stay together, of course. We couldn't risk Calamity Ganon getting all of us in one strike. If that happened, there'd be no one left to deliver Princess Zelda's message to Link when he recovered and woke up... We had to ensure at least one of us would be able to talk to him.|Robbie's Memoirs|BotW}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|Right after the Great Calamity, the three of us gathered at Kakariko Village... but we had to separate soon after. If all three of us were found and wiped out, who would instruct you, the hero, once you awoke? Making sure one of us remained to give you guidance and deliver our important message was all that mattered. That's why we went our separate ways.|Purah|BotW}}</ref> As a constant reminder of Calamity Ganon's enduring reach, periodic events known as [[Blood Moon]]s occur, casting the night sky a crimson red and reviving all of Ganon's minions who fell.
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==Minor Appearances==
==Minor Appearances==
===''[[The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask|Majora's Mask]]''===
==={{MM|-}}===
[[File:Lostwoodsmm.jpg|250px|thumb|right|The [[Lost Woods]] as seen in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask|Majora's Mask]]''.]]
Hyrule only plays a minor role in the opening and closing of {{MM|-}}, where a new section of the [[Lost Woods]] is revealed in the opening of the game. Link is searching the woods for "a [[Navi|friend]] with whom he parted ways" after the Child Timeline ending of {{OoT|-}}.<ref>{{Cite|Done with the battles he once waged across time, he embarked on a journey. A secret and personal journey...A journey in search of a beloved and invaluable friend...|Prologue|MM}}</ref> The Lost Woods are home to a portal leading to a parallel world to Hyrule called [[Termina]]. Link stumbles upon this portal when he chases the [[Skull Kid]] through it after a chance encounter in the Lost Woods. The young Hero of Time also returns to Hyrule through this same portal at the end of the game after he succeeds in saving Termina from the demon [[Majora's Mask (Item)|Majora]] and frees the Skull Kid from Majora's grasp. During the ending cinematic, a crude drawing of Link and the Skull Kid is seen in the Lost Woods.
Hyrule only plays a minor role in the opening and closing of ''Majora's Mask'' (a direct sequel to the events of ''Ocarina of Time''), where a new section of the [[Lost Woods]] is revealed in the opening of the game. Link is searching the woods for "a friend with whom he parted ways" after the Child Timeline ending of ''Ocarina of Time''.<ref>{{cite|Done with the battles he once waged across time, he embarked on a journey. A secret and personal journey...A journey in search of a beloved and invaluable friend...|Prologue|Majora's Mask}}</ref>. Though this friend is not named, it is implied to be [[Navi]]. The Lost Woods are home to a portal leading to a parallel world to Hyrule called [[Termina]]. Link stumbles upon this portal when he chases the [[Skull Kid]] through it after a chance encounter in the Lost Woods. The young Hero of Time also returns to Hyrule through this same portal at the end of the game after he succeeds in saving Termina from the demon [[Majora]] and frees the Skull Kid from Majora's grasp. During the ending cinematic, a crude drawing of Link and the Skull Kid is seen in the Lost Woods. The Hero of Time's fate is left uncertain, as it is implied he continued to search the Lost Woods for Navi and it is never revealed if he succeeded in reuniting with her.
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The Skull Kid remarks that Link reminds him of someone who once taught him a song in the forest,<ref>{{cite|Eh-hee-hee...You have the same smell as the fairy kid who taught me that song in the woods...|Skull Kid|Majora's Mask}}</ref> implying that this Skull Kid may be one that Link had encountered previously in ''Ocarina of Time.'' The [[Happy Mask Salesman]] is also implied to be from Hyrule, as he mentioned that he traveled far and wide to find Majora's Mask,<ref>{{cite|I own the Happy Mask Shop. I travel far and wide in search of masks...During my travels, a very important mask was stolen from me by an imp in the woods.|Happy Mask Salesman|Majora's Mask}}</ref> and disappears into thin air when he walks away at the end of the game, possibly indicating that he can travel back and forth between the two worlds at will.
