Template:Enemy Keese are recurring enemies in The Legend of Zelda series. They are bat-like creatures that inhabit dank, shadowy dungeons or pitch-black caves similarly to their real-life counterparts. Following their debut in The Legend of Zelda, they have since become a staple of The Legend of Zelda series and appear in the majority of games with the exception of The Adventure of Link, where Keese are absent and are instead replaced by the similar enemy Ache.
Keese often exist in clusters in places where they are found. These creatures fly around the screen erratically, not heading towards anything in particular, and stop to rest for a short amount of time on a neighboring wall or rock face. In some games such as A Link to the Past and Link's Awakening, Keese are easy to startle, and move about the screen only when Link is within close proximity, otherwise they remain still. Later games, such as The Wind Waker and Twilight Princess, introduce Keese with a slightly more active attack strategy; these bats target Link, but will hover and pause above him before striking him, giving Link a chance to notice and defeat them before they seize the opportunity to cause injury.
As small and commonplace creatures, Keese are weak enemies and can be dispelled with any variety of weaponry, from Swords, Boomerangs, Arrows to Bombs. It is, however, often recommended to use ranged weapons to annihilate these foes from a distance, especially in the 3D console games where the Keese may fly too high for other weapons to reach.
The Keese is known to inhabit various forms in adapting to their surrounding environment. Notable variants include Fire Keese and Ice Keese, which are enveloped in fire and icy mist, respectively. Less common forms include the Keese Swarm, Shadow Keese, Thunder Keese and Dark Keese. Vires, when defeated, will also split into a pair of Keese, which may or may not be fought.[1]
Characteristics and Weaknesses
The Legend of Zelda
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Keese inhabit dungeons in The Legend of Zelda. They resemble blue bats, and commonly appear in small to medium-sized groups. Keese flutter through the room in a random path, stopping only periodically to rest. Keese are also the only enemies that are encountered in the game's side-scrolling chambers, where they can be found resting against the walls before taking flight. Keese can be defeated by any weapon in Link's arsenal, including the Sword, Bow and Candle. As they are very small enemies, the Boomerang will also kill them as opposed to stunning them. Vires will split into two red Keese when defeated. These Keese are fought the same way as the common variety. Keese never drop any items when defeated.
A Link to the Past
In A Link to the Past, Keese inhabit caves and tunnels in the Light World of Hyrule. Unlike their previous incarnation, Keese remain still along cave walls and crevices, but take flight when Link draws close. Keese in A Link to the Past have a more direct flight pattern, soaring in a curving arc as opposed to random flight, before resting again on the next wall. They are also less commonly encountered in groups, but can still occasionally be found huddled together. Although while they may potentially catch Link by surprise, especially in pitch-dark caves, they are weak enemies and can be defeated by any means of attack. In A Link to the Past & Four Swords, Keese also appear as enemies in the Palace of the Four Sword.
The Dark World counterpart of the Keese is the Chasupa, which behaves identically but is significantly stronger.
Link's Awakening
In Link's Awakening, Keese behave similarly to their A Link to the Past incarnation; they remain still until Link approaches, when they take to the air and fly in a curving arc before briefly stopping to rest. They often appear in small groups in both caves and dungeons. They are much smaller than past appearances, making them harder to see. Their dark coloration also allows them to camouflage over bottomless pits, where they may ambush Link as he passes by. Keese are especially dangerous in these areas, as they may potentially push Link into a hole as they fly out. Despite this, Keese are still weak enemies and can be felled by any attack.
Battle Bats are a similar kind of enemy that the Grim Creeper summons in his mini-boss battle, and are also referred to as Keese.[2] Vires will turn into a pair of Keese with skull faces when defeated, which will attempt to dive at Link before leaving.
Ocarina of Time
In Ocarina of Time, Keese are much more active than in previous games; most fly around the room without ever stopping to rest. They can also occasionally be found huddled against walls, but take flight when disturbed. Keese are also much more aggressive, and will attempt to dive at Link whenever they spot him. Their attacks can be blocked by holding up the Shield. Keese can be defeated by any conventional weapon; however, due to the 3D environment and their high altitude flight, Link may have to resort to using long-range weapons such as the Fairy Slingshot, Boomerang, Fairy Bow or Hookshot to reach these enemies. Yet as many are constantly in flight, they can be difficult to aim at without Z-Targeting. Keese in Ocarina of Time do not inhabit caves, and are instead only encountered in dungeons, especially within dark corridors.
