Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Entry 17: The Sword of Legend
Since it was getting late and I was exhausted from my journey to the city—not to mention the events of the evening—I decided to head to the inn. On the way, I chatted with a few Zora and happened to meet an old priest named Kapson. He shared his heartfelt wish to officiate one last wedding before setting off to travel the world. I told him about Tarrey Town and the engagement of Hudson and Rhondson. His eyes lit up with excitement at the idea, and he vowed to leave for Tarrey Town right away.
With that encounter fresh in my mind, I finally turned in for the night at the inn. As I lay in bed, my thoughts drifted to my memory of Mipha and the rumors I’d heard about a mysterious sword hidden deep within the woods.
The next morning, I set out for Ploymus Mountain—not so much because I needed shock arrows (I already had plenty), but more to prove something to myself and to the Zora elders. I wanted to show them I was indeed a worthy warrior. Facing the Lynel was no small feat, but after an intense battle, I emerged victorious, my confidence renewed.
With that triumph behind me, I decided to explore Toto Lake. I’d noticed a stone monument on my way into the city that hinted at a hidden treasure there. The detour proved worthwhile—the treasure turned out to be the Zora Helm, a perfect match for the armor Mipha had crafted for me.
Satisfied with my accomplishments, I left Zora’s Domain and made my way toward Woodland Stable. It was time to confront something I had long avoided—my fear of the Lost Woods.
After spending the night at the stable, I set out for the Lost Woods first thing in the morning. As I entered the forest, an eerie familiarity washed over me—it was just as unsettling as I remembered. But this time was different. Drawing strength from my memory of Mipha and my growing concern for Hyrule, I pressed on, determined to face whatever lay ahead.
I followed a series of torches flickering among the dense mist, their faint glow barely cutting through the gloom. I soon noticed something peculiar—the wind seemed to carry the torch embers in a specific direction, almost as if the forest itself was guiding me. When the trail of lit torches came to an end, I lit my own torch and followed the drifting embers, letting their subtle dance lead the way.
The forest grew more unnerving with every step, its twisted trees and thick fog creating an oppressive, otherworldly silence. Yet I remained undeterred, pushing forward for what felt like an eternity until, finally, the mist began to thin. I stepped into a clearing bathed in an ethereal light.
At the center stood a colossal tree, ancient and imposing. In front of it, resting in a triangular stone slab, was a sword bathed in a soft, radiant glow. As I approached, I realized I wasn’t alone—small, curious Koroks peeked out from behind the trees, silently watching me.
I slowly walked up to the sword, my heart pounding, and wrapped my hand around the hilt. The moment I touched it, a rush of fragmented memories surged through me—brief flashes, images, and emotions I could barely comprehend. Overwhelmed, I released the sword, trying to steady myself.
Then, to my astonishment, the massive tree stirred. Its ancient bark creaked and groaned as it came to life, and it spoke to me in a deep, resonant voice. It introduced itself as the Great Deku Tree.
The Deku Tree confirmed what I had suspected—the sword before me had once belonged to me. However, it could only be reclaimed if I was still worthy. Attempting to draw it in a weakened state, he warned, could cost me my life.
In anticipation of my arrival, the Koroks had prepared a series of trials designed to test my strength, courage, and resolve. They had even crafted a small room within the Great Deku Tree for me to rest, along with a shop to aid me in my journey.
With the weight of destiny pressing down on me, I knew what I had to do—prove I was worthy once again.
The next morning, I set out to complete the Korok Trials. Each of the three trials tested my ability to navigate different parts of the Lost Woods without getting lost or breaking the specific rules of each challenge. Despite the eerie atmosphere and ever-present mist, I managed to complete each trial without too much difficulty. Along the way, the Koroks were eager to talk to me, their curiosity piqued by the items and ingredients I carried from across Hyrule. Their cheerful, quirky nature was a welcome contrast to my usual monster encounters.
With the trials completed, it was time to face my true test—reclaiming the sword.
As I approached the pedestal, I felt the watchful gaze of countless Koroks, their tiny eyes filled with anticipation. Steeling myself, I stepped onto the platform, took a deep breath, and wrapped my hands around the hilt of the sword. I began to pull, summoning every ounce of strength within me. Slowly, I felt the blade shift, rising from its resting place in small, agonizing increments. My heart pounded with each movement until—at last—I was holding it, the sword free from the stone.
In that very moment, a vision from the past overwhelmed me. I saw a battle-weary Princess Zelda, her face marked by determination and exhaustion, carefully placing the damaged sword into the pedestal. Her voice echoed with quiet resolve as she asked the Great Deku Tree to keep it safe and watch over it until the time was right. Then she turned and walked away, heading toward Hyrule Castle to face Calamity Ganon, determined to seal him away, even if it meant sacrificing everything.
When the vision faded, the Great Deku Tree spoke, his voice heavy with the weight of time. He confirmed that what I had seen was the truth—events that unfolded 100 years ago. He had kept watch over the sword, just as Zelda had asked, patiently awaiting my return.
As I held the blade, its familiar weight grounding me, I knew what I had to do. My path was clear.