==={{OoS|-}}===
[[File:Hyrule Castle-Oracle of Seasons.png|200px|thumb|right|A view of Hyrule as it was seen in the opening of the ''Oracle'' games]]
Hyrule in {{OoA}} and {{OoS}} also plays only a minor role in the overarching storyline. The kingdom appears to be at peace, because [[Ganon]] was vanquished sometime in the past and the complete [[Triforce]] is safe in [[Hyrule Castle]]. When Link touches the Triforce, he receives a mark on his hand that signifies that he is the chosen hero of Hyrule.<ref name=DinTriforce>{{Cite|It has a ^ on it. That is a sacred mark in Hyrule. If it's the true symbol, then you are a hero with a special fate, Link.|Din (Oracle)|OoS}}</ref> As the two games open, Link is shown riding a horse along a coastline (revealing that this version of Hyrule also has an ocean that borders it), and Hyrule Castle is shown from a distance when Link stops to take in the view and hears the Triforce's call from within the castle. These brief scenes are the only times gamers see Hyrule in the two games, and only one room is shown within Hyrule Castle, the room where the Triforce is kept. It is also revealed that, unlike in Termina, Hyrule is known to members of the two new lands visited by Link within the games. Nayru reveals that she knows that Link and Impa are messengers of Hyrule <ref>{{Cite|Thank you. You've come all the way from Hyrule, correct? Pleased to meet you. I am Nayru.|Nayru (Oracle)|OoA}}</ref> and Din is able to identify the Triforce mark on the back of Link's hand.<ref name=DinTriforce/> This indicates that both [[Holodrum]] and [[Labrynna]] are different countries in the same universe as Hyrule, and not parallel dimensions like Termina.
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===''[[The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons|Oracle of Seasons]]''/''[[The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages|Oracle of Ages]]''===
{{Ref}}
[[File:Hyrule-Oracle Series 2.jpg|200px|thumb|right|A view of Hyrule as it was seen in the opening of the ''Oracle'' games.]]
Hyrule in the ''Oracle'' games also plays only a minor role in the overarching storyline. The kingdom appears to be at peace, because [[Ganon]] was vanquished sometime in the past and the complete [[Triforce]] is safe in [[Hyrule Castle]]. When Link touches the Triforce, he receives a mark on his hand that signifies that he is the chosen hero of Hyrule.<ref name=DinTriforce>{{cite|It has a ^ on it. That is a sacred mark in Hyrule. If it's the true symbol, then you are a hero with a special fate, Link.|Din|Oracle of Seasons}}</ref> As the two games open, Link is shown riding a horse along a coastline (revealing that this version of Hyrule also has an ocean that borders it), and Hyrule Castle is shown from a distance when Link stops to take in the view and hears the Triforce's call from within the castle. These brief scenes are the only times gamers see Hyrule in the two games, and only one room is shown within Hyrule Castle, the room where the Triforce is kept. It is also revealed that, unlike in Termina, Hyrule is known to members of the two new lands visited by Link within the games. Nayru reveals that she knows that Link and Impa are messengers of Hyrule <ref>{{cite|Thank you. You've come all the way from Hyrule, correct? Pleased to meet you. I am Nayru.|Nayru|Oracle of Ages}}</ref> and Din is able to identify the Triforce mark on the back of Link's hand.<ref name=DinTriforce/> This indicates that both [[Holodrum]] and [[Labrynna]] are different countries in the same universe as Hyrule, and not parallel dimensions like Termina.
[[Princess Zelda]] has ordered [[Impa]] to bring the [[Din (Oracle)|Oracle of Seasons]] and the [[Nayru (Oracle)|Oracle of Ages]] to Hyrule after having premonitions of darkness surrounding them in their respective homelands of [[Holodrum]] and [[Labrynna]].<ref>{{cite|Shadows were surrounding the Oracle of Ages, so I came hoping to take her to Hyrule.|Impa|Oracle of Ages}}</ref><ref>{{cite|When I returned to Hyrule, Zelda told me that in addition to Nayru, Din, the Oracle of Seasons, was also in danger.So, as she requested...We've posed as a traveling troupe so we can sneak Din into Hyrule.|Impa|Oracle of Seasons}}</ref> Although Impa fails both times to retrieve the two oracles, Link rescues Din from [[Onox]] the General of Darkness, and Nayru from [[Veran]] the Sorceress of Shadows. He then discovers the true force behind the two villains' actions and stops a fiendish plot by the evil [[Gerudo]] witches known as [[Twinrova]] to resurrect [[Ganon]].
