Recurring enemies in The Legend of Zelda series

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This article describes several types of fictional enemy creatures encountered in The Legend of Zelda series of video games.

While many enemies can be killed solely with Link's sword, others require the use of specific items to eliminate.^[1] In addition, starting with The Wind Waker, some enemies wield weapons such as swords or lit torches that can be used by Link after destroying the enemy. These items serve a single use and eliminate other obstacles by means such as smashing open a doorway or burning down a blocked passage.^[2] Specific enemies also hold key items that can be obtained by either killing the monster or using the grappling hook.^[3]

Contents 1 Creation and influence 2 Enemy types 2.1 Armos 2.2 Beamos 2.3 Beetle 2.4 Biri 2.5 Bubble 2.6 Buzz Blob 2.7 ChuChu 2.8 Darknut and Iron Knuckle 2.9 Deku Baba 2.10 Dodongo 2.11 Floormaster/Wallmaster 2.12 Gel 2.13 Gibdo 2.14 Helmasaur 2.15 Keese 2.16 Leever 2.17 Like Like 2.18 Lizalfos 2.19 Moblin 2.20 Mini-Moldorm 2.21 Octorok 2.22 Peahat 2.23 Poe 2.24 Pols Voice 2.25 Razor Trap 2.26 ReDead 2.27 Ropes 2.28 Skulltula 2.29 Stalfos 2.30 Tektite 2.31 Wizzrobe 2.32 Zola 3 See also 4 References 5 External links

[edit] Creation and influence

Enemies in The Legend of Zelda series first appeared as basic, combatant obstacles in The Legend of Zelda. Although initially conveyed as two-dimensional sprites,^[4] in the newer games, starting with Ocarina of Time, they are rendered by 3D computer graphics.^[5]

[edit] Enemy types

[edit] Armos

Armos are living statue enemies. According to The Minish Cap, they were created to guard the Wind Tribe, and there is a Minish-sized chamber inside them where they can be turned on or off. They typically pose as statues or suits of armor, but attack when approached. Some Armos statues do not attack and can be moved like blocks. There is another variety of Armos known as Armos Knights, which are larger and stronger than standard Armos. In Twilight Princess, they are hammer-wielding statues that can can only be harmed from behind.

[edit] Beamos

Beamos are one of the more common enemies in The Legend of Zelda series. The Beamos is typically a type of pillar-mounted mechanical eye that rotates 360 degrees in search of intruders. If the Beamos spots an intruder it will fire a beam while the target is in view, and will either continue to rotate or track the target to keep it in view. In A Link to the Past, Link's Awakening, Oracle of Ages, and Oracle of Seasons, it is invulnerable, but in Ocarina of Time, Majora's Mask, The Wind Waker, Four Swords Adventures, and Twilight Princess, it can be defeated by setting explosives or by firing an arrow into its "eye". The beam can generally be reflected with the Mirror Shield. In Ocarina of Time, Beamos can fire both a beam that knocks Link back and a beam that inflicts damage.

[edit] Beetle

Spiked Beetles have sword-repellent spiked carapaces on their top side to protect their vulnerable undersides. They appear in most handheld Zelda games.

Hardhat Beetles have elastic carapaces covering their body that they use to knock Link away.

[edit] Biri

Biri are electrified jellyfish that can live in or out of water, and appear in A Link to the Past, Ocarina of Time, and Oracle of Ages. They often split into smaller Biri when attacked. In the Game Boy Advance remake of A Link to the Past, they guard Arrghus in the Palace of the Four Sword.

Bari are larger Biri that appear in Ocarina of Time and Twilight Princess. In Ocarina of Time, it behaves similarly to the Biri.

[edit] Bubble

Bubbles (also known as Anti-Fairies or Wisps) are flaming skull enemies. If one touches Link, it will usually curse him by rendering him unable to use his sword for a certain amount of time. They can come in different colorations, with slight differences. In Twilight Princess, they come in 3 different forms, being ice, fire and normal. They resemble skulls while on the ground, and sprout wings when approached.

