Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Entry 14: The Heroines
The next day, I take the road toward Rito Stable, clearing out Skywatcher Guardians and defeating a Stone Talus along the way. I also visit one of the Great Fairy Sisters to enhance my gear, making me feel even more prepared for the challenges ahead.
When I arrive at the stable, I give one of the stable helpers some Goron Spice I brought back from my trip to Eldin. He’s absolutely delighted, thanking me with genuine enthusiasm. I spend some time around the stable, defeating a Hinox and another Stone Talus lurking nearby. During my exploration, I come across a shrine platform, but frustratingly, there are no obvious clues to solve its mystery—something to keep in mind for later.
I make my way to Rito Village, taking time to speak with the Rito people. The rogue Divine Beast circling overhead casts a constant, oppressive shadow across their home. Once-proud and free-spirited, the Rito who once soared effortlessly through the skies now live in fear—grounded, their wings clipped by the ever-present threat of the ancient machine. Their morale is low, their routines upended, and a quiet despair lingers in their voices. The weight of their struggle tugs at me. I want to help—but for now, I must stay focused on my journey to the shrines.
From Lake Totori, I head back to Hateno Village to regroup and make plans. While there, I show Nebb some rare weapons I’ve collected on my travels—his eyes light up with excitement at each new find. I also stop by the Hateno Tech Lab, then use my Sheikah Slate’s travel ability to visit the Akkala Tech Lab, stocking up on ancient arrows and powerful weapons crafted from the Guardian parts I’ve gathered.
As I reflect on my journey so far, I realize I’ve yet to properly explore the snowy regions of the Gerudo Highlands and the Tabantha/Hebra Mountains. However, before braving those harsh, icy terrains, I’ll need better footwear to handle the deep snow. If there’s one marketplace that might have exactly what I need, it’s Gerudo Town—and that’s where I’ll head next.
I make the trip to Gerudo Canyon Stable and finally rest at the Kara Kara Bazaar hotel, enjoying a much-needed break from the harsh desert sun. While there, I chat with a few merchant friends, exchanging stories from my travels before heading toward Gerudo Town.
As I approach the town's massive gates, I notice a man sprinting across the loose desert sands with ease, completely unencumbered by the shifting terrain. Curious, I ask him about it, and he explains that he’s wearing special sand shoes, designed to make traversing the dunes effortless. He adds that they’re incredibly rare since the original shoemaker has passed away. I offer to buy them, but he refuses, explaining that he’s trying to impress a Gerudo woman by showing off his unique boots.
His motives spark an idea.
I slip away, head to the other side of the town’s outer wall, and change into my Gerudo disguise—the women’s clothing I previously acquired. When I approach him again, he introduces himself as Bozai, awkwardly attempting to flirt, clearly eager to show off. I steer the conversation toward his sand shoes, expressing my "deep interest" in them. Flattered, he offers a deal: if I can bring him a photo of the rumored Eighth Heroine, a legendary figure said to reside somewhere in the Gerudo Highlands, he’ll consider giving me the sand shoes.
To help with my search, Bozai even lends me a pair of snowshoes—a generous gesture, considering the treacherous, icy conditions of the Highlands. He also suggests that someone in Gerudo Town might know more about the legend of the Seven Heroines.
Once inside Gerudo Town, I stock up on supplies, mainly arrows, before seeking out Rotana, a local scholar known for her knowledge of ancient Gerudo history. She tells me about the mystery surrounding the Seven Heroines and where their statues are located. Intrigued, I spend the night at the town’s inn to rest up for the journey ahead.
The next morning, I set out to find the heroine statues. After navigating the desert I find the massive stone statues arranged in a circle nestled within a large canyon. After solving the intricate puzzle they present, a shrine emerges from the sands. Upon completing the trial and receiving the monk’s blessing, I return to Gerudo Town to share my discovery with Rotana.
Unfortunately, she has no new information about the rumored Eighth Heroine, leaving me with no choice but to search the Gerudo Highlands myself. Determined, I make plans to head north the next day, ready to face the snow-covered cliffs and uncover the truth behind the legend.
The next morning, I head north past the Northern Icehouse and begin climbing the cliffs into the Gerudo Highlands. Once I reach the snowy terrain, I don my Snowquill gear and the borrowed snow boots, then set out west toward the Risoka Snowfield. My plan is to explore the northern side of the mountains, checking out the spot that the worker from Tabantha Stable had mentioned, while also keeping an eye out for the legendary Eighth Heroine.
Surprisingly, the ascent is easier than expected, thanks to numerous updrafts that help me scale the cliffs with ease. Along the way, I discover a shrine nestled in the snowfield, and before I know it, I’m standing at the mountain’s summit, propelled by the gusts of wind.
Following a shallow, valley-like path at the summit, I eventually spot what appears to be the hilt of a massive sword protruding from the ground—a clear sign that the heroine’s statue must be nearby. Continuing north, I reach the area I’d seen from afar near Tabantha Stable. There, etched into the mountainside, are markings resembling lightning bolts, all pointing toward a shrine platform.
Inspired, I nock a shock arrow and fire it at the platform. Instantly, a shrine rises from the ground, confirming my hunch. After claiming the monk’s blessing, I follow the northern ridge, eventually descending into a deep valley. At its end, carved majestically into the mountainside, stands the Eighth Heroine Statue—her form both ancient and awe-inspiring. I snap a photo with my Sheikah Slate and make my way back to Gerudo Town.
As I approach the town, I change back into my Gerudo disguise and find Bozai lingering near the front entrance. He’s pacing nervously, clearly feeling guilty for having sent me on such a dangerous quest. Before he can launch into excuses, I cut him off, show him the photo of the statue, and remind him of our deal. Reluctantly, he hands over the coveted sand shoes after I return his snow boots.
However, I’m not done yet. I tell him I’d like to keep the snow shoes as well. Bozai, ever the opportunist, agrees—but only if I can find the missing sword of the heroine. Since I already know exactly where it is, I accept the challenge, though I know the trek back up to the summit will be tougher without the borrowed snow boots.
Determined, I prepare for one last climb.
I spend the night at the hotel before heading back to the stable, ready to tackle the next leg of my journey. This time, I decide to approach the sword of the heroine from the eastern side of the mountain, curious to see what I might discover along a different route.
The climb is challenging, with several Frost Taluses and monster camps scattered along the way. While navigating through the snow-covered cliffs, I stumble upon another shrine, completely encased in a massive block of ice and guarded by two Ice Wizzrobes. After dealing with the wizzrobes, I set fires all around the ice, patiently melting it down until I can finally access the shrine and claim the monk’s blessing.
I press on toward the sword, eventually reaching the familiar spot. I snap a clear photo with my Sheikah Slate and begin my descent back to Gerudo Town.
Sure enough, I find Bozai lounging under a tent just outside the town’s entrance. Predictably, he launches into another nervous ramble about how worried he was for my safety. I cut him off mid-sentence, flash the photo of the sword, and hold out my hand expectantly. Overcome with guilt—probably realizing how dangerous both tasks were—he finally hands over the snow boots.
But then, with astonishing boldness, he actually tries to ask me out. After sending me on two extremely dangerous quests, this guy somehow thinks that’s the perfect setup for romance. Clearly, he has no clue how to talk to women. I shut him down immediately with a firm, “Not a chance.”
Later, just for fun, I approach him in my regular clothes. He’s sulking, lamenting about being dumped by a girl. Good grief, Bozai.
Now that I have some new footwear, I set out toward Hebra via Serenne Stable, a region I haven’t visited in quite some time.
