Can You Get Epona’s Song When Grown Up in Ocarina of Time? A Comprehensive Guide
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The short answer is yes, you absolutely can get Epona’s Song even after becoming an adult in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. While the initial opportunity to learn the song presents itself as Young Link, the game provides avenues to revisit that part of your childhood and acquire it later on. You simply need to use the Ocarina of Time to return to being Young Link after completing the Forest Temple.
This article will not only elaborate on that initial answer but will also delve into the specifics of obtaining Epona, the beloved steed, and address frequently asked questions regarding her acquisition, her role, and even her… potential demise! Get ready to trot through the fields of Hyrule with all the knowledge you need to secure your equestrian companion.
Understanding the Mechanics of Time and Epona
Ocarina of Time is unique in its ability to allow players to switch between two distinct time periods: the era of Young Link and the era of Adult Link. This duality is essential for progressing through the game, solving puzzles, and, crucially, obtaining Epona’s Song.
The Crucial Role of the Forest Temple
The single biggest restriction on your freedom when it comes to getting the song is this: you can return to your younger form only after you beat the Forest Temple.
Befriending Malon and Learning the Song
As Young Link, visiting Lon Lon Ranch and interacting with Malon is crucial. By speaking to her multiple times, she will teach you Epona’s Song. This melody becomes your lifeline, allowing you to summon Epona once you become an adult and rescue her from Ingo.
Detailed Steps to Get Epona’s Song (Even as an Adult)
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to acquire Epona’s Song if you missed it the first time around:
- Complete the Forest Temple: Progress in the main storyline until you defeat the boss of the Forest Temple as Adult Link. This unlocks the ability to freely travel between time periods.
- Return to the Temple of Time: As Adult Link, go to the Temple of Time in Hyrule Field.
- Play the Song of Time: Stand on the pedestal of time and play the Song of Time. This will return you to your younger self, becoming Young Link again.
- Go to Lon Lon Ranch: Travel to Lon Lon Ranch, which is located in the center of Hyrule Field.
- Talk to Malon: Find Malon at the ranch. Usually, she is near the horses or inside the stables. Repeatedly speak with her. After a few conversations, she will teach you Epona’s Song.
Recruiting Epona as an Adult
Once you have Epona’s Song, becoming an adult is an important requirement to ride Epona. This unlocks the ability to summon Epona once you become an adult and rescue her from Ingo.
- Become Adult Link: Return to the Temple of Time and become Adult Link.
- Go to Lon Lon Ranch: Find Ingo at the ranch. Usually, he is near the horses or inside the stables. Repeatedly speak with him, choose to pay him to train with the horses and make sure to get two rides with the horses. After your second ride he will lock you in the stable and this will enable you to play Epona’s Song.
- Play Epona’s Song: Now you can play Epona’s Song, and Epona will come to you. You can now ride Epona around the ranch. Talk to Ingo again, and offer to pay him for a race.
- Win the Race: Compete against Ingo in a horse race. To win, use carrots strategically to maintain your speed. He offers you to stay if you want to work for him.
- Escape Lon Lon Ranch: After winning, Ingo will become enraged. As you leave Lon Lon Ranch he demands you to go. Jump Epona over the fence to escape, claiming Epona as your own!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Epona
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Legend of Zelda and Epona:
Can I get Epona as an adult?
Yes! You need to be an adult to be able to ride Epona. She can be recruited as soon as you first leave the Temple of Time as an adult. As long as you have Epona’s Song, you can summon her after completing the necessary steps at Lon Lon Ranch.
Can I still get Epona without the song?
It’s technically possible to glitch your way into areas normally accessible only with Epona, triggering the cutscene where Link jumps into Hyrule Field on her. However, this is a glitch-based workaround, and the intended method requires you to learn and use Epona’s Song.
What if I didn’t learn Epona’s song?
You can always return to your child state after you complete the Forest Temple to learn the song from Malon at Lon Lon Ranch.
What happens if you beat Ingo without Epona?
It is possible to beat Ingo without using Epona for the race. If you wait in the back of the course for around 10 seconds, Ingo will unload and you will automatically win the race.
What happens if Epona dies?
In Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, Epona can be revived by Malanya, the Horse God, as long as she is registered at a Stable.
How to get Epona without amiibo?
In Tears of the Kingdom, if you have a save file for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on the same Switch, Epona will automatically appear registered to you after you visit your first Stable.
How does Romani know Epona’s song?
In Majora’s Mask, the “Epona” you see in Termina is likely a counterpart. Romani and Cremia already owned Epona for a while, and the “Epona” we see in Termina is just a counterpart, like the many there are in Termina.
Is Epona a boy or a girl?
Epona is female. This was confirmed by developers.
Can you ride Epona as a kid?
No, you need to be an adult to be able to ride Epona. She can be recruited as soon as you first leave the Temple of Time as an adult.
Why isn’t Epona spawning?
In games where Epona is obtained via Amiibo, if she isn’t spawning, try going to a place where wild horses can be found and try again (either revert to an earlier save file to try again immediately or wait 24 hours to attempt again). If Epona still does not appear, scan a different Amiibo (even a non-Zelda Amiibo should work) and then scan again the Smash Bros. Series Link Amiibo.
Is Epona the best horse?
In Breath of the Wild, Epona is often considered one of the best horses, especially if obtained early through the Amiibo. However, other horses can have better stats in certain categories. The Games Learning Society analyzes game mechanics like these to understand player engagement. More information can be found at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Can Epona be revived?
Yes, in games like Breath of the Wild, Epona can be revived by Malanya, the Horse God, as long as she is registered.
Who kills Epona?
In Majora’s Mask, it’s implied that Skull Kid got rid of Epona, either killing her directly or letting her die in the woods.
Why is Link’s horse named Epona?
Epona is named after the Celtic goddess of horses of the same name.
What happens to Epona in Majora’s Mask?
During the entire game, we never realize that the horse we love is not the actual one, but just a Termina Counterpart. Not even Link seems to notice it. TLDR: Skull Kid got rid of Epona, killing her directly or either let her die at the woods. The Epona we use in Termina is just a counterpart.
Conclusion
The quest to obtain Epona and her iconic song is a memorable part of Ocarina of Time. Understanding the mechanics of time travel and the importance of Lon Lon Ranch is key to securing your equestrian companion. So, go forth, learn Epona’s Song, and ride off into the Hyrulean sunset!
The Games Learning Society is an organization that studies how games can be used for educational purposes. You can find more information on their website.