Monster Strongholds
Written with help and advice from Hunter McGee and Matt Louscher
"I'm on patrol, keeping the watch! Monsters abound, so watch yourself!"
— Botrick, Breath of the Wild
"I'm on patrol, keeping the watch! Monsters abound, so watch yourself!"
— Botrick, Breath of the Wild
Monster Camp Near Akkala Citadel, by Anna Fischer. Used with permission of the artist (https://www.tumblr.com/alf-l).
Author’s Note: For clarity’s sake, I’ll define two terms up front: 1) Monsters — the sentient, organized species generally in service to Ganon (e.g., Bokoblins) who prove hostile to the major Hyrulean civilizations; and 2) Hyruleans/Civilizations/Free Peoples — the more advanced peoples of Hyrule generally aligned with the Goddesses (e.g., the Rito or Zora).
Introduction: Are Monsters Really so Monstrous?
Hyrule is a land of defenses. While there have been brief periods of peace, prolonged conflicts and skirmishes have whittled down the strength and vitality of all peoples, leading to a huge amount of concerted energy being poured into better means of protection. And this is true not just of the larger civilizations with their massive curtain walls, parapets, and Divine Beasts, but in the societies of the so-called monsters. Wherever one travels in Hyrule, one will encounter bulwarks, bastions, and barricades; like trees, streams, and the mountains, they seem simply a fact of existence. While the Sheikah lock themselves in a naturally-fortified vale, the Gerudo strive for martial might, and the Zora build series of bridges and moats, so too do the monsters of Hyrule look to their protection in various ways.
And not for nothing do the main civilizations of Hyrule protect themselves. While the free peoples were once vastly more numerous, the irruption of Calamity Ganon a century ago destroyed many settlements and killed untold numbers. The Hylians were particularly hard hit. But all Hyruleans suffered, and now all are greatly outnumbered by monsters throughout the land. A bit of digging reveals some fairly sobering figures: across Hyrule, there are over 200 enemy encampments, making it incredibly dangerous to go anywhere alone. These encampments vary greatly in size and sophistication. While the majority are simple camps centered around bonfires, there are 50 skull cave encampments and another 50 forts built onto rocky hills, upon the water, or around the trunks of great trees. These strongholds shelter varying numbers of monsters, from small bands to larger battalions. But the sheer differences in population are the starkest fact of a harsh reality. Consider the following (very rough) figures: while the combined population of the great civilizations of Hyrule stands at around 375, the number of organized monsters pushes 2,350. [1] And these numbers do not include Hyrule’s other beasts and fiends.
And not for nothing do the main civilizations of Hyrule protect themselves. While the free peoples were once vastly more numerous, the irruption of Calamity Ganon a century ago destroyed many settlements and killed untold numbers. The Hylians were particularly hard hit. But all Hyruleans suffered, and now all are greatly outnumbered by monsters throughout the land. A bit of digging reveals some fairly sobering figures: across Hyrule, there are over 200 enemy encampments, making it incredibly dangerous to go anywhere alone. These encampments vary greatly in size and sophistication. While the majority are simple camps centered around bonfires, there are 50 skull cave encampments and another 50 forts built onto rocky hills, upon the water, or around the trunks of great trees. These strongholds shelter varying numbers of monsters, from small bands to larger battalions. But the sheer differences in population are the starkest fact of a harsh reality. Consider the following (very rough) figures: while the combined population of the great civilizations of Hyrule stands at around 375, the number of organized monsters pushes 2,350. [1] And these numbers do not include Hyrule’s other beasts and fiends.
