- See SmashWiki's article on Link's Shields for more information.
In Super Smash Bros., Link wields the Hylian Shield alongside the Master Sword. The Shield is based on its Ocarina of Time iteration but it offers no protection.
Hylian Shields are recurring Items in The Legend of Zelda series.[1][2][3][4][name references needed] The Hylian Shield goes unnamed in the Zelda HD Experience and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity.
It is the traditional Shield bore by the Knights of Hyrule and is commonly used by Link in 3D Zelda games alongside the Master Sword.[5] Unlike Wooden Shields, the Hylian Shield will not burn upon contact with fire.[6][7] Though it is made of steel, it is light and sturdy, an optimal weight for a fighter with a one-handed weapon.[8] Throughout the Zelda games, the Hylian Shield has changed little in terms of overall appearance, always bearing the symbol of the Triforce and, beneath it, a red Hylian Crest representing the goddess Hylia and the Crimson Loftwing that helped Link at the founding of Hyrule.[9][10] The first Hylian Shield was a legendary Shield guarded by the Thunder Dragon Lanayru, who created the Lightning Round to judge whether someone would be worthy of wielding the Shield.[11]
While the Hylian Shield did not appear in the original or DX versions of Link's Awakening, the Shield was given the appearance of the Hylian Shield in Link's Awakening for Nintendo Switch. It it received from Tarin after Link wakes up on Koholint Island.
The Hylian Shield can either be purchased or found by Link as a child in Ocarina of Time. Emblazoned with Hylian artwork, complete with a Crimson Loftwing and the Triforce, the Hylian Shield is much too large for young Link to wield on his arm and functions more like a turtle's shell.[12] After his seven year sleep, Link became able to use it as his standard Shield.
The Hylian Shield becomes almost necessary to survive a visit to the Great Fairy in Death Mountain, as child Link's 'turtle shell' use of the Shield protects from recurrent flaming rock eruptions. It is also not prone to the risk of being burnt by particular fire-borne enemies, such as the Fire Keese.[13] However, the Hylian Shield can be consumed by the Shield-eating Like Likes if Link is swallowed by one.[14] Child Link's use of the Shield limits mobility while defending and does not provide as much adequate protection from the front as the Deku Shield (and the Hylian Shield as an adult) and is similarly unable to reflect Deku Scrub and Octorok attacks, but it can defend Link from the Boulders that rain from Death Mountain. The guard at the gates of Kakariko Village (leading to Death Mountain) can offer Link a discount in correspondence with the owner of the Bazaar in Hyrule Castle Town.[15] If Link speaks to the guard and then attempts to purchase the Hylian Shield at normal price at the Bazaar in the Market, the shop owner will give Link a discount of random values in intervals of 5 Rupees between a total price of 45 to 75 Rupees.[16] However, the Shield cannot be bought even with the discount if Link does not have 80 Rupees. Despite the discount, a free Hylian Shield can be found if Link opens a certain grave at night in the Kakariko Village Graveyard.
In Twilight Princess, the Hylian Shield becomes available before entering the Goron Mines in the newly established Malo Mart in Kakariko Village for 200 Rupees.[17] It can also be bought (for a slightly higher price of 210 Rupees) from a Goron in Hyrule Castle Town.[18] Unlike the Wooden Shield and Ordon Shield, the Hylian Shield is indestructible as it is made of metal. However, it is unable to catch Arrows that strike it, merely deflecting them instead.
Its appearance is largely similar to its Ocarina of Time appearance, with some minor design changes. Unlike Ocarina of Time, the metal frame is thinner and the numerous rivets are replaced by three large bolts. The Triforce symbol has become smaller, now with metal framing it. In contrast, the Royal Crest is noticeably bigger and takes up the entire bottom half of the Hylian Shield. The inverted triangle at the bottom has been removed and two metal decals take its place.
As with all other Shields in Skyward Sword, the Hylian Shield is controlled by using the Nunchuk: by quickly thrusting the Nunchuk forward, Link will raise his Shield and use it to defend himself against enemy attacks. Unlike other Shields in the game, this Hylian Shield is imbued with heroic power, making it indestructible, with its durability bar permanently filled with a glowing blue color to signify this. Unlike its past appearances, the Hylian Shield cannot be obtained early on in the game, due to the nature of normal Shields as potentially temporary items with limited durability. It is the reward from the Thunder Dragon Lanayru's Lightning Round if Link wins eight fights consecutively and then quits.
