Stalfos

Stalfos are skeletal creatures from The Legend of Zelda series. They are usually seen wielding swords and shields, bones, or maces. Most variations have to be knocked apart before finishing off their head or destroying their remains. They are usually found in dark areas like the Arbiter's Grounds in Twilight Princess, the Earth Temple in Wind Waker, the Forest Temple in Ocarina of Time, and many others.

The Legend of Zelda
They appear in the first dungeon and many others, in the first dungeon, They prove to be quite the nusaince since Link is still poorly armed, however their destruction is often times required, as they may be holding a necassary item such as a small key

Zelda 2: Adventure of Link
They wield Swords of about the same length as Link's, and are quite skilled with it, so they can often prove to be quite tricky, but provide a fair 20 experience points. Some types are capable of the Down thrust technique, making them aerial hazards

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
Stalfos come in three different varieties. This time, normal ones are completely unarmed, but are surprisingly nimble, if Link tries to use a melee weapon(Such as the sword or magic hammer) on them, they will jump away and throw a bone at him. Red Stalfos have the unusual ability to drop their entire bodies from their heads and fly around the room, but retain the rest of it's abilities(before dropping their heads) Finally, Stalfos knights are armed with their classic Sword and Shield. This time, once they are struck down to a bone pile, they must be bombed or they will return to normal.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
In their first 3D appearance, Stalfos prove to be a formidable opponent. As usual, they come wielding a sword and shield. They will Strafe around Link, holding up their shield until they are about to attack, dropping their guard and allowing Link to Strike. They are considered difficult, especially in groups, as their sword strikes are powerful and their health is high, even against the Biggoron's Sword. This has made them minibosses in most cases.

The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker
These Stalfos, unlike previous incarnations, wield spiked clubs(and apparantly have a difficult time doing so) enough sword strikes will send the stalfos to pieces, wheith the head still trying to move. After some time passes, the stalfos will magically put itself back together, unless Link finishes him off. Quite notably, if you take the Stalfos' mace, he will pull off his own leg and use it as a weapon.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
Shorter than usual, these somewhat weaker Stalfos behave much like they did in OoT. Like in AlttP, a bomb is required to finish them off. They first appeared in the Arbiter's grounds