It is interesting to note that Hyruleans are not guiltless against the monsters that plague them. Like Kilton, the people of Hyrule have long sought monster parts to make goods and livelihoods. Claws, wings, talons, fangs, and tails are turned into elixirs, and things like Chuchu jelly can be turned into dyes for clothing. The rarer the monster, the higher the price. The monster trade in the Hyrulean economy has a long tradition, extending back in time as far as the Sky Era, when their parts were used to augment weapons and other technology. [2] And herein lies the conundrum: while monsters terrorize and threaten the peoples of Hyrule, still too are many livelihoods reliant on these dangerous elements. Of course, monsters were not always so organized, nor so powerful. During the era of the Ancient Sheikah, monster attacks were checked by the technological advancement of the Kingdom, and monsters ceased to pose a threat to Hyrule. [3] With the revival of Calamity Ganon, monsters grew fiercer and bolder, spreading throughout the land, hunting wild game to excess and putting additional pressures on the peoples of Hyrule. Slightly before the events of 100 years ago, monsters became more active in harrying the free peoples of Hyrule. Ganon’s malice began to seep out from its bonds, manifesting in fearsome Blood Moons which call to life previously-slain foes. So too did new breeds of monsters begin inhabiting the land; fearsome silver and gold beasts, mottled with unnatural colors — a symbol of Ganon’s impact — began to stalk the earth. [4]
This article deals primarily with organized groups of monsters, as they seem to show signs of intelligence and culture apart from mere instinct; likewise, they have a somewhat developed material culture and basic elements of architecture in their grasp. While clearly more sophisticated than we might initially credit them, what we don't know is if monsters were always monstrous. Eiji Aonuma hinted in an interview that players might want to imagine what shaped them into what they currently are. [5] This just might relate to the Hyrulean hunt for their parts. If these organized monsters were not always threatening, we can imagine some distant event that caused mistrust, fear, and, ultimately, violence. Of course, this is speculative, and even were it the case, we could never know the initial catalyst — a Moblin unwittingly frightening a Hylian child or a Zora soldier slaying a Lizalfos out of a confused fear. Some series of events have led to the present moment, however, with great enmity between the sentient races of Hyrule.
These sentient races, set apart from what we generally consider to be proper Hyruleans — the Zora, Gorons, Gerudo, Rito, Koroks, and Hylians — live predominantly in “loosely organized groups” centered around sanctuaries they have either built or discovered. [6] While some create bases of wooden scaffolding and barricades, others build large, multistory structures; yet others huddle for shelter in caves or build floating redoubts upon the waterways of Hyrule. And they can be found nearly everywhere uninhabited by the major civilizations, each encampment showing slight variations based upon environment. Although I will separate the article below into three sections based upon the individual type of monster, please keep in mind that these three species more often than not work in cahoots; they live together, fight together, and communicate with one another in various ways. As with all things, the reality is more complex than any words can adequately describe.
This article deals primarily with organized groups of monsters, as they seem to show signs of intelligence and culture apart from mere instinct; likewise, they have a somewhat developed material culture and basic elements of architecture in their grasp. While clearly more sophisticated than we might initially credit them, what we don't know is if monsters were always monstrous. Eiji Aonuma hinted in an interview that players might want to imagine what shaped them into what they currently are. [5] This just might relate to the Hyrulean hunt for their parts. If these organized monsters were not always threatening, we can imagine some distant event that caused mistrust, fear, and, ultimately, violence. Of course, this is speculative, and even were it the case, we could never know the initial catalyst — a Moblin unwittingly frightening a Hylian child or a Zora soldier slaying a Lizalfos out of a confused fear. Some series of events have led to the present moment, however, with great enmity between the sentient races of Hyrule.
These sentient races, set apart from what we generally consider to be proper Hyruleans — the Zora, Gorons, Gerudo, Rito, Koroks, and Hylians — live predominantly in “loosely organized groups” centered around sanctuaries they have either built or discovered. [6] While some create bases of wooden scaffolding and barricades, others build large, multistory structures; yet others huddle for shelter in caves or build floating redoubts upon the waterways of Hyrule. And they can be found nearly everywhere uninhabited by the major civilizations, each encampment showing slight variations based upon environment. Although I will separate the article below into three sections based upon the individual type of monster, please keep in mind that these three species more often than not work in cahoots; they live together, fight together, and communicate with one another in various ways. As with all things, the reality is more complex than any words can adequately describe.
Here we see a skull cave and several sentry turrets around Hyrule
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Bokoblins
Bokoblins are the most numerous type of monster, living, hunting, and attacking in groups. They are able to stalk prey and use fire, and have even learned to tame horses and attack from horseback. They have a defined culture with the bonfire at its center, around which many cultural activities take place. Here Bokoblins can be seen chatting, laughing, eating, sleeping, picking their noses, and even dancing. [7][8] They are an intensely social species, as has been documented elsewhere. [9] But though they have evolved from simple attack-and-defend behaviors and are no longer purely martial, they are nearly always on the watch — waiting either to accost travelers or simply protect themselves from being caught unawares or hunted down.