The original Hyrule overworld from The Legend of Zelda
Hyrule is first seen in The Legend of Zelda as the magical kingdom that serves as the setting for the adventures of a young boy named Link in his quest to save Hyrule's young princess, Zelda, from the clutches of the evil sorcerer Ganon.[1] In this game, Hyrule is described as a beautiful kingdom with deep forests and tall mountains bordering a vast ocean to its southern and eastern borders. As Link explores the kingdom, he visits all the different parts of it, including the Lost Woods to the west-southwest, the Graveyard in the shadow of Death Mountain to the northwest, the coastline to the southeastern and eastern borders of the kingdom and even the strange forests in the southeastern region of the country. In this original incarnation of Hyrule, the land is shown to have many forests and lakes in addition to the mountainous terrain of Death Mountain. This would mark the gaming world's first experience in the land of Hyrule and began several long traditions that would continue to be featured in later incarnations of the kingdom and would be vastly expanded upon and improved by the game developers. Hyrule Historia claims that this land is not exactly Hyrule, but a place called Lesser Hyrule, which could very well be the remains of the once-great kingdom.[citation needed]
The Adventure of Link
The expanded Hyrule overworld featured in The Adventure of Link.
The second appearance of Hyrule was in The Adventure of Link; as the game progresses it is revealed that the overworld featured in The Legend of Zelda is only a small sector of The Adventure of Link's grand landscape, dwarfing it in size. Because this title features three major continents separated by large straits of water, and seven unique towns and settlements, this incarnation of Hyrule is one entirely unique to The Adventure of Link. The original Hyrule overworld, featured in The Legend of Zelda is still explorable, but it is a tiny landmass south of Death Mountain. Hyrule borders a vast ocean; the landscape is much more varied with swamps, mountains, a graveyard, deserts and islands, in comparison to The Legend of Zelda. The hero also visits several towns that would later provide the namesakes of some very important characters in Ocarina of Time. This game would also mark the first use of dungeons and palaces as a plot device in Hyrule, a formula that would come to be used time and again in future games. In this game, Link traverses Hyrule to restore six magical crystals to their proper places within six other individual palaces in order to break the seal on the Great Palace and awaken Zelda with the completed Triforce.
A Link to the Past
Hyrule in A Link to the Past
A Link to the Past marked the first appearances of such major landmarks as Lake Hylia, Zora's Waterfall, Hyrule Castle, and Kakariko Village. The mirror of Hyrule, the Dark World, was also made explorable and marks the only time that the Sacred Realm could be explored in any form. The Dark World appeared to be what Hyrule would be like if it were ruled by Ganon. The two worlds were closely linked, and what happened in one would even affect its twin in the other.[2] This version of Hyrule began many of the more recurring elements of the kingdom, such as Hyrule Castle being the home of the Royal Family and the Lost Woods being the home of the Master Sword. This template of Hyrule would also be heavily replicated in future games as well.
Ocarina of Time
A map of Hyrule as it was featured in Ocarina of Time
Ocarina of Time marks the first time the kingdom of Hyrule was represented in three dimensions. Familiar locations like Death Mountain and Lake Hylia returned, along with new locations such as Gerudo Valley, Lon Lon Ranch, and the Kokiri Forest. The geography of the land was rearranged, making Hyrule Field a central hub area between most of the major locations.
Four Swords
A map of the Hyrule overworld featured in Four Swords
Four Swords features yet another incarnation of Hyrule that contrasts with previous versions of the kingdom. Several locations appear in the game that have not yet appeared in any other, such as the Sea of Trees, the Chambers of Insight, and Talus Cave. Death Mountain makes a reappearance as one of the few recurring places that appears in this version of Hyrule. There is also a region above the clouds, where Vaati's Palace resides floating high above the land.
