A green tunic, some wicked sideburns and a fear of Cuccos, and you’re the hero of courage ready to take down any enemy. Put on a white dress, some pauldrons and a gorgeously long-haired wig and you may just convince people you’re the Princess of Twilight. But decide that you were born from the rivers and seas and dream about swimming through the glistening lakes of Hyrule, then you’re in for a challenge. A challenge that Lara Wegenaer took on, transforming themselves into one of the Zora Guards from Twilight Princess.
From head to toe, shades of blue have been painted onto a body suit to mirror the skin and texture of a Zora, complete with fins attached to the arms, and a tail protruding from the back of their head. No element was left behind. Every layer or armor, cloth and charm is crafted with great skill, coming together to bring the Zora Guard to life. There’s even a little Zora sapphire, or Crest of the Zora, which hangs below their chest. To complete the look, in Wegenear’s hand is a weapon crafted of the sea, matching the armor upon their head and shoulders.
The armor Wegenear chose to design is not quite an exact replica of those the Zora Guards wear in Twilight Princess. It’s based on a design by artist Rich Carey and more closely resembles the type of armor Link receives from Queen Rutela. Nevertheless, the level of detail put into each individual piece is astonishing. From the helmet, to the pauldrons, to the weapon in her hand, swirls and shells and patterns are carved into every inch of the piece. Spottled with colors of green and bronze, the armor appears aged, oxidized from the constant exposure to water. Wegenear is ready to take down any shadows that invade Zora’s river.
The amount of components and the level of detail of Wegenaer’s cosplay is incredible. Many elements work together in harmony, creating the illusion that Wegenaer came out of the sea itself to take these photos. Wegenear took her cosplay one step further and made it completely waterproof, meaning she was able to capture many water featured photos, including an underwater shoot, without damaging the outfit. Wegenear didn’t just dress like a Zora, she became one, embracing all ways of life. Let’s hope she doesn’t get frozen upstream. At least Wolf Link will come save the day and have no clue that there is secretly a human amongst the Zora.