But this is not to say that the Bokoblins have mastered defensive tactics: in some instances, they dwell unprotected beneath cliffs where they can be easily attacked from above, hole up in caves with no means of retreat, and occasionally build towers lower than the barricades they erect, making them unable to peer outside their own defenses. [10] The types of their encampments are numerous, ranging from inhabited tree stumps and skeletal remains to repurposed ruins. The most basic of these are mere campsites centered around cooking pots or bonfires, completely exposed to the elements. There are tens of these littered across Hyrule, though we ultimately don’t know whether Bokoblins moved the cooking pots to their present locations or if they simply made camp around those they discovered. And at many camps can be found various plundered goods from around Hyrule: boxes, barrels, various viands, powderkegs, arrows, rupees, chests, ladles, mops, and low-quality weapons. Occasionally, one stumbles across a well-guarded chest, intimating that Bokoblins perhaps have some concept of comparative value. These treasures can range from rupees to fine gemstones to rare weapons. So, monster camps serve many functions: they are social centers, safe havens, and also places where valuables are tucked away for future use.
But this is not to say that the Bokoblins have mastered defensive tactics: in some instances, they dwell unprotected beneath cliffs where they can be easily attacked from above, hole up in caves with no means of retreat, and occasionally build towers lower than the barricades they erect, making them unable to peer outside their own defenses. [10] The types of their encampments are numerous, ranging from inhabited tree stumps and skeletal remains to repurposed ruins. The most basic of these are mere campsites centered around cooking pots or bonfires, completely exposed to the elements. There are tens of these littered across Hyrule, though we ultimately don’t know whether Bokoblins moved the cooking pots to their present locations or if they simply made camp around those they discovered. And at many camps can be found various plundered goods from around Hyrule: boxes, barrels, various viands, powderkegs, arrows, rupees, chests, ladles, mops, and low-quality weapons. Occasionally, one stumbles across a well-guarded chest, intimating that Bokoblins perhaps have some concept of comparative value. These treasures can range from rupees to fine gemstones to rare weapons. So, monster camps serve many functions: they are social centers, safe havens, and also places where valuables are tucked away for future use.
Concerning built environs, we should note that the rough vernacular of monster architecture is remarkably similar all across Hyrule. There seems to be a fixed set of archetypal buildings found from the Gerudo Desert to the woods of Akkala, though materials vary based on region; wood is favored in most places, but metal is used as a primary material on Death Mountain due to its heat. This set of common structures consists primarily of skull-caves, sentry turrets, single-story tree forts, water redoubts, and multistory fortresses. Oftentimes, one finds these buildings combined into larger settlements, with multiple sentry turrets protecting a single cave, for instance. Other tell-tale signs of monster presence in an area include wooden barricades, spiked logs (a sort of fraise defense), mantlets, and torches housed in skulls. In all monster architecture, we quickly come to realize that no structure is ever wholly built by monsters; the presence of nails and milled lumber gives some idea of their provenance among the Hyrulean civilizations. [11] Yet this is not to say that the monsters of Hyrule are completely without craftsmanship (craftsmonstership?). Even their smallest turrets are built of posts and beams, which are rounded off so as to form joints, adding greatly to stability. The posts are given further support by wood-and-bone cross bracing, by no means a construction technique that should be overlooked, as it massively improves structural integrity. This bracing is held to the posts by rope, as are other horizontal log braces. These braces serve separate, though complementary, functions in distributing load and preserving the structure. Again, no small feat.
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To the left we see a typical sentry turret, a favorite home for Bokoblin archers. Please note carefully the joinery, the bracing, and decorations. Above are two mantlets (portable shield-walls).
