The following is a record of the various legends, myths, and prophecies that are told by the people of Hyrule, passed down by the Royal Family, taken from Hylian scrolls, or recorded in the Hylian Book of Mudora:

The Hylia
"The legends say the mythical gods of Hyrule had as their chosen people the Hylia. These ancient people left scrolls that are the primary source of the legends..."
(ALttP Manual)

The Creation Myth, as told by the Deku Tree
"Before time began, before spirits and life existed... Three golden goddesses descended upon the chaos that was Hyrule...
Din, the goddess of power...
Nayru, the goddess of wisdom...
Farore, the goddess of courage...
Din - with her strong flaming arms, she cultivated the land and created the red earth.
Nayru poured her wisdom onto the earth and gave the spirit of law to the world.
Farore, with her rich soul, produced all life forms who would uphold the law.
The three great goddesses, their labors completed, departed for the heavens. And golden sacred triangles remained at the point where the goddesses left the world. Since then, the sacred triangles have become the basis of our world's providence. And, the resting place of the triangles has become the Sacred Realm."
(The Great Deku Tree, OoT)

The Creation Myth, from another source
"A Long Time Ago...
Before life began, before the world had form, three golden goddesses descended upon the chaotic land of Hyrule. They were Din, the goddess of power, Nayru, the goddess of wisdom and Farore, the goddess of courage.
Din, with her strong flaming arms, cultivated the land to create the earth. Nayru poured her wisdom onto the earth to give the spirit of law to the world. Farore's rich soul created all life forms who would uphold the law.
These three great goddesses returned to the heavens, leaving behind the golden sacred Triforce. Since then, the Triforce has become the basis for Hyrule's providence. Where the Triforce stood became sacred land."
(OoT Manual)

The Creation Myth, from Hylian scrolls
"According to the Hylian scrolls, the mythical gods descended from a distant nebula to the world that was and created order and life. The God of Power dyed the mountains red with fire and created land. The God of Wisdom created science and wizardry and brought order to nature. And the God of Courage, through justice and vigor, created life - the animals that crawl the land and the birds that soar in the sky. After the gods had finsihed their work, they left the world, but not before creating a symbol of their strength, a golden triangle known as the Triforce. A small but powerful portion of the essence of the gods was held in this mighty artifact, which was to guide the intelligent life on the world of Hyrule."
(ALttP SNES Manual)

The Creation Myth, from another source
"Aeons ago, the deities of power, courage, and wisdom descended to the world of chaos. They created the world that we know and left behind a symbol of their strength, the golden emblem known as the Triforce, which they hid in the Golden Land."
(ALttP GBA Manual)

Hylian Buildings
"In Hyrule, there are many Hylian buildings which are mentioned repeatedly in the legends. These buildings, which now lie in ruin, pale shadows of their former splendor, are closely tied to the Triforce. Some were even said to house the Triforce..."
(ALttP Manual)

The Legend of Zelda, as told by Impa
"Link, the time has come when I must tell you the legend of Zelda handed down in Hyrule. It is said that a long [time] ago, when Hyrule was one country, a great ruler maintained the peace in Hyrule using the Triforce. However, the king too was a child of man and he died. Then, the prince of the kingdom should have become king and inherited everything, but he could inherit the Triforce only in part. The Prince searched everywhere for the missing parts, but could not find them. Then, a magician close to the king brought him some unexpected news. Before he died, the king had said something about the Triforce to only the younger sister of the prince, Princess Zelda. The prince immediately questioned the princess, but she wouldn't tell him anything. After the prince, the magician threatened to put the princess into an eternal sleep if she did not talk, but even still, she said nothing.

"In his anger, the magician tried to cast a spell on the princess. The surprised prince tried to stop him, but the magician fought off the prince and went on chanting the spell. Then, when the spell was finally cast, Princess Zelda fell on that spot and entered a sleep from which she might never awake. At the same time, the magician also fell down and breathed his last.

