| “ | The bird that came to him was a Crimson Loftwing. It is a breed so rare we were sure for some time that it had vanished from the line. Yes, and the boy and his bird seemed to share a profound connection from the moment they met. Do you recall seeing Link and that Loftwing of his when they first met? What a sight! The little boy just hopped up on that bird and gracefully flew away, without even a moment of instruction! They were meant for each other. | „ |
| ~ Gaepora describing the Crimson Loftwing. |
The Crimson Loftwing is a major character in the 2011 action-adventure game The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.
He is a rare breed of Loftwing, the species of giant birds that protect the Hylians of Skyloft. After bonding with a young boy named Link, the Crimson Loftwing becomes his permanent steed, flying the hero across the Sky as he grew up.
Biography[]
Past[]
Link first found the Crimson Loftwing as a child, during a time when it was believed that all the Crimson Loftwings had already died out. The bird took an immediate liking to Link and allowed him to ride on his back. Link proved to be a natural at controlling the Loftwing, and the duo quickly became known for their flying prowess, much to the dismay of Link's rival, Groose.
Skyward Sword[]
Over time, Link becomes lazy and begins neglecting his flying practice. Urged to practice for the upcoming Wing Ceremony by Zelda, Link notes that he can't sense his Loftwing's presence. Zelda assumes he's lying to get out of practice, so she pushes him off the edge of Skyloft so he'll summon the bird. Link whistles to summon his Loftwing, but to no avail. Realizing something is amiss, Zelda dives down with her Loftwing to catch Link, and the two realize that the Crimson Loftwing has likely been stolen.
Link and Zelda set out to search for the Crimson Loftwing, only to encounter Groose and his two lackeys, Cawlin and Stritch, who are bragging about stealing Link's Loftwing. Overhearing this, Zelda scolds Groose, while Link heads off to the Knight Academy. There, his best friend, Fledge, informs him that he saw Groose take the Loftwing to a waterfall. Following his advice, Link finally reunites with his bird behind a waterfall at the edge of Skyloft, and the two begin practicing for the Wing Ceremony.
At the Wing Ceremony, Link and the Crimson Loftwing manage to beat Groose and all of their classmates, allowing Link to participate with Zelda in a ritual honoring the Goddess Hylia. Afterwards, Link and Zelda fly off into the Sky with their Loftwings. However, a tornado suddenly appears, hurling Zelda down to the Surface below the clouds and knocking Link unconscious.
The Crimson Loftwing carries his master back to Skyloft, where Link receives medical attention. Upon waking up and being led to a chamber by a spirit named Fi, Link discovers that he is Hylia's chosen hero, and that he must travel to the Surface to find Zelda.
With the aid of his Loftwing, Link dives down to the Surface, exploring the three regions of Faron, Eldin, and Lanayru.