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The King of Red Lions is a recurring character in The Legend of Zelda series, first appearing in The Wind Waker.[3]

Biography[]

The Wind Waker[]

The King of Red Lions is a talking sailboat that Link meets after he is tossed out into the Great Sea upon being caught by the Helmaroc King in the Forsaken Fortress.[4] It is with this boat that Link is able to move from one island to another. Good-spirited and filled with wisdom, the King of Red Lions speaks to Link and explains what is currently happening and what he needs to do next.[5] He can glimpse Link's various adventures apart from him through the Pirate's Charm, which he also uses to give the hero hints.

The boat can be operated with multiple items in Link's arsenal, such as the Sail. When attached to the mast, it allows for easy sailing to the prevailing direction of the wind.[6] In The Wind Waker HD, Link can also obtain the Swift Sail from the nightly Windfall Auction at Windfall Island. The upgrade increases the boat's sailing speed and automatically changes the direction of the wind to the boat's heading. This assures full sailing speed in all directions and eliminates the need for the "Wind's Requiem" while at sea. The Grappling Hook can be used with the salvage crane to retrieve items from the bottom of the Great Sea. Bombs will give the ship a cannon to fire at enemies.

Later in the game, it is revealed that the boat is actually Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule, the king of Hyrule who lives under the sea.[7] The King of Red Lions is last seen at the end of the game, lifeless, as the King chooses to remain in Hyrule after the final battle. Link is seen departing from Outset Island in the boat to search for a new land alongside Tetra and her pirate crew.

The King of Red Lions can speak the ancient Hylian tongue, and does so on Link's behalf in conversations with Valoo and Jabun.

Link & the King of Red Lions (Figurine from The Wind Waker)
TWW Link & the King of Red Lions Figurine Model
Link & the King of Red Lions
Birthplace: Outset Island
Favored Hand: Left

The Hero of Wind, Link uses the Wind Waker to control the wind and sail the seas on his mysterious boat (which is actually the King of Hyrule).

Surprisingly, he seems to have an unnatural interest in figurines and has at last completed his collection! He is now the master of the Nintendo Gallery.

Four Swords Adventures[]



In Four Swords Adventures, the King of Red Lions appears only in Navi Trackers mode.

Spinoff appearances[]

Hyrule Warriors[]

In Hyrule Warriors and its reissues, Hyrule Warriors Legends and Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition, King Daphnes transforms into the King of Red Lions as part of his Sail Weapon's moveset, as well during his victory animation.

Crossover appearances[]

Super Smash Bros. series[]

Super Smash Bros. Brawl[]

In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, The King of Red Lions appears in the Pirate Ship stage, floating behind the ship every once in a while, creating an extra platform. He also appears as a Trophy and a Sticker.


# Trophy Significant Games Description How to unlock
225 SSBB King of Red Lions Trophy Model
King of Red Lions
The Wind Waker A talking ship that rescues Link when he is thrown out to sea by the Helmaroc King. Rich with knowledge, he is a valuable partner, guiding Link in his adventures. As the ship is without a sail, Link must first acquire one on Windfall Island before venturing out on the Great Sea. It has been revealed that the King of Red Lions is actually the king of Hyrule. Random


Sticker Artwork from Effect in The Subspace Emissary Usable by
SSBB King of Red Lions & Link Sticker Icon
King of Red Lions & Link
The Wind Waker [Explosive] - Attack +20 All

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U[]

In Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, the King of Red Lions returns as a Trophy, and he retains his appearance in the Pirate Ship stage.


# Trophy Appears in Description How to unlock
3DS Logo WiiU
212 N/A SSBfWU King of Red Lions Trophy Model The Wind Waker The world may be a big place, but we're pretty sure the King of Red Lions is one of a kind. He is well versed in ancient traditions, seem to know an awful lot about Link's destiny, and was even the one who gave Link the legendary Wind Waker. There's definitely more to this boat than meets the eye. Random
King of Red Lions

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate[]

In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, the King of Red Lions returns a third time as a feature in the Pirate Ship stage.

Trivia[]

  • If the King of Red Lions is struck with any of Link's weapons, he will react to the attack and turn red.

Nomenclature[]

TMC Forest Minish Artwork Names in other regions TMC Jabber Nut Sprite
LanguageNameMeaning
FranceFrenchEULion Rouge (TWWHD)[8]Red Lion
This table was generated using translation pages.
To request an addition, please contact a staff member with a reference.

Gallery[]

See also[]

References

  1. "Well met, Hyrule King!" — Jabun (The Wind Waker HD)
  2. "The King of Red Lions likely expects great deeds of you—it is why he brought you here. I am sorry to ask this of you, but can you go rescue young Makar for me?" — Great Deku Tree (The Wind Waker)
  3. Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 258 (TWW)
  4. "Did I startle you? I suppose that is only natural. As wide as the world is, I am the only boat upon it who can speak the words of men." — King of Red Lions (The Wind Waker)
  5. "In that case, I shall guide you as we go forward.. advising you on what you should do, and where you must go." — King of Red Lions (The Wind Waker)
  6. "You got a boat's sail! Set it to (Y), (Z), or (X), then use it while on your boat to sail across the sea." — N/A (The Wind Waker)
  7. "Link, do you not recognize my voice? Indeed, I am the one who guided you here. I am the King of Red Lions." — Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule (The Wind Waker)
  8. Encyclopedia (Les Éditions Soleil) pg. 258
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