Is Riju royalty?

Is Riju Royalty?

In the Legend of Zelda series, Riju is the Chieftain of the Gerudo tribe in the game The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. There has been much speculation surrounding her character, particularly when it comes to her role as royalty. In this article, we will examine the evidence and answer the question: Is Riju royalty?

Direct Answer:
Yes, Riju is royalty.

Background:
The Gerudo tribe is one of the four main playable factions in the game. They are a nomadic tribe of Gerudo warrior women who inhabit the gerudo Desert. Riju is the leader of this tribe and is responsible for guiding them in their pursuit of justice and protection from the forces of evil. As the Chieftain, she is believed to be a direct descendant of the royal line and is considered to be part of the Gerudo aristocracy.

Evidence for Royalty:
Riju’s role as the Chieftain is a clear indication of her royal status. As leader of the Gerudo, she is responsible for overseeing the tribe’s daily affairs, making important decisions, and leading them in battles against their enemies. The Gerudo tribe is steeped in tradition and etiquette, and as the chief, Riju is considered to be a symbol of their culture and heritage. Her position is also accompanied by a certain level of prestige and respect, particularly among the Gerudo who see her as a sacred leader.

In Her Own Words:
Throughout the game, Riju refers to herself as "a descendant of the royal line" and "chieftain of the Gerudo". This self-professed title is a direct indication of her royal background and reinforces her position within the Gerudo tribe. Additionally, she is one of the few characters in the game who addresses Link (the protagonist) with proper titles, such as "Hero of Hyrule", further emphasizing her importance and royal stature.

Other Characters’ Perception:
Other characters in the game also acknowledge Riju’s royal status. For instance, Urbosa, the Gerudo warrior and champion, addresses Riju as "Chieftain" and exhibits a level of respect reserved for royalty. This lends credence to Riju’s royal lineage and establishes her as a respected member of the Gerudo’s aristocracy.

Arguments Against Royalty:
Some may argue that, despite her leadership role within the Gerudo tribe, Riju’s lack of direct connection to the sacred bloodline of the Sheikah (the ancestors of the Gerudo chieftains) compromises her royal status. However, this argument is weakened when considering the Gerudo culture’s emphasis on meritocratic leadership, where the abilities and strength of an individual are valued over their bloodline.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the overwhelming evidence suggests that Riju is indeed royalty. As the Chieftain of the Gerudo tribe, she is a direct descendant of the royal line, and her leadership role is accompanied by a level of respect and prestige within the Gerudo culture. Her titles, self-professed declarations, and the perceptions of other characters in the game all reinforce her royal stature.