They were a race that was known to be “closer to the Gods”, as shown by their ears pointing skyward. … Hylians are many times thought of as similar to elves in classical fantasy, since they’re a very human-looking race with strong magical potential.

Why do Link and Zelda have pointed ears?

Hylians are said to have pointy ears in order to hear messages from the gods. Hylians are known to be a religious and spiritual people who worship Hylia, the Golden Goddesses, the Light Spirits, and other deities.

Why does Zelda have long ears?

“They say we Hylians have big ears in order to hear the voices of the gods.” In their reverence of Hylia, the people of Skyloft would develop long ears, as even the Sheikah had – but the humans left on the surface world…would not.

Pointed ears are more streamline, less air resistance, and therefore hear “better” when the head is down and moving fast (i.e. less flapping around). Perhaps they used to hunt in the dark, moving quickly, listening for prey.