Kingdom of Hyrule

At the heart of Hyrule is its kingdom, whose faithful people are called to keep the world at peace. The kingdom of Hyrule reigns over land that has been called the "Country of the Gods", largely for the wealth and prosperity it enjoys from its divine protection.

The Triforce is traditionally under the care of Hyrulean sages or the royal family. It is their duty to keep it from the clutches of heartless and evil beings who desire its power.

The kingdom is often threatened by demons, and this has created a cycle of prosperity and decline. Over time, Hyrule's history has been defined by periods of great conflict and oppression between the races who call the world home. Various traditions and legends have been born from strife, and if one path leads the kingdom of Hyrule to a diminished state, another sees it rise from the ashes, sometimes in new lands.

Royal Family
Although Princess Zelda is a major character within the series, the other Hylian Royals are rarely mentioned. King Daltus in The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule in The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, and the ancient King Gustaf are a few examples of other royal characters mentioned within the Zelda series.

King of Hyrule (Zelda II: The Adventure of Link)
The old king of Hyrule who led the nation to greatness using the Triforce. He hid the Triforce of Courage in the Great Palace to ensure proper use. The Great Palace and guardians in Zelda II: The Adventure of Link were created by this king and a trusted wizard.

Prince of Hyrule
The old king's son, unable to wield the Triforce, questioned Princess Zelda about its location. Because she would not give up the information, Princess Zelda was placed into an eternal slumber by a palace wizard.

King of Hyrule (The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past)
The King of Hyrule from The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past is assassinated without realizing the true identity of the wizard Agahnim. His life is restored with the power of the Triforce through the work of Link.

King Daltus
King Daltus from The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap- who, as a member of the royal family, knows the secret of the Minish- oversees the Picori Festival.

King Gustaf
The Royal Crypt from The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, where the remains of King Gustaf rest.

Royal Retainers
A portrait of the princess and her retainers, who were chosen as the bodyguards of the successor princess when Hyrule was sealed. Escaping the seal, their descendants formed Tetra's pirate crew. Even in the new kingdom of The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks, some of these descendants are present and swear allegiance to the Royal Family.

King Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule
The king who left the greatest mark on history: Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule. The king was guided by the goddess to seal Hyrule. Awakening in response to Ganon's revival in The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, he transferred his soul to a small boat known as the King of Red Lions and guided Link. To end the cycle of conflict, he used the power of the Triforce to submerge Hyrule.