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* AdaptationalHeroism: ''Spirit Tracks'' portrays them as the natural guardians of the Tower of Spirits who ensure Malladus is sealed and under normal circumstances should not attack anyone who is good; the only reason they do attack Link been because they are BrainwashedAndCrazy. This is a far cry from the evil minions of Bellum they were in ''Phantom Hourglass''.
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* {{Cyclops}}: They have a single eye, a trait shared with Gohma.
* InASingleBound: They move by jumping very high.
* InASingleBound: They move by jumping very high.
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* BigBad: The true main villains of the ''Oracle'' games; since Ganon is dead and they're trying to resurrect him, he's more of a GreaterScopeVillain.
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* BigBad: He plays this role in the ''Four Swords'' sub-series.
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* BigBad: He plays this role in the ''Four Swords'' sub-series.sub-series, minus ''Four Swords Adventures''.
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* CameBackWrong: However he came back to life between ''The Minish Cap'' and ''Four Swords'', he didn't come back the same. Instead of wanting the Lightforce to become all powerful, he went and kidnapped any pretty maiden that caught his attention.
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* CameBackWrong: However he came back to life between ''The Minish Cap'' and ''Four Swords'', he didn't come back the same. Instead of wanting the Lightforce Light Force to become all powerful, all-powerful, he went and kidnapped any pretty maiden that caught his attention.
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Common goblin-like mooks whose names all end in the suffix "-blin". Designs have ranged from imp-like to bulldog-like to boar-like (this motif seems to be the most popular). The original subspecies is the Moblin, a large spear-wielding savage that served as common foes in earlier installments. The Bokoblins, introduced in ''Wind Waker'', are smaller and hinted to be smarter than the hulking Moblins. Bulblins are a more recent variation which can ride giant boars called Bullbos.
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Common goblin-like mooks goblin and orc-like monsters whose names all end in the suffix "-blin". Designs have ranged from imp-like to bulldog-like to boar-like (this motif seems to be the most popular). The original subspecies is the Moblin, a large spear-wielding savage that served as common foes in earlier installments. The Bokoblins, introduced in ''Wind Waker'', are smaller and hinted to be smarter than the hulking Moblins. Bulblins are a more recent variation which can ride giant boars called Bullbos.
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* DependingOnTheArtist: Their appearances vary between looking like [[BullyBulldog bulldogs]], looking like [[PigMan pigs]], or looking like stock goblins/orcs with features of neither animal. Notably, the UsefulNotes/GameBoy games have both bulldog and pig Moblins, and so give the latter the name "Pig Warriors" to differentiate the two.
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[[caption-width-right:300:Bokoblin]]
[[caption-width-right:300:Moblin]]
[[quoteright:300:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/rsz_breath_of_the_wild_artwork_red_bokoblin_official_artwork.png]]
[[caption-width-right:300:Bokoblin]]
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* ChaoticNeutral: They like to play mischievous games in the woods and tend to attack adults because they don't like them, but they've never been portrayed as outright evil. Even the Skull Kid from ''Majora's Mask'', who was trying to crash the moon into Termina among other things, only did the worst of his evil acts because of the influence of [[TheCorrupter Majora's Mask]] itself.
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* MascotMook: While Blins of all types were always prominent enemies, they didn't ascend to this position until around ''Wind Waker''. Since then, they are prominently featured in promotional art as Link's primary enemies.
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* BreakoutCharacter: [=ReDeads=] were initially just another enemy in ''Ocarina of Time'', but were featured alongside the series regular Like-Likes and Octoroks in ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosMelee''.
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* BreakoutCharacter: [=ReDeads=] were initially just another enemy in ''Ocarina of Time'', but were featured alongside the series regular Like-Likes and Octoroks as random enemies in ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosMelee''.''VideoGame/SuperSmashBros''
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* EvilCounterpartRace: Not ''entirely'' evil, but they're definitely a much less friendly counterpart to the Kokiri/Koroks. Both races consist of childlike beings who live in the Lost Woods and don't get along that well with adults.
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[[folder:Skulltula]]
!!Skulltula
Spider monsters with a skull motif on the back.
!!Skulltula
Spider monsters with a skull motif on the back.
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!!Skulltula
Spider monsters with a skull motif on
!!Skull Kid
Mischievous scarecrow-like imps who inhabit the
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* DeathGlare: In the UsefulNotes/Nintendo64 games, at least, the "skulls" their bodies form look like they're perpetually doing this.
* GiantSpider: Definitely bigger than normal, and can be bigger than Link.
* SkeletonMotif: A Skulltula's armored carapace closely resembles a human skull. The actual head of the skulltula is located in the "skull's"' mouth.
* GiantSpider: Definitely bigger than normal, and can be bigger than Link.
* SkeletonMotif: A Skulltula's armored carapace closely resembles a human skull. The actual head of the skulltula is located in the "skull's"' mouth.
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* DeathGlare: In the UsefulNotes/Nintendo64 games, at least, the "skulls" their bodies form look like they're perpetually doing this.
* GiantSpider: Definitely bigger than normal, and can be bigger than Link.
* SkeletonMotif: A Skulltula's armored carapace closely resembles a human skull. The actual headBlackFace: All versions of the skulltula is located original Nintendo 64 release of ''Ocarina of Time'' and the Japanese release of ''Majora's Mask'' made them resemble this; the international versions of ''Majora's Mask'' and the 3DS rereleases of both games instead gave them wooden, scarecrow-like faces, while ''Twilight Princess'' went with more of a scary marionette design.
* ChaoticNeutral: They like to play mischievous games in the"skull's"' mouth.woods and tend to attack adults because they don't like them, but they've never been portrayed as outright evil. Even the Skull Kid from ''Majora's Mask'', who was trying to crash the moon into Termina among other things, only did the worst of his evil acts because of the influence of [[TheCorrupter Majora's Mask]] itself.
* ManChild: They look and act like children, but much like the Kokiri are implied to be much, much older than they appear, with the ''Majora's Mask'' Skull Kid in particular having been friends with the Four Giants ''before'' they created Termina.
* GiantSpider: Definitely bigger than normal, and can be bigger than Link.
* SkeletonMotif: A Skulltula's armored carapace closely resembles a human skull. The actual head
* ChaoticNeutral: They like to play mischievous games in the
* ManChild: They look and act like children, but much like the Kokiri are implied to be much, much older than they appear, with the ''Majora's Mask'' Skull Kid in particular having been friends with the Four Giants ''before'' they created Termina.
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[[folder:Stalfos]]
!!Stalfos
A reanimated skeleton soldier. If you count the Stalchildren and Ikana Guards in ''Majora's Mask'' and the Stal-enemies in ''Breath of the Wild'', these enemies have appeared in pretty much all the games.
!!Stalfos
A reanimated skeleton soldier. If you count the Stalchildren and Ikana Guards in ''Majora's Mask'' and the Stal-enemies in ''Breath of the Wild'', these enemies have appeared in pretty much all the games.
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!!Stalfos
A reanimated skeleton soldier. If you count
!!Skulltula
Spider monsters with a skull motif on the
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* DeathGlare: In the UsefulNotes/Nintendo64 games, at least, the "skulls" their bodies form look like they're perpetually doing this.
* GiantSpider: Definitely bigger than normal, and can be bigger than Link.
* SkeletonMotif: A Skulltula's armored carapace closely resembles a human skull. The actual head of the skulltula is located in the "skull's"' mouth.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Stalfos]]
!!Stalfos
A reanimated skeleton soldier. If you count the Stalchildren and Ikana Guards in ''Majora's Mask'' and the Stal-enemies in ''Breath of the Wild'', these enemies have appeared in pretty much all the games.
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* GiantSpider: Definitely bigger than normal, and can be bigger than Link.
* SkeletonMotif: A Skulltula's armored carapace closely resembles a human skull. The actual head of the skulltula is located in the "skull's"' mouth.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Stalfos]]
!!Stalfos
A reanimated skeleton soldier. If you count the Stalchildren and Ikana Guards in ''Majora's Mask'' and the Stal-enemies in ''Breath of the Wild'', these enemies have appeared in pretty much all the games.
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* SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute: Many games that lack Moldorms nonetheless have similar enemies that have "mol" or "mold" in their names and similarly burrow through sand. These include Twinmold from ''Majora's Mask'', Molgera from ''The Wind Waker'', Moldarach from ''Skyward Sword'', and Molduga from ''Breath of the Wild''.
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* TeleportSpam: Fights with Wizzrobes often involve [[GetBackHereBosschasing them all over the room]].
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* TeleportSpam: Fights with Wizzrobes often involve [[GetBackHereBosschasing [[GetBackHereBoss chasing them all over the room]].
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* AttackItsWeakPoint: In ''Phantom Hourglass'' and ''Breath of the Wild'' [[GoForTheEye Go for the eye.], in the latter game they'll try to cover it up after taking enough damage.
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* AttackItsWeakPoint: In ''Phantom Hourglass'' and ''Breath of the Wild'' [[GoForTheEye Go for the eye.], GoForTheEye, in the latter game they'll try to cover it up after taking enough damage.
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* DecompositeCharacter: The "Blight Ganon" bosses from ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaBreathOfTheWild'' are called "Phantom Ganons" in "The Champions' Ballad" DLC, making them all twisted elemental variations of the original Phantom Ganon archetype. The same DLC pack also lets Link find and wear a set of armor resembling the original ''Ocarina of Time'' Phantom Ganon.
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Threats that Link has faced among several games.
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[[foldercontrol]]
!!Secondary Villains
[[folder:Dark Link]]
!!Link's Shadow/Dark Link/Shadow Link
[[quoteright:206:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/DarkLink_7857.png]]
Link's {{Doppelganger}} who first appeared as "Link's Shadow" in ''Zelda II: The Adventure of Link'', the surprise final boss. He's something of a popular character with the fandom despite his infrequent appearances and lack of characterization. He appears most notably in ''Ocarina of Time'' as the mini-boss in the [[DownTheDrain Water Temple]], and in ''Four Swords Adventures'' as a RecurringBoss.
There are many different Dark Links, just as there are many different Links. The character is alternately known as Link's Shadow (in ''The Adventure of Link''), Dark Link (in ''Ocarina of Time''), and Shadow Link (in ''Four Swords Adventures''); it is unknown if there are any meaningful differences between these names. In ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaALinkBetweenWorlds'', you can enter Shadow Link Battles as a [=StreetPass=] feature. They represent other players you pass and are equipped with up to two of the items they have.
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* BigBulkyBomb: He throws humongous bombs at you several times during ''Four Swords Adventures.'' Can also use them in ''A Link Between Worlds'' should an opposing player equip them with one.
* TheBlank: In many of his appearances, he has no facial features except for glowing red eyes, and sometimes not even that.
* BonusBoss: In the UsefulNotes/GameBoyAdvance version of ''A Link to the Past'' and in ''Spirit Tracks.''
* DegradedBoss: In ''Oracle of Ages'', Veran can create dark Link doppelgangers as easily defeated {{Mooks}}.
* {{Doppelganger}}: He is an evil, jet-black clone of Link.
* EvilTwin: He is identical to Link... except made of shadow.
* EnemyWithout: In ''Zelda II'', he is explicitly seen jumping out of Link, and in ''Hyrule Warriors'' manifests out of Link's shadow.
* FearfulSymmetry: One of his favorite combat tactics in boss battles.
* FightingAShadow: In ''Four Swords Adventures,'' he retreats into the DarkWorld whenever you beat him.
* FinalBoss: In ''The Adventure of Link'', he is the final boss.
