Zelda Wiki

Want to contribute to this wiki?
Sign up for an account, and get started!

Come join the Zelda Wiki community Discord server!

READ MORE

Zelda Wiki
Register
Advertisement

[[File:File:TPHD Hylian Shield Artwork 1.png.png|20x20px]] [[|]] The Hylian Shield is the traditional Shield bore by the Knights of Hyrule and a Shield commonly used by Link in the 3D Zelda games.[1] Unlike Wooden Shields, the Hylian Shield will not burn upon contact with fire.[2][3] Throughout the Zelda games, the Hylian Shield has changed little in terms of overall appearance, always bearing the symbol of the Triforce and, beneath it, a red Hylian Crest representing the Crimson Loftwing that helped Link at the founding of Hyrule.[4] The first Hylian Shield was a legendary Shield guarded by the Thunder Dragon Lanayru, who created the Lightning Round to judge whether someone would be worthy of wielding the Shield.[5]

Appearances

Ocarina of Time

Hylian Shield icon from Ocarina of Time 3D

In Ocarina of Time, the Hylian Shield can either be purchased or found by Link as a child. Emblazoned with Hylian artwork, complete with a Crimson Loftwing and the Triforce, the Hylian Shield is much too large for young Link to wield on his arm and functions more like a turtle's shell.[6] After his seven year sleep, Link became able to use it as his standard Shield.

The Hylian Shield becomes almost necessary to survive a visit to the Great Fairy in Death Mountain, as child Link's 'turtle shell' use of the Shield protects from recurrent flaming rock eruptions. It is also not prone to the risk of being burnt by particular fire-borne enemies, such as the Fire Keese.[7] However, the Hylian Shield can be consumed by the Shield-eating Like Likes if Link is swallowed by one.[8] Child Link's use of the Shield limits mobility while defending and does not provide as much adequate protection from the front as the Deku Shield (and the Hylian Shield as an adult) and is similarly unable to reflect Deku Scrub and Octorok attacks, but it can defend Link from the Boulders that rain from Death Mountain. The guard at the gates of Kakariko Village (leading to Death Mountain) can offer Link a discount in correspondence with the owner of the Bazaar in Hyrule Castle Town.[9] If Link speaks to the guard and then attempts to purchase the Hylian Shield at normal price at the Bazaar in the Market, the shop owner will give Link a discount of random values in intervals of 5 Rupees between a total price of 45 to 75 Rupees.[10] However, the Shield cannot be bought even with the discount if Link does not have 80 Rupees. Despite the discount, a free Hylian Shield can be found if Link opens a certain grave at night in the Kakariko Village Graveyard.

The pedestal on which the avian is perched on is often seen to be the "missing fourth piece" of the Triforce, combined known as the Tetraforce, that completes the triangle. No point in the series has the existence of a fourth piece ever been mentioned, however. This inverted triangle was presumably removed to dismiss the confusion of its such existence.

Wind Waker

While the Hylian Shield tself is not in The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, it is seen depcted on the Link Statue in Hyrule Castle. Although it lacks color, the shield has the same design as the one from Ocarina of Time.

Twilight Princess

In Twilight Princess, the Hylian Shield becomes available before entering the Goron Mines in the newly established Malo Mart.[11] It can also be bought (for a higher price) from a Goron in Castle Town.[12] Its appearance is largely similar to its Ocarina of Time incarnation, with some minor design changes. It looks more weathered than before due to prolonged use over time. The metal frame is thinner now, and the numerous rivets are replaced by three large bolts. The Triforce symbol has become smaller, now with metal framing it. In contrast, the Crimson Loftwing is noticeably bigger and takes up the entire bottom half of the Shield. The inverted triangle at the bottom has been removed and two metal decals take its place.

Skyward Sword

The Hylian Shield makes another appearance in Skyward Sword. Its design originally was largely similar to that of Twilight Princess, albeit with brighter colors more akin to the original Ocarina of Time design. Some time prior to E3 2011, the design was altered, removing the silver rim around the Triforce and the metal ornamentation beneath the Crimson Loftwing design. As with all Shields, the Hylian Shield is controlled by using the Nunchuk: by quickly thrusting the Nunchuk forward, Link will raise his Shield and use it to defend himself against enemy attacks. Unlike other Shields in the game, the Hylian Shield is indestructible, with its durability bar permanently filled with a glowing blue color to signify this. Unlike its past appearances, the Hylian Shield cannot be obtained early on in the game, due to the nature of normal Shields as potentially temporary items with limited durability. It is the reward from the Thunder Dragon Lanayru's Lightning Round if Link wins eight fights consecutively and then quits.

