Unraveling the Royal Legacy: Who Was the Last Ruler of Hyrule?

The question of who was the last ruler of Hyrule is a fascinating one, primarily because the answer depends on the context and the specific timeline within the sprawling Legend of Zelda universe. However, if we’re focusing on the most recently presented timeline in the games, specifically leading up to and including The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, the title belongs to two figures, both intrinsically linked: King Rhoam Bosphoramus Hyrule, and, ultimately, Princess Zelda.

Rhoam, as the Last King of Hyrule before the Calamity, held the throne when Ganon returned. His role was tragically cut short, however, as he perished during the initial assault on Hyrule Castle, attempting to defend his kingdom and his daughter. While he couldn’t prevent the devastation, his spirit remained, guiding Link on his quest to defeat Calamity Ganon.

But here’s the twist: after Calamity Ganon’s defeat in Breath of the Wild, and even more so in Tears of the Kingdom, the narrative subtly shifts. While a formal coronation may not be explicitly depicted, Princess Zelda effectively assumes the role of the de facto ruler. Her actions, her decisions, and her profound connection to the land and its people cement her position as the leader of a Hyrule rebuilding from the ashes. She steps into this role through her innate ability to govern, the deep respect she commands, and her proven dedication to the kingdom’s well-being. Her sacrifice in Tears of the Kingdom, becoming the Light Dragon to empower the Master Sword, further emphasizes her commitment and cements her leadership, even from a distance. In essence, although technically King Rhoam may be the last crowned king, Zelda’s role after the events of Breath of the Wild solidifies her position as the last ruler in the current era.

The Intricacies of Hyrulean Leadership

The lineage and the roles of the rulers of Hyrule are always complex. There are a number of questions that commonly come up when discussing this topic. The following are frequently asked questions regarding the Hyrulean rule and its history:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who was the ancient King of Hyrule before Rhoam? While records of many rulers are fragmented or lost to time, one notable figure from the distant past is King Gustaf. He is considered one of the earliest known Hylian kings, reigning during the Force Era, long before the events of many modern Zelda titles. Mentions of other kings and queens appear throughout the series, but Gustaf’s place as an ancient figure is fairly well-established.

2. How did the Kingdom of Hyrule get started? Hyrule was established by the descendants of Hylia, a goddess who protected the land in ancient times. Her mortal reincarnation’s descendants founded the kingdom. This started the Royal Family of Hyrule. The bloodline originates from Zelda in Skyward Sword.

3. How was Zelda alive for 100 years in Breath of the Wild? Zelda’s remarkable longevity stems from her immense power and her ability to seal Calamity Ganon within Hyrule Castle. It is theorized that she erected a magical barrier that effectively separated the castle from the normal flow of time, preserving herself and Ganon in a stasis. This allows her to maintain her power and continue to hold Ganon at bay for a century.

4. Is Zelda’s last name officially “Bosphoramus”? No. Zelda’s full name is simply Zelda. “Bosphoramus” is part of King Rhoam’s name (Rhoam Bosphoramus Hyrule), indicating his lineage and connection to the kingdom.

5. What are some other notable royal names in Hyrule’s history? Besides Rhoam and Gustaf, Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule from Wind Waker is another significant royal figure. He serves as a mentor to Link and plays a crucial role in shaping the future of Hyrule.

6. Was Link ever romantically involved with Zelda? The nature of their relationship varies across different Zelda games. In some, their bond is purely platonic and based on duty, while in others, hints of romantic feelings are present. The Minish Cap and Skyward Sword are often cited as examples where a deeper connection between Link and Zelda is explored.

7. What is Link’s full name? This is a running joke! Shigeru Miyamoto jokingly stated that Link’s full name is Link Link. This alludes to the similar gag in the 1993 Super Mario Bros. movie where Mario’s last name is revealed to be Mario.

8. Did Link actually fight Ganon 100 years before Breath of the Wild? Yes, Link fought alongside Zelda and the Champions 100 years prior to the events of Breath of the Wild. However, they were ultimately overwhelmed by Calamity Ganon’s power, leading to Link’s defeat and Zelda’s imprisonment.

9. How long did Zelda fight Ganon by herself? Zelda fought Calamity Ganon alone for 100 years. During this time, her power was waning, and Ganon was close to breaking free. This is the scenario Link faces when he awakens in Breath of the Wild.

10. Who is Rauru, and what is his connection to Hyrule’s founding? Rauru, who appears in Tears of the Kingdom, is a Zonai and is revealed to be the first King of Hyrule, alongside Queen Sonia, the Sage of Time. He plays a vital role in the kingdom’s establishment and its initial defense against evil. Rauru’s wisdom and power are crucial to understanding Hyrule’s ancient history.

11. Who were the Champions of 10,000 years ago? The Champions of 10,000 years ago were Zonai and Sheikah warriors who aided the Hylian princess and hero in sealing away Calamity Ganon. They wore special Sheikah-made armor and helms and played a crucial role in that ancient conflict.

12. What is so difficult about fighting Thunderblight Ganon? Thunderblight Ganon is widely considered the most challenging of the Blight Ganons due to its speed, agility, and the electrical attacks that can easily disarm and stun Link. The confined arena also makes dodging its attacks more difficult, demanding precise timing and skillful combat maneuvers.

13. Why did Zelda transform into a dragon in Tears of the Kingdom? Zelda transformed into a dragon in order to ensure the Master Sword could be restored to its full power. By consuming her Secret Stone, she became an immortal dragon, embedding the sword in her forehead and allowing it to absorb her light energy over thousands of years.

14. What is the significance of the Blood Moon? The Blood Moon is a recurring phenomenon that strengthens Ganon’s power. It revives fallen enemies and creates a more challenging environment for Link to navigate. This forces the player to be strategic about when and where they explore, and it emphasizes the constant threat posed by Ganon.

15. Why is Link usually a silent protagonist? In Breath of the Wild, Link’s silence is explained as a coping mechanism. His duty as a knight and the weight of expectations led him to become stoic, expressing himself through actions rather than words. This silence allows players to project themselves onto the character and shape their own interpretation of Link’s personality.

Understanding the nuanced leadership of Hyrule provides a deeper appreciation for the narrative complexity within the Legend of Zelda series. While King Rhoam may be the last formally recognized monarch, the future of Hyrule rests on the capable shoulders of Princess Zelda, who guides her people toward a brighter future.

The impact of games on learning and development is a significant topic, explored further by the Games Learning Society, an organization dedicated to understanding and promoting the educational value of games. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about the intersection of gaming and education.