Hylians

Hylians are a fictional humanoid race in The Legend of Zelda series, primarily associated with the kingdom of Hyrule. They are best known for their pointed ears, a feature used to distinguish them from other peoples in the series. The exact appearance of Hylians varies by game, but tall, slender builds and elongated ears are common motifs.

In most titles, Hylians form the central population of Hyrule and include its royal line. Their culture mirrors many human cultures in fantasy fiction, with monarchies, knightly orders, scholars, and artisans. The legends of the three goddesses and the Triforce recur in Hylians' mythologies, and the royal family is tasked with safeguarding the realm and sacred relics.

The Hylian language and script recur across games. Hylian is presented as the native tongue, while the script appears on tablets, signs, and inscriptions, varying in style between titles. Major protagonists like Link and Princess Zelda are commonly depicted as Hylians, making the term closely associated with the era's hero and sovereign.

Across titles, Hylians interact with other races such as the Gerudo, Gorons, Zora, and Sheikah. While Hylians are often the dominant population of Hyrule, the series frames a diverse world with multiple peoples and mythic histories. The Kokiri, although sharing many features, are generally treated as a distinct race rather than Hylians.