Best Goron Characters in Zelda, Ranked

Highlights

Gorons in Zelda are strong, earthy rock-eaters with unique personalities that produce some of Hyrule’s hardiest heroes.
Yunobo stands out for his courage, character growth, and style among goron warriors.
Daruk embodies the goron spirit with defensive powers, willingness to face Ganon, and depth of spirit.

As I delve into the captivating tales of these mighty Gorons, I find myself awestruck by their unwavering courage and deep-rooted values. Daruk, a blazing warrior with a heart as fiery as his namesake, was not just a hero in battle but a beacon of kindness in times of peace. His phobia of dogs might seem trivial, yet it speaks volumes about his vulnerability and humanity, reminding us that even the strongest among us have fears to overcome.

Gorons, in the world of The Legend of Zelda, serve as an alternative to dwarves. They are sturdy, resilient, and have a peculiar fascination with rocks and gems. Unlike dwarves who hoard precious stones, gorons relish them for their taste, as they consume them. Much like their diet, gorons themselves embody strength, courage, and an earthy demeanor, which makes them among the most distinctive characters in the series.

Every Goron carries an inner flame and a hint of rhythmic energy, possibly physically, yet they shine like mountains amidst colossal beings. To secure a place among them, these Gorons must be distinctive and cherished by the audience, which will be determined by their ability to create legends and triumph in competitions. From the undulating hills of Death Mountain to the fiery currents of Goron City, the tales of these stony champions will resonate deeply within every heart of a Hylian for all eternity.

6 Link – Majora’s Mask

The Other Link (The One With The Blue Hat)

Memorable for: having the same name as Link
Beloved for: his cultural refinement and patient temperament

In the game “Majora’s Mask,” a character’s name is based on what the player initially chooses, usually referred to as “Link” by default. This character, like several others in Termina, experiences a sad ending. Interestingly, unlike other characters, his misfortune is directly influenced by the player’s decisions. As Link descends the treacherous slopes of Snowhead, he eventually arrives at Clock Town, where celebrations are taking place.

At the Stock Pot Inn, Link had previously reserved a room. If Tatl and her green-cloaked companion decide to take advantage of this potential confusion over identities, they might end up claiming the room, leaving Link without a place to stay and forced to sleep outdoors. Apart from his distinctive moniker, this goron stands out because he’s the only one brave enough to traverse the land to immerse himself in cultures foreign to him. This makes him an explorer and a world-traveling goron.

5 Yunobo – Breath Of The Wild & Tears Of The Kingdom

From Crumbling Courage To Rock Of The Community

Memorable for: his chunky drip
Beloved for: his courageous character arc

Among many powerful goron warriors listed here, Yunobo distinguishes himself through his valor in the face of fear and personal development. While it’s simple to execute remarkable feats without fear, it is the struggle to conquer that fear which truly embodies courage. If this theory holds, Yunobo could be one of the bravest Hylian characters. Besides having a captivating personality, he also exudes style, from his thick chain and belt to his distinctive mohawk and soul patch.

Following his alliance with Link and the successful conquest of Vah Rudania – the Divine Beast, Yunobo demonstrates his worthiness to his illustrious ancestor, Daruk, which in turn boosts his confidence in himself. In the events of Tears of the Kingdom, Yunobo has risen to prominence within the Goron community, establishing the mining company YunoboCo. However, his exalted position is abused, causing Yunobo to succumb to corruption due to an evil mask. Fortunately, Link intervenes and aids in restoring him to his genuine self.

4 Biggoron – Ocarina of Time, Various

The Very Best Of The Big Gorons

Memorable for: being the biggest goron
Beloved for: his exquisite metalwork

In various installments of “The Legend of Zelda” series, Biggoron stands out as a character too grand for just one game. He can be found in epic adventures like “Ocarina of Time,” “The Minish Cap,” and “Oracle of Seasons.” It’s not hard to understand why this character remains so memorable. Biggoron is quite imposing, even when he’s relaxing at the peak of a mountain. However, in the game “Majora’s Mask,” there was an unexpected twist where he vanished mysteriously, possibly because of Skull Kid’s mask-induced tricks.

