Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Entry 23: A New Horse and Gear
The next day, I come across a herd of wild horses grazing in the fields along the base of Mount Rhoam north of the Tabantha Bridge Stable. Normally, I wouldn’t give them much thought, but one in particular caught my eye—an all-black stallion with a sleek, powerful frame. Something about it felt familiar. As I watched, a memory stirred… this horse looked just like the one I had ridden alongside the Princess.
Intrigued, I followed the herd, carefully closing the distance until I was near enough to make my move. With a deep breath, I lunged forward, grabbing hold of the horse’s mane and pulling myself onto its back. As expected, it reared and bucked in protest, trying to throw me off. But I held on, soothing it with gentle words and firm control. Eventually, it calmed beneath me, and I urged it into a gallop.
As we raced across the plains toward Tabantha Bridge Stable, I was in awe—this horse was incredibly fast, its speed unmatched by any I had ridden before. My hunch had been right.
At the stable, I registered my new companion, naming him Aragorn. Though he was still adjusting to my commands, I knew we were already forming a bond. That night, as I rested at the stable, I contemplated my next quest.
The following morning, as I saddled Aragorn, something felt off. The standard stable saddle and bridle didn’t suit him—he deserved something worthy of his strength and stature.
Recalling the knight’s saddle and bridle I had once seen at the mounted archery camp near Highland Stable, I made my decision. With a new destination in mind, I mounted Aragorn and set off toward the Highlands, eager to equip him properly for the journey ahead.
When I finally arrived at the camp, one of the gentlemen explained the terms for obtaining the knight’s saddle and bridle. They wouldn’t accept rupees—instead, they would only give it to someone truly worthy, someone with exceptional skill in horseback archery.
Their challenge? Hit 23 targets within the time limit—an achievement they deemed nearly impossible. However, each attempt would still cost me some rupees.
I smirked, appreciating the challenge. I’ll take those odds.
Mounting Aragorn, I readied my Great Falcon Bow, drawing impressed murmurs from the onlookers. At their signal, I took off, urging Aragorn into a gallop. The wind rushed past as I loosed arrows, striking distant targets with pinpoint accuracy. One after another, the targets fell, each shot precise, each movement fluid.
As I neared the end of the course, I fired my final shot just before the clock ran out—23 targets hit exactly.
Silence fell over the camp. Then, in utter disbelief, they erupted into cheers. They admitted they had never seen such skill before. Without hesitation, they handed over the knight’s saddle and bridle, declaring that no one was more deserving.
Satisfied, I thanked them and rode back to the stable, Aragorn now properly outfitted for the journey ahead.
Being in the area made me think of Lurelin Village… and thinking of Lurelin Village reminded me of the mysterious island off the coast—Eventide Island. Surely, there had to be a shrine there.