* TheHeartless: The Shadow Link seen in ''Four Swords Adventures'' is a manifestation of the original Ganondorf's hatred towards Link.
* LegacyCharacter: Each Link copy is a different character and has a different explanation for their existence. In ''Zelda II'', Link's Shadow is the last test of worthiness for the Triforce of Courage. In ''Ocarina of Time'', Dark Link is a GiantSpaceFleaFromNowhere. In ''Four Swords Adventures'', Shadow Link is a creation of the Dark Mirror and a manifestation of the original Ganondorf's hatred for Link.
* MirrorBoss: In ''Ocarina of Time'', Dark Link mirrors the real Link's attacks.
* PaintItBlack: The versions in ''The Adventure of Link'', ''Ocarina of Time'', and ''Four Swords Adventures'' are jet-black.
* RedEyesTakeWarning: In ''Ocarina of Time'', he has glowing red eyes. This was carried over to the unnamed ''Oracle of Ages'' and ''Twilight Princess'' copies/illusions.
* SequentialBoss: In ''A Link to the Past'' (Game Boy Advance version).
* TheTrickster: In ''Four Swords Adventures'', he and his clones play malicious tricks on Link.
* WhiteHairBlackHeart: He is given white hair in his ''Twilight Princess'' incarnation.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Phantom Ganon]]
!!Phantom Ganon
A spirit that has been summoned by Ganondorf several times, and bears a physical resemblance to him.
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* CoolSword: A large black sword with a curl at the tip.
* DarkIsEvil: He started off as a Undead-looking monster at first, then seemed to transition into a LivingShadow.
* EvilLaugh: Lets one out from time to time.
* GlowingEyesOfDoom: In all incarnations.
* LivingShadow: His post-''Ocarina of Time'' incarnation had a design that invokes this.
* MesACrowd: In ''The Wind Waker'', he can temporarily summon four copies of himself that can strike down Link. In ''Ocarina of Time'', he uses a copy as a decoy.
* ProngsOfPoseidon: Wields a trident in ''Ocarina of Time.''
* TeleportSpam: His post-''Ocarina of Time'' incarnation makes heavy use of his teleportation powers.
* TennisBoss: Each incarnation must be damaged by deflecting his energy attacks.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Twinrova]]
!!Twinrova
[[quoteright:300:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/Twinrova_OoT_1334.png]]
The twin sisters Koume and Kotake, who were Ganondorf's adopted parents in ''Ocarina of Time.'' They presumably taught him his dark magical abilities and set him on his StartOfDarkness. Koume uses fire magic and Kotake uses ice magic. Their FusionDance forms a composite being that can use both. They were later seen trying to revive Ganon in the ''Oracle'' series. Interestingly, their AlternateUniverse counterparts in ''Majora's Mask'' are good guys who run a potion shop and tour boat in southern Termina.
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* CrystalBall: They are sometimes depicted as using one of these, mostly in the ''Oracle'' series.
* TheDragon: The twin sisters were Ganondorf's adopted parents. That probably explains a lot.
* DualBoss: You fight both witches at the same time, they eventually fuse together.
* ElementalRockPaperScissors: Whenever you face them; Koume is weak to ice and Kotake is weak to fire, so the typical fighting pattern is reflecting one's elemental attacks to damage her sister with it.
* EvilMatriarch: They rule the Gerudo tribe, and whoever disobeys gets banishment or enslavement to their son.
* EvilOldFolks: They're said to be ''centuries'' old.
* HotWitch: Their fused form Twinrova is noticeably more youthful.
* FlyingBroomstick: Their mode of transportation.
* FusionDance: Their Twinrova form, which the player usually has to fight.
* UnexplainedRecovery: In the ''Oracle'' series, provided they're not the same twins as in ''Ocarina of Time''. That game's Link defeated them and they ascended to heaven, yet they show up just fine in the ''Oracle'' games.
* WickedWitch: They fit the traditional archetype pretty well: evil, old, green skin, SinisterSchnoz, ride broomsticks, etc. Subverted in ''Majora's Mask'', however, where they run a potion shop and are helpful to Link (if a bit [[FantasticRacism racist]] towards Dekus and Gorons).
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Vaati]]
!!Vaati
[[quoteright:242:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/Vaati_1111.png]]
[[quoteright:350:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/vaati_demon2_9473.jpg]]
The main villain of the ''Four Swords'' sub-series. The backstory from ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaFourSwords'' told of how a young hero imprisoned him in the titular Four Sword and how he escaped when the seal weakened. ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTheMinishCap'' is his StartOfDarkness, explaining how he used the power of the Minish Cap to transform himself into a human sorcerer, and later a giant eyeball-cloud.
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* TheArchmage: Vaati displays incredible magical prowess.
* BigBad: He plays this role in the ''Four Swords'' sub-series.
* BlowYouAway: Being a wind mage in his later games, his attacks based on wind can send Link flying.
* BreakoutVillain: Vaati is the only villain to have played the BigBad in more than one game besides Ganon, which led to a rise of popularity and many suggesting a return whenever a new game makes itself known.
* CameBackWrong: However he came back to life between ''The Minish Cap'' and ''Four Swords'', he didn't come back the same. Instead of wanting the Lightforce to become all powerful, he went and kidnapped any pretty maiden that caught his attention.
* CurbStompBattle: Vaati won the tournament decisively and then went on to humiliate the soldiers of Hyrule in the beginning of ''The Minish Cap''.
* TheDragon: To Ganon in ''Four Swords Adventures''. Although he was most likely manipulated.
* DarkIsEvil: Wore deep purple robes after becoming a sorceror, and became pitch black after becoming an EldritchAbomination.
* EldritchAbomination: At the end of ''Minish Cap'', in ''Four Swords'', and in ''Four Swords Adventures'', he appears as a one-eyed demonic entity.
* EnfantTerrible: Even though his age is never mentioned, it's pretty obvious that he wasn't an adult in his human and his original Minish form, since his human artwork makes him barely taller than Link and his Minish-sprite is even smaller than that of a regular Minish. Additionally, he's so cute in these two forms that you wouldn't know he's a villain unless someone told you... Of ''course'' the knights of Hyrule suspected nothing when a young boy signed up for the tournament...
* EvilAlbino: His pre-{{Oculothorax}} form has very pale skin and hair paired with red eyes.
* EvilSorcerer: He's a skilled and powerful magician who wants to conquer Hyrule.
* FacelessEye: In his demon form, he's an {{Oculothorax}} with bat wings.
* FillerVillain: Fills in for Ganon in the ''Four Swords'' games where he isn't present.
* {{Foil}}: To the series' BigBad Ganon, as Vaati is the only other villain to have filled that role more than once. Ganondorf is a lone male Gerudo with green skin no other Gerudo has, Vaati was a Minish with an odd purple skin color that no other Minish has. Ganondorf turned evil because of jealousy for Hyrule's prosperity and a lust for power that got the better of him, Vaati turned evil because he was bored with his race and was interested in the evil in man's hearts. Ganondorf wears black armor and uses magic but prefers using brute force, Vaati wears purple and red but prefers only using magic in his fights. Both want to take over the world, but Ganondorf wants the Triforce (an ancient power left behind by the goddesses) and that goal stuck until ''Breath of the Wild'', where the Calamity Ganon was a wild beast; Vaati wanted the Lightforce (a power gifted from the Minish to the Royal Family) but his goal ended due to forgetting his past life. Ganon only kidnapped Zelda due to her connection with the Triforce, while Vaati originally wanted just the Lightforce that was within her but he ended up kidnapping her strictly for marriage.
* GigglingVillain: He laughs like the Happy Mask Salesman.
* {{Greed}}: One of the guards describes Vaati as greedy when the latter is impersonating the king in ''The Minish Cap''.
* IHaveYouNowMyPretty: In ''Four Swords'' and ''Four Swords Adventures'', [[WordOfGod due to forgetting his former life]], he's become obsessed with pretty girls. He kidnapped Zelda in the former because he wanted a bride.
* IJustWantToBeYou: This is how he felt about all humanity, according to ''The Minish Cap''. Fascinated by the potential of humans to commit evil in pursuit of their goals, he used the Wishing Cap to take the form of a human to start his quest for the Light Force.
* KilledOffForReal: [[WordOfGod Hyrule Historia]] states that Vaati was killed in the final fight of ''Four Swords Adventure'', permanently writing him off the Child Timeline. His fate in the Adult and Decline timeline is, anyhow, undisclosed.
* MeaningfulName: "Vaati" resembles "Venti", the Italian word for "Winds". Vaati's Japanese name, "Gufū", translated into English means "tornado".
* MotiveDecay: In ''Minish Cap'', he wants the Light Force, which is located in Princess Zelda. From then on, he desires any girl that catches his eye, with Princess Zelda for a bride. WordOfGod justifies this, as he has forgotten his life as a Minish and everything in it.
* NiceJobFixingItVillain: The plot probably wouldn't have been kickstarted after he revealed his true colors had he deduced that [[spoiler:Zelda was carrying the Light Force he was seeking]], and thus not [[TakenForGranite turned Zelda into stone.]]
* OneWingedAngel: At the end of ''Minish Cap'' he drains Zelda's light force and transforms into a humungous floating [[{{Oculothorax}} eyeball-cloud]].
* OlderThanHeLooks: At least after ''Minish Cap'', Vaati is immortal and all of his appearances are the same character.
* PeekABangs: Apparently he doesn't even use that eye, since he ditches it when he goes OneWingedAngel.
* PurpleIsPowerful: His Minish and Hylian forms feature different shades of purple, this includes his skin.
* Really700YearsOld: At least in ''Four Sword Adventures'', which is the last game in the timeline it appears in and has the same Vaati as the one from ''Minish Cap'', which is one of the earliest games in the timeline.
* RedEyesTakeWarning: All his forms have red eyes.
* RobeAndWizardHat: His first form in ''Minish Cap'' wears this.
* SealedEvilInACan: Vaati releases all the monsters within the Bound Chest when he shatters the Picori Blade. He later becomes the sealed evil when he is imprisoned within the Four Sword.
* StayingAlive: Each appearance by Vaati is the same character who has managed to live across several generations.
* SwordOfPlotAdvancement: He unleashes numerous monsters by destroying the Picori Blade. Fixing and upgrading the weapon is necessary to navigate through the world and ultimately to defeat Vaati.
* WasOnceAMan: ''Minish Cap'' reveals that he was once a Minish who transformed himself into a Hylian-like form. Once the Link of that game destroyed his body, he became the EldritchAbomination that he is for all other ''Four Swords'' games.
* TheXenophile: He grew up studying the evil potential of humans, even to the point of abandoning his Minish form. Even after losing his memories, he spends his time kidnapping human girls.
[[/folder]]
!!Common Monsters
[[folder:Armos and Beamos]]
!!Tropes applying to both
* DistinctionWithoutADifference: The Guardians of ''Breath of the Wild'' largely play their role with their stone bodies and EyeBeams, but their names make no reference to Armos and Beamos.
* MechaMook: They are mechanical beings made to guard rooms and objects.
!!Armos
A LivingStatue that chases Link. Their abilities and appearance change greatly from game to game.
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* MistakenForGranite: Especially confusing when they're found alongside other inanimate statues that look the same.
* TakenForGranite: [[AllThereInTheManual The original game manual]] states that they were actually soldiers turned into stone in that game. [[{{Retcon}} All subsequent entries do away with this explanation, however]], instead making them fully mechanical.
!!Beamos
A LivingStatue like Armos, but acts more like a sentry.
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* EyeBeams: Really powerful, too. Don't let it find you.