The Hylian Shield's design originally was largely similar to that of Twilight Princess, albeit with brighter colors more akin to the original Ocarina of Time design. Sometime prior to E3 2011, the design was altered, removing the silver rim around the Triforce and the metal ornamentation beneath the Crimson Loftwing design.
The Hylian Shield is found in Turtle Rock in A Link Between Worlds, by killing all four Fire Wizzrobe on the first floor. When obtained, it replaces the standard Shield once obtained. Unlike the standard Shield, it can block magical attacks such as the beams fired by Beamos, as well as block the Lynels' fire breath,[19] although it cannot reflect them back.
Although the Shield is referred to as a Hylian Shield and bears the Hyrulean Triforce, it is not known or explained how it came to be housed in a Lorulean dungeon.
350
(355Master Mode) Hylian Shield |
Description |
Common Locations | |
Properties |
The Hylian Shield is located in a Treasure Chest in the Lockup Back Room within Hyrule Castle, guarded by a Stalnox.[20] It is said to have been passed down through the Royal Family of Hyrule along with legends of the hero.[3] The defensive capability and Durability of this Shield are known to outshine all others.[3] It is the strongest and most durable Shield in the game, having a Durability of 800 (up to 1160 with Durability Up ) and Defense rating of 90 (up to 144 with Guard Up ). Unlike Skyward Sword, the Hylian Shield is capable of breaking like other Shields. Once obtained within Hyrule Castle, it can be purchased from Granté in Tarrey Town for 3,000 Rupees, provided Link does not have one already. However, when purchased here, it does not come with a chance of being granted modifiers.
When spoken to at Trilby Plain, Russ of the Shield Breakers will explain that all Shield Surfers have heard of and covet the Hylian Shield.[21] He believes it to have been commissioned by the Royal Family, and its Durability makes it perfect for Shield Surfing.[22] The traveler Baumar has also heard about the Hylian Shield's durability.[23]
The Hylian Shield, being made of metal, will attract Lightning if it is equipped during a Thunderstorm and conduct Electricity. It will also sink if it is dropped in Water, but it can be picked up and manipulated with the Magnesis Basic Rune. Finally, it will not burn if it is exposed to Fire or a Scorching Climate.
Name | ActorName |
---|---|
Value | "Weapon_Shield_030" |
Description | Internal name |
Name | Life |
Value | 800 |
Description | Durability of the shield |
Name | GuardPower |
Value | 90 |
Description | Lowers the durability loss when guarding [a] |
Name | SharpWeaponAddLifeMin |
Value | 104 |
Description | Minimal value for level 1 durability up modifier |
Name | SharpWeaponAddLifeMax |
Value | 216 |
Description | Maximal value for level 1 durability up modifier |
Name | SharpWeaponAddGuardMin |
Value | 14 |
Description | Minimal value for level 1 guard up modifier |
Name | SharpWeaponAddGuardMax |
Value | 32 |
Description | Maximal value for level 1 guard up modifier |
Name | PoweredSharpAddLifeMin |
Value | 217 |
Description | Minimal value for level 2 durability up modifier |
Name | PoweredSharpAddLifeMax |
Value | 360 |
Description | Maximal value for level 2 durability up modifier |
Name | PoweredSharpAddGuardMin |
Value | 33 |
Description | Minimal value for level 2 guard up modifier |
Name | PoweredSharpAddGuardMax |
Value | 54 |
Description | Maximal value for level 2 guard up modifier |
Name | RideBreakRatio |
Value | 1.0 |
Description | Multiplier applied to the durability loss when shield surfing |
Name | MirrorLevel |
Value | 0 |
Description | Determines which Guardian beams can be deflected [b] |
Name | SurfingFriction |
Value | 1.0 |
Description | Multiplier applied to the speed loss when shield surfing |
Name | Value | Description |
---|---|---|
ActorName | "Weapon_Shield_030" | Internal name |
Life | 800 | Durability of the shield |
GuardPower | 90 | Lowers the durability loss when guarding [a] |
SharpWeaponAddLifeMin | 104 | Minimal value for level 1 durability up modifier |
SharpWeaponAddLifeMax | 216 | Maximal value for level 1 durability up modifier |
SharpWeaponAddGuardMin | 14 | Minimal value for level 1 guard up modifier |
SharpWeaponAddGuardMax | 32 | Maximal value for level 1 guard up modifier |
PoweredSharpAddLifeMin | 217 | Minimal value for level 2 durability up modifier |
PoweredSharpAddLifeMax | 360 | Maximal value for level 2 durability up modifier |
PoweredSharpAddGuardMin | 33 | Minimal value for level 2 guard up modifier |
PoweredSharpAddGuardMax | 54 | Maximal value for level 2 guard up modifier |
RideBreakRatio | 1.0 | Multiplier applied to the durability loss when shield surfing |
MirrorLevel | 0 | Determines which Guardian beams can be deflected [b] |
SurfingFriction | 1.0 | Multiplier applied to the speed loss when shield surfing |
The Hylian Shield is located in a Treasure Chest in the Docks of Hyrule Castle, where the Saas Ko'sah Shrine was located in Breath of the Wild. This chest will appear once the nearby torch was lit, similar to said shrine in the previous game.