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Another common structure is the tree-fort: usually an elevated platform with a single raised section. These are commonly inaccessible from the ground, but for the occasional drawbridge. Here, the platform is supported by four to five rough-hewn posts, and the scavenged boards of the floor are undergirded by rather haphazard limb supports. Some of these supports are jointed while others are merely fastened together with rope. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the tree’s native branches are also used as supports. There are many cracks in the woodwork, so to say, but these platforms serve the desired function of raising their inhabitants off the ground. One of the larger fortresses of the same style has at least three stories and is connected by further bridges to the mountain at its back — a well-chosen site closely tied to its structure. Here we see similar construction methods, but a clear difference is the winding stair that circles the tree (now dead) on which this fortress is built. Long, clumsy planks and curiously-flat bones are used as the individual steps, all held up by rough limbs, square frames, and lengths of rope. Here too is seen something uncommon to much monster architecture: railings. These are constructed in much the same way — of wood and bone — and are just high enough to keep a Bokoblin from taking a tumble. (One does wonder about Moblin safety, though.) Piles of grass and straw serve for sleeping, as do filched rugs, now long faded. Most curious of all are the adornments these creatures use as decoration. Bones, skulls, and fangs are commonplace, and even the merest turret has a monster skull affixed to each corner with rope. In larger structures, the skulls and fangs grow to match, placed upon all available corners and sawn-off tree limbs. Ribbons are hung dangling from tree branches above, while the central trunk is often wrapped in faded red and blue strips of cloth. Banners hang from the platform on loose rope, highlighting the garish skull-and-crossbones and monster-maw motifs placed at their centers. Monsters seem to have some facility with dyeing or painting, as well, as rough designs can be found upon many banners and mantlets near monster camps.
We don’t know if the large, skull-shaped rocks were naturally formed or if they were built by some species in Hyrule. Given the remarkable conformity of these rocks, it could be that they were constructed, though by whom presents a daunting question. It is unlikely that they were shaped by monsters, who seem not to have the tools or skills necessary to hollow out such boulders. Yet, if not the monsters, then who or what would carve such a thing and in such numbers? Another answer is that they are naturally occurring, like a stalagmite, hoodoo, natural arch, or butte — a unique form which occurs as a result of water, wind, and weather. Whatever their origins, they provide excellent shelter, though they are not defensively sound. The thing that is most obvious is that they are favored hideouts of monsters. With gaping jaws serving as entrance, and three holes above where eyes and nose would be, the caves appear as giants emerging from deep below ground, swallowing up mouthfuls of earth. Inside is dim, though usually lit by lamps hung from the ceiling and the occasional fire. Here one finds many of the same camp gear as in other monster settlements and the occasional guard turret and treasure chest. The caves are haunting, in a way, and watching the light leak through empty eye sockets onto the floor presents an interesting meditation.
Moblins
Like Bokoblins, Moblins can be found nearly everywhere in Hyrule, though they have a less rich material culture. While they adorn their bodies with patches of armor, we do not know the extent to which they build when apart from their Bokoblin or Lizalfos allies. Being tall, they have no need for watchtowers. But even though they do not build settlements, once they have settled a territory, they guard it from head to toe, always on patrol against intruders. Moblins enjoy stalking about larger ruins like the East Post Ruins or the old Military Training Camp — places with large walls and spacious hallways. They are often seen in bands with Bokoblins, and they occasionally use them as makeshift ranged weapons.
Lizalfos
Lizalfos are the most intelligent of the organized monsters and are a common sight in all parts of Hyrule. They are also the most differentiated based upon environment, making one suspect that they are older than the other organized monsters, having had time to evolve along distinct trajectories. Some are suited to the mountain heights while others are at home in the desert. There is an elemental affinity unique to the Lizalfos, such that the Fire-Breath variety can breathe fire or swim in lava and the Ice-Breath subspecies can shoot ice and survive the coldest areas of Hyrule. Lizalfos that don’t live in bands use camouflage to hide. Those Lizalfos that show the most organization construct platforms on the water to protect themselves with a natural moat quite removed from the land. As these bases float upon a flat expanse, any approach is immediately visible to guards, preventing sneak attacks. This, combined with the fact that Lizalfos do not sleep, makes any approach to such an encampment a difficult project. [12]
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Though Lizalfos are developed metalworkers (an element of Lizalfos culture since the Sky Era where these monsters wielded iron arm-guards and spiked balls upon their tails), their woodworking skills pale in comparison to even Bokoblins. Their platforms are held together only by ropes, and planks of wood are simply placed atop one another to form a floor, occasionally overlaid with straw or the odd rug. There is no use of nails, no binding, no roping, and no joinery to speak of. The boards of the bridges leading to these platforms are sometimes lashed together with rope, though they are not bound to the platforms themselves. The floor shape of these structures resembles the square-in-circle design of an ancient Chinese coin. The hole in the middle of the floor is still part of the vernacular architecture, and is where the tree would be in a Bokoblin tree-fort. Here there are often ladders, allowing creatures to get in and out of the water safely, all while keeping the entrance inside the redoubt. (It also reminds one slightly of the aperture of an open-bottomed diving bell.)
