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This article is about the race. For the language, see Hylian Language.

The Hylian race is one of the major races of the Legend of Zelda series. Link and Zelda are Hylian in several games.

The Hylians are a humanoid race distinguished by their large, pointed ears. They were first introduced in A Link to the Past as an ancient race whose culture is the basis of many legends within the game. Ocarina of Time, set as the prequel to A Link to the Past, was the first game to feature Hylian characters, including Link and Zelda.

The origins of the race are revealed in Skyward Sword, in which the goddess Hylia is reincarnated as the human maiden Zelda. Her innate divinity lives on in the blood of her descendants, the Royal Family of Hyrule and the Hylian race at large. Given the nature of Zelda/Hylia, their ancestor, the Hylians are considered "the race closest to the gods".

The Zora race are close allies of the Royal Family, the Hylians. The Zoras only allow Hylians to enter their land. In Ocarina of Time, Link learns Zelda's Lullaby to prove his ties to the Royal Family. Link also carries around a letter signed by the Royal Family as proof.


The term Hylian was originally used to denote the tribe of people who were under the protection of the goddess Hylia. Hyrule Kingdom was later established by their descendants in her name. They mainly worship Din, Nayru, and Farore. Hylians are said to have long ears so that they can hear the voices of the Golden Goddesses[1].


  1. "They say we Hylians have big ears in order to hear the voices of the gods...but I've never heard them!" — An unknown person at the Market, Ocarina of Time.