In contrast to Mediocregoron, who seems more fit for the name “Mediocre-Goron”, due to his habit of crafting some of the poorest weapons in all of Hyrule, Biggoren’s creations are as robust as steel. After a long and challenging side quest, Biggoren plays a crucial role in safeguarding Hyrule from evil by bestowing upon the Hero of Time, Link, Biggoren’s sword – an imposing, two-handed blade that for Link, is substantial, but for Biggoren, it might as well be a butter knife, considering he typically feasts on rocks rather than butter.

3 Daruk – Breath Of The Wild

The Protective Shield Of Hyrule

Memorable for: his love of rock roast, legendary strength, and defensive powers
Beloved for: his gregarious personality, wisdom, love for shooting lasers at Ganon

In essence, Daruk embodied the Goron spirit, being large, bold, sociable, and ultimately heroic. The stone-roasted meal enthusiast, this warrior, carried a colossal weapon known as Boulder Breaker, a sword-hammer that he used to create Gortram Cliff, providing his kin with an abundance of scrumptious rock roasts. Despite his immense power, it was his defensive prowess that truly stood out, showcased through his Daruk’s Protection skill.

In the role of pilot for Vah Rudania, Daruk courageously shielded Hyrule from Calamity Ganon. Yet, a century prior to the occurrences depicted in Breath of the Wild, Daruk met his match against Fireblight Ganon and was imprisoned within his own Divine Beast. While Daruk was more than just a fierce warrior during tranquil times, he harbored a hidden fear of dogs due to an early childhood experience. Much like Yunobo, his descendant, Daruk initially exhibited timidity as a child; however, through diligence, acts of kindness, and a diet rich in rocks, he developed his strength.

2 Darmani The Third – Majora’s Mask

A Mighty Warrior In Life, A Powerful Ally In Death

Memorable for: the powerful catharsis after hearing the song of healing
Beloved for: his sweet tattoos, legendary deeds, and great big heart

Darmani the Third was once Termina’s greatest goron warrior, so renowned for his deeds that the gravestone carved with his accomplishments rises high above any who would stand before it. Through Darmani, Zelda fans got to dig into the very core of goron culture and values and the dark side of heroism and sacrifice. Despite being faced with overwhelming odds and for the sake of his people, Darmani chose to confront the demon at the heart of the unnatural winter. After falling to his death, Darmani is cursed with a sense of eternal shame and regret.

In this scene, players witness a touching moment where Link demonstrates to a powerful goron that despite past mistakes, the people still cherish him deeply. This emotional display is accentuated by the fact that the goron sheds tears of diamond, surrounded by his loving family and tribe in a fond memory. In return for alleviating the goron’s distress, Link receives the Goron Mask, which bestows upon him the strength of Darmani (alongside his necklace, powerful gauntlets, and traces of his ink and facial hair) whenever he dons it.

1 Darunia – Ocarina Of Time

The Passionate Brother, Dancer, And Champion

Memorable for: his white-hot dance moves
Beloved for: his brotherly spirit, naming his firstborn after Link

Although Darunia appears stern and unchanging due to his carved goron face, beneath this facade lies a being of intense emotion, respect, and warmth. His ardor for dance is surpassed only by his desire to ensure the safety and prosperity of his people. Yet, watch him dance, and you’ll understand that he’s not just tough but also graceful. The rhythm in the air seems to beckon him to dance every time.

At first, I kept my distance from outsiders, but when I witnessed Link’s extraordinary skills and unwavering determination to feed the gorons by vanquishing the fiery King Dodongo and his kin, I couldn’t help but feel moved. He earned the title of “Dodongo Buster” not just once, but twice!

2024-08-14 15:34