How is it that the Zora evolved into the Rito?

This commonly posed question stems from the release of The Legend of Zelda Wind Waker, where fans are introduced to a new in-game species known as the Rito. The Rito are given distinct bird and human-like qualities never before seen in the series.

Of course, questions were raised and theories were formed among the fanbase, in hopes of coming to a reasonable conclusion as to where these new characters came from. Finally years after the release of Wind Waker, Nintendo published the first official encyclopedia on the series, titled Hyrule Historia. In this book, many questions were answered, including that of the Rito origin. The following is taken directly from Hyrule Historia

“The Zora tribe, who now bear birdlike beaks, have transformed into the Rito.” (Hyrule Historia 128).

So there we have it, Nintendo’s short and almost lazy feeling explanation. For many fans, it’s hard to accept such a broad and simple answer.

Hyrule Historia also mentions the evolvement of Zora to Rito happened through the blessing of a magical dragon scale, at least this is the case in Wind Waker.

As for me, I wasn’t looking for a fictional answer to this question, I wanted a bit more of a realistic and scientific explanation.



