Sheikah/Quotes

This article includes all the quotes related or given by the Sheikah in the Legend of Zelda series.

Quotes about the Sheikah

Artwork of a Gossip Stone, with the characteristic Sheikah eye emblem

"R.I.P. Here lie the souls of those who swore fealty to the Royal Family of Hyrule. The Sheikah, guardians of the Royal Family and founders of Kakariko, watch over these spirits in their eternal slumber."

— Kakariko Graveyard Grave -- "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time"

"This used to be the great Impa's house, but she doesn't live here any longer. It is now open to all villagers. You are free to go on in. This village used to be a Sheikah village, but the great Impa opened it to everyone"

— Guard at Kakariko Village -- "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time"

"I have things I want to tell only to you. Please listen. Another unknown legend of the Triforce passed down by the shadow folk, the Sheikahs.... (cut scene) 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 -- "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time"

"This is the Mask of Truth. It is a mysterious mask passed down by the Sheikah. With this mask you can see into other people's minds.."

— Happy Mask Salesman -- "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time"

"You got the Mask of Truth! This is the same mask the Sheikah spoke of! This mask allows you to hear and understand the wisdom of Gossip Stones and the thoughts of animals..."

— In-game description -- "The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask"

"Kakariko Village is the village where the Sheikah clan lives. It's said that, some time ago, they had advanced techniques that were more powerful than anything anyone had seen. But that power put them at odds with the king at the time, and they were scattered across the land..."

— Rensa -- "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild"

"I will this rain would take a hint and lay off for a while... The folks in Kakariko Village have really amazing clothes that let them work out in the rain with no problem. Amazing! But only the Sheikah people can wear 'em, so they won't sell us any... Kakariko Village is a small village you can reach by following the road north from here. I came through there earlier. It's surrounded by tall mountains, and everyone there wears the same clothing. It's a strange little place, sort of like the original hidden village..."

— Sagessa -- "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild"

Regarding Impa and Kakariko Village

"They say that Princess Zelda's nanny is actually one of the Sheikah, who many thought had died out."

— Gossip Stone -- "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time"

"I am Impa of the Sheikahs. I am responsible for protecting Princess Zelda. Everything is exactly as the Princess foretold. You are a courageous boy... You are heading out on a big, new adventure, aren't you? My role in the Princess's dream was to teach a melody to the one from the forest. This is a ancient melody passed down by the Royal Family. I have played this song for Princess Zelda as a lullaby ever since she was a baby. There is a mysterious power in these notes. Now listen carefully... Memorize this song... "

— Impa -- "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time"

"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 one has seen a Sheikah around here for a long time. However... I heard there is one Sheikah woman living in the castle..."

— Shikashi -- "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time"

"The one riding on the white horse holding the little girl... Wasn't that a legendary Sheikah?"

— Hyrule Castle Town villager -- "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time"

"Get back, Link! [Sheik and Link get attacked by a swarm of darkness] Looks like you're coming around... Link... A terrible thing has happened! The evil shadow spirit has been released! Impa, the leader of Kakariko Village, had sealed the evil shadow spirit in the bottom of the well.... But the force of the evil spirit got so strong, the seal of the well broke, and it escaped into the world!! I believe Impa has gone to the Shadow Temple to seal it up again, but...she will be in danger without any help! Link! Impa is one of the six Sages. Destroy the evil shadow spirit and save Impa! There is an entrance to the Shadow Temple beneath the graveyard behind this village. The only thing I can do for you is teach you the melody that will lead you to the Shadow Temple... This is the melody that will draw you into the infinite darkness that absorbs even time... Listen to this, the Nocturne of Shadow!! [Link learns the Nocturne of Shadow] Let me take care of the village! I'm counting on you, Link!"

