The Zonai are a mysterious yet unseen, prehistoric tribe of barbarians whose existence is marked by ruins and an armor set in Breath of the Wild.
Characteristics[]
No one has yet seen a member of this tribe. However, it is known that they were a savage, warlike tribe from the Faron Region. They constructed several ancient ruins made of stone. Their name comes down to us from their largest ruin site: the Zonai Ruins. Their wild and untamed ways are known by the the fierce power enchanted within their armor.[1][2][3] Etched into the stonework associated with this tribe is a spiral symbol, which is considered to be the tribe's crest.[4]
History[]
Very little is known about this tribe's history. But what is known can be gleaned from the remains of their civilization left behind all across Hyrule. Of course their established stronghold, the Zonai Ruins, extends through Damel Forest to the Spring of Courage,[5][6] which rests in the heart of Faron.[7]
Breath of the Wild[]
The Zonai appear to have vanished a long time ago.[8] Many of their relics are tied to the ancient shrines,[9] and their powerful set of Armor is gifted by the Monks found in Shrines at the heart of three massive mazes: North Lomei Labyrinth, South Lomei Labyrinth and Lomei Labyrinth Island. The mazes themselves appear to be related to the tribe, but their exact relationship remains unknown.[10]
The sequel to Breath of the Wild[]
In the reveal trailer, Link and Zelda are seen exploring a vast cave system which has many Zonai-made stone monuments, such as pillars and animal carvings.
Trivia[]
- According to Senior Lead Artist, Makoto Yonezu, the name, Zonai, is an anagram of the Japanese word nazo, meaning mystery.[11]
- The many stone blocks arranged in odd patterns across Hyrule bear their tribe's spiral mark.
Nomenclature[]
 Names in Other Regions 
| ||
|---|---|---|
| Language | Name | |
  |
EnglishUK | Zonai |
 |
Japanese | ゾナウ (Zonau) |
 |
FrenchEU | Zonau |
Gallery[]
Boar statue at Faron Woods, as seen in-game
Dragon statue and pillar at Damel Forest, as seen in-game
Guchini Plain, as seen in-game
Fishing Resort in Lurelin Village, as seen in-game
Palmorae Ruins, as seen in-game
Entrance to Thyphlo Ruins, as seen in-game
Thundra Plateau, as seen in-game
Dragon statue at the Thundra Plateau, as seen in-game
The crest of the Zonai
See Also[]
- Zonai Ruins
- Lomei Labyrinth Island
- North Lomei Labyrinth
- South Lomei Labyrinth
- Thundra Plateau
- Palmorae Ruins
- Thyphlo Ruins
- Lurelin Village
- Faron Grasslands
- Farosh
- Barbarian Set
- Korok
- Sheikah
References
- ↑ "Armor once favored by an ancient warlike tribe from the Faron region. The war paint bolsters your fighting spirit and raises your attack power.." — Inventory (Breath of the Wild)
- ↑ "These leg wraps were favored by a warlike tribe from the Faron region long ago. They're adorned with traditional markings that bolster your fighting spirit to raise your attack power." — Inventory (Breath of the Wild)
- ↑ "A helmet once worn by the warriors of an ancient warlike tribe from the Faron region. Wearing it draws out your inner animal, increasing your strength and battle prowess." — Inventory (Breath of the Wild)
- ↑ "This spiral pattern seems to be the unique mark of the Zonai, and it can be seen throughout the land." (Creating a Champion, Dark Horse, pg. 413)
- ↑ "Ruins in the Faron Woods thought to be home to a mysterious ancient tribe. The Spring of Courage is found within." (Creating a Champion, Dark Horse, pg. 359)
- ↑ "The home of the Zonai. They are thought to have worshiped a water dragon, since the area has many rock carvings dedicated to such a being. The stone structure surrounding the Spring of Courage bears the face of a large dragon, and this place must have been a sanctuary for the Zonai as well." (Creating a Champion, Dark Horse, pg. 413)
- ↑ "The history of the Zonai people has been lost to time. There are rumors that they were a savage tribe based in Faron, where the most substantial of their ruins are located. However, Zonai ruins or ruins with very similar characteristics can be found in all parts of Hyrule (highlighted in green). In addition to the massive palace in Faron, the Zonai ruins throughout Hyrule seem to have elements connecting them to the ancient shrines. The Zonai themselves are spoken of in hushed whispers as strong magic wielders who vanished suddenly thousands of years ago. The disappearance of the Zonai is one of Hyrule's greatest mysteries." (Creating a Champion, Dark Horse, pg. 413)
- ↑ "The Zonai themselves are spoken of in hushed whispers as strong magic wielders who vanished suddenly thousands of years ago. The disappearance of the Zonai is one of Hyrule's greatest mysteries." (Creating a Champion, Dark Horse, pg. 413)
- ↑ "In addition to the massive palace in Faron, the Zonai ruins throughout Hyrule seem to have elements connecting them to the ancient shrines." (Creating a Champion, Dark Horse, pg. 413)
- ↑ "These giant mazes were built long, long ago. They appear to have some similarities to the Zonai Ruins in Faron, but whether or not there is a connection between them is unknown. Regardless, both were constructed in areas that are inaccessible to the average person." (Creating a Champion, Dark Horse, pg. 342)
- ↑ "And, yes, their name is a pun. "Zonai" is a take on nazo, a word meaning "mystery" in Japanese. [laughs]" (Creating a Champion, Dark Horse, pg. 342)