Voices from the ancient era | 𝐭𝐨𝐭𝐤

Chapter 1: The mystery of the Zonai

According to legend, the Zonai descended from the heavens where the Gods dwelled, and resided in the skies. Although history has yet to explain the origin of this mysterious civilization, we have discovered more about the Zonai culture and way of life. 

Before ascending down to the lands of Hyrule, the Zonai dwelled in large islands situated in the sky. These islands offered food, fresh water and land for a large population to thrive. One of the unique plants native to the sky islands are a type of mushroom called a "Skyshroom". The fluffy texture of this unique mushroom and it's soft woody aroma were a delicacy to the Zonai people, which often used the Skyshroom in their signature dishes. There were also many species of birds and fish which populated the forests and ponds. 

Another staple figure in Zonai cuisine was an important flower called a Sundelion. When cooked, this flower provided special healing that cured many illnesses and pains. However, the Sundelion also stood as an important symbol in Zonai culture. It stood as a sign of innocence and youth. It was often a gift for a loved one, as the remedial properties of the flower were a token of love and protection. 

Much like people in our day, the Zonai constructed their own homes out of stone to protect themselves and their families from the chill brought upon them from the night, or the violent winds that more often than not plagued their sanctuary. 

The Zonai were also a highly educated people who outstanded the world through their brilliant technological advancements. Long before Hylians could discover the wheel, the Zonai already wielded weapons of fire and ice. As a defence mechanism from monsters, the Zonai had also developed robots that could attack anything deemed as an intruder, which offered much aid in the years to come.

Just like any other culture around the lands, the Zonai people had a special place in their hearts for music. Their people posessed numerous interesting instruments that played beautiful melodies that could soothe, heal and uplift. Later in time when they began to connect with other civilizations, they became renowned for their enchanting song and dance. Historians speculate that one of the many reasons the Hylians and Zonai began to interlace was through their music and dance. The Zonai dances were very elegant and symbolized the divinity and importance of the nature around them. Although the Zonai are no longer with us to this day, there have been some discoveries of ancient pieces of music which has helped researchers better appreciate the Zonai arts. 

Many years after the establishment of the first Zonai people, they travelled beyond their Sky Islands and arrived to what we know as the land of Hyrule. They mainly settled within the Faron and Woodland regions, which provided the ideal environment for them. The Zonai thrived within the islands of the sky, yet the rich and fertile lands of Hyrule allowed their civilization to flourish in a golden age that lasted many years. 

Their population began to grow exceedingly and their powerful technology grew more advanced. The natives of the land believed these strange beings were Gods, and respected them with much might. Many great cities had been constructed, as had temples depicting murals which illustrated the significant history of the mighty Zonai. Symbolism was found everywhere in Zonai artwork, poetry and music. Their illustrations displayed many references to the triforce, a crucial symbol within the entire land of Hyrule. 

Zonai families often ranged from four people to five. Unlike the Hylians, their families were often small. Historians suspect it was to keep the family more tightly knit, which allowed their children to better understand and learn their inherited skills of magic. 

Similar to that of the ancient Hylians, the Zonai posessed longer ears that were said to have granted them the ability to hear the whisperings of the Gods. As a pious bunch, the Zonai were known to worship the Goddess Hylia, as well as a few other deities which offered them powers of wisdom, power and courage.