Lynel

Formidable Centaur Foe

A formidable foe resembling a centaur that attacks with swords and beams as weapons. It has extremely high attack power and durability, and has appeared since the first The Legend of Zelda.

Trivia

  • It has appeared since the first The Legend of Zelda and is one of the series' representative formidable enemies.
  • The sword beam attack is a special attack that can only be fired when health is full.
  • It fires beams that cannot be blocked by shields, requiring players to have high evasion skills.
  • Like the enemy Moblin's traitorous line 'Minna ni Naisho da yo,' it has unique characterization in the series.
  • Blue Lynels have higher durability than Red Lynels.

Alternate names

Lynel Lion Knight Centaur-type Monster

Tags

Profile

Species
Centaur

Appearance

Overall appearance
It has the lower body of a horse and the upper body of a human, with a ferocious appearance resembling a lion's face. It wields large swords in both hands and sometimes carries a shield.
Distinguishing features
  • Lion face
  • Horse lower body
  • Swords in both hands
  • Muscular build
Iconic items
  • Greatsword
  • Shield
  • Beam Attack

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Resilient
Detailed personality
Ruthless and ferocious, it fiercely corners the player with close combat and long-range beam attacks. Extremely aggressive with no openings.
Keywords
  • Aggressive
  • Sturdy
  • Formidable Enemy
  • Brave
  • Intimidating
  • Cunning
Talents
  • Exceptional Swordsmanship
  • High Defense
  • Powerful Beam Magic
  • Agile Movements
  • High Durability
Skills
  • Close-range Sword Attack
  • Long-range Beam Attack
  • Shield Defense
  • High-speed Movement
  • Tactical Combat
Motivation
Eliminating intruders and defending territory. Proving its own strength and standing against Hyrule's rulers.

History

Backstory
One type of powerful monster existing in the land of the Kingdom of Hyrule, it is one of the greatest enemies standing before the hero Link. It challenges with attacks using swords and beams.
Debut date
February 21, 1986
Work title
The Legend of Zelda
Media type
Game

First Appearance

Significant event
First Appearance
Description
First appeared in the 1986 release of the original The Legend of Zelda. It made a strong impression as a centaur-type enemy character with high attack power.

Establishment of Unique Attack Methods

Significant event
Establishment of Unique Attack Methods
Description
In addition to swords, it can fire sword beams even when undamaged, revealing strategically powerful attack methods.

Appearances Across the Series

Significant event
Appearances Across the Series
Description
It repeatedly appears throughout the entire The Legend of Zelda series, demanding high player skills as a formidable enemy.

Relationships

Great Demon King Ganon's Forces

Great Demon King Ganon's Forces: warrior

Media appearances

The Legend of Zelda

Game

1986 Famicom Disk System

Voice cast and creators

Shigeru Miyamoto

Creator name
Shigeru Miyamoto
Role
Original author

Takashi Tezuka

Creator name
Takashi Tezuka
Role
Character designer

Keiji Irie

Creator name
Keiji Irie
Role
Writer

Nintendo

Creator name
Nintendo
Role
Publisher

Nintendo

Creator name
Nintendo
Role
Licensee

Related goods

Lynel Figure

Item name
Lynel Figure
Category
Figure
Availability
Regular

Lynel Plush

Item name
Lynel Plush
Category
Plush or doll
Availability
Limited