Hylian Ethnicity in Hyrule | World Anvil
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Hylian

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Hylians speak the language of their home country (usually some form of common Hylian), plus one other. They generally learn the languages of those they deal with, including obscure dialects. Examples include Goron, Zora and Moblin.

Culture and cultural heritage

From the earliest days of recorded Hylian history, these people have lived in the belief that they were created as Hylia's chosen people. They were proud that the Princess and Hero were chosen from their race. It's even fabled that Hylia gave them their long, pointed ears in order to hear the goddesses better.   Even though the belief that their goddess abandoned them is fairly widespread among the Hylian people, this perceived sacredness still influences their culture to this day. The art and architecture once saved for giving glory to their goddesses eventually became the way to flaunt one's wealth, the long, thick robes of the priests slowly started appearing in the nobility's closets. Some especially close-minded Hylians still look down their noses at the other races.

Art & Architecture

Nicer Hylian structures, such as castles, temples, and extravagant homes, are made out of stone bricks. They stretch up to the sky, originally designed as an attempt to get closer to their goddesses. These buildings also tend to be decorated with pillars, statues, stained-glass windows, and banners. Other, more common Hylian structures are made out of wood and mortar bricks, and are usually pretty plain and functional, but cozy, nonetheless.   Hylian art more often than not will have motifs of the Hylian Crest woven into it, even though its religious meaning has all but faded. Some say that there are statues of past Princesses and Heroes within the walls of Hyrule Castle, but it's likely that they've been destroyed or vandalized by now. Many rich Hylians study painting as a past time, usually focusing on landscapes or still life pieces.

Coming of Age Rites

It used to be common practice, for those who could afford it, for Hylian children to receive a replica of the Hero of Time's tunic when they turn 14 as a reminder to stay strong and courageous, with a blessing from the Goddess Hylia ushering them into adulthood.   However, the practice has since decreased in popularity, with usually only very religious or wealthy families participating in the ceremony.

Common Myths and Legends

The most well-known legends and myths in all of Hyrule are those of the Princess Zelda, Link, the Hero of Time, and of Ganondorf, the bearers of the Triforces of Wisdom, Courage, and Power, respectively.   There are many tales of Zelda and Link's struggle to protect Hyrule against Ganondorf's plot to claim all the pieces of the Triforce for himself and destroy Hyrule, all a little different, but still the same, nonetheless.

Historical figures

Hyrule's rulers have, up until present day, always been of Hylian descent. There have been countless King Hyrules and Princess Zeldas, up until the last Princess shattered the Triforce and broke the reincarnation cycle.

Ideals

Gender Ideals

Hylians are generally a very androgynous-looking race at face value, and there aren't really any "enforced" gender roles. Hylians are allowed to dress as any gender they want with no repercussions.   If a Hylian wants to present more femininely, they might keep their hair long and wear more jewelry and dresses than others. They may speak in a slightly higher voice than the others, as well. Hylians that want to present more masculinely might cut their hair shorter, with less (but still some!) jewelry, and wear clothes such as tunics and breeches.   With Hylians, there are always exceptions to these rules. Some men wear long, dress-like tunics and keep their hair long, as well. Some women prefer to strap on some armor and take up a sword.   However, whenever one starts to climb the social ladder, even into nobility, gender presentation tends to get a bit more strict. Not in the sense that they're expected to dress as the gender they were assigned, but that there can't be much ambiguity about gender. Women are expected to wear dresses and jewelry as a sign of their position, and men are expected to wear tunics and armor in the same way.

Race Stats and Abilities

Ability Score Increase. You may add +1 to two different ability scores of your choice.

Size. Humans are medium.

Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Classes. Hylians find themselves most attracted to 'civilized' places, and hence are rarely Barbarians, Druids or Rangers. Most spellcasting Hylians are Clerics or Wizards, while Fighters and Paladins are also common.

Ability Score Increase. Your Wisdom score increases by 1.

Blessing of Hylia. You may, as an action, cast the Bless spell, without providing material components. You must target yourself, but may also target up to two allies. Once you have done this, you must take a long rest before doing it again.

Long Ears. Hylians have Advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks to hear noises due to their sensitive ears.

Diverged ethnicities
Related Organizations
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