The kingdom of Hyrule in The Legend of Zelda is a vast and beautiful land filled with a myriad of different races. While many races, such as Gorons and Zoras, return in many games, some races only appear in one or two games.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild surprised many when it brought back Rito from The Wind Waker, revamping the bird-like character to better fit the game's vision of Hyrule. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is bringing back the Deku in a bigger role, one they haven't seen since Majora's Mask. With this in mind, anything is possible. Here are the 10 Zelda races we'd like to see return next time.
10 Parella
Jellyfish-like proto-Zora
In The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, the Parella were a race of squid-like creatures who lived in Lake Florian, serving their dragon god Faron. They lack the Zora's ability to survive on both land and water, and are instead confined solely to the water.
The Parellas would likely need a redesign if they were to adapt to a more modern Zelda game, as their design was intended to be primitive for Skyward Sword's ancient setting. Perhaps they could be redesigned to fit races like the land and sea Zoras, possibly forming some sort of rivalry with the Zoras on land or relationships.
9 Kikwi
Shy little kiwi
Before the Kokiri or Korok called the vast forests of Hyrule home, the land belonged to the Kikwi in Skyward Sword. Resembling a mix between a kiwi and a kiwi bird, these adorable creatures have a naturally shy disposition, trying to disguise themselves as plants when scared. It doesn't work very well though.
The Kikwi may not need a redesign if they return in a future Zelda title, but they will have to share the Lost Woods with the Korok if they choose to live there. Perhaps the two could have some sort of mutually beneficial alliance. Alternatively, they could call some other forest in Hyrule home. There are certainly many to choose from.
8 Anouki
People in favor of frost
The Anouki are a strange race with penguin bodies, reindeer antlers, and a humanoid face. They first appeared in Phantom Hourglass, then returned in the sequel Spirit Tracks. Despite being friendly, these ice travelers pretend to stay in their communities.
If they returned in a future Zelda title, they would likely need to be redesigned to fit Hyrule's more realistic humanoid races. Perhaps they could be given a more anthropomorphic reindeer design with heavy winter coats to resemble their original design. This version of the Anouki may live far north of Hyrule, among the ice and snow where few other races dare venture.
7 Mogma
These claws are meant for digging
The Mogma were another surface-dwelling race in Skyward Sword. While Gorons are also present in the game, the province of Eldin is instead populated by this mole-like race. These greedy souls use their claws to bury themselves underground in search of rupees and treasure, even if it puts their lives at risk.
Mogmas probably wouldn't need any kind of redesign, but the way they are styled could change depending on the game. Modern Mogma might travel throughout Hyrule in search of glittering treasures, or they might share Death Mountain with the Gorons. Perhaps the two could have some sort of mining rivalry, as the Gorons were shown to be miners in Breath of the Wild and its sequel.
6 Subrosians
Living between rock and lava
In the land of Holodrum of the Oracle of Seasons, there was a secret land hidden beneath the surface, known as Subrosia. Here lived the hooded race of Subrosians, capable of surviving alongside the lava. They like lava baths and dancing.
Depending on the art style of the game the Subrosians are back in, a redesign may or may not be necessary. The Subrosians could live deep beneath Hyrule's surface in hidden communities unbeknownst to most of the kingdom. There they dug and lived comfortably near the lava, perhaps hiding secrets relevant to the game's plot.
5 Lokomo
Locomotive lovers
The Lokomo only appeared in Spirit Tracks, where they aided Link and Zelda in their quest against the Demon King Malladus. Six of the seven Lokomos traveled by mechanical vehicle, while the seventh walked on foot. Fitting for a game where you drive a train, this race takes its name from train-related puns.
Lokomos may be stylized differently depending on the game, but their general appearance wouldn't be unsuitable for most Zelda games. The Lokomo would fit into a more futuristic The Legend of Zelda title, where they could be mechanically inclined souls, helping Link understand futuristic technology or even upgrading his tools.
4 Zonai
The dawn of the legend
Fans have been theorizing about what the Zonai might be like since Breath of the Wild, only for Tears of the Kingdom to make their identity clear. In this alternate version of Hyrule's history, these goat-like beings founded the kingdom of Hyrule when their leader Rauru married a Hylian named Sonia.
If the Zonai return, we'd love to see Hyrule at the height of their rule. While we know a lot about their technology, we know less about what their race was like. By the time of Tears of the Kingdom, only two remained. We'd like to see how they lived in ancient Hyrule and how they interacted with the other races in the land.
3 Kokiri
Children of the forest
The Kokiri infant race first appeared in Ocarina of Time, where they lived under the protection of the Great Deku Tree. In The Wind Waker, the Kokiri have all disappeared, transformed into Korok by the Great Deku Tree to better survive in the vast Great Sea. Although the Korok later appeared in Breath of the Wild, the Kokiri did not return with them.
The Kokiri are difficult to distinguish from the other children of Hyrule, so the developers may choose to redesign them. Alternatively, they could remain the same, remaining mysterious as they lived in one of Hyrule's many forests. They would likely live alongside the Koroks, as both are considered the children of the Great Deku Tree.
2 Minimum
The miniature people hidden among us
The Minish, also known as Picori, were a tiny race no larger than a child's thumb. Their only appearance was in the Minish Cap, where they lived in forests, mountains, and cities, hidden where no one could notice them. It is said that only good children can see the Minish.
A race resembling the Minish appeared in early Breath of the Wild cinematics, although they did not appear in the finished game or its sequel. In a new game, the Minish could live secret lives, hidden throughout Hyrule, just like the Korok. They might appear if you solve puzzles or look in the right places, perhaps offering some sort of collectible to find them.
1 Twili
The return of the twilight kingdom
The Twili appeared in one game – Twilight Princess – but fans have been begging for their return ever since. When Midna shattered the Twilight Mirror at the end of the game, we began praying for the chance to restore it and visit the Twilight Realm again. We have never had this possibility until now.
The return of the Twili would mean a return to the Twilight Realm. Perhaps this time we could fully explore the home of the Twili, learning about its people and the world they live in. While Midna or Zant don't need to return, we'd love to see characters similar to them, with their signature sarcasm and playful natures.
