Hyrulean
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Hyrulean is the term used to describe anyone that lives within the land of Hyrule. This term should not be confused with the term Hylian. People that are Hylian belong to an elflike race of people that is not exclusive to Hyrule. Hyrulean, on the other hand, means from or related to the mythical land of Hyrule. Unlike Hylians, Hyruleans were anyone who lives in Hyrule regardless of race.
[edit] Differences between "Hylian" and "Hyrulean"
The major difference between the two is that Hylians are a species of elven creatures that are distinguishable by certain characteristics (listed below), similar to Humans, Gorons, Zoras, etc. Hyrulean is a description denoting that a person is from the kingdom of Hyrule, similar to the terms Calatian, Terminian, Labrynnian, etc. Many people have used both terms interchangeably; however, this is incorrect. Hylians are the dominant race in Ocarina of Time and are characterized by their long, pointy ears, excellence in magic, telepathy, and swordsmanship. Hylians resemble humans greatly other than the characteristics noted above. As time went on, the Hylian bloodline thinned and the race became almost extinct. The term Hyrulean arose, which referred to anyone who was a citizen of Hyrule. This would include, but not limited to, Gorons, Zoras, Kokiris, Humans, Hylians, Sheikahs, etc.
[edit] Behind the scenes
The spelling "Hyrulian" was used interchangeably for "Hyrulean" by fans until Nintendo announced that the latter is the official and correct spelling. However, "Hyrulian" is still sometimes used. In The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, the captions for Hena's talk about her ancestor mistakenly spells the demonym "Hyrulian".
