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Hylian Shields are recurring items in The Legend of Zelda series.[1][2][citation needed] The Hylian Shield goes unnamed in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity.

Location and uses[]

It is the traditional Shield borne by the Knights of Hyrule and is commonly used by Link in 3D Zelda games alongside the Master Sword.[3] Unlike Wooden Shields, the Hylian Shield will not burn upon contact with fire.[4][5] Though it is made of steel, it is light and sturdy, an optimal weight for a fighter with a one-handed weapon.[6] 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 goddess Hylia and the Crimson Loftwing that helped Link at the founding of Hyrule.[7][8] 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.[9]

Mainline appearances[]

Link's Awakening[]

Main article: Shield

While the Hylian Shield did not appear in the original or DX versions of Link's Awakening, the Shield was given the appearance of the Hylian Shield in Link's Awakening for Nintendo Switch. It it received from Tarin after Link wakes up on Koholint Island.

Ocarina of Time[]

The Hylian Shield can either be purchased or found by Link as a child in Ocarina of Time. 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.[10] 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.[11] However, the Hylian Shield can be consumed by the Shield-eating Like Likes if Link is swallowed by one.[12] 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.[13] 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.[14] 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.

Twilight Princess[]

In Twilight Princess, the Hylian Shield becomes available before entering the Goron Mines in the newly established Malo Mart in Kakariko Village for 200 Rupees.[15] It can also be bought (for a slightly higher price of 210 Rupees) from a Goron in Hyrule Castle Town.[16] Unlike the Wooden Shield and Ordon Shield, the Hylian Shield is indestructible as it is made of metal. However, it is unable to catch Arrows that strike it, merely deflecting them instead.

Its appearance is largely similar to its Ocarina of Time appearance, with some minor design changes. Unlike Ocarina of Time, the metal frame is thinner and the numerous rivets are replaced by three large bolts. The Triforce symbol has become smaller, now with metal framing it. In contrast, the Wingcrest is noticeably bigger and takes up the entire bottom half of the Hylian Shield. The inverted triangle at the bottom has been removed and two metal decals take its place.

Skyward Sword[]

As with all other Shields in Skyward Sword, 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, this Hylian Shield is imbued with heroic power, making it 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.

The Hylian Shield's design originally was largely similar to that of Twilight Princess, albeit with brighter colors more akin to the original Ocarina of Time design. Sometime prior to E3 2011, the design was altered, removing the silver rim around the Triforce and the metal ornamentation beneath the Crimson Loftwing design.

A Link Between Worlds[]

The Hylian Shield is found in Turtle Rock in A Link Between Worlds. When obtained, it 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,[17] 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.

Breath of the Wild[]

Hyrule Compendium Entry

350 (355) Hylian Shield
BotW Hyrule Compendium Hylian Shield
Description
A shield passed down through the Hyrulean royal family, along with the legend of the hero who wielded it. Its defensive capabilities and durability outshine all other shields.
Common Locations
Unknown
Properties
Def 90

The Hylian Shield is located in a Treasure Chest in the Lockup of Hyrule Castle, guarded by a Stalnox.[18] It is said to have been passed down through the Royal Family of Hyrule along with legends of the hero.[2] The defensive capability and durability of this Shield are known to outshine all others.[2] It is the strongest and most durable shield in the game, having a durability of 800 (up to 1160 with Durability Up +) and Defense rating of 90 (up to 144 with Guard Up +). Unlike Skyward Sword, the Hylian Shield is capable of breaking like other Shields. Once obtained within Hyrule Castle, it can be purchased from Granté in Tarrey Town for 3,000 Rupees, provided Link does not have one already. However, when purchased here, it does not come with a chance of being granted modifiers.