Most notable on these platforms are the enormous sea-creature skeletons: fossilized fins as well as spines and skulls. They give some protection from the sun and elements and also hold up the main decorative elements: strung-together shells, which serve almost as a sort of wind-chime, and the cloth banners overlaid with bones as seen elsewhere in monster architecture. The ropework here was likely done in cooperation with Bokoblins, as the Lizalfos show no evidence of this skill elsewhere in their architecture. The large bones are well-integrated with the platforms, such that they appear a natural part of their surrounds. From afar, these floating camps give the impression of massive sea-monsters breaching in the distance — a straightforward sign of danger.
Most notable on these platforms are the enormous sea-creature skeletons: fossilized fins as well as spines and skulls. They give some protection from the sun and elements and also hold up the main decorative elements: strung-together shells, which serve almost as a sort of wind-chime, and the cloth banners overlaid with bones as seen elsewhere in monster architecture. The ropework here was likely done in cooperation with Bokoblins, as the Lizalfos show no evidence of this skill elsewhere in their architecture. The large bones are well-integrated with the platforms, such that they appear a natural part of their surrounds. From afar, these floating camps give the impression of massive sea-monsters breaching in the distance — a straightforward sign of danger.
Conclusion: The Monster Within
Though not as advanced as any of the major civilizations of Hyrule, monsters still give us quite a lot to think about. They remind us almost of early humans, just learning their place in the world and how to find their feet. They have begun to use fire in cooking, wood and bone for tools and weaponry, and horns for communication. They have tamed horses and invented dance. These are no small milestones in evolution, and perhaps this should inspire fondness in us — after all, it was only a bit ago we too were making such breakthroughs. Indeed, the small bands scattered across Hyrule can even be seen with some degree of pathos, arrayed as they are against beings whose technology they cannot understand. What is a simple bone spear up against an Ancient Arrow or Guardian? Are the Divine Beasts some sort of enemy gods? To a small pack of monsters, the world must seem a rather terrifying place. And what made them monsters in the first place? Do they serve Ganon willingly or out of fear? Would they remain antagonistic were they not hunted for parts? As anytime we are confronted by our own violence, we begin to unravel a bit, asking questions we fear to have answered. We begin to see that we have been looking through a glass, darkly. On the face of it, monsters are straightforward enemies, protecting items and information we need in order to save the world. But save the world for whom? In the end, just who is the real monster here?
Notes and Works Cited:
[1] Using a combination of sources kicked off by my finding this lovely post, I did a very rough job of calculating the number of sentient, organized monsters in Hyrule. I used the BotW Object Map and this one, by a certain Mr. Cheeze, in addition to User u/nbeepboop’s Google Sheets to determine a very imprecise number. My monstrous numbers came back thus: Bokoblins (1,213); Lizalfos (745); Moblins (397). I recognize the imperfections inherent in my process, and would love to be provided better numbers — if you believe you have them, please write in to tell me. u/nbeepboop has done God’s Own Work in documenting all the monster encampments to be found through gameplay. As always with these sorts of things, this is my “best guess.”
For the number of Hyruleans, I relied both on gameplay and lists of characters found on several websites; the numbers came up very close across sites, and, when convenient, I’ve either rounded roughly or taken an average. The (again, rough) population sizes are: Hylians (200); Gerudo (77); Gorons (35); Zora (27); Rito (24); and Sheikah (20 — excluding ancient monks). And we are not going to mention Koroks here . . . .