— Sheik -- "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time"

"You brave lad... We must protect this beautiful land of Hyrule! Take a good look at that mountain. That is Death Mountain, home of the Gorons. They hold the Spiritual Stone of Fire. At the foot of Death Mountain you will find my village, Kakariko. That is where I was born and raised. You should talk to some of the villagers there before you go up Death Mountain. The song I just taught you has some mysterious power. Only Royal Family members are allowed to learn this song. Remember, it will help to prove your connection with the Royal Family. The Princess is waiting for you to return to the castle with the stones. All right. We're counting on you!"

— Impa -- "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time"

"Hello there, son. Zelda's attendant, the great Impa, opened this village to the common people. We have only a small population now, but someday this place will be as lively as Hyrule Castle Town! Oh, yes! It will! Climb up the stairs at the north end of the village to find the trail that leads up Death Mountain. But you need the King's permission to actually go up the mountain."

— Guard at Kakariko Village -- "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time"

"A great woman, Impa, opened this village to us poor folk."

— Kakariko villager -- "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time"

"Hey! Young man! A grown boy like you entering a person's house without permission?! I want to talk to your parents! Oh well. This isn't my house anyway. This is the great Impa's house! The great Impa has gone to the graveyard to seal up the humongous creature there. Since Ganondorf appeared, many monsters have been sighted around here. Only the great Impa has kept peace in our village. You have to remember that, young man! Oh well. Speaking of the great Impa, she hasn't come back yet. I wonder what happened to her?"

— Kakariko villager -- "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time"

"I am the boss of the carpenters that Impa hired to improve this village and make it into a true city! But young men these days don't have any ambition... Do you know what I mean, kid? My workers are just running aimlessly around the village, and they're not making any progress at all... Even my own son doesn't have a job, and he just wanders around all day! They're all worthless, I tell you!"

— Mutoh -- "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time"

"The boy with the noble Zelda's Ocarina...As I expected, you have come. I am Impa, one of the Sheikah. I am Princess Zelda's caretaker, and I am also the Sage who guards the Shadow Temple. We Sheikah have served the royalty of Hyrule from generation to generation as attendants. However... On that day seven years ago, Ganondorf suddenly attacked... and Hyrule Castle surrendered after a short time. Ganondorf's target was one of the keys to the Sacred Realm...the hidden treasure of the Royal Family... The Ocarina of Time! My duty bound me to take Zelda out of Ganondorf's reach. When last I saw you, as we made our escape from the castle, you were just a lad... Now I see that you have become a fine hero... There's nothing to worry about... The Princess is safe now. Soon, you'll meet Princess Zelda face-to-face, and she will explain everything... That is when we, the six Wise Ones, will seal up the Evil King and return peace to Hyrule. I have to stay here... You go to Princess Zelda's side and protect her on my behalf. Now I put my power, which should be helpful to you, into this Medallion!"

— Impa -- "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time"

Regarding Sheik

"I've been waiting for you, Hero of Time... 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... This is the legend of the temples passed down by my people, the Sheikah. I am Sheik. Survivor of the Sheikahs... As I see you standing there holding the mythical Master Sword, you really do look like the legendary Hero of Time... If you believe the legend, you have no choice. You must look for the five temples and awaken the five Sages... One Sage is waiting for the time of awakening in the Forest Temple. The Sage is a girl I am sure you know... Because of the evil power in the temple, she cannot hear the awakening call from the Sacred Realm... Unfortunately, equipped as you currently are, you cannot even enter the temple... But, if you believe what I'm saying, you should head to Kakariko Village... Do you understand, Link?"

— Sheik -- "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time"

