Riju

Overview

Makeela Riju, commonly referred to as Riju, is the young leader of the Gerudo tribe who appears in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and its sequel, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Inheriting the throne at a tender age following her mother's untimely death, she assumes the heavy responsibility of guiding her people. Overcoming initial self-doubt and severe crises, she eventually inherits a Secret Stone to become the Sage of Lightning. She serves as a resolute, dependable leader for her village while supporting Link in his quest.

Appearance

Riju features dark skin, red hair, green eyes, pointed ears, thick eyebrows, and blue lipstick. She wears classic jewelry, including a circlet and bracelets. In her later appearance, her once-long hair is cut into a short style, and she wears high-heeled footwear. Upon awakening as the Sage of Lightning, she adopts a Secret Stone styled as an earring. On specific occasions, she wears the Thunder Helm, a large metallic headpiece that nearly eclipses her entire face.

Personality

Despite her youth, Riju maintains a remarkably regal and firm presence, speaking in a highly formal, traditional manner. She carries a profound sense of duty toward her people, often taking personal accountability for the threats facing her home. Privately, however, she displays a softer, endearing side through her deep affection for her pet sand seal, Patricia, and her penchant for playing with stuffed toys in her quarters. As she matures, her inner strength and composure solidify, allowing her to interact with close allies warmly while projecting unwavering confidence as a ruler.

Abilities

Riju possesses the inherited power to manipulate lighting. Upon gaining her Secret Stone, she can extend an area of effect that allows targeted lightning strikes to hit precise locations marked by projectiles, stunning groups of enemies and obliterating heavy rocks without harming allies. In battle, she expertly dual-wields two Scimitars of the Seven while demonstrating an unusually resilient defensive guard. When equipping the sacred Thunder Helm, she generates a protective aura that entirely repels electrical attacks within its perimeter.

Background

Riju unexpectedly assumed the mantle of chief following her mother's death. Struggling with the sudden burden of leadership, she sought Link's aid when the Yiga Clan stole her tribe's treasured Thunder Helm, subsequently helping him calm the rampaging Divine Beast Vah Naboris. When a massive sandstorm and a horde of Gibdo monsters later endangered Gerudo Town, Riju stepped up to defend her domain. Through these trials, she discovered her lineage as the Sage of Lightning, unlocked her latent abilities with a Secret Stone, and pledged her strength to fight alongside Link against the Demon King.

Relationships

Riju is a descendant of the legendary Champion Urbosa, inheriting her legacy and sacred armaments. She holds immense trust in Link, recognizing his worth when he recovered the stolen Thunder Helm, and their bond deepens into a close, enduring friendship over time. She also values Princess Zelda as a dear friend. Riju shares a deeply affectionate bond with her beloved sand seal, Patricia, who accompanies her in her duties and daily routine.

Trivia

Her full name, Makeela Riju, as well as her common name, originates from French cosmetics terminology—specifically 'maquillage' (makeup) and 'rouge' (lipstick), following the naming convention of the Gerudo tribe. Additionally, feeding her favorite sand seal, Patricia, specific fruits in Gerudo Town prompts the creature to reveal helpful hints and clues regarding various quests.