A Link Between Worlds

The sprite for the Hylian Shield from A Link Between Worlds

The Hylian Shield makes its first appearance in a 3D top-down perspective Zelda game in A Link Between Worlds. It is found as the dungeon item of Turtle Rock and replaces the standard Shield once obtained. Unlike the standard Shield, it can block magical attacks such as the beams fired by Beamos, as well as block the Lynels' fire breath,[13] although it cannot reflect them back.

Although the Shield is referred to as a Hylian Shield and bears the Hyrulean Triforce, it is not known or explained how it came to be housed in a Lorulean dungeon.

Similar Shields

While not actually identified as a "Hylian Shield," there are various Shields in other games that bear a striking resemblance to it.

A Link to the Past

While none of the sprites in-game are detailed enough to show the actual Shield design, official art for both the Super Nintendo and Game Boy Advance versions of A Link to the Past depict the Fighter's Shield with similar qualities to the Hylian Shield. The Triforce symbol is located at the top, surrounded by two inverted triangles. Beneath it is a large, bejeweled golden bird.

A Shield similar to this one also appears in Link's Awakening and the Template:OoX.

Majora's Mask

Majora's Mask - Hero Shield

In Majora's Mask, Link starts off with a Shield called the Hero's Shield. The Shield has many of the Hylian Shield's features, including a red bird, the blue base, the Triforce, and the metal decals. However, the Hero's Shield features a simplified and abstract style in comparison. The bird's head is more hunched, and the shape cannot be seen, but its face is visible. Its wings are also much larger than its body, and point down. The Triforce has moved from above the bird to below it and was greatly decreased in size.

This Shield also appeared in the SpaceWorld 2000 GameCube Tech Demo.

The Wind Waker

Shield

The Wind Waker also has a Shield dubbed the Hero's Shield. Its design is even more simplistic than the Majora's Mask version. The Shield is predominantly brown as opposed to the usual blue. The Triforce is in the very center of the Shield. There are long swirls surrounding it as well as three bolts at its corners. A winged creature with horns replaces the Crimson Loftwing, but unlike the Majora's Mask version, it faces up, wings spread out, like the original Hylian Shield.

Non-canon Appearances

Super Smash Bros. Series

Template:Smashwiki Link's older incarnation has appeared in all four Super Smash Bros. games to date, and has wielded the Hylian Shield and Master Sword in each game. In Super Smash Bros., the Shield is identical to the one Link wields in Ocarina of Time. In Super Smash Bros. Melee, he has an updated version of the Ocarina of Time Shield, which remains largely the same. One notable difference is that it takes on a noticeably purple hue, rather than blue. In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Link's Hylian Shield is the one found in Twilight Princess. When standing still, it can deflect projectiles, such as Arrows or bullets.

The Hylian Shield appears as a collectible Sticker in Brawl.

Name Image Artwork from Effect in The Subspace Emissary Usable by
Hylian Shield File:Hylian Shield Sticker.png Twilight Princess [Slash] - Resistance +10 This sticker is usable by Link, Zelda, Ganondorf, and Toon Link

Soulcalibur II

In SoulCalibur II, the Hylian Shield also appears as Link's default weapon, along with the Master Sword. It is his most balanced weapon in the game.[14] The Hylian Shield is also paired off with other weapons such as the Biggoron's Sword, Razor Sword, the Great Fairy's Sword, and the Bug-Catching Net.

