The Legend of Zeldais, in many ways, rooted in traditional fantasy tropes. Theloosely defined nature ofZeldalore, aided by several distinct timelines, and the series’ long-running history, have allowed it to play with these tropes and evolve its own distinct narrative identity, developing its own versions of fairies, mermaids, and the like.
For example, Hylians are inspired by classically written elves: they live in harmony with humans, looking just like them but with pointed ears, and have a vague connection to the divine. Blin, which is a category encompassing the likes of Moblins and Bokoblins, is another manifestation of this classic fantasy inspiration, clearly influenced by traditional depictions of goblins. But while these high fantasy conventions are more or less consistent throughoutThe Legend of Zelda, there’s one race that’s decidedly less well-defined: Dwarves.
Do Dwarves Exist In the Zelda Universe?
Dwarves Are Featured in A Link to the Past and A Link Between Worlds
Heading to Kakariko Village inA Link to the Past, Link will be able to connect with a Dwarven swordsmith, whose brother is trapped in the Dark World. Once the brother is rescued, these swordsmiths will be able to improve Link’s weaponry. These Dwarves, whichreappear inA Link Between Worlds, are shown to be stout, bearded, and hardy, adhering to all the physical characteristics of the fictional race.
But these are the only instances ofZeldadirectly referencing Dwarves, which has left fans scratching their heads. On the one hand, it would appear that these particular characters are indeedDwarves similar to those fromLord of the Rings, sharing all the same traits, right down to their affinity for blacksmithing. On the other hand, the absence of other Dwarves in subsequent games suggests that these characters may just have a form of dwarfism, which is what drives their label.
The dwarfism theory would put theZeldafranchise in conversation withA Song of Ice and Fire, wherein characters with dwarfism, such as Tyrion Lannister and Penny, are treated like members of a different race, despite simply having a poorly understood medical condition.
Dwarves May Have Been Replaced by Gorons
Another plausible explanation for the aforementioned Dwarf references is a more metatextual one.A Link to the Pastwas released in 1991, when theZeldafranchise was still relatively young, and it’s quite possible that Nintendo was simply experimenting with different fantasy tropes during this time, including Dwarves almost unconsciously, as they are so prominent in the genre.
Years later,Ocarina of Timeintroduced Gorons, and while these rock-like people are far more proprietary in their design, they actually have a good bit in common with the de facto Dwarves of fantasy pedigree. Gorons are stouthearted, hardy, good-natured warriors with a natural tendency toward mining and blacksmithing, not unlike traditional Dwarves. Dwarves are often depicted as living in cavernous environments and being especially loyal to their kind, which are even more traits shared with Gorons. It’s possible that theZeldaseries was in need of this archetype, and Gorons were devised as a more unique alternative to Dwarves.
How Dwarves Could Come Back to Zelda
Having said all that, the inclusion of Dwarves inALttPandALBWdoes leave the door open for their return at some point. It wouldn’t need much explaining, especially ifZeldaundergoes another stylistic change followingTOTK, but Nintendo could find clever ways to work them into the lore. For instance, Dwarves could be descendents of the Minish, which are well-defined as an ancient race inZelda. There’s alsoTingle, who, at least inMajora’s Mask, believes he is descended from the Kokiri. This can’t be true, as he clearly has mature features, but perhaps he actually carries some Dwarf blood, which would explain his small stature.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
WHERE TO PLAY
Save Hyrule—this time with the wisdom of Princess Zelda!The people of Hyrule are being stolen away by strange rifts—and with a certain swordsman among the missing, it’s up to Princess Zelda to save her kingdom in the latest adventure in The Legend of Zelda™ series!Team up with the ethereal creature Tri and use the Tri Rod to create “echoes,” which are imitations of things you find in the environment—then recreate those echoes whenever you like to solve puzzles and defeat enemies. Use echoes like water blocks to reach new heights, make bridges out of old beds, throw rocks at foes, or find your own combination of echoes to do things your way. You can even make echoes of monsters to fight at your side in combat!