"In his grief, the prince placed the princess in this room. He hoped that someday she would come back to life. So that this tragedy would never be forgotten, he ordered that every female child born into the royal household shall be given the name Zelda."
(AoL Manual)

The Legend of the Sacred Realm, passed down by the Royal Family
"The three goddesses hid the Triforce containing the power of the gods somewhere in Hyrule. The power to grant the wish of the one who holds the Triforce in his hands. If someone with a righteous heart makes a wish, it will lead Hyrule to a golden age of prosperity... If someone with an evil mind has his wish granted, the world will be consumed by evil...That is what has been told... So, the ancient Sages built the Temple of Time to protect the Triforce from evil ones."
(Princess Zelda, OoT)

Hero of Time Legend, told by the people
"Even I thought that the tales of a boy who could travel back and forth through time was merely a legend."
(Kaepora Gaebora, OoT)

Hero of Time Legend, passed down by the Royal Family
"In the land of Hyrule, there echoes a legend. A legend held dearly by the Royal Family that tells of a boy... A boy who, after battling evil and saving Hyrule, crept away from that land that had made him a legend... Done with the battles he once waged across time, he embarked on a journey. A secret and personal journey... A journey in search of a beloved and invaluable friend... A friend with whom he parted ways when he finally fulfilled his heroic destiny and took his place among legends..."
(MM Manual)

Temple of Time Legend, told by the people
"Legends say that the Temple of Time is the entrance to the Sacred Realm..."
(Hyrule Castle Town shoppers, OoT)

Legend of The Temples, passed down by the Sheikahs
"When evil rules all, an awakening voice from the Sacred Realm will call those destined to be Sages, who dwell in the five temples. One in a deep forest, one on a high mountain, one under a vast lake, one within the house of the dead, one inside a goddess of the sand. Together with the Hero of Time, the awakened ones will bind the evil and return the light of peace to the world..."
(Sheik, OoT)

Big Ear Myth, told by the people
"They say we Hylians have big ears in order to hear the voices of the gods...but I've never heard them!"
(Hyrule Castle Town man on ledge, OoT)

Legend of the "Shadow Folk," told by the people
"Have you heard the legend of the 'Shadow Folk'? They are the Sheikah...the shadows of the Hylians. They say they swore allegiance to the King of Hyrule and guarded the Royal Family. But with the long peace, no on has seen a Sheikah around here for a long time."
(Old man in blue, OoT)

Volvagia Myth, passed down by the Goron leaders
"A long time ago there was an evil dragon named Volvagia living in [Death] mountain. That dragon was very scary! He ate Gorons! Using a huge hammer, the hero of the Gorons... BOOOM! Destroyed it just like that. This is a myth from long ago, but it's true! I know, because my dad is a descendant of the hero!"
(Link son of Darunia, OoT)

The Legend of Zora, passed down by the Zoras
"According to the 'Legend of Zora,' the act of offering a fish to Lord Jabu-Jabu will make you happy."
(Zora citizen, OoT)

A Legend of the Triforce, passed down by the Sheikahs
"If you would seek the sacred triangle, listen well. The resting place of the sacred triangle, the Sacred Realm, is a mirror that reflects what is in the heart, the heart of one who enters it. If an evil heart, the Realm will become full of evil; if pure, the Realm will become a paradise.
The Triforce...the sacred triangle... it is a balance that weighs the three forces:
Power, Wisdom and Courage.
If the heart of the one who holds the sacred triangle has all three forces in balance, that one will gain the True Force to govern all. But, if that one's heart is not in balance, the Triforce will separate into three parts:
Power, Wisdom and Courage.
Only one part will remain for the one who touched the Triforce...the part representing the force that one most believes in. If that one seeks the True Force, that one must acquire the two lost parts. Those two parts will be held within others chosen by destiny, who will bear the Triforce mark on the backs of their hands."
(Sheik, OoT)