The Wind Waker
An image of Hyrule as it appeared in The Wind Waker
The Wind Waker features a new incarnation of Hyrule, though it is sealed away beneath the Great Sea. This is the direct result of the Great Flood that occurred as a product of the Golden Goddesses in a timeline of events that occurred before The Wind Waker; the survivors of the flood built a new country on the surface, where the highest mountains of Hyrule became islands.[3] In terms of differences with other incarnations, Hyrule Castle now rests on an island in the middle of a large lake, fueled by a large river. On Hyrule's horizon, large, tall mountains exist; these help explain the existence of islands on the surface of the Great Sea. Ganon's Tower is located beyond a grand canyon leading into one of the kingdom-surrounding mountain ranges, not far from Hyrule Castle. Hyrule still retains a state of regality, despite its desertion and isolation on the seabed.
Four Swords Adventures
An image of the Hyrule overworld featured in Four Swords Adventures
The version of Hyrule featured in Four Swords Adventures shares many landmarks with the version of Hyrule featured in A Link to the Past. The Eastern Palace, Desert Palace, and what is suspected to be the Tower of Hera (the Tower of Flames) are in the same locations, as is Kakariko Village. Hyrule Castle also rests in a similar location to its A Link to the Past counterpart, at the very center of the kingdom, although this incarnation of the castle more strongly resembles the one featured in The Wind Waker. However, some locations have shifted as well. Lake Hylia is now in the northeast, and locations not featured in A Link to the Past are present, such as the Village of the Blue Maiden and Lon Lon Ranch. The southern part of the map is frozen due to Vaati's evil magic. The Dark World is again present, both as the northwestern portion of Hyrule and the base of Ganon's power, and as an actual mirror universe. Most of the Hyrulean races that were introduced in Ocarina of Time return in this game. The Gorons live on Death Mountain, the Deku Scrubs live in the Lost Woods, and the Gerudo live in the Desert of Doubt. A new race, the Zuna, are also introduced. The Zuna are a tribe of green-skinned desert nomads who are descended from the ancient Pyramid builders.[4] Another major difference in this incarnation of Hyrule when compared to others is that a large ocean borders the entire continent upon which Hyrule rests.
The Minish Cap
An image of the Hyrule overworld as it appeared in The Minish Cap
A map of Hyrule as it was featured in Twilight Princess
The Hyrule appearing in Twilight Princess is much larger than in previous games. The government is centralized in Castle Town, and Kakariko Village again appears at the base of Death Mountain. A sign at the entrance to the Hidden Village identifies it as "Old Kakariko,"[5] indicating that the Kakariko Village appearing in Twilight Princess may perhaps be the same one seen in Ocarina of Time. Hyrule Field is larger and again divided into sectors like it was in The Minish Cap. The kingdom appears to have a more developed system of roads, with fortified bridges like the Bridge of Eldin and the Great Hylian Bridge guarding the roads. New locations such as Snowpeak and Ordon Village also appear for the first time. The Temple of Time reappears in this game, but has shifted locations. It is no longer in the main Castle Town as it was in Ocarina of Time, but its ruins are instead in the Sacred Grove, alongside the ruins of what appears to have been a city. This draws parallels with the Master Sword's location in A Link to the Past. This game also introduces the concept of Hyrule being divided into a province system, composed of Desert, Ordona, Peak, Faron, Eldin, and Lanayru provinces. The Ordona Province is not technically part of Hyrule, but instead neighbors it.[6]
Spirit Tracks
The re-established land of Hyrule, consisting of five realms: Forest, Snow, Ocean, Fire and Sand
Spirit Tracks is unique in that it features a distinct new land named after Hyrule. New Hyrule,[7] as the land is named, features a unique and complex railroad system that was born out of the war with the Demon King Malladus. Its most notable features are the titular Spirit Tracks that span four directions all across the land and the Tower of Spirits at the center of the kingdom.[8] These special tracks, the tower, and the four temples connected to the tower by the tracks, serve as the means as a lock, by which Malladus is kept bound in his prison deep beneath Hyrule.[9]
The re-established land of Hyrule features five realms: Forest, Snow, Ocean, Fire, and Sand.[7] Each realm is different in climate, landforms, inhabitants, and culture.