* GoForTheEye: Several games let you shoot the eyes.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Blin family]]
!!Blin family
Common goblin-like mooks whose names all end in the suffix "-blin". Designs have ranged from imp-like to bulldog-like to boar-like (this motif seems to be the most popular). The original subspecies is the Moblin, a large spear-wielding savage that served as common foes in earlier installments. The Bokoblins, introduced in ''Wind Waker'', are smaller and hinted to be smarter than the hulking Moblins. Bulblins are a more recent variation which can ride giant boars called Bullbos.
----
* ArmyOfThievesAndWhores: Their role in most games.
* BarbarianTribe: Starting with ''Wind Waker'', they are shown to be comparatively civilized and intelligent among the monsters, but they are still savage thieves and raiders who will assault friendly travelers without a second thought.
* BreakoutCharacter: In early ''Zelda'' games, they were just another type of monster in Ganon's stable of minions, only with occassional friendly characters. Starting with ''Wind Waker'', the introduction of the Bokoblins led to all of the Blin races receiving more detailed societal and racial traits on par with friendly races such as the Gorons and Zoras. They are now treated as common footsoldiers and {{Mascot Mook}}s since then.
* BullyBulldog: In some games, Moblins are humanoid and aggressive bulldogs.
* DependingOnTheWriter: Games seem to vary between Blins being mindless magical beings, a sentient race that can be reasoned with, or some combination of the two. Their alliance also depends on the game, as in some games, such as ''The Legend of Zelda'' and ''Skyward Sword'', they serve the BigBad, while in other games, such as the ''Oracle'' games and ''Spirit Tracks'', they are simple bandits that Link gets in the way of.
* DogsAreDumb: Dog Moblins aren't portrayed as too bright, speaking with poor grammar in the TV series. In their defense, Pig Moblins aren't any smarter, and few monsters can speak at all in the video games.
* EliteMook: Starting with ''Ocarina of Time'', Moblins have been portrayed as one of the bigger, tougher enemies in the 3D games. This set in after Bokoblins were introduced, which have henceforth taken their role as the BigBad's common footsoldiers.
* KingMook: Bulldog Moblins are led by ''King Moblin'' in ''Link's Awakening'', and Pig Moblins are led by ''Great Moblin'' in both Oracle games. ''A Link to the Past'' and ''Nintendo Land'' make Ganon this to them.
* MiniMook: Miniblins are miniature Bokoblins. Their "da-na" noises will haunt your dreams.
* MookCarryover: They have served -- in chronological order -- Demise, Ghirahim, Vaati, and Ganondorf/Ganon. This implies that most Zelda antagonists, not just Ganon, have inherited Demise's curse of hatred.
* OurDemonsAreDifferent: ''Skyward Sword'' implies that they are demons who originally served Demise.
* OurGoblinsAreDifferent: On the scale between goblin and [[OurOrcsAreDifferent orc]], the Miniblins are the most goblinish and the Moblins the most orcish, with Bokoblins and Bulblins falling in between. Especially in ''Twilight Princess'', they tend to follow the Tolkien style of orc in terms of their characterization, though King Bulblin [[spoiler:eventually reveals himself to be more of a ProudWarriorRaceGuy in [[VideoGame/WorldOfWarcraft the Blizzard tradition]]]].
* PigMan: Moblins and to a lesser extent Bokoblins sometimes have this appearance, which helps establish them as minions to their leader Ganon.
* SavagePiercings: Both Bokoblins and Moblins have these in ''Skyward Sword'', with Moblins having [[FanDisservice nipple piercings]].
* TokenHeroicOrc: A few Moblins actually help Link on his quest.
* WeHaveReserves: They are fairly expendable. Averted in ''Breath of the Wild'', where Ganon uses his magic to revive his minions.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Bubble]]
!!Bubble
Despite the name, these things are flaming disembodied skulls that normally curse Link when he touches them.
----
* TheArtifact: The name "Bubbles" for this monster made a lot more sense when they just looked like blue or red circles. Now that they've been modeled to look more like demonic flaming skulls, the name seems absolutely bizarre.
* DemBones: They appear as a flying skull (sometimes with bat-like wings) that surrounds itself in a globe of ghostly flames.
* InterfaceScrew: An effect they can have when they curse Link.
* InvincibleMinorMinion: In several games, it's completely impossible to defeat them; they must be instead evaded.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Buzz Blob and Cukemen]]
!!Buzz Blob and Cukemen
A BlobMonster which shocks Link when attacked with the sword. Using certain items on it turns it into the mysterious Cukeman creature who spouts weird advice and FourthWallBreaking lines.
----
* BlackBeadEyes: When in Buzz Blob form.
* ShockAndAwe: Though it manifests in a passive version; the Buzz Blob only shocks Link when attacked with a melee weapon.
* SphereEyes: When in Cukeman form.
* TalkativeLoon: When in Cukeman form.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Chuchu]]
!!Chuchu
A fairly weak blob creature available in a wide range of colors and types, with each color normally yielding a useful spoil. Weak blob creatures have featured in numerous early ''Zelda'' games (Bits and Bots, Zols, and Buzzblobs), but the Chuchu has seemingly become a default replacement for all of them.
----
* BlobMonster: A pretty weak one, too, though they can still be dangerous.
* EasterEgg: The chattering noise they make in ''Wind Waker'' is actually a [[http://40.media.tumblr.com/3c0ad89a1a7c3fd356cbc9157f5b7dcf/tumblr_mr4l8s0efD1rw70wfo1_500.png recording of an argument between two Japanese men, sped up and reversed.]]
* ElementalPowers: Some possess electrical, ice, or fire powers depending on the environment they're found in.
* TheGoomba: Along with Keese, they are among the most basic and weakest enemies in every game they are in.
* TheSpiny: Some Chuchus are naturally electrical, forcing you to use measures beyond simply swinging your sword at them.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Corrupted Soldier]]
!!Corrupted Soldier
Soldiers and guards of Hyrule who have been corrupted by evil. They attack in large numbers and can use a variety of weapons.
----
* ArtAttacker: In most games, they're soldiers of Hyrule who have been corrupted. In ''A Link Between Worlds'', they are paintings brought to life.
* ArtifactMook: To a degree in a ''A Link Between Worlds'', where it's not explained why Yuga chose to create monsters based off the old uniform for the Hylian army.
** Averted in the Satellaview sequel to ''A Link to the Past'', where all the guards are friendly [=NPCs=] due to it being post-WorldHealingWave.
* BrainwashedAndCrazy: In ''A Link to the Past'', Agahnim brainwashed them when they refused to obey him. Vaati brainwashed or replaced them in ''Four Swords Adventures.''
* CannonFodder: Unlike Darknuts and Iron Knuckles, [[ArmorIsUseless their armor isn't very protective]] and Link can cut them down by the dozen.
* DummiedOut: Several soldier types, including one with a visible face, were cut from ''A Link to the Past.''
* EliteMook: Some soldier variants have stronger armor and weapons, with the strongest usually wielding [[EpicFlail Epic Flails]].
* FacelessGoons: Friendly soldiers normally have their faces exposed, whereas corrupted soldiers do not. Notably, when freed at the end of ''A Link to the Past'' their faces are visible.
* ZergRush: One of their primary tactics is to rush Link with numbers alone.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Darknut and Iron Knuckle]]
!!Darknut and Iron Knuckle
Powerful knights with protective armor. The two, whilst similar, are implied to be separate species.
----
* AnAxToGrind: Iron Knuckles in ''Ocarina of Time'' wield axes as big as they are that take off four hearts (the max Link can have is twenty) per swing.
* AnimatedArmor: Some interpretations of Iron Knuckles suggest this, though at least one case explicitly shows that a person is inside the armor. Darknuts, however, are suggested to be living beings, and when Darknuts lose armor, they are shown to be creatures wearing armor.
* AttackItsWeakPoint: Normally, the only way to damage them is to hit a vulnerable gap in the armor.
* BeastMan: Darknuts in ''Wind Waker'' are depicted as jackal-like creatures underneath their armor.
* BossInMookClothing: Darknuts and Iron Knuckles are always among the most difficult enemies you will encounter, and are frequently featured as mini-bosses.
* LightningBruiser: Despite their appearance, Darknuts are ''not'' slow, which is part of why they're so dangerous. [[ShedArmorGainSpeed This goes double for when their armor is removed.]]
* MightyGlacier: Iron Knuckles, however, are very slow. They make up for this with the highest damage output of any enemy in the series outside ''Breath of the Wild'', often surpassing even ''Ganondorf'', and by wielding particularly dangerous weapons, like a [[AnAxeToGrind giant axe]] or an EpicFlail.
* ShedArmorGainSpeed: A gimmick of the Iron Knuckles, though the Darknuts picked up on it too, if at least just for ''Twilight Princess''.
* TurnsRed: In the 64 games, Iron Knuckles will lose their heavy armor after taking sufficient damage and speed up.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Deku Baba]]
!!Deku Baba
Man-eating venus flytrap-like plants. Comes in several different variations.
----
* AttackItsWeakPoint: Cutting its stem is a OneHitKill. Bio Deku Babas and Baba Serpents keep moving when severed, though.
* {{Expy}}: In ''The Wind Waker'', they are replaced by Boko Babas. They're also similar to Piranha Plants from [[Franchise/SuperMarioBros another Nintendo series,]] to the point where the ones that appear in ''Mario Kart 8''[='=]s ''Zelda''-themed DLC track move and behave exactly like them.
* ManEatingPlant: Of the classic "carnivorous plant with a giant mouth-like bulb that lunges forward and attempts to snap you up" variety.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Dodongo]]
!!Dodongo
Fire-breathing dinosaur dragons that are typically found close to lava. The most well-known method of killing them is throwing bombs down their throats.
----
* AttackTheTail: Other than feeding it bombs, the tail is another recurring weak spot.
* DefeatEqualsExplosion: In some games, Dodongos violently explode upon dying.
* DinosaursAreDragons: Of all the "dragons" in the ''Zelda'' series, Dodongos resemble dinosaurs the most, though in ''[[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTwilightPrincess Twilight Princess]]'', they look more like geckos.
* FeedItABomb: Varies slightly from game to game, but this is the most common way to kill them. In ''Twilight Princess'', feeding it an ''arrow'' works wonders for a OneHitKill too.
* TokenHeroicOrc: Dimitri in the ''Oracle'' games is an ally to Link.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Ghini and Poe]]
!!Ghini and Poe
Ghostly beings that usually can't be attacked by normal means, often requiring an item to make them vulnerable. The difference between the two is that Poes carry lanterns.
----
* BedsheetGhost: Ghinis are one-eyed versions of this.
* DisappearsIntoLight: Inverted. Shining light on Poes gives them a physical form to attack in ''The Wind Waker''.
* HitodamaLight: The Poe's purple lanterns hold their restless spirits inside. If you kill them in ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaOcarinaOfTime'', you can scoop them up and keep them in a bottle.
* OurGhostsAreDifferent: And they're different from each other as well, too. While Ghinis are more like cute {{Bedsheet Ghost}}s, Poes tend to look creepier, and different with each game.
* ShoutOut: The four Poe Sisters from ''Ocarina of Time'', ''Majora's Mask'', and ''Oracle of Seasons'' share their names with the four young main protagonists of the novel ''Literature/LittleWomen''.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Gibdo and [=ReDead=]]]
!!Gibdo and [=ReDead=]
Reanimated corpse-like monsters (mummies in the former case), with the former being in more games than the latter.
----
* BreakoutCharacter: [=ReDeads=] were initially just another enemy in ''Ocarina of Time'', but were featured alongside the series regular Like-Likes and Octoroks in ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosMelee''.