As per before, it is the most durable shield in the game, with a Durability of 800 (up to 810 with Durability Up ), and a Defense rating of 90 (up to 100 with Guard Up ). If it is broken, a replacement can be bought from Cece in Hateno Village, assuming Link does not already have one in his inventory and "The Mayoral Election" Side Adventure has been completed.
Link uses a Hylian Shield while rescuing Zelda from Ganon.
When Zelda activates her Swordfighter Form, she carries a semblance of a Hylian Shield which can protect her from enemy attacks.
In Super Smash Bros., Link wields the Hylian Shield alongside the Master Sword. The Shield is based on its Ocarina of Time iteration but it offers no protection.
In Super Smash Bros. Melee, Link once again wields the Hylian Shield and it is based on its Ocarina of Time iteration. When Link is not moving, it is possible for him to block some projectiles with his Shield and get pushed back instead of taking damage. Whether the projectile is blocked or not depends on how much damage or knockback the projectile would normally do.
In SoulCalibur II, the Hylian Shield also appears as Link's default weapon, along with the Master Sword. It is his most balanced weapon in the game.[24] The Hylian Shield is also paired off with other weapons such as the Biggoron's Sword, Razor Sword, the Great Fairy Sword, and the Bug-Catching Net.
Image | Cost | Attributes | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Master Sword & Hylian Shield |
Free | Well-balanced | A magic sword and shield that have accompanied Link on many adventures and helped him repeatedly save the land of Hyrule. This journey is no less dire, and Link once again goes into battle equipped with these items, this time in another world. These are well-balanced arms for Link. |
Razor Sword |
600 Gold | Attack goes up 25% Short reach Takes 15% block damage |
A sword forged by the blacksmith from the Mountain Village on Snowhead. The blacksmith is famous for his perfectionism--this sword is yet another excellent example of of his craftsmanship and boasts an amazingly sharp cutting edge. Unfortunately, the metal used to forge this blade is prone to chipping, so there remains some concern about its defensive capabilities. |
Megaton Hammer |
1200 Gold | Offense goes up 35% Short reach |
An extremely heavy hammer. Learning to use it effectively could take some time, as its reach is somewhat short for a weapon. Its power and toughness, however, far exceed that of any normal sword. It's guaranteed to inspire awe. |
Cane of Byrna |
1600 Gold | Soul Charge boosts offense up to 50%continuous effect Soul Charge lowers damage received by 25%diminishing effect Soul Charge recovers up to 32 HP each time |
An ancient magic staff that grants protection to heroes. It can be used even by those who are not sorcerers as long as their hearts are pure. It is said that praying to the staff with all one's heart will shroud the user in light and fill him with vitality. Because it is not a true weapon, it usually does not fare well when it clashes against an opponent's weapon. |
Biggoron's Sword |
4000 Gold | Long reach Drains 3 HP per attack |
A masterfully crafted long sword forged by the best blacksmith in Hyrule, Biggoron, who lives on Death Mountain. Designed specifically for Link, it is made to be wielded with one hand. Even so, swinging it with full force gets tiring after a while. |
Great Fairy Sword |
9800 Gold | Attack goes up 20% Gains 5 HP per second Takes 20% block damage |
A sword blessed by the Great Fairy, rumored to be able to reflect any and all dark magic. Merely holding it fills the wielder with strength, but unfortunately, its protective power did not survive intact in this world, and it is no longer able to resist enemy attacks. |
Bug-Catching Net |
12,500 Gold | Offense decreases 80% Defenses decreases 80% |
A long-handled net used for catching bugs. This item is an old companion of Link's and has appeared on many of his adventures--it accompanies him on this adventure as well. Obviously, it is not a weapon, but perhaps it will cause opponents to let down their guard. |
In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, the Hylian Shield is wielded by Link and is based on its Twilight Princess iteration. Like in Super Smash Bros. Melee, it can block some projectiles when Link is not moving. The Hylian Shield also appears as two Stickers, one based on its The Minish Cap iteration and the other based on its Twilight Princess iteration.