[2] “The use and trading of monster parts did not start in the present but became more frequent as monsters became more plentiful. It has enabled new trades, and quite a few people have benefited in a variety of ways.”
White, Keaton C. The Legend of Zelda, Breath of the Wild: Creating a Champion. Dark Horse Books, 2018, p. 406.
Elements of monster hunting appear in many games in some way. For instance, Link can collect lizard tails, jelly blobs, and monster claws in Skyward Sword. Likewise, in The Wind Waker, he gathers Chu Jelly, Boko Sticks, and Boko Baba Seeds to sell as spoils of battle. In A Link Between Worlds, he culls monster tails, guts, and horns, which are brewed into potions.
[3] Ibid., p. 366.
There are perhaps a few reasons for this. We know that they appear as Link begins to kill more and more monsters. Whether this is due to Ganon’s growing knowledge and fear of the Hero’s skills, or because of something done by the monsters themselves is unknown.
[4] Ibid., p. 406
[5] “For this game we have the Bokoblin, and these Bokoblin are really elaborately programmed. If you observe them really carefully, you’ll see them do all sorts of strange things. It’s done really well . . . If you pay attention to them, you’ll see that there’s something endearing about them. You’ll start thinking that these guys probably weren’t bad to start off with but maybe did something that made them the way they are. These enemies make movements that we want you to think about as you imagine why they might have ended up like this.” — Eiji Aonuma, Producer
"The Making of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Video – Story and Characters." Interview. YouTube.com. Nintendo, 14 Mar. 2017.
[6] White, Keaton C. The Legend of Zelda, Breath of the Wild: Creating a Champion. Dark Horse Books, 2018, p. 407.
Here I should also state that this notion of “loosely-organized groups” becomes a bit muddled when we consider how Ganon’s resurrection seems to unite them into a grand army or the Lizalfos general that once plagued the Zora.
[7] “Monsters threaten the lives and livelihoods of the people of Hyrule, but when they aren’t on the prowl, they all have their own culture and way of life. For example, Bokoblins use fire as a part of their daily routine to roast fish and meat and sleep around at night. Bokoblins are also known to boogie every once in a while, dancing when they’re in the mood.”
Ibid., p. 155.
[8] “This is kind of gross, but we actually have a sound effect for when a Bokoblin picks its nose. It’s not a very loud noise, but we created it by sticking a finger in a wet cloth and squishing it around. ” — Hajime Wakai, Sound Director
"The Making of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Video – Story and Characters." Interview. YouTube.com. Nintendo, 14 Mar. 2017.
[9] Monster Maze. (2021, January 29). Life as a Bokoblin — A Zelda nature documentary [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wsi1IbjPAkM
Also here: https://nintendotreehouse.tumblr.com/post/162647119087/dances-with-bokoblins
[10] White, Keaton C. The Legend of Zelda, Breath of the Wild: Creating a Champion. Dark Horse Books, 2018, p. 407.
[11] “Groups of monsters like Bokoblins or Moblins construct strongholds to better defend against enemies and have a safe place to sleep. They build them using materials found around ruins or stolen from people in the area.”
“They are using a board stolen from people, so it has nails in it and is properly constructed.”
White, Keaton C. The Legend of Zelda, Breath of the Wild: Creating a Champion. Dark Horse Books, 2018, pp. 340-1.
[12] "These quick-witted, lizard-like monsters can be found all over Hyrule. They're a sly species that lurks underwater or uses camouflage to blend in with the environment to launch ambushes. Moreover, they never sleep. They're meat eaters by nature but will enjoy the occasional insect or two." — In-game description
[1] Using a combination of sources kicked off by my finding this lovely post, I did a very rough job of calculating the number of sentient, organized monsters in Hyrule. I used the BotW Object Map and this one, by a certain Mr. Cheeze, in addition to User u/nbeepboop’s Google Sheets to determine a very imprecise number. My monstrous numbers came back thus: Bokoblins (1,213); Lizalfos (745); Moblins (397). I recognize the imperfections inherent in my process, and would love to be provided better numbers — if you believe you have them, please write in to tell me. u/nbeepboop has done God’s Own Work in documenting all the monster encampments to be found through gameplay. As always with these sorts of things, this is my “best guess.”