* EverythingsDeaderWithZombies: Redeads are walking corpses with death masks that slowly lumber to their prey and strangle them. They resemble both the voodoo and Romero zombies.
* GlowingEyelightsOfUndeath: [=ReDeads=] get this in ''The Wind Waker'' when they scream, while Gibdos have these all the time in ''Twilight Princess''.
* {{Golem}}: The [=ReDead=] trophies in ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'' and ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U'' state that they are artificial constructs seemingly made of magic and clay. It's debatable if this was ''always'' the case (especially in ''Majora's Mask'', where the ones in Ikana are gossiped to have once been members of the castle's dancing troupe), but they definitely have an incomplete-looking, clay-like appearance in ''Tri Force Heroes''.
* HellIsThatNoise: Their screams are just about the most startling thing in a ''Zelda'' game. This is especially true in-universe, where their screams are chilling enough to render ''Link'', bearer of the ''Triforce of '''Courage''''', ''paralyzed'' in fear.
* KillItWithFire: Zigzagged with Gibdos in 2-D games; hitting them with a fire attack doesn't kill them, but it does turn them into the far weaker (and [[ShedArmorGainSpeed more agile]]) Stalfos instead.
* {{Mummy}}: Gibdos are Stalfos wrapped in cloth.
* NightOfTheLivingMooks: [=ReDead=] are -- or at least ''resemble'' -- [[OurZombiesAreDifferent zombies]]. Likewise, Gibdo are [=ReDead=] or Stalfos wrapped in cloth.
* PersonalSpaceInvader: Both of them, but [=ReDeads=] to a [[MemeticMolester memetic extent.]]
* SavagePiercings: ''The Wind Waker'' [=ReDeads=] are decked out with this and tribal paint to give them a morbid appearance.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Gohma]]
!!Gohma
Arthropod monsters with a giant vulnerable eye.
----
* {{Cyclops}}: They only have a single, massive eye -- which, naturally, is their only weak spot.
* GiantEnemyCrab: Varies between this and GiantSpider. They are usually said to be the former in 2D titles and the latter in 3D titles.
* GoForTheEye: From shooting it in the original to pulling it closer to you so you can [[EyeScream slice it up with your sword]].
* HiveQueen: Almost all Gohma bosses are identified as female, and often have brood minions.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Goriya]]
!!Goriya
Demons that resemble anthropomorphic scottish terriers. They are known for using boomerangs. To date, they have only appeared in the 2D top-down games. A different creature with a ratlike appearance, and the ability to shoot fireballs, called ''Copi'', was [[DubNameChange re-named]] Goriya, overseas, but in Japan is separate from Goriya.
----
* AnimalFacialHair: Particularly noticeable in ''Adventure of Link'', Goriyas have long and well-done mustaches much like a scottish terrier.
* BattleBoomerang: Their WeaponOfChoice in all games.
* ChuckCunninghamSyndrome: Despite being quite prominent among Ganon's minions in the first two games, and receiving dialogue, they pretty much just disappeared afterwards aside from a few minor cameos.
* CompositeCharacter: Overseas material attempts to claim that ''Copis'' are actually Goriyas.
* DubNameChange: The rat-like mimics, ''Copis'', were called ''Goriyas'' in the US.
* FearfulSymmetry: ''Copis'' in ''A Link to the Past''; they copy Link's movements, moving in the opposite direction to him. Red Copis also shoot fireballs when Link faces them.
* FoodAsBribe: A Goriya NPC has to be given bait to access certain areas in the first game.
* WhatHappenedToTheMouse: An interesting case here. Goriyas were quite common in the series' years on the NES, but they haven't appeared in a main console game since ''Adventure of Link.'' Their last appearance in a game was ''Oracle Of Seasons'' in 2001, where two boomerang throwing minibosses and a Goriya enemy appeared in the Gnarled Root Dungeon. Only the bosses were visually distinct from normal Goriyas (Looking more like minotaurs), whereas the Goriya enemies were simply Moblins with boomerangs. The overseas version of a ''A Link to the Past'' tries to claim Copis are them, but the two are obviously distinct.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Helmasaur]]
!!Helmasaur
Aggressive beasts that wear metal masks. The mask can be removed or destroyed to make them vulnerable.
----
* AttackItsWeakPoint: If you can't remove the mask, target its unprotected back.
* CoolMask: It can be removed or destroyed to make them more vulnerable. In some games, their face underneath is surprisingly cute.
* DashAttack: Their primary move.
* DubNameChange: They appear in ''Majora's Mask'', but they are called Hiploops. Even though in the game they look more insect-like than dinosaur-like (which is the case in most games), they are definitely supposed to be Helmasaurs, because they were always called Hiploops in Japan.
** In ''Link's Awakening'', they are called Iron Masks.
* EliteMook: In ''Twilight Princess'', you can encounter the Helmasaurus, a bulkier variant whose armor can't be removed.
* KingMook: The Helmasaur King, the boss of the Palace of Darkness.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Hinox]]
!!Hinox
Giant, powerful [[{{Cyclops}} one-eyed]] ogres that debuted in a ''A Link to the Past.'' They typically attack Link with bombs.
----
* AttackItsWeakPoint: In ''Phantom Hourglass'' and ''Breath of the Wild'' [[GoForTheEye Go for the eye.], in the latter game they'll try to cover it up after taking enough damage.
* BigEater: In ''Breath of the Wild'', they'll drop lots of roasted meat upon being killed. Whilst fighting Link they clearly intend to eat him.
* {{Cyclops}}: In all appearances, Hinox have only one eye on their face.
* GiantMook: In ''Breath of the Wild'' they're slightly redesigned to resemble giant Bokoblins.
* GoForTheEye: In ''Phantom Hourglass'' and ''Breath of the Wild'' attacking their eye with arrows is a good strategy. Due to a mistranslation, english manual of ''A Link to the Past'' implies they need to be attacked in the eye despite this not implying in that game.
* MadBomber: In most games, bombs are their [[WeaponOfChoice weapon of choice]], except in ''Breath of the Wild''. In a ''A Link to the Past'', they can even be found very close to the bomb shop in the Dark World implying they are
* {{Sleepyhead}}: You'll find them sleeping most of the time in ''Breath of the Wild''. You ''can'' quietly sneak up on them and steal their equipment without waking them up. Unfortunately not the case for skeletal [[NightOfTheLivingMooks Stalnoxes]], who are always awake.
* WasOnceAMan: It was implied in ''A Link to the Past'' that Hinoxes were Hylian thieves under the DarkWorld's KarmicTransformation and this is explicit in the manga adaptation by Ataru Cagiva.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Keese]]
!!Keese
Bat-like enemies that have appeared in every game since the original. They reside in dungeons or dark places and tend to swoop down upon Link, but they're usually not much of a threat, even in large numbers. They can come in fire or ice variations; they're still not much more of a threat, but they're bigger nuisances, as they can respectively burn your shield or freeze you solid.
----
* CallARabbitASmeerp: There's hardly any difference between Keese and bats. In ''Breath of the Wild'' they're slightly redesigned to look more monstrous.
* TheGoomba: They're pretty weak, and can be defeated with a single arrow or sword strike.
* MadeOfIron: Despite being [[TheGoomba one of the weakest enemy types in the series]], they can be engulfed in flames (or ice/icy fire) for several minutes and not be killed.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Like Like]]
!!Like Like
A stomach-like blob monster that swallows Link and devours certain items (usually shields).
----
* BanditMook: They don't do any damage when they attack, but they steal your shield when they do. There is a variant known as Rupee Like who, you guessed it, steal your Rupees.
* DecompositeCharacter: The "Pikit" enemy from ''A Link to the Past'' was called a Like-Like in Japanese, but "normal" Like-Likes are added to the the GBA version.
* EvilLawyerJoke: Although not referring to lawyers, ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosMelee'' reveals that Like Likes get their name from an old Hylian proverb: "Shield-eaters and world leaders have many likes alike". [[IceCreamKoan Whatever that means.]]
* PoisonMushroom: Their Rupee Like brethren disguise themselves as Rupees, and suck up Link's own Rupees if you fall for them. There's also Life Likes, which just damage Link but hide as helpful hearts. There's usually an easy way to distinguish them from the real things, though.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Lizalfos and Dinolfos]]
!!Lizalfos and Dinolfos
Lizard warriors that normally attack in pairs. Dinolfos are stronger, faster, and can breathe fire.
----
* DualBoss: Usually, they attack in pairs, whether attacking simultaneously or as a TagTeam. Occasionally, you can encounter trios.
* DinosaursAreDragons: Dinolfos can breathe fire from Majora's Mask onward.
* DraconicHumanoid: Dinolfos are sometimes depicted as humanoid dragons.
* EliteMook: The Dinolfos are this to Lizalfos. ''Twilight Princess'' gives us the Aeralfos, a variant that can fly.
* HollywoodChameleon: In ''Breath of the Wild'' they're modeled after chameleons, even being able to change color to blend in with the terrain.
* KnifeNut: One of their preferred weapons.
* PowerFist: In ''Skyward Sword'', they use giant rocky gauntlets.
* RougeAnglesOfSatin: Dinolfos is misspelled "Dinolfols" in ''Majoras Mask'' and "Dynalfos" in ''Twilight Princess''.
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Lynels]]
!!Lynels
A group of well-armed and powerful centaurs with Lion features, comprising some of the toughest enemies Link can find.
* BreathWeapon: Some can breath fire.
* DependingOnTheArtist: Not as extreme as many other Zelda monsters like moblins, but sometimes the lower body of a Lynel is based off a Lion complete with paws rather then a horse as in the Gameboy games.
* EliteMooks: High health, high strength, and very tenacious.
* KingOfBeasts: These Lion like beasts are known as the most proud and fearsome of all Monsters.
* MixAndMatchCritters: Lynels in several games are a mix of a Lion, a Hylian/Human and a Horse. Though some games remove the horse part.
* OurCentaursAreDifferent: Horse or Lion from the waist down, humanoids from the waist up with a Leonine head.
* SwordBeam: They can use this technique in the first game and the gameboy titles.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Moldorm]]
!!Moldorm
A worm (or centipede) monster, usually with a vulnerable point on the rear segment. Aside from this, they're most known for fighting on high platforms, where it's easy to fall off to a lower room.
----
* AttackItsWeakPoint: The giant versions have vulnerable tails.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Octorok]]
!!Octorok
An octopus (or squid in some cases) monster that shoots rocks from its snout. Notable for appearing in every single ''Zelda'' game, with the exception of ''Twilight Princess'', in which they're replaced by an {{Expy}}, ''Water Toadpoli.''
----
* AquaticMook: They take up this role in the 3D games, completely replacing the River Zora.
* DependingOnTheWriter: Octoroks are either aggressive fauna that naturally reside in Hyrule or unnatural monsters made of magic.
* DishingOutDirt: They tend to spit rocks.
* EverythingsSquishierWithCephalopods: They're cephalopodic monsters that spit rocks at their prey.
* {{Expy}}:
** The Water Toadpoli, a tadpole, in ''Twilight Princess'' fulfills the exact same role as the Octoroks from ''Ocarina of Time'' and ''Majora's Mask.'' It even has similar eyes.
** Octoroks themselves fight like Deku Scrubs in ''Skyward Sword.''
* TheGoomba: Is often the earliest encountered enemy in many of the 2D games, and one of the most fragile.
* KingMook: Big Octos, usually found blocking paths creating whirlpools.