Name Image Cost Attributes In-game Description
Master Sword & Hylian Shield File:Master Sword (SCII).png
Free
Well-balanced
A magic sword and shield that have accompanied Link on many adventures and helped him repeatedly save the land of Hyrule. This journey is no less dire, and Link once again goes into battle equipped with these items, this time in another world. These are well-balanced arms for Link.
Razor Sword File:Razor Sword (SCII).png
600 Gold
Attack goes up 25%
Short reach
Takes 15% block damage
A sword forged by the blacksmith from the Mountain Village on Snowhead. The blacksmith is famous for his perfectionism--this sword is yet another excellent example of of his craftsmanship and boasts an amazingly sharp cutting edge. Unfortunately, the metal used to forge this blade is prone to chipping, so there remains some concern about its defensive capabilities.
Megaton Hammer File:Megaton Hammer (SCII).png
1200 Gold
Offense goes up 35%
Short reach
An extremely heavy hammer. Learning to use it effectively could take some time, as its reach is somewhat short for a weapon. Its power and toughness, however, far exceed that of any normal sword. It's guaranteed to inspire awe.
Cane of Byrna File:Cane of Byrna SCII.png
1600 Gold
Soul Charge boosts offense up to 50%Triforce piece
Soul Charge lowers damage received by 25%Triforce piece
Soul Charge recovers up to 32 HP each time
An ancient magic staff that grants protection to heroes. It can be used even by those who are not sorcerers as long as their hearts are pure. It is said that praying to the staff with all one's heart will shroud the user in light and fill him with vitality. Because it is not a true weapon, it usually does not fare well when it clashes against an opponent's weapon.
Biggoron Sword File:Biggoron Sword (SCII).png
4000 Gold
Long reach
Drains 3 HP per attack
A masterfully crafted long sword forged by the best blacksmith in Hyrule, Biggoron, who lives on Death Mountain. Designed specifically for Link, it is made to be wielded with one hand. Even so, swinging it with full force gets tiring after a while.
Great Fairy Sword File:Great Fairy's Sword (SCII).png
9800 Gold
Attack goes up 20%
Gains 5 HP per second
Takes 20% block damage
A sword blessed by the Great Fairy, rumored to be able to reflect any and all dark magic. Merely holding it fills the wielder with strength, but unfortunately, its protective power did not survive intact in this world, and it is no longer able to resist enemy attacks.
Bug-Catching Net File:Bug-Catching Net (SCII).png
12,500 Gold
Offense decreases 80%
Defenses decreases 80%
A long-handled net used for catching bugs. This item is an old companion of Link's and has appeared on many of his adventures--it accompanies him on this adventure as well. Obviously, it is not a weapon, but perhaps it will cause opponents to let down their guard.

Gallery

References

  1. "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)
  2. "Hylian Shield A shield with a Hylian crest. Defend against attacks with Z. It's metal and will never burn." — N/A (Twilight Princess)
  3. "You got the Hylian shield! Press Z to defend yourself. It's metal and will never burn." — N/A (Twilight Princess)
  4. Template:Cite book
  5. "Yes, yes... The Thunder Dragon. The goddess gave the Thunder Dragon the power to protect the desert. This dragon possesses a legendary shield. It is truly one of its most prized treasures. It is said that the Thunder Dragon delights in testing those with promise in the hopes of someday finding a worthy recipient for the shield." — Eldin (Skyward Sword)
  6. "My current hot seller is the Hylian Shield, but it might be too big for you, kid." — Bazaar Owner (Ocarina of Time)
  7. "Fire Keese Destroy it before it flies into you! If you don't, its flames will burn up your Deku Shield!" — Navi (Ocarina of Time)
  8. "Like Like
    An enemy that eats shields and certain clothes. Beat it quickly to get your gear back!
    " — Navi (Ocarina of Time)
  9. "By the way, Mr. Hero... If you're going to climb Death Mountain, you should equip a proper shield! It is an active volcano, after all! If you go back to Hyrule Castle Town Market, you should check out the Bazaar. They sell the shield you need there. Tell 'em I sent you and they should give you a special discount!" — Guard (Ocarina of Time)
  10. "You heard about us from the guard at Death Mountain gate? Well, I have to give you a good deal then!" — Bazaar Owner (Ocarina of Time)
  11. "Hylian Shield: 200 Rupees LIMITED SUPPLY! Don't let them sell out before you buy one!" — Malo (Twilight Princess)
  12. "I cannot sell it for as low a price as you might get in Kakariko Village, but for you, I can still make a decent bargain, Brother. Would you want a Hylian shield for 210 Rupees?" — Castle Town Goron (Twilight Princess)
  13. "You got the Hylian Shield! This can protect you against magical attacks." — N/A (A Link Between Worlds)
  14. "A magic sword and shield that have accompanied Link on many adventures and helped him repeatedly save the land of Hyrule. This journey is no less dire, and Link once again goes into battle equipped with these items, this time in another world. These are well-balanced arms for Link." — Weapon description (Soulcalibur II)
TMC Forest Minish Artwork Names in Other Regions TMC Jabber Nut Sprite
Language Name Meaning
Japan Japanese ハイリアの盾 (Hairia no Tate) Hylia Shield
French-speaking countries French Bouclier Hylien Template:ExpGame
Bouclier d'Hylia
Hylian Shield, Hylia Shield
Canada FrenchCA Bouclier Hylien Template:ExpGame Hylian Shield
Federal Republic of Germany German Hylia-Schild Hylia Shield
Italian Republic Italian Scudo Hylia Hylia Shield
Spanish-speaking countries Spanish Escudo Hyliano Hylian Shield
Community of Latin American and Caribbean States SpanishLA Escudo hyliano Template:ExpGame Hylian shield

Template:Shields

Advertisement