[edit] Buzz Blob

Buzz Blobs first appear in A Link to the Past, and have an appearance similar to a cactus. They electrify anyone who comes too close to them with a piece of steel, but wander around without a motive. Buzz Blobs only appear in the overworld. Sprinkling Magic Powder onto a Buzz Blob transforms it into a creature called Cukeman. The Cukeman gives Link confusing advice about the game and various things in it. However, they are still electrified.

[edit] ChuChu

ChuChus (or Chus, in Twilight Princess) are creatures similar to Buzz Blobs, that appear in Majora's Mask, The Wind Waker, Four Swords Adventures, The Minish Cap, Twilight Princess, and Phantom Hourglass. In Majora's Mask, they appeared as slug-like creatures with squat, translucent bodies, stalk-eyes, and a permanently smiling mouth, while in The Wind Waker, Four Swords Adventures, The Minish Cap, and Phantom Hourglass, their design was merged with that of the Buzz Blob, and they had upright, opaque bodies and vibrantly colored faces. In Twilight Princess, their design was again changed. They no longer have faces, instead possessing larger, translucent, slug-like bodies, and can combine to form larger Chus.

They usually drop items upon their defeat, primarily Chu Jelly, which can be used as a restorative. They aggressively attack anything that invades their territory by tackling it, but will hide in puddles on the ground if no one is close. They mostly move by bouncing around, though some move around in their puddle forms until they can get close to an enemy. They also come in a wide variety of colors and types - Green ChuChus can move around as ooze, Gray ChuChus (also known as Spiny ChuChus) can project spikes, Dark ChuChus turn to stone when exposed to light but are otherwise impervious, and Yellow and Blue ChuChus are electrified. In Twilight Princess, there are Red, Blue, Yellow, Purple, and Gold Chus. Purple Chus are combined Chus.

[edit] Darknut and Iron Knuckle

Darknuts are large armored soldiers that are commonly found in dungeons. These warriors are armed with swords and often carry shields as well. Unlike Iron Knuckles, Darknuts sometimes wear capes and tend to be only vulnerable from the back. In The Legend of Zelda, Darknuts are heavily armored soldiers that usually appear in large groups. They are not very aggressive, but difficult to attack due to their armor and erratic movement. In Twilight Princess, Darknuts are defeated by removing all of their armour.

Iron Knuckles are animated suits of armor that appear in The Adventure of Link, Ocarina of Time, and Majora's Mask. In The Adventure of Link, Iron Knuckles wield a sword and a shield, and can maneuver both of them. In Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask, Iron Knuckles are axe-wielding juggernauts. Though strong, these Iron Knuckles are initially very slow. However, they become swifter as Link damages them and pieces of their armor fall off.

[edit] Deku Baba

Deku Babas are carnivorous plants, with a venus fly trap-like mouth, and sprout from the ground whenever their roots detect any potential prey. They are known to lash out at an enemy with no provocation. Their stems can be used as Deku Sticks. The heads turn into Deku nuts in Twilight Princess, which give out seeds.

[edit] Dodongo

Dodongos are carnivorous dinosaurs^[6] that appear in Zelda games in several different forms. According to Nintendo of America, they resemble gigantic iguanas, move slowly and can breathe powerful blasts of flame.^[7] They first appeared as both bosses and normal enemies in The Legend of Zelda, then reappeared in different forms in A Link to the Past, Ocarina of Time, Majora's Mask, Oracle of Seasons and Twilight Princess.

In A Link to the Past, Dodongos do not have armor. Dodongos in Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask are two-legged, fire-breathing creatures. The Gorons in Ocarina of Time use Dodongo hides to make the heat-resistant Goron Tunics,^[8] and mine within Dodongo's Cavern,^[9] once a Dodongo nest, until it is overrun by Dodongos led by King Dodongo.^[10] In Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons, Dimitri is a friendly Dodongo character.^[11] In Twilight Princess, Dodongos are gecko-like creatures and have vulnerable tails rather than a weakness to bombs.