* {{Retcon}}: The reveal in ''Spirit Tracks'' that mini Freezards are actually frozen Octoroks seems to imply that Octoroks were in ''Twilight Princess'' after all!
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Peahat and Leever]]
!!Peahat and Leever
A flying plant root that attacks with sharp leaves and cactus-like blobs found under the sand.
----
* GetBackHereBoss: Both annoyingly have a habit of making themselves impossible to harm, making Link wait for them to make themselves vulnerable. Peahats are notable in that they tend to ''flip'' from game to game whether they're vulnerable in their stationary state or their mobile state.
* ManEatingPlant: Both of them.
* MoneySpider: In several games, Leevers are excellent sources of rupees.
* PinataEnemy: Both of them. Peahats, in particular, are likely to drop health restoration items, so hunting them down can be a matter of life and death at times.
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Phantoms]]
!! Phantoms
Appearing in ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaPhantomHourglass'' and ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaSpiritTracks'', Phantoms are large, armor-clad monsters will an array of supernatural powers.
----
* AnAxeToGrind: Gold Phantoms wield axes.
* {{BFS}}: Their go-to weapon.
* VillainTeleportation: Both the Gold and Warp Phantoms can teleport around a room.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:River Zora]]
!!River Zora
Water-dwelling merfolk known to spit fireballs at anyone who trespasses their territories, not to be confused with their sleeker Sea Zora cousins.
----
* BreathWeapon: [[PlayingWithFire Fireballs]]; they're basically fire-breathing fish-men.
* FishPeople: Though they look a lot uglier than their sea counterparts.
* TokenHeroicOrc: A few River Zoras are helpful to Link, most notably Queen Oren in ''A Link Between Worlds.''
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Skulltula]]
!!Skulltula
Spider monsters with a skull motif on the back.
----
* DeathGlare: In the UsefulNotes/Nintendo64 games, at least, the "skulls" their bodies form look like they're perpetually doing this.
* GiantSpider: Definitely bigger than normal, and can be bigger than Link.
* SkeletonMotif: A Skulltula's armored carapace closely resembles a human skull. The actual head of the skulltula is located in the "skull's"' mouth.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Stalfos]]
!!Stalfos
A reanimated skeleton soldier. If you count the Stalchildren and Ikana Guards in ''Majora's Mask'' and the Stal-enemies in ''Breath of the Wild'', these enemies have appeared in pretty much all the games.
----
* AllThereInTheManual: The official Nintendo guide for ''Majora's Mask'' confirms the knights of Ikana are Stalfos.
* BallisticBone: Some variants throw them at you. These variants also have a nasty habit of jumping out of the way when you attack them with your sword.
* DemBones: They're the ''Zelda'' equivalent of the common "animated skeleton" you tend to see in fantasy settings.
* EliteMooks: Certain varieties of Stalfos are given this treatment, almost acting like minibosses, such as in ''Ocarina of Time''.
* NightOfTheLivingMooks: In ''Breath of the Wild'', rather than Stalfos, skeletal Stal-enemies emerge at night to harass Link. These include Stalkoblins, Stalmoblins, Stalizalfos and Stalnox.
* NocturnalMooks: In ''Ocarina of Time'' and ''Breath of the Wild'', Stalchildren and Stal-enemies emerge from the ground at night.
* UndergroundMonkey: They come in a variety of different forms across the different games.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Tektite]]
!!Tektite
A four-legged spider creature that gets around by hopping.
----
* GiantSpider: Fewer legs than in many cases, but still this trope.
* MoneySpider: For whatever reason, they tend to carry plenty of rupees, playing this trope literally. Blue ones, in particular, are likely to carry cash.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Wallmaster and Floormaster]]
!!Wallmaster and Floormaster
Disembodied giant hands that like to send Link back to the dungeon's entrance (or a cell, in some cases).
----
* HelpingHands: Though the helping part comes in if you're actually ''trying'' to get to the dungeon entrance.
* MookBouncer: Easily the most infamous one in gaming history.
* WallMaster: Though they only actually came out of the walls in the NES game (and the CDI games, but lets not talk about those).
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Wizzrobe]]
!!Wizzrobe
Wizard-like enemies that attack with spells.
----
* BossInMookClothing: Easily the most dangerous regular enemies in the series besides Darknuts.
* {{Expy}}: Their attack patterns are very similar to the wizards from ''VideoGame/TheTowerOfDruaga''.
* FragileSpeedster: Not too durable, but good luck catching up to their TeleportSpam.
* FeatheredFiend: ''The Wind Waker'' variant is a toucan of some sort, and they're some of the most fearsome enemies in the game.
* InTheHood: In several appearances, their faces are completely covered by a hood.
* SquishyWizard: Squishy, but backed up by magical mojo.
* TeleportSpam: Fights with Wizzrobes often involve [[GetBackHereBosschasing them all over the room]].
[[/folder]]
----
[[foldercontrol]]
!!Secondary Villains
[[folder:Dark Link]]
!!Link's Shadow/Dark Link/Shadow Link
[[quoteright:206:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/DarkLink_7857.png]]
Link's {{Doppelganger}} who first appeared as "Link's Shadow" in ''Zelda II: The Adventure of Link'', the surprise final boss. He's something of a popular character with the fandom despite his infrequent appearances and lack of characterization. He appears most notably in ''Ocarina of Time'' as the mini-boss in the [[DownTheDrain Water Temple]], and in ''Four Swords Adventures'' as a RecurringBoss.
There are many different Dark Links, just as there are many different Links. The character is alternately known as Link's Shadow (in ''The Adventure of Link''), Dark Link (in ''Ocarina of Time''), and Shadow Link (in ''Four Swords Adventures''); it is unknown if there are any meaningful differences between these names. In ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaALinkBetweenWorlds'', you can enter Shadow Link Battles as a [=StreetPass=] feature. They represent other players you pass and are equipped with up to two of the items they have.
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* BigBulkyBomb: He throws humongous bombs at you several times during ''Four Swords Adventures.'' Can also use them in ''A Link Between Worlds'' should an opposing player equip them with one.
* TheBlank: In many of his appearances, he has no facial features except for glowing red eyes, and sometimes not even that.
* BonusBoss: In the UsefulNotes/GameBoyAdvance version of ''A Link to the Past'' and in ''Spirit Tracks.''
* DegradedBoss: In ''Oracle of Ages'', Veran can create dark Link doppelgangers as easily defeated {{Mooks}}.
* {{Doppelganger}}: He is an evil, jet-black clone of Link.
* EvilTwin: He is identical to Link... except made of shadow.
* EnemyWithout: In ''Zelda II'', he is explicitly seen jumping out of Link, and in ''Hyrule Warriors'' manifests out of Link's shadow.
* FearfulSymmetry: One of his favorite combat tactics in boss battles.
* FightingAShadow: In ''Four Swords Adventures,'' he retreats into the DarkWorld whenever you beat him.
* FinalBoss: In ''The Adventure of Link'', he is the final boss.
* TheHeartless: The Shadow Link seen in ''Four Swords Adventures'' is a manifestation of the original Ganondorf's hatred towards Link.
* LegacyCharacter: Each Link copy is a different character and has a different explanation for their existence. In ''Zelda II'', Link's Shadow is the last test of worthiness for the Triforce of Courage. In ''Ocarina of Time'', Dark Link is a GiantSpaceFleaFromNowhere. In ''Four Swords Adventures'', Shadow Link is a creation of the Dark Mirror and a manifestation of the original Ganondorf's hatred for Link.
* MirrorBoss: In ''Ocarina of Time'', Dark Link mirrors the real Link's attacks.
* PaintItBlack: The versions in ''The Adventure of Link'', ''Ocarina of Time'', and ''Four Swords Adventures'' are jet-black.
* RedEyesTakeWarning: In ''Ocarina of Time'', he has glowing red eyes. This was carried over to the unnamed ''Oracle of Ages'' and ''Twilight Princess'' copies/illusions.
* SequentialBoss: In ''A Link to the Past'' (Game Boy Advance version).
* TheTrickster: In ''Four Swords Adventures'', he and his clones play malicious tricks on Link.
* WhiteHairBlackHeart: He is given white hair in his ''Twilight Princess'' incarnation.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Phantom Ganon]]
!!Phantom Ganon
A spirit that has been summoned by Ganondorf several times, and bears a physical resemblance to him.
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* CoolSword: A large black sword with a curl at the tip.
* DarkIsEvil: He started off as a Undead-looking monster at first, then seemed to transition into a LivingShadow.
* EvilLaugh: Lets one out from time to time.
* GlowingEyesOfDoom: In all incarnations.
* LivingShadow: His post-''Ocarina of Time'' incarnation had a design that invokes this.
* MesACrowd: In ''The Wind Waker'', he can temporarily summon four copies of himself that can strike down Link. In ''Ocarina of Time'', he uses a copy as a decoy.
* ProngsOfPoseidon: Wields a trident in ''Ocarina of Time.''
* TeleportSpam: His post-''Ocarina of Time'' incarnation makes heavy use of his teleportation powers.
* TennisBoss: Each incarnation must be damaged by deflecting his energy attacks.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Twinrova]]
!!Twinrova
[[quoteright:300:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/Twinrova_OoT_1334.png]]
The twin sisters Koume and Kotake, who were Ganondorf's adopted parents in ''Ocarina of Time.'' They presumably taught him his dark magical abilities and set him on his StartOfDarkness. Koume uses fire magic and Kotake uses ice magic. Their FusionDance forms a composite being that can use both. They were later seen trying to revive Ganon in the ''Oracle'' series. Interestingly, their AlternateUniverse counterparts in ''Majora's Mask'' are good guys who run a potion shop and tour boat in southern Termina.
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* CrystalBall: They are sometimes depicted as using one of these, mostly in the ''Oracle'' series.
* TheDragon: The twin sisters were Ganondorf's adopted parents. That probably explains a lot.
* DualBoss: You fight both witches at the same time, they eventually fuse together.
* ElementalRockPaperScissors: Whenever you face them; Koume is weak to ice and Kotake is weak to fire, so the typical fighting pattern is reflecting one's elemental attacks to damage her sister with it.
* EvilMatriarch: They rule the Gerudo tribe, and whoever disobeys gets banishment or enslavement to their son.
* EvilOldFolks: They're said to be ''centuries'' old.
* HotWitch: Their fused form Twinrova is noticeably more youthful.
* FlyingBroomstick: Their mode of transportation.
* FusionDance: Their Twinrova form, which the player usually has to fight.
* UnexplainedRecovery: In the ''Oracle'' series, provided they're not the same twins as in ''Ocarina of Time''. That game's Link defeated them and they ascended to heaven, yet they show up just fine in the ''Oracle'' games.
* WickedWitch: They fit the traditional archetype pretty well: evil, old, green skin, SinisterSchnoz, ride broomsticks, etc. Subverted in ''Majora's Mask'', however, where they run a potion shop and are helpful to Link (if a bit [[FantasticRacism racist]] towards Dekus and Gorons).
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Vaati]]
!!Vaati
[[quoteright:242:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/Vaati_1111.png]]
[[quoteright:350:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/vaati_demon2_9473.jpg]]
The main villain of the ''Four Swords'' sub-series. The backstory from ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaFourSwords'' told of how a young hero imprisoned him in the titular Four Sword and how he escaped when the seal weakened. ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTheMinishCap'' is his StartOfDarkness, explaining how he used the power of the Minish Cap to transform himself into a human sorcerer, and later a giant eyeball-cloud.
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* TheArchmage: Vaati displays incredible magical prowess.
* BigBad: He plays this role in the ''Four Swords'' sub-series.