Ocarina of Time also introduces two variations: Fire Keese and Ice Keese. They are Keese that are enveloped in fire and icy mist, respectively. In Ocarina of Time, Fire and Ice Keese can revert back into a normal Keese, and vice versa. A Fire and Ice Keese can have their flames or mists extinguished by blocking their attacks with the Shield. Likewise, a Keese can become a Fire or Ice Keese again if they fly into fire or Blue Fire, respectively.
Majora's Mask
In Majora's Mask, Keese appear identically as their Ocarina of Time incarnations. They fly through the space they inhabit, and dive at Link whenever they spot him. Long-range weapons, such as the Boomerang, Hero's Bow and Hookshot, continue to be effective against them. They can be found only in a few areas, including Beneath the Well and the Stone Tower Temple.
Fire and Ice Keese reappear in Majora's Mask, identically to those from Ocarina of Time. Majora's Mask also introduces a similar enemy called a Bad Bat. This enemy behaves similarly to Keese, but is much larger in size.
Oracle Series
In Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons, Keese closely resemble their Link's Awakening incarnation, appearing as small, dark-colored bats. They inhabit caverns and dungeons in large groups. Keese are easily disturbed, and will fly sporadically around their space. Like those of Link's Awakening, their small size and dark coloration can make them difficult to see, especially over dark pits or against the walls of side-scrolling areas. They can be defeated by any means of attack.
Fire Keese also appear in the Oracle games. Fire Keese whose flames have been extinguished will revert back into ordinary Keese, but retain their original flight pattern and can fly through fire to turn back into a Fire Keese.
Vire will turn into a pair of Keese with skull faces when it is defeated.
Four Swords
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The Wind Waker
In The Wind Waker, Keese appear similarly to their Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask incarnations, being much more active and constantly flying around the areas they inhabit. Keese will fly over to Link when they notice him, but differ as they have a slightly different attack strategy in that they will flutter in pause just before striking him. This is actually to Link's advantage, however, as this gives him time to notice them and strike back before they can. Any conventional weapon is effective against them; the Sword being the most effective when they fly up to him. Long-ranged weapons, such as the Boomerang, Hero's Bow and Hookshot, can still be used to snipe them from afar. Keese most often appear in groups and are usually found within caves and dungeons.
Fire Keese also appear in The Wind Waker. They can be turned into normal Keese by blowing out their flames with the Deku Leaf.
Four Swords Adventures
Keese in Four Swords Adventures are based on those from A Link to the Past. They initially sit still, but fly in a curving path as they are approached by the Links. They can be found inside caverns and dungeons. Unusually for their kind, Keese in Four Swords Adventures often appear alone or secluded from one another. Coupled with their slow speed, Keese are easy to defeat and can be felled with just the basic Sword.
Four Swords Adventures also introduces a variant called a Keese Swarm. This version surrounds the Links in a trail of copies, and can only be defeated by striking the Swarm's red Keese.
The Minish Cap
In The Minish Cap, Keese appear and behave similarly to those from the Oracle games. They are small enemies that are easily disturbed and flap about the room in an unpredictable pattern, stopping only periodically to rest. While they have no way to camouflage themselves as before, a large cluster of them can potentially crowd the space around them. They inhabit caves and dungeons. Any conventional weapon can defeat them.
Twilight Princess
In Twilight Princess, Keese more closely resemble real-world bats, but with ghastly features and tattered wings, as well as the addition of a curved hook on their tails. These enemies are constantly in flight as they patrol the space they occupy. Similarly to those of The Wind Waker, Keese fly at Link and pause before striking, giving him ample time to notice them and attack before they have the opportunity to. As small and light-weight enemies, any weapon in Link's arsenal is able to defeat them.
Fire and Ice Keese reappear in Twilight Princess. The Gale Boomerang can be used to extinguish their flames and icy mist, turning them back into normal Keese. Shadow Keese are a Twilight version that only appear in the Twilight Realm.
Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks
In Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks, Keese are common enemies that inhabit caves and dungeons. Closer to their 3D console appearances, they are constantly in flight and fly in circular, random motions, and often appear in small groups. These enemies can be easily defeated merely by striking them with the Sword, though many other weapons are also quite effective on them.
Fire and Ice Keese reappear in Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks. In Spirit Tracks, the Whirlwind can be used to blow away their flames and mist, turning them into regular Keese.
Skyward Sword
Keese in Skyward Sword patrol the areas they reside in while in flight high above. When they notice Link, they fly down to his level, searching for the right opportunity to attack. Their distinctive yellow eyes will glow red just before they strike. However, since they give Link ample time to react, they can easily be struck with the Sword long before they have time to attack. Keese can also be shot down from the sky using long-range weapons such as the Slingshot, Beetle and Bow.
Skyward Sword also features several other variations of Keese, including Fire Keese and two new forms: Thunder Keese and Dark Keese. The Thunder Keese are an electrified variant, whereas Dark Keese are a skeletal Keese that are able to Curse Link.
A Link Between Worlds
Keese in A Link Between Worlds are closely based on their A Link to the Past incarnation. They sit quietly in solitude, taking to the air only when approached. Keese will generally make for Link's direction as they fly. As before, any conventional weapon is able to dispel or otherwise stun them. If left alone, they will return to their post.
Tri Force Heroes
In Tri Force Heroes, Keese behave similarly to their 3D console appearances. They patrol their territory in a short, circular path, yet when they spot one of the Links, they will back away before swiftly diving at them in attack. They can be defeated or stunned by any weapons in the Links' possession.
Fire and Ice Keese both appear in Tri Force Heroes. It is possible to use the Gust Jar to turn them into regular Keese.
Breath of the Wild
Hyrule Compendium Entry
088 (088) Keese |
Description |
Common Locations East Necluda | |
Recoverable Materials | |
Keese are slated to appear in Breath of the Wild. They appear profoundly different, as they have a single, glowing eye. They can potentially drop Keese Eyeballs or Keese Wings when defeated. Keese are found during nighttime, and sometimes on the roofs of caves. They will often attack in swarms.
Fire and Ice Keese also reappear in Breath of the Wild. A similar variant to Thunder Keese appear known as Electric Keese. These drop Fire Keese Wings, Ice Keese Wings, and Electric Keese Wings, respectively, as well as Keese Eyeballs.
Non-canon Appearances
The Legend of Zelda Game Watch
In The Legend of Zelda Game Watch, Keese are referred to as Bats.[3] They can only be defeated with the Sword. They appear from the second dungeon onward, and only once all of the Iron Balls have been defeated. Once all of the Bats in a room are defeated, a Key appears which Link can use to proceed to the next room.
Nintendo Land
Keese
Keese appear in Battle Quest in Nintendo Land. They appear in later stages within caves and dungeons, usually in large swarms on the ceiling. When the player draws near, they drop down and fly directly at them, one by one, and must be defended against or defeated before they strike. After attacking, they will pass by and not strike again. They are also summoned by Wizzrobes when playing as an Archer, appearing as pairs or in groups of three. They are best shot down with charged shots as they appear.
Keese also appear as one of the 200 Prizes that can be won using the Coins in the main Plaza. Upon touching the Keese Prize in the Plaza, the Keese will become animated temporarily and Monita will comment on it.
Nomenclature
 Names in Other Regions 
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| Language | Name | Meaning | |
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Japanese | キース (Kīsu) | Keese |
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ChineseSI | 蝙蝠 (Biānfú) | Keese |
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FrenchCA | Chauve-souris Template:ExpGame | Bat |
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FrenchEU | Chauve-souris Saigneur Template:ExpGame |
Bat Tapper |
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German | Flederbeißer | A play on the german words Fledermaus (Bat) and Beißer (noun from 'to bite') |
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Italian | Pipistrello | Bat |
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Korean | 키이스 (Kiiseu) | Keese |
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SpanishEU | Keese | |
Gallery
The following is a gallery regrouping all of the currently hosted images of Keese.
See Also
References
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