Terminology

Zelda: Twilight Princess Guide - Terminology

When Nintendo makes a game, they go all out, creating entirely new planets and species.

If you've never played a Zelda game before (though you'll like this game much more if you play Ocarina of Time before playing this), it can all be a little confusing at first, but you'll get used to it.

Land of Hyrule

In Hyrule, there are 7 noteworthy areas, situated around 3 main provinces:

Ordon Province - This is the area that our hero is from. It is a large forest area south of Hyrule. Forests conceal many secrets in their thick trees. It's very easy to get lost...

Death Mountain – Located in the west, it's known for being the highest peak in Hyrule, and having a lava-filled interior. Also home to the rock-like Gorons.

Zora's Domain/Lake Hylia – This is the main water source of Hyrule, located in the east. The two are normally directly connected, but the Zora's have moved upstream in the last 100 years.

Kakariko Village – This seems to be the only place in Hyrule where the common people live (Ordon Province is not part of Hyrule). A dusty little town that has sat at the base of Death Mountain for as long as anyone can remember.

Castle Town – Located in the center of Hyrule, Castle Town is the main city in Hyrule. It's were all the largest shops and merchants can be found. It's a rather bustling city, with people roaming the streets even at night. Of course, lets not forget the huge castle located at the north end of town where the Hylian royalty live.

Gerudo Desert – A large desert area, just to the east of Hyrule. The Gerudo once lived here, but they seem to have vanished; though their slot was filled when more ruthless bandits moved in. Many things have been covered up in the ever shifting sands...

Peak Province – North of Hyrule, this area is a winter wonderland. Covered in snow year round and engulfed in constant blizzards, this area is very treacherous. They say there is a mansion hidden at the peak...

Hyrule Field – This is a sort of in-between place, it's the fields that connect all the towns and places in Hyrule. Hyrule Field consists of all the providences (except Ordon).

Hylian – Hylian are your basic humans. They make up most of the games townsfolk.

Gerudo – Gerudo are only hinted at in Twilight Princess. They were an all-female tribe of bandits that inhabited Gerudo Desert. Once every 100 years, a male would be born into their society. Tradition stated that this he would be their king. 100 years ago, tradition was set again, and this new king was named Ganondorf...

Sheikah – Literally “Shadow folk”, these are the ninjas of Hyrule. Most were killed over 100 years ago, before even Ocarina of Time. They were the bodyguards of the royal family, and the founders of Kakariko Village.

Kokiri – Kokiri don't make an appearance in Twilight Princess, but while we're here... Kokiri aren't so much living beings as they are manifestations of the forest spirits. Though they appear to be children, they never age and are actually hundreds of years old. They live deep within the forest.

Fairies – Fairies come in all shapes, colors, and sizes in the Zelda series. However, there are two main types: Fairies and Great Fairies. Regular fairies serve as guards and guides to the Kokiri. They also have mystical healing powers. Great Fairies are ancient fairies whom are more human-like and pre-date Hyrule. They have strong magical powers that they often share with our hero.

Oocca – Oocca are an ancient race believed to be the ancient ancestors of the Hylians. According to legend, long ago the Oocca lived in a floating city in the sky.

Goron – Goron are large rock-like creatures that live on Death Mountain. Their diet consists of... rocks (go figure). Their physical strength and weight are unmatched in all of Hyrule. They also have the ability to thrive in high-heat environments.

Zora – Zora are fish people. They live in water, and though they can live on land for a time, they eventually have to return to crystal clear water to live. Zora's have been charged with the task of keeping Hyrules water supply safe from evil forces, a task they take great pride in.

Twili – A race banished from the Land of Light (our world) to the Twilight Realm by ancient sages for trying to use “old magic” to obtain the Triforce for themselves.