When spoken to at Trilby Plain, Russ of the Shield Breakers will explain that all shield surfers have heard of and covet the Hylian Shield.[19] He believes it to have been commissioned by the Royal Family, and its durability makes it perfect for shield surfing.[20] The traveler Baumar has also heard about the Hylian Shield's durability.[21]

The Hylian Shield, being made of metal, will attract Lightning if it is equipped during a Thunderstorm and conduct Electricity. It will also sink if it is dropped in Water, but it can be picked up and manipulated with the Magnesis Rune. Finally, it will not burn if it is exposed to Fire or a Scorching Climate.

Spinoff appearances[]

Hyrule Warriors[]

In Hyrule Warriors, the Hylian Shield appears paired with the Master Sword.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity[]

The Hylian Shield can be wielded by Link in conjunction with the Master Sword. It is based on its appearance from Breath of the Wild.

Crossover appearances[]

Super Smash Bros. series[]

Super Smash Bros.[]

In Super Smash Bros., Link wields the Hylian Shield alongside the Master Sword. The Shield is based on its Ocarina of Time iteration but it offers no protection.

Super Smash Bros. Melee[]

In Super Smash Bros. Melee, Link once again wields the Hylian Shield and it is based on its Ocarina of Time iteration. When Link is not moving, it is possible for him to block some projectiles with his Shield and get pushed back instead of taking damage. Whether the projectile is blocked or not depends on how much damage or knockback the projectile would normally do.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl[]

In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, the Hylian Shield is wielded by Link and is based on its Twilight Princess iteration. Like in Super Smash Bros. Melee, it can block some projectiles when Link is not moving. The Hylian Shield also appears as two Stickers, one based on its The Minish Cap iteration and the other based on its Twilight Princess iteration.

Sticker Artwork from Effect in The Subspace Emissary Usable by
SSBB Hylian Shield Sticker Icon
Hylian Shield
The Minish Cap Shield Recovery +5 All
SSBB Hylian Shield Sticker Icon 2
Hylian Shield
Twilight Princess [Slash] - Resistance +10 This sticker is only usable by Link, Zelda, Ganondorf and Toon Link

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U[]

In Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U, Link wields the Hylian Shield, which is still based on its Twilight Princess iteration. The Shield can block some projectiles if Link is not moving or while Link is walking. When the Shield blocks a projectile, Link will take a defensive stance.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate[]

Link once again wields the Hylian Shield in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. The Shield is based on its Breath of the Wild iteration.

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.[22] The Hylian Shield is also paired off with other weapons such as the Biggoron's Sword, Razor Sword, the Great Fairy Sword, and the Bug-Catching Net.

Image Cost Attributes Description
SCII Master Sword Model
Master Sword & Hylian Shield
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.
SCII Razor Sword Model
Razor Sword
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.
SCII Megaton Hammer Model
Megaton Hammer
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.
SCII Cane of Byrna Model
Cane of Byrna
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.
SCII Biggoron Sword Model
Biggoron's Sword
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.
SCII Great Fairy's Sword Model
Great Fairy Sword
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.
SCII Bug-Catching Net Model
Bug-Catching Net
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.

Nintendo Land[]

In Nintendo Land, the first player wields a bow (or optionally a sword and shield if playing singleplayer) and the other one to four players wield swords and shields. The swords resemble the Master Sword, while the shields resemble the Hylian Shield. However, the shields' (and swords') base color changes to match the color of the player wielding them (with the exception of the first player in singleplayer, where the sword and shield will be colored blue, despite the first player being green). The shield's design is much more simplistic than the majority of its canon appearances, and is flat across the top and lacks the curved edges on the bottom as well as the metal designs above the Triforce crest. The back of the shield is made of wood, similar to its in-game appearance in Ocarina of Time. Similar to its functionality in Skyward Sword, the shield is controlled using the Nunchuk and can block melee attacks as well as projectiles.

My Nintendo Picross: Twilight Princess[]

MNPTP Hylian Shield Sprite

The fifth puzzle in the Picross series and the fifteenth puzzle in the Mega Picross series depict a Hylian Shield.

