Getting Epona Back in Majora’s Mask: A Rider’s Guide
To reclaim your loyal steed, Epona, in Majora’s Mask, you must first complete the events at Romani Ranch on the First Day. This involves helping Romani protect her cows from the aliens (Ghosts). Successfully defend the cows until dawn, and Romani will teach you Epona’s Song. Once you have the song, you can use it to summon Epona in the Termina Field, but only after you’ve removed the boulder blocking Milk Road. This boulder can be destroyed using a Powder Keg obtained from the Goron Village. Completing the An Explosive Exam is the Key to obtaining one.
Reclaiming Epona Step-by-Step
Getting Epona back involves a few key steps that must be executed in a specific order. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
- Head to Romani Ranch: As soon as you arrive in Clock Town, head south toward Romani Ranch. It’s best to do this early in the First Day cycle.
- Talk to Romani: Inside the ranch, find Romani. She’ll tell you about the “They” (aliens/Ghosts) that come to steal her cows and will need your help.
- Practice Run: Romani will give you a practice run on the First Day to learn how to shoot the aliens using your bow. Master this skill; your accuracy is crucial.
- Protect the Cows at Night: Return to the ranch on the First Day at around 2:30 AM. This is when the aliens attack. Stay with Romani and protect the cows from being abducted until dawn. This is the most challenging part, so be prepared.
- Learn Epona’s Song: If you successfully protect the cows, Romani will teach you Epona’s Song as a reward on the First Day.
- Obtain a Powder Keg: Travel to the Goron Village. You must complete the Snowhead Temple first. Once complete, speak with the Elder’s Son. Complete the quest An Explosive Exam.
- Destroy the Boulder: With the Powder Keg in hand, return to Termina Field and head toward Milk Road. Place the keg near the boulder and detonate it. Be careful not to be too close when it explodes!
- Summon Epona: Now that the path to Romani Ranch is clear, play Epona’s Song near the Horse Grass inside the Milk Road. Epona will appear, ready for you to ride!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I get Epona if I missed the Romani Ranch event on the First Day?
Yes, you can still get Epona, but you’ll need to reset the time by playing the Song of Time and restarting the three-day cycle. This will allow you to attempt the Romani Ranch event again on the First Day.
2. What happens if I fail to protect the cows from the aliens?
If you fail to protect the cows, Romani will be taken, and Cremia, her sister, will be left distraught. While you can still technically progress, you won’t get Epona’s Song during that cycle. Reset time and try again.
3. Is Epona faster than using the Bunny Hood?
Yes, Epona is significantly faster than using the Bunny Hood. She allows you to quickly traverse the overworld and reach distant locations much more efficiently.
4. Can Epona jump over obstacles automatically like in Ocarina of Time?
Yes, Epona will automatically jump over small obstacles and fences, making riding her through Termina Field relatively smooth.
5. How do I obtain the Powder Keg if I’m having trouble with the “An Explosive Exam”?
The An Explosive Exam can be challenging. Make sure you have the Goron Mask equipped and are using the Goron Roll effectively. Practice controlling your roll and try to avoid obstacles. It also helps to clear the path of any enemies beforehand.
6. Can I use Epona inside Clock Town?
No, you cannot ride Epona inside Clock Town or any other town. She is limited to open areas like Termina Field and Milk Road.
7. What other areas besides Milk Road can I access with Epona?
With Epona, you can access various parts of Termina Field more quickly, including the paths to the Great Bay, Woodfall, Snowhead, and Ikana Canyon. She is essential for efficient exploration.
8. Does Epona disappear if I don’t ride her for a while?
Yes, if you dismount Epona and leave her unattended for too long, she will eventually disappear. You’ll need to play Epona’s Song again to summon her back.
9. Can I use Epona to defeat enemies?
While you can’t directly attack with Epona, you can trample smaller enemies. She’s more useful for escaping dangerous situations or quickly moving past enemies.
10. Is there any way to customize Epona’s appearance in Majora’s Mask?
No, unlike some other Zelda games, you cannot customize Epona’s appearance in Majora’s Mask. She has a fixed look.
11. Can Wolf Link interact with Epona in Majora’s Mask?
Wolf Link is not present in the original Majora’s Mask.
12. I lost Epona after spawning her. Can I get her back?
Yes, simply play Epona’s Song again in an area where she can be summoned. She will reappear if you have the song and are in a suitable location.
13. Is getting Epona necessary to complete the game?
While not strictly necessary, getting Epona makes traversing Termina Field much faster and more convenient. She is highly recommended for optimal gameplay and exploring all the game has to offer.
14. What if I accidentally use the Powder Keg somewhere else? Can I get another one?
Yes, you can get multiple Powder Kegs, but you will have to repeat the An Explosive Exam each time. Make sure to use it carefully and avoid accidental detonations.
15. Are there any educational benefits to playing games like Majora’s Mask?
Absolutely! Games like Majora’s Mask promote problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and spatial reasoning. They also offer a unique medium for storytelling and can enhance creativity and collaboration. Organizations like the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) study and promote the use of games in education and learning environments. Games have been proven to be effective learning tools.
With Epona by your side, navigating the treacherous lands of Termina becomes a much more manageable and enjoyable experience. Good luck saving the world!