Other types of Dodongos include Baby Dodongos, which are infant, worm-like creatures^[12] which explode when attacked, and Big Dodongos, which are larger versions of normal Dodongos.^[13]

[edit] Floormaster/Wallmaster

Floormasters and Wallmasters are ghostly or zombified manifestations of giant hands that drag Link back to the entrance of the dungeon. Floormasters roam around the room and are visible at all times, while Wallmasters hide on the ceiling, out of sight, and attempt to drop onto Link when he enters the area. Floormasters are usually shaded blue, while Wallmasters red.

In Twilight Princess a similar enemy, known as a Zant's Hand, is found in the Palace of Twilight.

[edit] Gel

Gels are simple blob-like enemies with two eyes. Gels often hide between the tiles of dungeon floors, waiting to pop out and jump at Link. Gels first appear in The Legend of Zelda, and appear again in A Link to the Past and Link's Awakening. Similar enemies called "Bit" and "Bot" appear in The Adventure of Link. A gel-like creature called "Zol" appears in The Legend of Zelda; it splits into two Gels when attacked, like Purple Chus in "Twilight Princess"; who split into two smaller Chus when attacked.

[edit] Gibdo

Gibdos are undead creatures similar in appearance to Egyptian mummies. They appear in The Legend of Zelda, A Link to the Past, Link's Awakening, Ocarina of Time, Majora's Mask, Oracle of Ages, Oracle of Seasons, Four Swords Adventures, and The Minish Cap. Their mummy wrappings are flammable, and sometimes can be burned away to reveal a Stalfos or ReDead underneath.

[edit] Helmasaur

Helmasaurs are small, dinosaur-like enemies found in A Link to the Past, Link's Awakening, Oracle of Seasons, Oracle of Ages, The Minish Cap, and Twilight Princess. They wear armor, which either must be removed or destroyed to attack it. Their name is Hiploop in the Japanese version. An insect-like monster called Hiploop appears in Majora's Mask. The insect Hiploop wear the same face protectors that Helmasaurs wore. In A Link to the Past, a larger version called the Helmasaur King appears as a boss in the Palace of Darkness dungeon.

[edit] Keese

Keese are bat-like monsters that appear in almost every Zelda game. They often lurk in caves and dungeons, where they will fly around erratically, and occasionally stop to rest. There are fire and ice variants, which can respectively light Link on fire or encase him in a block of ice. There are also larger "Bad Bats" in Majora's Mask, and demonic "Vires" formed from two Keese fused together.

[edit] Leever

Leevers are cactus-like monsters that have appeared in almost every Zelda game, excluding only The Wind Waker. They primarily live in sandy areas, such as deserts and beaches, and they live beneath the sand, burrowing to the top to attack in ambush. Leevers generally have a conical shape that tapers towards the top, and sharp leaves on top. They attack by spinning rapidly and slamming into whatever they're attacking.

[edit] Like Like

Like Likes are cylindrical monsters that can suck in creatures as large as humans and consume items they carry, such as tunics, bottles and shields, the latter of which are considered a delicacy. They are present in nearly every Zelda game. The name "Like Like" is derived from an ancient Hylian proverb, "Shield-eaters and world leaders have many likes alike".^{[citation needed]} If killed quickly enough, they can drop the shield, although in The Legend of Zelda, Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons, it is permanently eaten. Like Likes are yellowish in color and dissolve into a puddle when killed, although sometimes they disappear when killed.

Like Likes appear in the adventure mode of Super Smash Bros. Melee. They also appear as a trophy in Melee, in which they have the title of "Most Aggravating Enemies Ever", barely beating Wallmasters for the title.

[edit] Lizalfos

Lizalfos are humanoid lizards that appear in The Adventure of Link, Ocarina of Time, Majora's Mask and Twilight Princess. Lizalfos in The Adventure of Link stand upright and wield a shield and either a spear or hammer. Lizalfos in later games are rapid-moving monsters that often attack in pairs or small groups.

A monster called the Dinalfos is very similar to the Lizalfos, but is larger and tougher. Some Dinalfos can also breathe fire.