Prophecy of the Great Cataclysm, passed down by the Hylians
"The Hero will stand in the desert holding the Book of Mudora."
(Aginah, ALttP)

"The Hero's triumph on Cataclysm's Eve wins three symbols of virtue. The Master Sword he will then retrieve, keeping the Knight's line true."
(Inscription on Master Sword pedestal in Lost Woods, ALttP)

"If a person who has an evil heart gets the Triforce, a Hero is destined to appear, and he alone must face the person who began the Great Cataclysm. If the evil one destroys the Hero, nothing can save the world from his wicked reign. Only a person of the Knights of Hyrule, who protected the royalty of Hylia, can become the Hero..."
(Maiden in Skull Woods, ALttP)

Hylian Treasure Legends, told by the people
"Legends tell of many treasures that the Hylia hid throughout the land... The Master Sword, a mighty blade forged against those with evil hearts, is one of them. People say that now it is sleeping deep in the forest..."
(Old woman in Kakariko, ALttP)

Wielding the Master Sword
"Link, I am surprised a young man like you is searching for the sword of evil's bane. Not just anyone can use that weapon. Legends say only the Hero who has won the three Pendants can wield the sword."
(Sahasrahla, ALttP)

"The Hero's triumph on Cataclysm's Eve wins three symbols of virtue. The Master Sword he will then retrieve, keeping the Knight's line true."
(Inscription on Master Sword pedestal in Lost Woods, ALttP)

A Verse From the Book of Mudora
"In a Realm beyond sight,
The sky shines gold not blue.
There, the Triforce's might
Makes mortal dreams come true."
(ALttP Manual)

A Message for the Legendary Hero of Hyrule, from the Hylian Book of Mudora
"We prophets of the Hylia know what your future holds. Listen carefully...

"The legend begins in your very own house. You have just been awakened by Zelda's voice. Follow your uncle as he sets out in the direction of the castle. Somewhere at the perimeter of the castle there is an underground entrance. You will have to search for it.

"Using the sword and shield you receive from your uncle, you can set about rescuing Zelda. Don't miss the boomerang hidden in the castle. If you defeat the soldiers and free Zelda from the prison, you can escape with her along a secret passageway and head for a magical study called Sanctuary.

"If you make it to Sanctuary, listen carefully to what the sage and Zelda have to say. Now, you should know what you have to do. From here on, the places you have to go to will be displayed as symbols on the map. It is probably a good idea to keep an eye on the map while progressing. Start by going to Kakariko Village and picking up the information that is waiting for you there. You can also find some items in this village.

"When you find the elder, he will tell you that you need the three Pendants of Virtue before you can claim the Master Sword. You will find the Pendants in the Eastern Palace, the Desert Palace and the Tower Of Hera. Defeat the masters of these dungeons to win the Pendants. The dungeons are complicated and full of formidable adversaries. Keep an eye on the map and be on the lookout for trouble as you advance through the dungeons. And when you are in the dungeons, it is imperative that you find the bow, Power Glove and Moon Pearl.

"When you have the three Pendants, you will be able to wield the Master Sword which sleeps in the Lost Woods. If you have the Master Sword, you should head for Hyrule Castle to do battle with Agahnim the wizard.

"Agahnim will use powerful sorcery against you, but if you truly understand the strength of the Master Sword, you can defeat him. When you take hold of the Master sword, try to recall the words of the elder. At this point, your destiny grows cloudy... The rest of the legend is yours to write!"
(ALttP Manual)

The Hero:

"When shadows fall on Hyrule, a hero shall appear..."
(Spirit of Autumn, OoS)

"The three triangles on your left hand symbolize power, wisdom and courage-- these are the mark of the hero who is fated to appear when peace crumbles in Hyrule."
(Zelda, OoS)

"I see a Triforce symbol on the back of your left hand. That is the sign of a Hyrulean hero!"
(Impa, OoA)

The Powers of Shadow
"If one of impure heart gains the powers of shadow... this world will be covered in darkness."
(Maku Tree, OoA)