Forest Realm
The Forest Realm is located in the southwest corner of "New Hyrule" and is a heavily forested area, but also features vast plains on its eastern side. The realm is home to most of the kingdom's Hylian population, who reside in the various settlements scattered around the Forest Realm. The capital of Hyrule, Castle Town, lies in the northern extreme of the realm. Other settlements include the lumberjack town of Whittleton, Aboda Village, the Trading Post, which is the home of the Linebeck Trading Company; Rabbitland Rescue, and the Forest Sanctuary. The Forest Temple, located deep within the realm's forests, provides power to the Spirit Tracks, and through the tracks the Tower of Spirits.
Snow Realm
The Snow Realm is located in the northwest corner of the kingdom and is covered with a blanket of snow which provides a suitable habitat for the conifer forests in the realm. The Anoukis, a race that migrated to the re-established land of Hyrule from their homeland of the Isle of Frost are also found in the realm, living in the Anouki Village. The realm also holds a number of stations including the Snow Sanctuary, Bridge Worker's Home, Wellspring Station, the Snowdrift Station, and the Slippery Station. At the northern end of the realm past a vast icy plain, where the Snow Temple is found. This temple possesses the same function as the Forest Temple.
Ocean Realm
The Ocean Realm is located in the southeast part of Hyrule and is a vast large ocean, dotted with small islands and flourishing with sea life. A group of Hylians who make their living off of fish live in the small coastal village by the name of Papuchia Village. However, the citizens of the realm have been having trouble with the local gang of pirates residing at the Pirate Hideout. Other stations found in the realm include the Ocean Sanctuary and the Lost at Sea Station. Found deep within the depths of the ocean is the Ocean Temple, which powers the tracks leading to the Tower of Spirits.
Fire Realm
The Fire Realm is located in the northeastern corner of the kingdom, and comprises a large number of volcanoes, lava lakes, rocky mountains, and underground tunnels. The Gorons reside throughout the realm living in the Goron Village/Fire Sanctuary, Dark Ore Mine, and the Goron Target Range. At the top of the large mountain in the center of the Fire Realm is the Fire Temple. This temple is source of the Force Gem that powers the realm's Spirit Tracks leading to the Tower of Spirits, but it also the source of the evil causing the violent volcanic eruptions troubling the inhabitants of the realm.
Sand Realm
The Sand Realm is located in the eastern part of Hyrule, between the Ocean and Fire Realms. It is a desolate, arid region with few inhabitants other than Malgyorgs. Its only stations are the Sand Sanctuary and the Sand Temple, a fortress built to guard the sacred Bow of Light. It is home to the Three Trials, a test of the worth of anyone who wishes to possess this powerful holy weapon.
Skyward Sword
A map of Hyrule featured in Skyward Sword
In Skyward Sword, Hyrule is known as the Surface for much of the game, and was also named Grooseland by Groose. Many enemies roam the land, as the armies of Demise. Link descends to Hyrule from Skyloft with the help of the Goddess Sword, and continues to travel back and forth between his homeland and the land below using Bird Statues.[10][11] The surface is divided into three provinces, with names corresponding to their Twilight Princess counterparts. The woodlands in the Faron Province is the home of the Kikwi race and contains the Sealed Grounds, the Skyview Temple, and Lake Floria, home of the Water Dragon. Eldin Province is the northernmost province, inhabited by the Mogmas and home to the Earth Temple and Fire Sanctuary. Death Mountain does not appear by name in the game; its role is played by Eldin Volcano, which is generally believed to be the same location. Lanayru Province is a desert region in the far west, containing the Temple of Time, Lanayru Mining Facility, and the Sandship. This province was once a verdant green area surrounded by the sea, rich in minerals mined by the Ancient Robots.