* BlowYouAway: Being a wind mage in his later games, his attacks based on wind can send Link flying.
* BreakoutVillain: Vaati is the only villain to have played the BigBad in more than one game besides Ganon, which led to a rise of popularity and many suggesting a return whenever a new game makes itself known.
* CameBackWrong: However he came back to life between ''The Minish Cap'' and ''Four Swords'', he didn't come back the same. Instead of wanting the Lightforce to become all powerful, he went and kidnapped any pretty maiden that caught his attention.
* CurbStompBattle: Vaati won the tournament decisively and then went on to humiliate the soldiers of Hyrule in the beginning of ''The Minish Cap''.
* TheDragon: To Ganon in ''Four Swords Adventures''. Although he was most likely manipulated.
* DarkIsEvil: Wore deep purple robes after becoming a sorceror, and became pitch black after becoming an EldritchAbomination.
* EldritchAbomination: At the end of ''Minish Cap'', in ''Four Swords'', and in ''Four Swords Adventures'', he appears as a one-eyed demonic entity.
* EnfantTerrible: Even though his age is never mentioned, it's pretty obvious that he wasn't an adult in his human and his original Minish form, since his human artwork makes him barely taller than Link and his Minish-sprite is even smaller than that of a regular Minish. Additionally, he's so cute in these two forms that you wouldn't know he's a villain unless someone told you... Of ''course'' the knights of Hyrule suspected nothing when a young boy signed up for the tournament...
* EvilAlbino: His pre-{{Oculothorax}} form has very pale skin and hair paired with red eyes.
* EvilSorcerer: He's a skilled and powerful magician who wants to conquer Hyrule.
* FacelessEye: In his demon form, he's an {{Oculothorax}} with bat wings.
* FillerVillain: Fills in for Ganon in the ''Four Swords'' games where he isn't present.
* {{Foil}}: To the series' BigBad Ganon, as Vaati is the only other villain to have filled that role more than once. Ganondorf is a lone male Gerudo with green skin no other Gerudo has, Vaati was a Minish with an odd purple skin color that no other Minish has. Ganondorf turned evil because of jealousy for Hyrule's prosperity and a lust for power that got the better of him, Vaati turned evil because he was bored with his race and was interested in the evil in man's hearts. Ganondorf wears black armor and uses magic but prefers using brute force, Vaati wears purple and red but prefers only using magic in his fights. Both want to take over the world, but Ganondorf wants the Triforce (an ancient power left behind by the goddesses) and that goal stuck until ''Breath of the Wild'', where the Calamity Ganon was a wild beast; Vaati wanted the Lightforce (a power gifted from the Minish to the Royal Family) but his goal ended due to forgetting his past life. Ganon only kidnapped Zelda due to her connection with the Triforce, while Vaati originally wanted just the Lightforce that was within her but he ended up kidnapping her strictly for marriage.
* GigglingVillain: He laughs like the Happy Mask Salesman.
* {{Greed}}: One of the guards describes Vaati as greedy when the latter is impersonating the king in ''The Minish Cap''.
* IHaveYouNowMyPretty: In ''Four Swords'' and ''Four Swords Adventures'', [[WordOfGod due to forgetting his former life]], he's become obsessed with pretty girls. He kidnapped Zelda in the former because he wanted a bride.
* IJustWantToBeYou: This is how he felt about all humanity, according to ''The Minish Cap''. Fascinated by the potential of humans to commit evil in pursuit of their goals, he used the Wishing Cap to take the form of a human to start his quest for the Light Force.
* KilledOffForReal: [[WordOfGod Hyrule Historia]] states that Vaati was killed in the final fight of ''Four Swords Adventure'', permanently writing him off the Child Timeline. His fate in the Adult and Decline timeline is, anyhow, undisclosed.
* MeaningfulName: "Vaati" resembles "Venti", the Italian word for "Winds". Vaati's Japanese name, "Gufū", translated into English means "tornado".
* MotiveDecay: In ''Minish Cap'', he wants the Light Force, which is located in Princess Zelda. From then on, he desires any girl that catches his eye, with Princess Zelda for a bride. WordOfGod justifies this, as he has forgotten his life as a Minish and everything in it.
* NiceJobFixingItVillain: The plot probably wouldn't have been kickstarted after he revealed his true colors had he deduced that [[spoiler:Zelda was carrying the Light Force he was seeking]], and thus not [[TakenForGranite turned Zelda into stone.]]
* OneWingedAngel: At the end of ''Minish Cap'' he drains Zelda's light force and transforms into a humungous floating [[{{Oculothorax}} eyeball-cloud]].
* OlderThanHeLooks: At least after ''Minish Cap'', Vaati is immortal and all of his appearances are the same character.
* PeekABangs: Apparently he doesn't even use that eye, since he ditches it when he goes OneWingedAngel.
* PurpleIsPowerful: His Minish and Hylian forms feature different shades of purple, this includes his skin.
* Really700YearsOld: At least in ''Four Sword Adventures'', which is the last game in the timeline it appears in and has the same Vaati as the one from ''Minish Cap'', which is one of the earliest games in the timeline.
* RedEyesTakeWarning: All his forms have red eyes.
* RobeAndWizardHat: His first form in ''Minish Cap'' wears this.
* SealedEvilInACan: Vaati releases all the monsters within the Bound Chest when he shatters the Picori Blade. He later becomes the sealed evil when he is imprisoned within the Four Sword.
* StayingAlive: Each appearance by Vaati is the same character who has managed to live across several generations.
* SwordOfPlotAdvancement: He unleashes numerous monsters by destroying the Picori Blade. Fixing and upgrading the weapon is necessary to navigate through the world and ultimately to defeat Vaati.
* WasOnceAMan: ''Minish Cap'' reveals that he was once a Minish who transformed himself into a Hylian-like form. Once the Link of that game destroyed his body, he became the EldritchAbomination that he is for all other ''Four Swords'' games.
* TheXenophile: He grew up studying the evil potential of humans, even to the point of abandoning his Minish form. Even after losing his memories, he spends his time kidnapping human girls.
[[/folder]]
!!Common Monsters
[[folder:Armos and Beamos]]
!!Tropes applying to both
* DistinctionWithoutADifference: The Guardians of ''Breath of the Wild'' largely play their role with their stone bodies and EyeBeams, but their names make no reference to Armos and Beamos.
* MechaMook: They are mechanical beings made to guard rooms and objects.
!!Armos
A LivingStatue that chases Link. Their abilities and appearance change greatly from game to game.
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* MistakenForGranite: Especially confusing when they're found alongside other inanimate statues that look the same.
* TakenForGranite: [[AllThereInTheManual The original game manual]] states that they were actually soldiers turned into stone in that game. [[{{Retcon}} All subsequent entries do away with this explanation, however]], instead making them fully mechanical.
!!Beamos
A LivingStatue like Armos, but acts more like a sentry.
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* EyeBeams: Really powerful, too. Don't let it find you.
* GoForTheEye: Several games let you shoot the eyes.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Blin family]]
!!Blin family
Common goblin-like mooks whose names all end in the suffix "-blin". Designs have ranged from imp-like to bulldog-like to boar-like (this motif seems to be the most popular). The original subspecies is the Moblin, a large spear-wielding savage that served as common foes in earlier installments. The Bokoblins, introduced in ''Wind Waker'', are smaller and hinted to be smarter than the hulking Moblins. Bulblins are a more recent variation which can ride giant boars called Bullbos.
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* ArmyOfThievesAndWhores: Their role in most games.
* BarbarianTribe: Starting with ''Wind Waker'', they are shown to be comparatively civilized and intelligent among the monsters, but they are still savage thieves and raiders who will assault friendly travelers without a second thought.
* BreakoutCharacter: In early ''Zelda'' games, they were just another type of monster in Ganon's stable of minions, only with occassional friendly characters. Starting with ''Wind Waker'', the introduction of the Bokoblins led to all of the Blin races receiving more detailed societal and racial traits on par with friendly races such as the Gorons and Zoras. They are now treated as common footsoldiers and {{Mascot Mook}}s since then.
* BullyBulldog: In some games, Moblins are humanoid and aggressive bulldogs.
* DependingOnTheWriter: Games seem to vary between Blins being mindless magical beings, a sentient race that can be reasoned with, or some combination of the two. Their alliance also depends on the game, as in some games, such as ''The Legend of Zelda'' and ''Skyward Sword'', they serve the BigBad, while in other games, such as the ''Oracle'' games and ''Spirit Tracks'', they are simple bandits that Link gets in the way of.
* DogsAreDumb: Dog Moblins aren't portrayed as too bright, speaking with poor grammar in the TV series. In their defense, Pig Moblins aren't any smarter, and few monsters can speak at all in the video games.
* EliteMook: Starting with ''Ocarina of Time'', Moblins have been portrayed as one of the bigger, tougher enemies in the 3D games. This set in after Bokoblins were introduced, which have henceforth taken their role as the BigBad's common footsoldiers.
* KingMook: Bulldog Moblins are led by ''King Moblin'' in ''Link's Awakening'', and Pig Moblins are led by ''Great Moblin'' in both Oracle games. ''A Link to the Past'' and ''Nintendo Land'' make Ganon this to them.
* MiniMook: Miniblins are miniature Bokoblins. Their "da-na" noises will haunt your dreams.
* MookCarryover: They have served -- in chronological order -- Demise, Ghirahim, Vaati, and Ganondorf/Ganon. This implies that most Zelda antagonists, not just Ganon, have inherited Demise's curse of hatred.
* OurDemonsAreDifferent: ''Skyward Sword'' implies that they are demons who originally served Demise.
* OurGoblinsAreDifferent: On the scale between goblin and [[OurOrcsAreDifferent orc]], the Miniblins are the most goblinish and the Moblins the most orcish, with Bokoblins and Bulblins falling in between. Especially in ''Twilight Princess'', they tend to follow the Tolkien style of orc in terms of their characterization, though King Bulblin [[spoiler:eventually reveals himself to be more of a ProudWarriorRaceGuy in [[VideoGame/WorldOfWarcraft the Blizzard tradition]]]].
* PigMan: Moblins and to a lesser extent Bokoblins sometimes have this appearance, which helps establish them as minions to their leader Ganon.
* SavagePiercings: Both Bokoblins and Moblins have these in ''Skyward Sword'', with Moblins having [[FanDisservice nipple piercings]].
* TokenHeroicOrc: A few Moblins actually help Link on his quest.
* WeHaveReserves: They are fairly expendable. Averted in ''Breath of the Wild'', where Ganon uses his magic to revive his minions.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Bubble]]
!!Bubble
Despite the name, these things are flaming disembodied skulls that normally curse Link when he touches them.
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* TheArtifact: The name "Bubbles" for this monster made a lot more sense when they just looked like blue or red circles. Now that they've been modeled to look more like demonic flaming skulls, the name seems absolutely bizarre.
* DemBones: They appear as a flying skull (sometimes with bat-like wings) that surrounds itself in a globe of ghostly flames.
* InterfaceScrew: An effect they can have when they curse Link.
* InvincibleMinorMinion: In several games, it's completely impossible to defeat them; they must be instead evaded.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Buzz Blob and Cukemen]]
!!Buzz Blob and Cukemen
A BlobMonster which shocks Link when attacked with the sword. Using certain items on it turns it into the mysterious Cukeman creature who spouts weird advice and FourthWallBreaking lines.
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* BlackBeadEyes: When in Buzz Blob form.
* ShockAndAwe: Though it manifests in a passive version; the Buzz Blob only shocks Link when attacked with a melee weapon.
* SphereEyes: When in Cukeman form.