[edit] Moblin

Moblins are humanoid, bulldog-like monsters that usually reside in forests;, their name is derived from "Forest" (森, Mori^?) and ""Goblin"". They are sometimes accompanied by Pig Warriors (known in Japan as "Butablin", derived from "Pig" (豕, Buta^?) and "Goblin"), monsters with the same basic form but more porcine characteristics. These two types of monster were separate up until Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons, in which Pig Warriors were eliminated and Moblins were given their porcine characteristics. Moblin/Pig Warriors commonly wield spears, swords, or bows. They are one of the most common enemies in the games they appear, and are considered "mighty", but also "dumb".^[14][15] They are described as greedy, self-possessed creatures, and the major antagonist commonly uses them as mercenaries or summoned monsters.^[16]

Some Moblins are identified as characters in the series, such as the Moblin King (Link's Awakening), the Great Moblin (Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons), Moe (The Wind Waker), and the Monster Lady (The Minish Cap).

Miniblins appear in The Wind Waker and Phantom Hourglass. They resemble miniature Moblins, attack with tiny pitchforks, and often appear in unending swarms.

Bokoblins are a common enemy in The Wind Waker and Twilight Princess. They are smaller than Moblins, at about the same height as a human, but have a larger, snout-like head.

Bulblins are a common enemy in Twilight Princess. They are roughly the same as Bokoblins, but smaller and with a squashed face. They seem very militant, as they patrol several encampments across Hyrule, and are often seen riding large brown boars named Bullbos. Their king, King Bulblin, is a recurring boss in the game, and rides the white Lord Bullbo.

[edit] Mini-Moldorm

A miniature form of Moldorm found as a common enemy in many Zelda games. They appear mainly in caves, crawling in a non-linear pattern.

[edit] Octorok

Octoroks are land-dwelling, octopus-like enemies that appear in every game except Twilight Princess. They attack by shooting rocks from their mouth, which can be blocked with Link's shield. In Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask, they are aquatic and attack similarly to River Zoras from other games. Octoroks appeared in the adventure mode of Super Smash Bros. Melee.

There is also a subspecies known as the Sea Octorok that appears in The Wind Waker and Phantom Hourglass. It has a different design, with a bony carapace, and dwells solely in the sea. They shoot bombs rather than rocks.

[edit] Peahat

Peahats are plant-like enemies that hover using their petals. They have appeared in both 2D and 3D Zelda games. They are described in the manual of The Legend of Zelda as the "ghosts of flowers".

[edit] Poe

Poes are ghost enemies, ones of concentrated hatred toward the world that freely roams graveyards and other haunted locales, as well as the overworld and dark places. They always carry their signature lanterns.

In Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask, defeated Poes can be captured in a bottle and traded for Rupees and other benefits.

It is revealed in The Wind Waker and Four Swords Adventures that Poes are ruled by Jalhalla, a Poe embodied by a skull-like mask.

In Twilight Princess, Poes are creatures that appear in certain dungeons, caves, and other areas of Hyrule at night. They appear in two varieties, the small, scythe-wielding Imp Poes and the larger, cloaked, standard Poes. About midway through the game, Link meets Jovani, a man whom is cursed by Poe Souls, and, by killing Poes, Link can get rewards from him.

[edit] Pols Voice

Pols Voice is a breed of rabbit-like monster, described in the manual of The Legend of Zelda as "a ghost with big ears", that appear in many 2D games of The Legend of Zelda series. They hop around rooms in an erratic pattern.

A passage in the manual for The Legend of Zelda states that Pols Voices hate loud noises, referring to a feature only present in the Japanese version of the game which involved the microphone built into the Famicom controller. As such, it was replaced with different weaknesses in other versions of the game. However, this feature was brought back when the monster appeared in Phantom Hourglass, and is referenced in its appearances in the Game Boy Color games.

HORSE the band, which often references Nintendo in their songs, has written a song titled "Pol's Voice" (2003) which features a fight against a Pols Voice.

[edit] Razor Trap

Razor Traps are indestructible metallic devices armed with spikes. They have appeared in every Zelda game except The Adventure of Link. Some sense intruders and fly towards them, while others move in a set pattern. In Twilight Princess, Razor Traps are confined to tracks.