A Link Between Worlds
A map of Hyrule featured in A Link Between Worlds
Hyrule in A Link Between Worlds closely resembles its appearance in A Link to the Past, with nearly all major features in the same locations as their counterparts in A Link to the Past and most areas having similar layouts. The main exceptions are dungeon entrances, with the House of Gales added to Lake Hylia where no such structure exists in A Link to the Past, certain smaller buildings, such as those in Kakariko Village, and caves, which have little in common with those of A Link to the Past. In this case Hyrule is connected by fissures to a parallel world known as Lorule. Lorule also resembles the Dark World of A Link to the Past, although not quite as closely, with certain major landmarks in different positions and chasms in the place of some of the Dark World's bodies of water.
According to Encyclopedia, The Legend of Zelda takes place in a fraction of the land seen in A Link Between Worlds.[12]
Breath of the Wild
A map of Hyrule from Breath of the Wild
10,000 years prior to the events in Breath of the Wild, the defeat of Calamity Ganon heralded a lengthy age of peace and prosperity for Hyrule. This peace came to an abrupt end 100 years prior to Breath of the Wild when Calamity Ganon returned as an entity of Malice. The kingdom of Hyrule fell as Calamity Ganon seized control of the Divine Beasts and Guardians designed to protect the kingdom, leaving it covered in ruin. The former heart of Hylian civilization, Central Hyrule, suffered greatly from the Calamity's destruction. The Region, along with Hyrule Castle, became inhabited by Guardians and various monsters. The civilizations of Hyrule survived and continue to live in their settlements, with the Hylians in Hateno Village and Lurelin Village, the Sheikah in Kakariko Village, the Zora in Zora's Domain, the Gerudo in Gerudo Town, the Gorons in Goron City and the Rito in Rito Village. While the Sheikah survived the Calamity, they steeply declined from an era of technological prosperity. Long ago, they built the Sheikah Towers, the Ancient Shrines as well as the Divine Beasts and Guardians, all of which attest to their advanced level of science and technology. While the elder Impa still lives in Kakariko Village, the other surviving Sheikah elders, Purah and Robbie, relocated to the Hateno Ancient Tech Lab and Akkala Ancient Tech Lab respectively. They did this so that they would not be wiped out in one strike should Calamity Ganon attack again, allowing at least one of them to survive and speak to Link after he awakes from the Shrine of Resurrection.[13][14] As a constant reminder of Calamity Ganon's enduring reach, periodic events known as Blood Moons occur, casting the night sky a crimson red and reviving all of Ganon's minions who fell.
Minor Appearances
Majora's Mask
Hyrule only plays a minor role in the opening and closing of Majora's Mask, where a new section of the Lost Woods is revealed in the opening of the game. Link is searching the woods for "a friend with whom he parted ways" after the Child Timeline ending of Ocarina of Time.[15] The Lost Woods are home to a portal leading to a parallel world to Hyrule called Termina. Link stumbles upon this portal when he chases the Skull Kid through it after a chance encounter in the Lost Woods. The young Hero of Time also returns to Hyrule through this same portal at the end of the game after he succeeds in saving Termina from the demon Majora and frees the Skull Kid from Majora's grasp. During the ending cinematic, a crude drawing of Link and the Skull Kid is seen in the Lost Woods.
Oracle of Seasons
A view of Hyrule as it was seen in the opening of the Oracle games
Hyrule in Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons also plays only a minor role in the overarching storyline. The kingdom appears to be at peace, because Ganon was vanquished sometime in the past and the complete Triforce is safe in Hyrule Castle. When Link touches the Triforce, he receives a mark on his hand that signifies that he is the chosen hero of Hyrule.[16] As the two games open, Link is shown riding a horse along a coastline (revealing that this version of Hyrule also has an ocean that borders it), and Hyrule Castle is shown from a distance when Link stops to take in the view and hears the Triforce's call from within the castle. These brief scenes are the only times gamers see Hyrule in the two games, and only one room is shown within Hyrule Castle, the room where the Triforce is kept. It is also revealed that, unlike in Termina, Hyrule is known to members of the two new lands visited by Link within the games. Nayru reveals that she knows that Link and Impa are messengers of Hyrule [17] and Din is able to identify the Triforce mark on the back of Link's hand.[16] This indicates that both Holodrum and Labrynna are different countries in the same universe as Hyrule, and not parallel dimensions like Termina.