Sticker | Artwork from | Effect in The Subspace Emissary | Usable by |
---|---|---|---|
Hylian Shield |
The Minish Cap | Shield Recovery 5 | All |
Hylian Shield |
Twilight Princess | [Slash] - Resistance 10 |
Link wields the Hylian Shield along with the Ordon Sword in a battle against Armogohma.
In Nintendo Land, the first player wields a bow (or optionally a sword and shield if playing singleplayer) and the other one to four players wield swords and shields. The swords resemble the Master Sword, while the shields resemble the Hylian Shield. However, the shields' (and swords') base color changes to match the color of the player wielding them (with the exception of the first player in singleplayer, where the sword and shield will be colored blue, despite the first player being green). The shield's design is much more simplistic than the majority of its canon appearances, and is flat across the top and lacks the curved edges on the bottom as well as the metal designs above the Triforce crest. The back of the shield is made of wood, similar to its in-game appearance in Ocarina of Time. Similar to its functionality in Skyward Sword, the shield is controlled using the Nunchuck and can block melee attacks as well as projectiles.
In Hyrule Warriors, the Hylian Shield appears paired with the Master Sword.
The fifth puzzle in the Picross series and the fifteenth puzzle in the Mega Picross series depict a Hylian Shield.
In Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U, Link wields the Hylian Shield, which is still based on its Twilight Princess iteration. The Shield can block some projectiles if Link is not moving or while Link is walking. When the Shield blocks a projectile, Link will take a defensive stance.
Link once again wields the Hylian Shield in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. The Shield is based on its Breath of the Wild iteration.
The Hylian Shield can be wielded by Link in conjunction with the Master Sword. It is based on its appearance from Breath of the Wild.
Names in Other Regions | ||
---|---|---|
Language | Names | Meanings |
|
| |
海利亞盾 (EoWEchoes of Wisdom) | ||
|
| |
Hyliaans schild (EoWEchoes of Wisdom) | ||
|
| |
Bouclier Hylien (EoWEchoes of Wisdom) | ||
Hylia-Schild (EoWEchoes of Wisdom) | ||
Scudo Hylia (OoTOcarina of Time | OoT3DOcarina of Time 3D | EoWEchoes of Wisdom)[25][26] | Hylian Shield | |
하일리아의 방패 (EoWEchoes of Wisdom) | ||
Hylian Shield (SkyrimSkyrim)[29] | ||
Escudo hyliano (EoWEchoes of Wisdom) | ||
Хайлийский щит (EoWEchoes of Wisdom) | ||
Escudo hyliano (EoWEchoes of Wisdom) | ||
Escudo hyliano (EoWEchoes of Wisdom) | ||
This table was generated using translation pages. To request an addition, please contact a staff member with a reference. |
The Hylian Shield as seen when obtained from Ocarina of Time
The first early version of the Hylian Shield from Ocarina of Time
The second early version of the Hylian Shield from Ocarina of Time
Concept art of the Hylian Shield from Twilight Princess
Alternate artwork of the Hylian Shield from Twilight Princess HD
Artwork of the Master Sword and the Hylian Shield from Skyward Sword
Early version of Hylian Shield from Skyward Sword
A promotional Hylian Shield emoji for the release of Skyward Sword HD
The Hylian Shield from Battle Quest
The Hylian Shield from Hyrule Warriors
Hylian Shield— Gear (Skyward Sword HD)
A legendary shield given to you by the Thunder Dragon. It is completely indestructible.
