The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a much more character-focused game than previous entries in the series. It features a wide cast of fascinating figures, from the heroic legends of the past to the humble merchants roaming Hyrule’s ruined present.
A lot of the characters in this game fit nicely into the Chinese Zodiac, a rotating cycle of animals meant to represent different years. These warriors, traders, and rulers each display specific personalities that mark them as one of the 12 animals. Check out our list of these Zelda characters in the Chinese Zodiac, and see which one you match up with!
12 Rat: Urbosa
The current year is the Year of the Rat, and this animal fits nicely with the hero of the Gerudo Urbosa. Those born under the sign of the Rat are said to be clever and sharp, an attribute which extends to their sense of humor as well.
Urbosa’s lightning powers and her biting sense of wit make her a shoo-in for the Rat sign. She’s perceptive, she revels in a challenge, and her powerful presence are all signs that she belongs under this part of the Chinese Zodiac.
11 Ox: Zelda
The sign of the Ox is the sign of a hard worker - and few characters in Breath of the Wild work harder than Zelda herself. Throughout the flashbacks, we see her work tirelessly to unlock her sealing powers. Then, in the present, she’s been holding Calamity Ganon at bay for a hundred years on her own.
Ox signs are serious introverts, and this means that they’re also prone to loneliness. Zelda certainly meets this criteria as even though she leads the Champions, she has trouble connecting with others and often feels isolated due to her inability to access her power.
10 Tiger: Daruk
The sign of the Tiger is typically associated with intense individuals. These people are full of courage and bravery, ready for anything, and possessed with a strong sense of self. This description fits Daruk, the Goron Champion perfectly as his confidence and bravado are evident throughout the story.
Daruk is naturally strong, but he also faces his challenges without fear. His warm personality and friendly attitude make him the archetypal Tiger sign, a character who is always eager to help his friends and allies with all his might.
9 Rabbit: Mipha
The Rabbit is much less ‘in your face’ than the Tiger, while still valuing friends and family. Mipha matches this role, as she is entirely devoted to helping those she loves, whether it’s her fellow Zora or her secret love, Link.
Rabbits are also compassionate and genuine, and they value aiding others over getting into fights. Her power, Mipha’s Grace, is the embodiment of this ideal, as it protects and heals its user. Mipha’s caring nature and generous spirit make her the perfect Rabbit sign who always wants to lend a helping hand.
8 Dragon: Sidon
The sign of the Dragon is particularly significant in the Chinese Zodiac, and it stands out from the others. It only makes sense, then, that the Breath of the Wild character who matches with it also stands out: Prince Sidon of the Zora.
Sidon is energetic, friendly, and a born leader (not just because of his royal lineage). He takes charge of the Vah Ruta situation and is instrumental in helping save not just the Zora, but all of Hyrule as well. His charismatic personality and never-say-die attitude mark him as a Dragon sign.
7 Snake: Riju
Riju is the child leader of the Gerudo people in Breath of the Wild. She’s also a Snake sign, which is characterized by insecurity, introversion, and intelligence, all of which are found in her character.
Leading an entire people is a daunting task, especially for one as young as Riju. She shoulders the responsibility as best she can, though there are moments of vulnerability. Still, she’s a formidable figure, and as with all Snake signs, she’s not without a bit of venom as she proves more than capable of holding her own.
6 Horse: Beedle
The sign of the Horse belongs to those who love to roam and wander, going where they may. It’s perfect for Beedle, the traveling merchant who gets around just as much as Link does, as he can be found at every stable in the game.
Horse signs are also smart with their money - a valuable skill for a trader in the ruins of Hyrule. However, they can also be impatient, which anyone who’s brought Beedle a beetle will know as he immediately hyper-fixates on the insect before talking about anything else.
5 Goat: Teba
The Goat sign is the sign of true introverts - people who enjoy being alone with their thoughts, and who don’t need constant attention to feel happy. Teba of the Rito fits nicely into this description, as he’s first encountered off on his own, preparing to take on Vah Medoh.
Teba also has a bit of concealed anxiety regarding his encounter with the Divine Beast, and he welcomes Link’s help in facing it. While Goat signs may be introverts, they still benefit greatly from love and assurance from their family, which we see later after Medoh is freed.
4 Monkey: Hestu
Monkey signs just want to have fun! They’re filled with boundless energy and love of life, although this can sometimes get them into trouble as they often lack the foresight needed to see the consequences of their actions. Hestu the Korok is this to a tee, as he cares more about playing his maracas than anything else.
Hestu’s dancing and love of music mark him as the sign of the Monkey. He’s a free spirit, one who will always value having a good time over just about anything else.
3 Rooster: Revali
Revali is the archer for the Champions. Accurate and precise, he’s also a bit arrogant and full of himself at times, although not without good reason as his keen eye and skill with a bow are legendary. These traits fit nicely into the sign of the Rooster - and just because he’s a bird.
Rooster signs are perfectionists, dedicated to seeing things through in an ideal way. Revali accepts nothing less than the best, from himself and from his peers. However, he’s also practical, and he knows when to rely on others - even if it takes him some time to admit he needs help.
2 Dog: Link
For the sign of the Dog, could it really have been anyone other than Link himself? Loyal and trustworthy, Link has defended the kingdom of Hyrule not just in Breath of the Wild, but in multiple different games over numerous reincarnations.
The sign of the Dog is both honest and fiercely dedicated, fitting into Link’s history as a knight of the kingdom. He will never give up on his friends and allies, and while he may not always win the fight, he will always pick himself back up.
1 Pig: Yunobo
Finally, we come to the sign of the Pig. These signs are marked by their extraordinary niceness and good nature, which Daruk’s descendant Yunobo matches excellently. He may be a bit frightened at times, but that doesn’t stop him from helping Link enter Vah Rudania.
Pig signs make for good companions, and will always defend their friends - just like Yunobo helped Link assault the Divine Beast in order to save Goron City. He may not be the most courageous Goron in the game, but he’s a true ally and the perfect Pig sign.
NEXT: The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild’s Strongest Characters, Ranked