References
↑"LONG AGO, GANON, PRINCE OF DARKNESS, STOLE THE TRIFORCE OF POWER. PRINCESS ZELDA OF HYRULE BROKE THE TRIFORCE OF WISDOM INTO EIGHT PIECES AND HID THEM FROM GANON BEFORE SHE WAS KIDNAPPED BY GANON'S MINIONS. LINK, YOU MUST FIND THE PIECES AND SAVE ZELDA." — N/A (The Legend of Zelda)
↑"If the form of a thing changes in one world, it will change the shape of its twin in the other." — Sahasrahla (A Link to the Past)
↑"When the gods heard our pleas, they chose to seal away not only Ganon, but Hyrule itself...and so, with a torrential downpour of rains from the heavens... Our fair kingdom was soon buried beneath the waves, forgotten at the bottom of the ocean. Yet all was not lost.[...] So, before the sealing of the kingdom, the gods chose those who would build a new country and commanded them to take refuge on the mountaintops." — Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule (The Wind Waker)
↑"We of the Zuna tribe live in this village. We may not look it now, but we are descended from the wise pyramid builders!" — Zuna (Four Swords Adventures)
↑"Oh, no, I don't believe he's from Hyrule proper at all. No, my understanding is that he's from the small neighboring province of Ordona." — Shad (Twilight Princess)
↑ 7.07.1"New Hyrule is split into five regions, with Hyrule Castle and the Tower of Spirits at its center, encircled by the Forest Realm, the Snow Realm, the Ocean Realm, the Fire Realm, and the Sand Realm." (Hyrule Historia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 134)
↑"As you know, the Tower of Spirits has protected our kingdom for ages. The tower connects all the Spirit Tracks that crisscross the land." — Princess Zelda (Spirit Tracks)
↑"Finally, the spirits subdued the Demon King, though they could not destroy him. Their powers were greatly depleted. With their remaining power, they buried the Demon King's spirit in the ground. They built shackles to imprison him, and a tower that acted as a lock. These shackles cover the land to this day." — N/A (Spirit Tracks)
↑"Even something as simple as the aiming, which is handled not necessarily with a pointer but by moving your hand around, just like you would aim an item in real life, will make it that much easier for you to feel like you're in that world of Hyrule and experiencing the adventure that Link is, because you're so connected to what's going on." — joystiq's Interview with Shigeru Miyamoto , joystiq.com.
↑"Aonuma says that the scene which concludes the trailer, in which Link leaps off a cliff into a sea of clouds, is an important story point. Instead of being raised in a village on the ground, he's been brought up in a town called Skyloft, which is a floating island. He's lived his life in the clouds, and has only recently "discovered" the land below, which he finds has been overrun with evil forces. You spend the game going back and forth between these two regions: Skyloft, and the ground below." — [1] , kotaku.com.
↑"In The Legend of Zelda, Link's quest to defeat Ganon takes place in a fraction of the space seen in this map of A Link Between Worlds." (Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 61)
↑""Dr. Purah and I departed for Kakariko Village, where we left Lady Impa... All three of us couldn't stay together, of course. We couldn't risk Calamity Ganon getting all of us in one strike. If that happened, there'd be no one left to deliver Princess Zelda's message to Link when he recovered and woke up... We had to ensure at least one of us would be able to talk to him." — Robbie's Memoirs (Breath of the Wild)
↑"Right after the Great Calamity, the three of us gathered at Kakariko Village... but we had to separate soon after. If all three of us were found and wiped out, who would instruct you, the hero, once you awoke? Making sure one of us remained to give you guidance and deliver our important message was all that mattered. That's why we went our separate ways." — Purah (Breath of the Wild)
↑"Done with the battles he once waged across time, he embarked on a journey. A secret and personal journey...A journey in search of a beloved and invaluable friend..." — Prologue (Majora's Mask)
↑ 16.016.1"It has a ^ on it. That is a sacred mark in Hyrule. If it's the true symbol, then you are a hero with a special fate, Link." — Din (Oracle of Seasons)
↑"Thank you. You've come all the way from Hyrule, correct? Pleased to meet you. I am Nayru." — Nayru (Oracle of Ages)
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