If you like birds, you’re in for a tweet. In this series, the Hylians of Skyward Sword take a personality test to find out which bird they are. How do we know what the answers will be? According to Hyrule Historia, the developers decided from the beginning to model the residents of Skyloft after birds. Makes sense for a civilization that floats above the clouds.
We can decipher which bird a character represents by analyzing each character’s name and appearance. What better way to prepare for a return to the skies in Skyward Sword HD this summer? In part one of this three-part series, we look at the characters associated with the Knight Academy. Without further ado, let’s take flight!
Link and Zelda
Our heroes are named after the exotic Zelink bird from South — just kidding! Link and Zelda are not named after birds. You can read here if are interested in how they did get their names.
Gaepora
The headmaster of the Knight Academy takes his name and appearance from Kaepora Gaebora, the loquacious owl from Ocarina of Time. It’s hard to tell hoo has the more epic eyebrows.
Horwell and Owlan
We learn from Hyrule Historia that these Knight Academy instructors’ designs were based on the Rito tribe from The Wind Waker. In particular, they resemble the Rito Chieftain. Owlan’s name is a combination of “owl” and “Allen,” while Horwell’s name, though it could relate to the hornbill, is more likely drawn from the horned owl to match Owlan and Gaepora. Birds of a feather and all that. Further evidence for this comes from his name in the French version of the game, “Hulul,” an abbreviated version of “hululer,” the sound an owl makes in French.
At this point, you may be thinking, “Wait, are any of these characters based on actual birds?” Don’t ruffle your feathers, just keep reading!
Eagus
The Knight Commander is named after the eagle, and when pictured next to this sea eagle with the same expression, it’s easy to see the resemblance.
Groose
We know from Hyrule Historia that Link’s school rival-turned-ally took his hair from a rooster’s comb, so it is possible his name also came from a rooster. That would explain why he acts like such a, well, a rooster to Link. His eyes seem to resemble the barnyard bird, and it’s possible that Groose draws inspiration from the goose or grouse — especially a ruffed grouse (pictured right), which also has a spiky hairdo.
Strich
Groose’s lanky lackey and insect enthusiast takes his name and appearance from the ostrich. I wonder if he sticks his head in the ground to look for bugs.
Cawlin
Groose’s other delinquent buddy likely got his name from a combination of “Collin” and the “caw” sound that a crow makes. The crow is a perfect match for his black hair and emo demeanor.
Pipit
Here’s an easy one. The senior student’s name is the exact same as a pipit, a genus of generally drab, ground-dwelling songbirds. Pictured here is a paddyfield pipit from Southeastern Asia.
Karane
This senior student takes her name from the majestic crane, though the spelling was changed to make it sound more like a Japanese name. Pictured here is the red-crowned crane of East Asia.
Fledge
This self-conscious knight trainee isn’t named after a particular bird, but rather a stage in the life cycle of birds when they are known as fledglings. A fledgling is a young bird that has grown flight feathers but may not be able to fly yet, and is either in the process of learning to fly or has just left the nest. Similarly, Fledge is a young man who is not quite ready to take off on his own. Pictured here is a fledgling robin.
Toby, Janka, and Horg
These knights (the ones who bring you back after jumping off Skyloft without a Loftwing) are: just Toby, Janka, and Horg. This trio doesn’t appear to have any particular bird-based inspirations.
Henya
Another gimme from Hyrule Historia, Henya is modeled after a chicken. The book says her body shape came from a rooster, but her name is certainly from a hen. Also, her name can easily be sang along to “Hey Ya” by Outkast. Stuck in your head now?
Phoeni
The resident toilet ghost takes her name from the legendary phoenix, and just like the mythological bird, Phoeni will rise from the splashes.
That covers all the Skyloftians associated with the Knight Academy. In the next part, we will fly down to the the Bazaar and learn about the birds that inspired the merchants there. It’s sure to be a hoot!
