- "These monsters have inhabited the desert for eons. Their defining characteristic is an ability to internally generate electrical energy. It is also said they live to a very old age. Their shells are able to disperse weight surprisingly well, allowing them to safely traverse desert sinksand."
- — Fi
Ampilus are enemies from The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. They are large arthropod creatures that have inhabited Lanayru Desert for aeons. Ampilus can internally generate electricity which they use against Link by rolling into him. When they crash into walls, objects or a well-timed Shield Attack while rolling, however, they will become dizzy, giving the hero an opening to attack. Additionally, Bombs are effective against Ampilus. Defeated Ampilus' shells can be used as platforms when crossing sinksand, but the shells do disintegrate after a certain period of time. It is possible to attack them immediately if approached stealthily or stunned from afar with the Slingshot. If lured outside their individual territories, they will burrow into the sand and return to their starting positions. Their electricity renders the Iron Shield useless; bashing with this shield will result in Link being shocked and tackled by the creature's rolling.
An Ampilus in egg form
The Ampilus encountered are seemingly hundreds of years old. When under the effects of a Timeshift Stone's field, they revert to small indestructible rock-like eggs, which periodically crack open to reveal the creature's eyes, then close up as the creature lets off a defensive electric field. These larval forms seem to be a common source of energy, as they are required to power the gates blocking the generators needed to access the Lanayru Mining Facility. Due to their periodical electric field, carrying them by hand is not advisable. They can be picked up and carried safely to the generator gate locks using the Hook Beetle, or even used offensively as their electric field distracts the Technoblins often found in the same areas as Timeshift Stones.
Fi's Note[]
Ampilus[]
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“These monsters have inhabited the desert for eons. Their defining characteristic is an ability to internally generate electrical energy. It is also said they live to a very old age. Their shells are able to disperse weight surprisingly well, allowing them to safely traverse desert sinksand.” |
Ampilus egg[]
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“It is an Ampilus that has reverted to its earliest form of development, no doubt because of the effect of the Timeshift Stone. Even in its current state, it retains the ability to generate powerful electrical current at regular intervals. My analysis indicates that you can hit it with your sword when it is not generating electricity. Also, you can carry it with the Hook Beetle.” |
Etymology[]
The name Ampilus may be a portmanteau of the word ampere, a standard unit of measurement for electrical energy, and nautilus, a type of cephalopod with a spiral shell.