For the number of Hyruleans, I relied both on gameplay and lists of characters found on several websites; the numbers came up very close across sites, and, when convenient, I’ve either rounded roughly or taken an average. The (again, rough) population sizes are: Hylians (200); Gerudo (77); Gorons (35); Zora (27); Rito (24); and Sheikah (20 — excluding ancient monks). And we are not going to mention Koroks here . . . .
[2] “The use and trading of monster parts did not start in the present but became more frequent as monsters became more plentiful. It has enabled new trades, and quite a few people have benefited in a variety of ways.”
White, Keaton C. The Legend of Zelda, Breath of the Wild: Creating a Champion. Dark Horse Books, 2018, p. 406.
Elements of monster hunting appear in many games in some way. For instance, Link can collect lizard tails, jelly blobs, and monster claws in Skyward Sword. Likewise, in The Wind Waker, he gathers Chu Jelly, Boko Sticks, and Boko Baba Seeds to sell as spoils of battle. In A Link Between Worlds, he culls monster tails, guts, and horns, which are brewed into potions.
[3] Ibid., p. 366.
There are perhaps a few reasons for this. We know that they appear as Link begins to kill more and more monsters. Whether this is due to Ganon’s growing knowledge and fear of the Hero’s skills, or because of something done by the monsters themselves is unknown.
[4] Ibid., p. 406
[5] “For this game we have the Bokoblin, and these Bokoblin are really elaborately programmed. If you observe them really carefully, you’ll see them do all sorts of strange things. It’s done really well . . . If you pay attention to them, you’ll see that there’s something endearing about them. You’ll start thinking that these guys probably weren’t bad to start off with but maybe did something that made them the way they are. These enemies make movements that we want you to think about as you imagine why they might have ended up like this.” — Eiji Aonuma, Producer
"The Making of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Video – Story and Characters." Interview. YouTube.com. Nintendo, 14 Mar. 2017.
[6] White, Keaton C. The Legend of Zelda, Breath of the Wild: Creating a Champion. Dark Horse Books, 2018, p. 407.
Here I should also state that this notion of “loosely-organized groups” becomes a bit muddled when we consider how Ganon’s resurrection seems to unite them into a grand army or the Lizalfos general that once plagued the Zora.
[7] “Monsters threaten the lives and livelihoods of the people of Hyrule, but when they aren’t on the prowl, they all have their own culture and way of life. For example, Bokoblins use fire as a part of their daily routine to roast fish and meat and sleep around at night. Bokoblins are also known to boogie every once in a while, dancing when they’re in the mood.”
Ibid., p. 155.
[8] “This is kind of gross, but we actually have a sound effect for when a Bokoblin picks its nose. It’s not a very loud noise, but we created it by sticking a finger in a wet cloth and squishing it around. ” — Hajime Wakai, Sound Director
"The Making of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Video – Story and Characters." Interview. YouTube.com. Nintendo, 14 Mar. 2017.
[9] Monster Maze. (2021, January 29). Life as a Bokoblin — A Zelda nature documentary [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wsi1IbjPAkM
Also here: https://nintendotreehouse.tumblr.com/post/162647119087/dances-with-bokoblins
[10] White, Keaton C. The Legend of Zelda, Breath of the Wild: Creating a Champion. Dark Horse Books, 2018, p. 407.
[11] “Groups of monsters like Bokoblins or Moblins construct strongholds to better defend against enemies and have a safe place to sleep. They build them using materials found around ruins or stolen from people in the area.”
“They are using a board stolen from people, so it has nails in it and is properly constructed.”
White, Keaton C. The Legend of Zelda, Breath of the Wild: Creating a Champion. Dark Horse Books, 2018, pp. 340-1.
[12] "These quick-witted, lizard-like monsters can be found all over Hyrule. They're a sly species that lurks underwater or uses camouflage to blend in with the environment to launch ambushes. Moreover, they never sleep. They're meat eaters by nature but will enjoy the occasional insect or two." — In-game description