Kargarocs are recurring enemies in the Legend of Zelda series. They are large birds of prey.
Appearances[]
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker[]
Kargarocs inhabit different perches on the Great Sea, though are particularly known for nesting on Dragon Roost Island. Wild Kargarocs are protective of their nests and will attack those who get nearby. Their nests are often built on top of tall, narrow rocks. When they are not attacking, their voice is similar to that of a sheep. They also tend to not get along with seagulls, as they will attack any that wander too close to their nests. The Kargaroc is one of the few creatures in the game that flies in wide sweeps around its territory, and will drop down on inattentive travelers from above and behind rather frequently. When a Kargaroc first sights a target, it makes an odd strangled noise different from the bleating sheep sounds. This is the cue that a Kargaroc is about to strike.
Kargarocs, under the employ of Ganondorf, are often used for transporting Bokoblins and Moblins into battle. The ability to carry such large creatures suggests the Kargarocs are rather strong fliers. They are also known for perching at Lookout Platforms. When Link uses the Grappling Hook on the Kargaroc, he steals a few of their Golden Feathers, which are particularly prized by Rito collectors, especially one of the Rito guards.
The Helmaroc King also seems to be a giant Kargaroc wearing a mask.
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess[]
Kargarocs can be found flying around Hyrule Field, and are also common in the City in the Sky and Hyrule Castle. In this incarnation, Kargarocs appear more leathery than feathered, and can carry and drop bombs at one point in the game. They have thin, forked tails and rooster-like crests with wattles, giving them an almost cockatrice-like appearance.
In the Twilight Realm, the Twilight version of Kargarocs are known as Shadow Kargarocs. They are distinguished by their large, trumpet-like heads and the loud cries they emit. A gigantic Shadow Kargaroc first appears as a mini-boss when met in the Twilight; however, when Link defeats it, it becomes a means of transportation.
Interestingly, Wolf Link and Midna ride a normal Kargaroc as part of the Balloon Popping Game run by Plumm. It is possible this Kargaroc is actually the tamed Shadow Kargaroc in its Light World form (as it is implied that the Twilight versions are simply normal Light World enemies that have been transformed by Twilight). Wolf Link can summon this Kargaroc via using any Hawk Grass found in Lake Hylia.
Etymology[]
The name "Kargaroc" appears to be a portmanteau of the mythical bird "Roc" and an adaptation of the word "cargo", which is appropriate as the creatures are often seen carrying objects.