[edit] ReDead

ReDeads are undead creatures similar to Gibdos. They paralyze Link by screaming, and then slowly move towards him to attack, usually while clinging on to him.^[17] ReDeads first appeared in Ocarina of Time and later in Majora's Mask and The Wind Waker. They are the basis of one of the masks in Ocarina of Time, and in Majora's Mask it is revealed that they used to be court dancers. They also appear in the adventure mode of Super Smash Bros. Melee. In Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask, by burning the bandages of Gibdos they are revealed to be ReDeads underneath. A similar enemy called the ReDead Knight appears in Twilight Princess, and uses a large sword to attack Link after screaming to paralyze him.

[edit] Ropes

Ropes are snakes that appear in several Zelda games. In The Legend of Zelda, Ropes appear in several Underworld dungeons. Their attacking style was to charge at Link at full speed whenever he got within their line of sight. Ropes came in two breeds, the regular, and a tougher, flickering one.

[edit] Skulltula

Skulltulas are giant spiders, named for the white, bony plate in the shape of a human skull that forms its carapace. Skulltulas and giant Skulltulas hang upside down in an upright position, suspended by a strand of silk thread from a ceiling surface. Skulltulas appear in Ocarina of Time, Majora's Mask, Twilight Princess and Phantom Hourglass.

A relative of the Skulltula, the Skullwalltula is smaller and is usually found on climbable walls. They make a constant scratching sound as they rotate. Skullwalltulas appear in Ocarina of Time, Majora's Mask and Twilight Princess. Gold Skulltulas resemble Skullwalltulas and are roughly the same size, but with a metallic gold faceplate. They produce a distinctive rasping sound, different from other Skulltulas, that can be used to locate them.

[edit] Stalfos

Stalfos are animated skeletons mostly from the remains of dead warriors who still have a strong will to fight, and serve evil powers such as Ganon or Vaati,^[18] though there are beasts such as Stalwolves and Stallord (which appeared in Twilight Princess as a boss, "Twilit Fossil Stallord"). According to a Kokiri in Ocarina of Time, all Hylians who become lost in the Lost Woods become Stalfos.

• Stalfos appear in all games excluding Majora's Mask, and attack by shooting arrows, jumping on Link, or throwing their own bones at him.
• Stalfos Knights appear in A Link to the Past, Link's Awakening, and Twilight Princess. They carry armor, swords, and a shield.
• Shrouded Stalfos appear in Link's Awakening, Oracle of Ages, and Oracle of Seasons. They use swords, shields, and bows to attack Link.
• Stalchilds appear in Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask. They are child-sized, and attack by swiping at Link. In Majora's Mask, they are led by the giant Skull Keeta, and his master Igos du Ikana. Similar enemies named Stalkin appear in Twilight Princess, wielding small spears.

Chillfos appear in Twilight Princess as thin, icy, and imposing foes who throw dangerous but breakable ice spears. They can defeated by excessive slashing, bomb arrows, or, most easily, by a ball and chain.

[edit] Tektite

A Tektite is a human-sized four-legged insectoid creature that appears in many Zelda games. The Tektite attempts to use its powerful legs to leap upon and attack its prey. In some Zelda games, the Tektite is able to use its limbs to counter-balance itself upon water. There are two different colorations for Tektites; red and blue, each with subtle differences, but blue usually being stronger.

[edit] Wizzrobe

Wizzrobes are magic-using enemies. They attack Link with different magical attacks, including ice and fire, and can sometimes suck Link's Rupees out of his wallet. In The Wind Waker, they resemble robed, anthropomorphic toucans, and the crowned Mighty Wizzrobe is able to summon other monsters to fight for it.

Wizzrobes appear in Phantom Hourglass, but use no magical attacks and instead a scythe that steals some of Link's "Force". If they are defeated, however, they relinquish a large amount of Force.

[edit] Zola

Zolas, also known as River Zoras, are fish-like humanoids that appear in the earlier 2D Zelda games. They attack by spitting beams or fireballs at Link and may submerge under water. In A Link to the Past, Zolas are amphibious rather than fully aquatic.

[edit] See also

• The Legend of Zelda series
• Recurring characters in The Legend of Zelda series
• Races in The Legend of Zelda series

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Enemies on Zeldapedia, an external wiki

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