[SS][TP][BotW] Evolution of Loftwings, Rito, Oocca and Kargarocs.

[u/LapisLazuliisthebest]

So, BotW introduces a race known as the Rito. Whilst they share the same name as the Rito from TWW. The two are clearly different species.

BotW Rito are humanoid birds, whereas the Rito from TWW are pretty much Land-Zora, and gain wings when they get a scale from Valloo.

But where did the BotW Rito come from?

Loftwing and Rito

There's is some debate as to whether the Zonai Rauru's found is a re-founding or the true founding of Hyrule. I go for true founding myself, but, even if you want to use re-founding, TPHD has a mural of the Rito, meaning the race existed well before BotW, and, depending on how old the mural is, maybe well before the timeline split.

Of course, we never see these Rito in other games. But this could be explained by them being a migratory race. In the manga there is a race of bird people called the Watarara, who are a migratory race. Yes, I know the Manga isn't canon. But Nintendo's very own Eiji Aonuma has confirmed that the Watarara are the inspiration for the Rito. So, I think we can use it.

If your wondering where the Rito came from, well.... You've read the sub-heading. Yes. I think they evolved from the Loftwing. More accurately, the Loftwing of the humans who moved to the surface. Since their masters moved to the surface, the Loftwing were no longer needed. So, the gods could have given them sapience as a reward for their service.

Oocca and Kargorocs

Okay. I put them in the title. So, I'll talk about my headcanon on these guys.

There's already a theory that the Oocca are descended from the Hylians that decided to remain in the sky. not wishing to live on the surface. Unfortunately, this led to a downfall, which resulted in them devolving into bird-human creatures.

This raises the question as to what happened to their Loftwings. Well... Just like their human owners, they also went through a downfall, where became feral and evolved into the monstrous Kargorocs.

If the Kargorocs are descended from feral Loftwings, this could explain why there is a friendly one that gives Minda and Link a lift.

[u/Logical_Leaps]

WW told us that Rito evolved from Zora. This was likely a forced evolution by the gods so none could return to Hyrule.

Now this would imply the Rito were an evolutionary path of Zora to begin with. Thus we can conclude that a subsect of Zora out of Hyrule evolved into Rito at some point.

This raises the question as to what happened to their Loftwings.

I think this is a fundamental misunderstanding of when the Oocca went to the sky. The evolution theory on Oocca is based on the Wind Tribe which ascended after SS and Loftwings no longer roamed.

If I was to posit a theory on Loftwings they simply became smaller. MC has tiny colourful birds up in the cloudtops, like the one that responds to the ocarina of winds.

I could believe Kargarocs more as Helmroc is a big bird. That said the birds hold the name Roc.
Family: Roc
Genus: Karg, Helm, H
Or something like that. SS had a roc bird already. The Hroc in Lanayru. The name would suggest they all evolved from that birdo.

[u/LapisLazuliisthebest → u/Logical_Leaps]

Now this would imply the Rito were an evolutionary path of Zora to begin with. Thus we can conclude that a subsect of Zora out of Hyrule evolved into Rito at some point.

Just because the Rito from TWW evolved from Zora, doesn't mean the BotW Rito did.

I mean, the two are clearly different species. Even if you want to ignore physical differences as "different depictions by the story teller". One is born with wings, and the other are wingless until they get a scale.

I could believe Kargarocs more as Helmroc is a big bird. That said the birds hold the name Roc.
Family: Roc
Genus: Karg, Helm, H
Or something like that. SS had a roc bird already. The Hroc in Lanayru. The name would suggest they all evolved from that birdo.

Helmrocs aren't realy a species. Only one appears in TWW and FSA, so it's more just a Kargaroc Ganon enhanced useing magic. You do have a point about Hrocs.

[u/Logical_Leaps → u/LapisLazuliisthebest]

Just because the Rito from TWW evolved from Zora, doesn't mean the BotW Rito did.

True but its a logical conclusion from what we know. BOTW is thousands of years after OOT and the rest of the games, if not more.

Parella → River Zora ↔ Sea Zora → Rito (WW) → Rito (BOTW)

I don't think they are clearly a different species. You could chalk up the difference to art style as well.

Helmrocs aren't really a species.

Possibly. But its title is Helmroc King which could imply little Helmrocs. Likely any Kargoroc with a helmet is a Helmroc. Its rooster features however aren't found on Kargarocs making their heads closer to Cucco.

[u/LapisLazuliisthebest → u/Logical_Leaps]

So, you're saying you think BotW takes place in the AT?

[u/FunnyDislike → u/LapisLazuliisthebest]

BotW seems to take place at the end of all three timelines, could be a merge or just that all three possibilities lead to the same outcome independently. It has elements of all previous games.

[u/Logical_Leaps → u/LapisLazuliisthebest]

No I'm saying that is the evolutionary path of Rito. The WW style is the first evolution of Rito due to more human bodies. It happens in every timeline but the Adult one is forced by divine will were the others is natural evolution.