Trivia[]

  • While parts of the back of the Hylian Shield are made with wood, most of the artwork for Ocarina of Time depicts the Shield made entirely of metal.

Nomenclature[]

TMC Forest Minish Artwork Names in other regions TMC Jabber Nut Sprite
LanguageNameMeaning
JapanJapaneseハイリアの盾 (Hairia no Tate) (OoT | ALBW)[23][24]
ハイリアの盾 (Hairia no tate) (BotW)
Same as English.
Taiwan, Hong Kong, MacaoChineseTR海利亞盾 (Hǎilìyǎ dùn) (BotW)
NetherlandsDutchHyliaans schild (BotW)
CanadaFrenchCABouclier Hylien (ALBW)[25]Hylian Shield
FranceFrenchEUBouclier Hylien (OoT3D)[26]
Bouclier d'Hylia (ALBW | BotW)[27]
Bouclier d'Hylia (ALBW | BotW)[28]
Hylian Shield
Shield of Hylia
GermanyGermanHylia-Schild (ALBW | BotW)[29]Hylia Shield
IsraelModern HebrewHylian Shield (Skyrim)[30]
ItalyItalianScudo Hylia (ALBW | BotW)[31]Hylia Shield
South KoreaKorean하일리아의 방패 (Haillia-ui Bangpae) (ALBW)[32]
하일리아의 방패 (Hailliaui bangpae) (BotW)
RussiaRussianХайлийский щит (Hayliyskiy shchit) (BotW)
SpainSpanishEUEscudo hyliano (ALBW)[33]Hylian shield
Latin AmericaSpanishLAEscudo hyliano (ALBW | BotW)[34]Hylian shield
This table was generated using translation pages.
To request an addition, please contact a staff member with a reference.

Gallery[]

References

  1. Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 127 (OoT | TP | SS | ALBW)
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Hylian Shield
    A shield passed down through the Hyrulean royal family, along with the legend of the hero who wielded it. Its defensive capabilities and durability outshine all other shields.
    " — Inventory (Breath of the Wild)
  3. "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)
  4. "Hylian Shield A shield with a Hylian crest. Defend against attacks with Z. It's metal and will never burn." — N/A (Twilight Princess)
  5. "You got the Hylian shield! Press Z to defend yourself. It's metal and will never burn." — N/A (Twilight Princess)
  6. "Though it is made of steel, it is light and sturdy, an optimal weight for a fighter with a one-handed weapon." (Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 84)
  7. "Our hero, who rescues the land that will later become Hyrule, rides a red bird. This is why the mark of a bird appears on his shield. However, since the design had already appeared, was this some herald of fate to come? Loftwings are modeled after birds called shoebills, and the idea for their curled tails came from the designer's pet shiba - Hiraoka, designer" (Hyrule Historia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 9)
  8. "The bird-like design that is painted to look as though it is protecting the Triforce is the mark of the goddess Hylia and also depicts the brilliant red Loftwing once ridden by the hero." (Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 84)
  9. "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)
  10. "My current hot seller is the Hylian Shield, but it might be too big for you, kid." — Bazaar Owner (Ocarina of Time)
  11. "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)
  12. "Like Like
    An enemy that eats shields and certain clothes. Beat it quickly to get your gear back!
    " — Navi (Ocarina of Time)
  13. "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)
  14. "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)
  15. "Hylian Shield: 200 Rupees LIMITED SUPPLY! Don't let them sell out before you buy one!" — Malo (Twilight Princess)
  16. "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?" — Goron (Twilight Princess)
  17. "You got the Hylian Shield! This can protect you against magical attacks." — N/A (A Link Between Worlds)
  18. "- Test of the Royal Guard -
    Strike down the giant foe to become recognized as a knight of the kingdom.
    " — Stone Tablet (Breath of the Wild)
  19. "Oh! Speaking of not breaking, have ya heard about the Hylian shield? Everyone in the surfing scene covets that bad boy." — Russ (Breath of the Wild)
  20. "It's clearly commissioned by the royal family or somethin'! It's sturdiness makes it perfect for shield surfing too." — Russ (Breath of the Wild)
  21. "Apparently, there's a totally durable shield called a Hylian shield somewhere in Hyrule Castle. Sounds gnarly, dude!" — Baumar (Breath of the Wild)
  22. "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." — N/A (Soulcalibur II)
  23. Nintendo Official Guidebook—The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Shogakukan) pg. 151
  24. "ハイリアの盾
    古代の技術で作られた盾
    R Buttonで構えれば
    炎やビームも受け止める
    " — Gear (A Link Between Worlds)
  25. "Bouclier Hylien
    Le savoir-faire hylien à son apogée. Levez-le avec R Button. Renvoie flammes et rayons.
    " — Gear (A Link Between Worlds)
  26. "Bouclier Hylien
    Un bouclier digne des chevaliers d'Hyrule. Il est léger, robuste et résiste au feu.
    " — Inventory (Ocarina of Time 3D)
  27. "Bouclier d'Hylia
    Le savoir-faire hylien à son apogée. Levez-le avec R Button. Bloque flammes et rayons.
    " — Gear (A Link Between Worlds)
  28. "Bouclier d'Hylia
    Le savoir-faire hylien à son apogée. Levez-le avec R Button. Bloque flammes et rayons.
    " — Gear (A Link Between Worlds)
  29. "Hylia-Schild
    Ein Meisterstück hylianischer Handwerkskunst. Wehre mit R Button Feuer und Strahlen ab.
    " — Gear (A Link Between Worlds)
  30. "THE ELDER SCROLLS V: SKYRIM