"[Sheik is revealed to be Zelda in disguise] It is I, the Princess of Hyrule, Zelda. I apologize for meeting you in disguise, but it was necessary to hide from the King of Evil. Please forgive me... On that day, seven years ago, Ganondorf attacked Hyrule Castle. (flashback) I saw you as I was escaping from the castle with my attendant, Impa. I thought I should entrust the Ocarina to you... I thought that would be our best chance... (end flashback) As long as you had the Ocarina in your possession, I thought Ganondorf could never enter the Sacred Realm, but... something I could never expect happened... After you opened the Door of Time, the Master Sword sealed you away in the Sacred Realm... Your spirit remained in the Sacred Realm...and then the Triforce fell into Ganondorf's hands. He went on to invade the Sacred Realm... Ganondorf had become the Evil King, and the Sacred Realm became a world of evil. All of this is an unfortunate coincidence. I passed myself off as a Sheikah and hoped that you would return. I waited for seven years... And...now you are back. The dark age ruled by Ganondorf the Evil King will end! The six Sages will open the sealed door and lure Ganondorf back into the Sacred Realm. I will then seal the door to the Sacred Realm from this world. Thus, Ganondorf the Evil King will vanish from Hyrule. Link... In order to do this, I need your courage again. Please protect me while I do my part. And here is a weapon that can penetrate the Evil King's defenses... The power given to the chosen ones..."

— Princess Zelda -- "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time"

Regarding Impaz and the Hidden Village

The Wooden Statue, which leads Link to Hidden Village, is another item with the Sheikah symbol.

"WELCOME TO OLD KAKARICO"

— Two Hylian language signs in the Hidden Village -- "The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess"

"The howls of the beasts... They've faded into silence... Wait, are you... The savior! It's you, the savior! Please, please forgive me... for not opening up the door. My name is Impaz. I'm the last resident of this poor village. My name comes from the great one who built this village so long ago... This village was once the secret home of a proud tribe who served the royal family... But it fell into decline, and became infested with dangerous beasts. It's become an awful place... Excuse me for asking, but is your name... Link? Ah! I knew it... So then, you saved that nice girl?... How lovely. When she was here, she would often cheer me up by saying that you would come to help. That sweet girl... She worried about this old woman even as I helped her to escape from here... By royal order, I can't leave this place until a certain person arrives.... No matter what terrible fate is visited upon it... Oh, but listen to me blather on! I have a favor to ask: would you help me return this to her? I think she always kept it close to her heart, but even so, she didn't hesitate to part with it in order to protect me... I believe in my heart that it's kept me safe all this time... So please... I ask that you return it to that girl."

— Impaz -- "The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess"

"I REMEMBER! I thought I had seen that before somewhere... That belonged to the tribe that protected the Hylian royal family long ago. They worked in secret, so they lived in a lonely, forgotten place. But I heard that tribe dwindled in the prolonged wars... If you want to find that hidden village, look for a path leading to the Lanayru Province on the far side of the Bridge of Eldin. But...a rock slide blocked the way to the village long ago, so you can't get there anymore. What? Oh, I do not mean to worry you, little human. Problems like these are not problems to Gorons. Our patriarch, Darbus, will be waiting for you up ahead. Look at your map to see where. I would try to find the path beyond the Bridge of Eldin that leads to Lanayru Province."

— Gor Coron -- "The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess"

"Hey! That rod... Is that the Dominion Rod? Ahh... Could it really be? Are you the messenger to the heavens?! Among the legends of my clan, there is a story from the time when the Oocca still maintained contact with the royal family. Yes, it said that a mysterious rod was handed down from the people of the sky, and it was called the Dominion Rod... The rod was only to be carried by the messenger to the heavens when the royal family needed to communicate with the Oocca. From generation to generation, my ancestors have guarded the book that, by royal decree, was to be given to the messenger to the heavens. This is that book. Please, take it. This book is written in the ancient language of Sky Writing. I am so glad I stayed in this village... If I had not met that young girl, what would have become of me? Meeting that girl must have been ordained by the gods, so that I could be here today to pass on this knowledge..."

— Impaz -- "The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess"

Quotes for theory section

"A long time ago... There was a man in this very village who had an eye they said could see the truth! Now usually, you have to train your mind's eye most strenuously to actually see the truth... But this fella, no, they say he had a different way of doing things... His house stood where the well is now..."

— Shikashi -- "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time"

"I am one of the ghostly composer brothers of Kakariko Village. All the people in this village are born to serve the Royal Family of Hyrule, brothers also served the Royal Family, and were assigned to study the hereditary mystic powers of the family."