Hylian Shield— Inventory (Breath of the Wild)
A shield passed down through the Hyrulean royal family, along with the legend of the hero who wielded it. Its defensive capabilities and durability outshine all other shields.
Hylian Shield— Inventory (Tears of the Kingdom)
A shield passed down through the Hyrulean royal family, along with the legend of the hero who wielded it. Its defensive capabilities and durability outshine all other shields.
This is a big, heavy Shield just like the ones Hylian Knights use. It can stand up to flame attacks!— Bazaar Owner (Ocarina of Time)
Hylian Shield A shield with a Hylian crest. Defend against attacks with Z. It's metal and will never burn.— N/A (Twilight Princess)
You got the Hylian shield! Press Z to defend yourself. It's metal and will never burn.— N/A (Twilight Princess)
Though it is made of steel, it is light and sturdy, an optimal weight for a fighter with a one-handed weapon.(Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 84)
Our hero, who rescues the land that will later become Hyrule, rides a red bird. This is why the mark of a bird appears on his shield. However, since the design had already appeared, was this some herald of fate to come? Loftwings are modeled after birds called shoebills, and the idea for their curled tails came from the designer's pet shiba - Hiraoka, designer(Hyrule Historia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 9)
The bird-like design that is painted to look as though it is protecting the Triforce is the mark of the goddess Hylia and also depicts the brilliant red Loftwing once ridden by the hero.(Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 84)
Yes, yes... The Thunder Dragon. The goddess gave the Thunder Dragon the power to protect the desert. This dragon possesses a legendary shield. It is truly one of its most prized treasures. It is said that the Thunder Dragon delights in testing those with promise in the hopes of someday finding a worthy recipient for the shield.— Eldin (Skyward Sword)
My current hot seller is the Hylian Shield, but it might be too big for you, kid.— Bazaar Owner (Ocarina of Time)
Fire Keese Destroy it before it flies into you! If you don't, its flames will burn up your Deku Shield!— Navi (Ocarina of Time)
Like Like— Navi (Ocarina of Time)
An enemy that eats shields and certain clothes. Beat it quickly to get your gear back!
By the way, Mr. Hero... If you're going to climb Death Mountain, you should equip a proper shield! It is an active volcano, after all! If you go back to Hyrule Castle Town Market, you should check out the Bazaar. They sell the shield you need there. Tell 'em I sent you and they should give you a special discount!— Guard (Ocarina of Time)
You heard about us from the guard at Death Mountain gate? Well, I have to give you a good deal then!— Bazaar Owner (Ocarina of Time)
Hylian Shield: 200 Rupees LIMITED SUPPLY! Don't let them sell out before you buy one!— Malo (Twilight Princess)
I cannot sell it for as low a price as you might get in Kakariko Village, but for you, I can still make a decent bargain, Brother. Would you want a Hylian shield for 210 Rupees?— Goron (Twilight Princess)
You got the Hylian Shield! This can protect you against magical attacks.— N/A (A Link Between Worlds)
- Test of the Royal Guard -— Stone Tablet (Breath of the Wild)
Strike down the giant foe to become recognized as a knight of the kingdom.
Oh! Speaking of not breaking, have ya heard about the Hylian shield? Everyone in the surfing scene covets that bad boy.— Russ (Breath of the Wild)
It's clearly commissioned by the royal family or somethin'! It's sturdiness makes it perfect for shield surfing too.— Russ (Breath of the Wild)
Apparently, there's a totally durable shield called a Hylian shield somewhere in Hyrule Castle. Sounds gnarly, dude!— Baumar (Breath of the Wild)
A magic sword and shield that have accompanied Link on many adventures and helped him repeatedly save the land of Hyrule. This journey is no less dire, and Link once again goes into battle equipped with these items, this time in another world. These are well-balanced arms for Link.— N/A (SoulCalibur II)
Scudo Hylia - 80 rupie— Bazaar (Ocarina of Time 3D, Italian version)
Bouclier Hylien— Inventory (Ocarina of Time 3D)
Un bouclier digne des chevaliers d'Hyrule. Il est léger, robuste et résiste au feu.