* TalkativeLoon: When in Cukeman form.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Chuchu]]
!!Chuchu
A fairly weak blob creature available in a wide range of colors and types, with each color normally yielding a useful spoil. Weak blob creatures have featured in numerous early ''Zelda'' games (Bits and Bots, Zols, and Buzzblobs), but the Chuchu has seemingly become a default replacement for all of them.
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* BlobMonster: A pretty weak one, too, though they can still be dangerous.
* EasterEgg: The chattering noise they make in ''Wind Waker'' is actually a [[http://40.media.tumblr.com/3c0ad89a1a7c3fd356cbc9157f5b7dcf/tumblr_mr4l8s0efD1rw70wfo1_500.png recording of an argument between two Japanese men, sped up and reversed.]]
* ElementalPowers: Some possess electrical, ice, or fire powers depending on the environment they're found in.
* TheGoomba: Along with Keese, they are among the most basic and weakest enemies in every game they are in.
* TheSpiny: Some Chuchus are naturally electrical, forcing you to use measures beyond simply swinging your sword at them.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Corrupted Soldier]]
!!Corrupted Soldier
Soldiers and guards of Hyrule who have been corrupted by evil. They attack in large numbers and can use a variety of weapons.
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* ArtAttacker: In most games, they're soldiers of Hyrule who have been corrupted. In ''A Link Between Worlds'', they are paintings brought to life.
* ArtifactMook: To a degree in a ''A Link Between Worlds'', where it's not explained why Yuga chose to create monsters based off the old uniform for the Hylian army.
** Averted in the Satellaview sequel to ''A Link to the Past'', where all the guards are friendly [=NPCs=] due to it being post-WorldHealingWave.
* BrainwashedAndCrazy: In ''A Link to the Past'', Agahnim brainwashed them when they refused to obey him. Vaati brainwashed or replaced them in ''Four Swords Adventures.''
* CannonFodder: Unlike Darknuts and Iron Knuckles, [[ArmorIsUseless their armor isn't very protective]] and Link can cut them down by the dozen.
* DummiedOut: Several soldier types, including one with a visible face, were cut from ''A Link to the Past.''
* EliteMook: Some soldier variants have stronger armor and weapons, with the strongest usually wielding [[EpicFlail Epic Flails]].
* FacelessGoons: Friendly soldiers normally have their faces exposed, whereas corrupted soldiers do not. Notably, when freed at the end of ''A Link to the Past'' their faces are visible.
* ZergRush: One of their primary tactics is to rush Link with numbers alone.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Darknut and Iron Knuckle]]
!!Darknut and Iron Knuckle
Powerful knights with protective armor. The two, whilst similar, are implied to be separate species.
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* AnAxToGrind: Iron Knuckles in ''Ocarina of Time'' wield axes as big as they are that take off four hearts (the max Link can have is twenty) per swing.
* AnimatedArmor: Some interpretations of Iron Knuckles suggest this, though at least one case explicitly shows that a person is inside the armor. Darknuts, however, are suggested to be living beings, and when Darknuts lose armor, they are shown to be creatures wearing armor.
* AttackItsWeakPoint: Normally, the only way to damage them is to hit a vulnerable gap in the armor.
* BeastMan: Darknuts in ''Wind Waker'' are depicted as jackal-like creatures underneath their armor.
* BossInMookClothing: Darknuts and Iron Knuckles are always among the most difficult enemies you will encounter, and are frequently featured as mini-bosses.
* LightningBruiser: Despite their appearance, Darknuts are ''not'' slow, which is part of why they're so dangerous. [[ShedArmorGainSpeed This goes double for when their armor is removed.]]
* MightyGlacier: Iron Knuckles, however, are very slow. They make up for this with the highest damage output of any enemy in the series outside ''Breath of the Wild'', often surpassing even ''Ganondorf'', and by wielding particularly dangerous weapons, like a [[AnAxeToGrind giant axe]] or an EpicFlail.
* ShedArmorGainSpeed: A gimmick of the Iron Knuckles, though the Darknuts picked up on it too, if at least just for ''Twilight Princess''.
* TurnsRed: In the 64 games, Iron Knuckles will lose their heavy armor after taking sufficient damage and speed up.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Deku Baba]]
!!Deku Baba
Man-eating venus flytrap-like plants. Comes in several different variations.
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* AttackItsWeakPoint: Cutting its stem is a OneHitKill. Bio Deku Babas and Baba Serpents keep moving when severed, though.
* {{Expy}}: In ''The Wind Waker'', they are replaced by Boko Babas. They're also similar to Piranha Plants from [[Franchise/SuperMarioBros another Nintendo series,]] to the point where the ones that appear in ''Mario Kart 8''[='=]s ''Zelda''-themed DLC track move and behave exactly like them.
* ManEatingPlant: Of the classic "carnivorous plant with a giant mouth-like bulb that lunges forward and attempts to snap you up" variety.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Dodongo]]
!!Dodongo
Fire-breathing dinosaur dragons that are typically found close to lava. The most well-known method of killing them is throwing bombs down their throats.
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* AttackTheTail: Other than feeding it bombs, the tail is another recurring weak spot.
* DefeatEqualsExplosion: In some games, Dodongos violently explode upon dying.
* DinosaursAreDragons: Of all the "dragons" in the ''Zelda'' series, Dodongos resemble dinosaurs the most, though in ''[[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTwilightPrincess Twilight Princess]]'', they look more like geckos.
* FeedItABomb: Varies slightly from game to game, but this is the most common way to kill them. In ''Twilight Princess'', feeding it an ''arrow'' works wonders for a OneHitKill too.
* TokenHeroicOrc: Dimitri in the ''Oracle'' games is an ally to Link.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Ghini and Poe]]
!!Ghini and Poe
Ghostly beings that usually can't be attacked by normal means, often requiring an item to make them vulnerable. The difference between the two is that Poes carry lanterns.
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* BedsheetGhost: Ghinis are one-eyed versions of this.
* DisappearsIntoLight: Inverted. Shining light on Poes gives them a physical form to attack in ''The Wind Waker''.
* HitodamaLight: The Poe's purple lanterns hold their restless spirits inside. If you kill them in ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaOcarinaOfTime'', you can scoop them up and keep them in a bottle.
* OurGhostsAreDifferent: And they're different from each other as well, too. While Ghinis are more like cute {{Bedsheet Ghost}}s, Poes tend to look creepier, and different with each game.
* ShoutOut: The four Poe Sisters from ''Ocarina of Time'', ''Majora's Mask'', and ''Oracle of Seasons'' share their names with the four young main protagonists of the novel ''Literature/LittleWomen''.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Gibdo and [=ReDead=]]]
!!Gibdo and [=ReDead=]
Reanimated corpse-like monsters (mummies in the former case), with the former being in more games than the latter.
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* BreakoutCharacter: [=ReDeads=] were initially just another enemy in ''Ocarina of Time'', but were featured alongside the series regular Like-Likes and Octoroks in ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosMelee''.
* EverythingsDeaderWithZombies: Redeads are walking corpses with death masks that slowly lumber to their prey and strangle them. They resemble both the voodoo and Romero zombies.
* GlowingEyelightsOfUndeath: [=ReDeads=] get this in ''The Wind Waker'' when they scream, while Gibdos have these all the time in ''Twilight Princess''.
* {{Golem}}: The [=ReDead=] trophies in ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'' and ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U'' state that they are artificial constructs seemingly made of magic and clay. It's debatable if this was ''always'' the case (especially in ''Majora's Mask'', where the ones in Ikana are gossiped to have once been members of the castle's dancing troupe), but they definitely have an incomplete-looking, clay-like appearance in ''Tri Force Heroes''.
* HellIsThatNoise: Their screams are just about the most startling thing in a ''Zelda'' game. This is especially true in-universe, where their screams are chilling enough to render ''Link'', bearer of the ''Triforce of '''Courage''''', ''paralyzed'' in fear.
* KillItWithFire: Zigzagged with Gibdos in 2-D games; hitting them with a fire attack doesn't kill them, but it does turn them into the far weaker (and [[ShedArmorGainSpeed more agile]]) Stalfos instead.
* {{Mummy}}: Gibdos are Stalfos wrapped in cloth.
* NightOfTheLivingMooks: [=ReDead=] are -- or at least ''resemble'' -- [[OurZombiesAreDifferent zombies]]. Likewise, Gibdo are [=ReDead=] or Stalfos wrapped in cloth.
* PersonalSpaceInvader: Both of them, but [=ReDeads=] to a [[MemeticMolester memetic extent.]]
* SavagePiercings: ''The Wind Waker'' [=ReDeads=] are decked out with this and tribal paint to give them a morbid appearance.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Gohma]]
!!Gohma
Arthropod monsters with a giant vulnerable eye.
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* {{Cyclops}}: They only have a single, massive eye -- which, naturally, is their only weak spot.
* GiantEnemyCrab: Varies between this and GiantSpider. They are usually said to be the former in 2D titles and the latter in 3D titles.
* GoForTheEye: From shooting it in the original to pulling it closer to you so you can [[EyeScream slice it up with your sword]].
* HiveQueen: Almost all Gohma bosses are identified as female, and often have brood minions.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Goriya]]
!!Goriya
Demons that resemble anthropomorphic scottish terriers. They are known for using boomerangs. To date, they have only appeared in the 2D top-down games. A different creature with a ratlike appearance, and the ability to shoot fireballs, called ''Copi'', was [[DubNameChange re-named]] Goriya, overseas, but in Japan is separate from Goriya.
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* AnimalFacialHair: Particularly noticeable in ''Adventure of Link'', Goriyas have long and well-done mustaches much like a scottish terrier.
* BattleBoomerang: Their WeaponOfChoice in all games.
* ChuckCunninghamSyndrome: Despite being quite prominent among Ganon's minions in the first two games, and receiving dialogue, they pretty much just disappeared afterwards aside from a few minor cameos.
* CompositeCharacter: Overseas material attempts to claim that ''Copis'' are actually Goriyas.
* DubNameChange: The rat-like mimics, ''Copis'', were called ''Goriyas'' in the US.
* FearfulSymmetry: ''Copis'' in ''A Link to the Past''; they copy Link's movements, moving in the opposite direction to him. Red Copis also shoot fireballs when Link faces them.
* FoodAsBribe: A Goriya NPC has to be given bait to access certain areas in the first game.
* WhatHappenedToTheMouse: An interesting case here. Goriyas were quite common in the series' years on the NES, but they haven't appeared in a main console game since ''Adventure of Link.'' Their last appearance in a game was ''Oracle Of Seasons'' in 2001, where two boomerang throwing minibosses and a Goriya enemy appeared in the Gnarled Root Dungeon. Only the bosses were visually distinct from normal Goriyas (Looking more like minotaurs), whereas the Goriya enemies were simply Moblins with boomerangs. The overseas version of a ''A Link to the Past'' tries to claim Copis are them, but the two are obviously distinct.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Helmasaur]]
!!Helmasaur
Aggressive beasts that wear metal masks. The mask can be removed or destroyed to make them vulnerable.
----
* AttackItsWeakPoint: If you can't remove the mask, target its unprotected back.
* CoolMask: It can be removed or destroyed to make them more vulnerable. In some games, their face underneath is surprisingly cute.
* DashAttack: Their primary move.
* DubNameChange: They appear in ''Majora's Mask'', but they are called Hiploops. Even though in the game they look more insect-like than dinosaur-like (which is the case in most games), they are definitely supposed to be Helmasaurs, because they were always called Hiploops in Japan.