— Sharp -- "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time"

"Folks around here tell of a fabulously rich family that once lived in one of the houses in this village... But they say that the entire family was cursed due to their greed! Who knows what might happen to those who are consumed by greed..."

— Kakariko villager -- "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time"

"Koboli: Birthplace: Windfall Island./Occupation: Mail sorter./Koboli is the third generation in a family of postmen, but rumor has it that an ancestor of his in an age gone by was also a postman..."

— Koboli figurine -- "The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker"

Non Series quotes

"Sheikah Stones: Working as the eyes and ears of Hyrule and Termina, Sheikah Stones are scattered over both lands. No one has ever been able to completely understand their mysterious ways, but in the past they were known to provide unusual information to those wearing the long-lost Mask of Truth. -- "Ocarina of Time", "Majora's Mask""

— The "S" in the Encyclopedia of the Zelda Universe, The Official website of The Legend of Zelda series

"Impa: Impa was the sworn protector of Princess Zelda and Sage to the Shadow Temple. Despite her hard exterior, her heart was bigger than the realm of Hyrule itself. Like Zelda, her impact on those around her was profound. Future female servants assigned to serve and protect Princess Zelda were named Impa to honor the legacy and loyal service which Impa provided. -- "The Legend of Zelda", "Ocarina of Time", "Oracle of Seasons""

— The "I" in the Encyclopedia of the Zelda Universe, The Official website of The Legend of Zelda series

"Sheik doesn’t appear in The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, but we based her model on a design that was drafted up during the development of that game."

— Masashiro Sakurai talking about Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Non-canon quotes

Non-canon warning: This article or section contains non-canonical information that is not considered to be an official part of the Legend of Zelda series and should not be considered part of the overall storyline.

"I am... Sheik. One of the last of the Sheikah tribe..."

— Sheik -- "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Manga"

"Kakariko Village was where I was born and raised."

— Impa -- "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Manga"

"[Impa after piercing Link's ears] Even though you're not of the Sheikah tribe... This is a rite of passage for young Sheikah males. You've truly become splendid Link."

— Impa -- "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Manga"

"Sheik why do you serve me? You, a descendant of the Sheikah tribe who've served Hyrule's Royal Family for a long time... It is revenge?"

— Ganondorf -- "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Manga"

"We are a tribe of "Shadows" without substance we cannot exist. While I was without a master, you appeared. That is the only reason."

— Sheik -- "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Manga"

"Before this symbol, it was nothing but an eye. Since a long time ago, the Sheikah tribe were used as "Shadows" to protect the Hyrule Royal Family. However, there was one instance of betrayal from the Royal Family. At that time, our tears were added as a single line to this seal."

— Sheik -- "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Manga"

"I'll become a boy. I foresaw the attack. But, I was powerless to do anything. It's too frustrating to bear. I want to become strong enough to protect myself by myself."

— Princess Zelda -- "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Manga"

"It won't be suspicious if you tell them when you get close that you're the descendant of the Sheikah, who a very long time ago were betrayed by the Royal Family and banished from Hyrule, and you've returned to Hyrule because you heard of it's collapse. Until "that time" comes, I will put Princess Zelda's consciousness to sleep. Live now as a Sheikah boy!"

— Impa -- "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Manga"

"This is Zelda's alter ego. Using a variation of the name of the ancient Sheikah tribe, she appears before Link and teaches him melodies instrumental to his success. It's believed that she's not just a quick-change artist, but rather that she is able to instantaneously alter her clothing and her eye and skin color by using her magical skills."

— Sheik -- Trophy #239, Super Smash Bros. Melee

"The persona Zelda adopted to escape from Ganondorf. She completely hid all traces of her Zelda identity and appeared to Link as the last member of the Sheikah tribe. She taught Link essential ocarina melodies and then vanished in an instant. She didn't appear very often--rather, she would show up to support Link in crucial situations."

— Sheik -- Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Non-canon warning: Non-canonical information ends here.

See also

• Gossip Stone/Quotes