    אחרי שזכה במעל ל-200 תארי "משחק השנה", Skyrim מגיע לקונסולת ה-Nintendo Switch.

    הרפתקת העולם הפתוח מאת Bethesda Games, בה אפשר להיות כל אחד ולעשות כל דבר, כעת הולכת איתכם לכל מקום – בבית ובדרכים! כעת עם פיצ'רים חדשים כמו שליטת תנועה, ציוד המבוסס על סדרת The Legend of Zelda ותמיכה ב-Amiibo.

    הדרקונים, שאבדו בספרי ההיסטוריה, חזרו כעת והעתיד של סקיירים תלוי על בלימה. בתור Dragonborn, הגיבור שנחזה כי יוולד עם כוחות הדרקונים וישא את "הקול", אתם היחידים שיכולים לעמוד מולם.

    חיו חיים אחרים, בעולם אחר – הילחמו בדרקונים עתיקים, חקרו הרים מלאי מסתורין, בנו בית או התמחו במאות נשקים, יכולות וכשפים. בפעם הראשונה – הילחמו עם ה-Master Sword, הגנו עם ה-Hylian Shield ולבשו את ה-Champion’s Tunic – מתוך המשחק The Legend of Zelda.

    המשחק כולל גם את התוספות הרשמיות של המשחק: Dawnguard, Hearthfire ו-Dragonborn"
    — Nintendo, THE ELDER SCROLLS V: SKYRIM - משחקים ל-Switch, Official Israel Site, published n.d., retrieved May 10, 2019.
  31. "Scudo Hylia
    Forgiato con tecniche antiche. Premendo R Button puoi parare anche fiamme e raggi.
    " — Gear (A Link Between Worlds)
  32. "하일리아의 방패
    고대의 기술에 의해 만들어진 방패
    R Button로 방어 자세를 취하면
    화염이나 빔도 막을 수 있다
    " — Gear (A Link Between Worlds)
  33. "Escudo hyliano
    El culmen de la tecnología antigua. A/lzalo con R Button para rechazar fuego y rayos.
    " — Gear (A Link Between Worlds)
  34. "Escudo hyliano
    Un escudo basado en un diseño hyliano. A/lzalo con R Button para rechazar fuego y rayos.
    " — Gear (A Link Between Worlds)
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