** In ''Link's Awakening'', they are called Iron Masks.
* EliteMook: In ''Twilight Princess'', you can encounter the Helmasaurus, a bulkier variant whose armor can't be removed.
* KingMook: The Helmasaur King, the boss of the Palace of Darkness.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Hinox]]
!!Hinox
Giant, powerful [[{{Cyclops}} one-eyed]] ogres that debuted in a ''A Link to the Past.'' They typically attack Link with bombs.
----
* AttackItsWeakPoint: In ''Phantom Hourglass'' and ''Breath of the Wild'' [[GoForTheEye Go for the eye.], in the latter game they'll try to cover it up after taking enough damage.
* BigEater: In ''Breath of the Wild'', they'll drop lots of roasted meat upon being killed. Whilst fighting Link they clearly intend to eat him.
* {{Cyclops}}: In all appearances, Hinox have only one eye on their face.
* GiantMook: In ''Breath of the Wild'' they're slightly redesigned to resemble giant Bokoblins.
* GoForTheEye: In ''Phantom Hourglass'' and ''Breath of the Wild'' attacking their eye with arrows is a good strategy. Due to a mistranslation, english manual of ''A Link to the Past'' implies they need to be attacked in the eye despite this not implying in that game.
* MadBomber: In most games, bombs are their [[WeaponOfChoice weapon of choice]], except in ''Breath of the Wild''. In a ''A Link to the Past'', they can even be found very close to the bomb shop in the Dark World implying they are
* {{Sleepyhead}}: You'll find them sleeping most of the time in ''Breath of the Wild''. You ''can'' quietly sneak up on them and steal their equipment without waking them up. Unfortunately not the case for skeletal [[NightOfTheLivingMooks Stalnoxes]], who are always awake.
* WasOnceAMan: It was implied in ''A Link to the Past'' that Hinoxes were Hylian thieves under the DarkWorld's KarmicTransformation and this is explicit in the manga adaptation by Ataru Cagiva.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Keese]]
!!Keese
Bat-like enemies that have appeared in every game since the original. They reside in dungeons or dark places and tend to swoop down upon Link, but they're usually not much of a threat, even in large numbers. They can come in fire or ice variations; they're still not much more of a threat, but they're bigger nuisances, as they can respectively burn your shield or freeze you solid.
----
* CallARabbitASmeerp: There's hardly any difference between Keese and bats. In ''Breath of the Wild'' they're slightly redesigned to look more monstrous.
* TheGoomba: They're pretty weak, and can be defeated with a single arrow or sword strike.
* MadeOfIron: Despite being [[TheGoomba one of the weakest enemy types in the series]], they can be engulfed in flames (or ice/icy fire) for several minutes and not be killed.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Like Like]]
!!Like Like
A stomach-like blob monster that swallows Link and devours certain items (usually shields).
----
* BanditMook: They don't do any damage when they attack, but they steal your shield when they do. There is a variant known as Rupee Like who, you guessed it, steal your Rupees.
* DecompositeCharacter: The "Pikit" enemy from ''A Link to the Past'' was called a Like-Like in Japanese, but "normal" Like-Likes are added to the the GBA version.
* EvilLawyerJoke: Although not referring to lawyers, ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosMelee'' reveals that Like Likes get their name from an old Hylian proverb: "Shield-eaters and world leaders have many likes alike". [[IceCreamKoan Whatever that means.]]
* PoisonMushroom: Their Rupee Like brethren disguise themselves as Rupees, and suck up Link's own Rupees if you fall for them. There's also Life Likes, which just damage Link but hide as helpful hearts. There's usually an easy way to distinguish them from the real things, though.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Lizalfos and Dinolfos]]
!!Lizalfos and Dinolfos
Lizard warriors that normally attack in pairs. Dinolfos are stronger, faster, and can breathe fire.
----
* DualBoss: Usually, they attack in pairs, whether attacking simultaneously or as a TagTeam. Occasionally, you can encounter trios.
* DinosaursAreDragons: Dinolfos can breathe fire from Majora's Mask onward.
* DraconicHumanoid: Dinolfos are sometimes depicted as humanoid dragons.
* EliteMook: The Dinolfos are this to Lizalfos. ''Twilight Princess'' gives us the Aeralfos, a variant that can fly.
* HollywoodChameleon: In ''Breath of the Wild'' they're modeled after chameleons, even being able to change color to blend in with the terrain.
* KnifeNut: One of their preferred weapons.
* PowerFist: In ''Skyward Sword'', they use giant rocky gauntlets.
* RougeAnglesOfSatin: Dinolfos is misspelled "Dinolfols" in ''Majoras Mask'' and "Dynalfos" in ''Twilight Princess''.
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Lynels]]
!!Lynels
A group of well-armed and powerful centaurs with Lion features, comprising some of the toughest enemies Link can find.
* BreathWeapon: Some can breath fire.
* DependingOnTheArtist: Not as extreme as many other Zelda monsters like moblins, but sometimes the lower body of a Lynel is based off a Lion complete with paws rather then a horse as in the Gameboy games.
* EliteMooks: High health, high strength, and very tenacious.
* KingOfBeasts: These Lion like beasts are known as the most proud and fearsome of all Monsters.
* MixAndMatchCritters: Lynels in several games are a mix of a Lion, a Hylian/Human and a Horse. Though some games remove the horse part.
* OurCentaursAreDifferent: Horse or Lion from the waist down, humanoids from the waist up with a Leonine head.
* SwordBeam: They can use this technique in the first game and the gameboy titles.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Moldorm]]
!!Moldorm
A worm (or centipede) monster, usually with a vulnerable point on the rear segment. Aside from this, they're most known for fighting on high platforms, where it's easy to fall off to a lower room.
----
* AttackItsWeakPoint: The giant versions have vulnerable tails.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Octorok]]
!!Octorok
An octopus (or squid in some cases) monster that shoots rocks from its snout. Notable for appearing in every single ''Zelda'' game, with the exception of ''Twilight Princess'', in which they're replaced by an {{Expy}}, ''Water Toadpoli.''
----
* AquaticMook: They take up this role in the 3D games, completely replacing the River Zora.
* DependingOnTheWriter: Octoroks are either aggressive fauna that naturally reside in Hyrule or unnatural monsters made of magic.
* DishingOutDirt: They tend to spit rocks.
* EverythingsSquishierWithCephalopods: They're cephalopodic monsters that spit rocks at their prey.
* {{Expy}}:
** The Water Toadpoli, a tadpole, in ''Twilight Princess'' fulfills the exact same role as the Octoroks from ''Ocarina of Time'' and ''Majora's Mask.'' It even has similar eyes.
** Octoroks themselves fight like Deku Scrubs in ''Skyward Sword.''
* TheGoomba: Is often the earliest encountered enemy in many of the 2D games, and one of the most fragile.
* KingMook: Big Octos, usually found blocking paths creating whirlpools.
* {{Retcon}}: The reveal in ''Spirit Tracks'' that mini Freezards are actually frozen Octoroks seems to imply that Octoroks were in ''Twilight Princess'' after all!
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Peahat and Leever]]
!!Peahat and Leever
A flying plant root that attacks with sharp leaves and cactus-like blobs found under the sand.
----
* GetBackHereBoss: Both annoyingly have a habit of making themselves impossible to harm, making Link wait for them to make themselves vulnerable. Peahats are notable in that they tend to ''flip'' from game to game whether they're vulnerable in their stationary state or their mobile state.
* ManEatingPlant: Both of them.
* MoneySpider: In several games, Leevers are excellent sources of rupees.
* PinataEnemy: Both of them. Peahats, in particular, are likely to drop health restoration items, so hunting them down can be a matter of life and death at times.
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Phantoms]]
!! Phantoms
Appearing in ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaPhantomHourglass'' and ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaSpiritTracks'', Phantoms are large, armor-clad monsters will an array of supernatural powers.
----
* AnAxeToGrind: Gold Phantoms wield axes.
* {{BFS}}: Their go-to weapon.
* VillainTeleportation: Both the Gold and Warp Phantoms can teleport around a room.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:River Zora]]
!!River Zora
Water-dwelling merfolk known to spit fireballs at anyone who trespasses their territories, not to be confused with their sleeker Sea Zora cousins.
----
* BreathWeapon: [[PlayingWithFire Fireballs]]; they're basically fire-breathing fish-men.
* FishPeople: Though they look a lot uglier than their sea counterparts.
* TokenHeroicOrc: A few River Zoras are helpful to Link, most notably Queen Oren in ''A Link Between Worlds.''
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Skulltula]]
!!Skulltula
Spider monsters with a skull motif on the back.
----
* DeathGlare: In the UsefulNotes/Nintendo64 games, at least, the "skulls" their bodies form look like they're perpetually doing this.
* GiantSpider: Definitely bigger than normal, and can be bigger than Link.
* SkeletonMotif: A Skulltula's armored carapace closely resembles a human skull. The actual head of the skulltula is located in the "skull's"' mouth.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Stalfos]]
!!Stalfos
A reanimated skeleton soldier. If you count the Stalchildren and Ikana Guards in ''Majora's Mask'' and the Stal-enemies in ''Breath of the Wild'', these enemies have appeared in pretty much all the games.
----
* AllThereInTheManual: The official Nintendo guide for ''Majora's Mask'' confirms the knights of Ikana are Stalfos.
* BallisticBone: Some variants throw them at you. These variants also have a nasty habit of jumping out of the way when you attack them with your sword.
* DemBones: They're the ''Zelda'' equivalent of the common "animated skeleton" you tend to see in fantasy settings.
* EliteMooks: Certain varieties of Stalfos are given this treatment, almost acting like minibosses, such as in ''Ocarina of Time''.
* NightOfTheLivingMooks: In ''Breath of the Wild'', rather than Stalfos, skeletal Stal-enemies emerge at night to harass Link. These include Stalkoblins, Stalmoblins, Stalizalfos and Stalnox.
* NocturnalMooks: In ''Ocarina of Time'' and ''Breath of the Wild'', Stalchildren and Stal-enemies emerge from the ground at night.
* UndergroundMonkey: They come in a variety of different forms across the different games.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Tektite]]
!!Tektite
A four-legged spider creature that gets around by hopping.
----
* GiantSpider: Fewer legs than in many cases, but still this trope.
* MoneySpider: For whatever reason, they tend to carry plenty of rupees, playing this trope literally. Blue ones, in particular, are likely to carry cash.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Wallmaster and Floormaster]]
!!Wallmaster and Floormaster
Disembodied giant hands that like to send Link back to the dungeon's entrance (or a cell, in some cases).
----
* HelpingHands: Though the helping part comes in if you're actually ''trying'' to get to the dungeon entrance.
* MookBouncer: Easily the most infamous one in gaming history.
* WallMaster: Though they only actually came out of the walls in the NES game (and the CDI games, but lets not talk about those).
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Wizzrobe]]
!!Wizzrobe
Wizard-like enemies that attack with spells.
----
* BossInMookClothing: Easily the most dangerous regular enemies in the series besides Darknuts.
* {{Expy}}: Their attack patterns are very similar to the wizards from ''VideoGame/TheTowerOfDruaga''.
* FragileSpeedster: Not too durable, but good luck catching up to their TeleportSpam.
* FeatheredFiend: ''The Wind Waker'' variant is a toucan of some sort, and they're some of the most fearsome enemies in the game.
* InTheHood: In several appearances, their faces are completely covered by a hood.
* SquishyWizard: Squishy, but backed up by magical mojo.
* TeleportSpam: Fights with Wizzrobes often involve [[GetBackHereBosschasing them all over the room]].
[[/folder]]
