Hylian Crest
The Hylian Crest[1] is a common engraving or depiction of an archaic bird , usually beneath the Triforce, and can be seen on the Hylian Shield, around Hyrule Castle, and at the Temple of Time. A variation of the crest with a Triforce in the place of the bird's head is commonly used to represent the Royal Family of Hyrule. The bird crest has also been used to represent the Hylian race as a whole, as it is the crest over Rauru's stained-glass window in The Wind Waker.
Appearances
The depiction of a winged figure below the Triforce first appeared in Template:ALTTP, where the design of Link's shield featured a birdlike design below the Triforce. Another birdlike figure guarded the doorway of the Sanctuary as well. A similar winged figure also appeared on the Hero's Shield in The Wind Waker.
The familiar red bird crest first appeared in Template:OOT, on the Hylian Shield. As the shield was used by the Knights of Hyrule,[2] it is possible that the bird may symbolize devotion to the Royal Family or to the Hylian people. The bird also seems to grasp a piece of the Triforce in its talons, perhaps signifying dedication to the protection of the Sacred Realm or the realm of Hyrule. This same design appears on young Princess Zelda's dress. A design resembling the Royal crest also appears on her dress as an adult, and at Hyrule Castle.
By The Wind Waker, the crest was over the gates of Hyrule Castle and used in Rauru's stained-glass window. This crest was also prevalent in Twilight Princess, appearing at Hyrule Castle and on the uniforms of the Castle Guards.
A variation of this crest appears in Spirit Tracks, but substituting an upside-down triangle for the Triforce in its design. It is visible on the front of the Spirit Train as well as on Anjean. This modified crest appears to be the national symbol of the New Hyrule, to distinguish it from the ancient one destroyed during the Great Flood. The same Crest that appears on the Hylian Shield appears on the Phantom when Princess Zelda is possessing it.
Possible Candidates
Kaepora Gaebora
It has been argued that the bird symbol is a representation of Kaepora Gaebora. This owl is said to be the reincarnation of an ancient sage,[3] who some theorize to be Rauru, the Sage of Light from Template:OOT. This is supported by the fact that Rauru's stained glass window in The Wind Waker has the Hylian Crest over it.
Oocca
Another plausible inspiration for the Hylian Crest is the Oocca tribe. This tribe was said to have helped create Hyrulean civilization in ancient times,[4] and are said to be the closest race to the gods.[4] The bird symbol on the Hylian Crest may have been used because of the influence that the tribe wielded over Hyrule in ancient times. It is said that the Royal Family once maintained contact with the Oocca,[5] and thus the bird symbol may have been chosen to honor the tribe.
References
- ↑ "A shield with a Hylian crest. Defend against attacks with [Z]. It's metal and will never burn." — Hylian Shield item description (Twilight Princess)
- ↑ "This is a big, heavy shield just like the ones Hylian Knights use. It can stand up to flame attacks!" — Bazaar owner (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ "They say that the owl named Kaepora Gaebora is the reincarnation of an ancient Sage." — Gossip Stone (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "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)
- ↑ "Among the legends of my clan, there is a story from the time when the Oocca still maintained contact with the royal family." — Impaz (Twilight Princess)