Impa’s Gifts: A Comprehensive Guide to What You Receive in Breath of the Wild
Impa, the wise and enigmatic Sheikah elder of Kakariko Village, plays a pivotal role in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Beyond her sage advice and cryptic pronouncements, she provides Link with crucial items and quests that are essential for his journey to defeat Calamity Ganon. So, what exactly does Impa give you? The most significant gifts are the Locked Mementos main quest, tasking you to recover Link’s lost memories, and the Free the Divine Beasts main quest, which guides you to liberate the four Divine Beasts. Additionally, after discovering your first memory and showing it to Impa, she rewards you with the iconic blue Champion’s Tunic, which increases Link’s defense.
Impa’s Role and Initial Offerings
Impa serves as a guide and mentor early in Link’s adventure. Meeting her in Kakariko Village is a critical step after leaving the Great Plateau. Upon arriving, she shares the story of the four Divine Beasts, corrupted by Calamity Ganon, and charges Link with the quest to free them. This is the Free the Divine Beasts quest, a core element of the game’s open-world structure. She also provides the Locked Mementos quest, which involves finding 12 specific locations scattered across Hyrule based on photos from Link’s Sheikah Slate. These locations hold the key to unlocking Link’s lost memories.
After you find and show Impa one of the recovered memories, she bestows upon Link the Champion’s Tunic. This armor piece is not only a visual reminder of Link’s past role as a Champion of Hyrule but also offers a significant defensive boost. Its unique perk is its ability to display the health of enemies, aiding in combat strategy.
The Importance of Recovered Memories
The Captured Memories are more than just collectibles; they are essential for understanding the full narrative of Breath of the Wild. While optional, completing this quest provides crucial backstory, revealing the relationship between Link and Zelda, the events leading up to the Great Calamity, and the struggles faced by the Champions of Hyrule. These memories offer a deeper emotional connection to the game’s characters and world, enhancing the overall experience. Moreover, finding all of the memories unlocks an extended scene in the game’s ending, providing a more complete resolution to the story.
The Stolen Heirloom Shrine Quest
Beyond the main quests and the Champion’s Tunic, Impa is also involved in a side quest: The Stolen Heirloom. This quest becomes available after completing three other side quests in Kakariko Village. When you visit Impa’s house again, you’ll find her family distraught because the Orb is missing. By investigating the disappearance of the orb and tracking down the thief, Link ultimately gains access to the Lakna Rokee Shrine, adding another Shrine of Trials to his repertoire. Although Impa doesn’t directly hand over a physical item, the culmination of this quest benefits Link.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Impa’s Gifts and Quests
Here are some commonly asked questions about Impa and the quests she offers in Breath of the Wild.
What happens if I go to the Divine Beasts before talking to Impa?
If you decide to tackle the Divine Beasts before visiting Impa, Princess Zelda will communicate with Link telepathically, informing him about the Divine Beasts’ situation. It’s a minor change in the narrative flow but doesn’t prevent you from progressing through the game.
Is Impa the old lady mentioned in the original Legend of Zelda?
Yes, Impa in Breath of the Wild is a recurring character throughout the Legend of Zelda series. She first appeared in the original Legend of Zelda on the NES, referred to only as an Old Woman in the manual.
Can I start the Captured Memories quest without talking to Impa?
While you can technically stumble upon the memory locations on your own, officially initiating the Captured Memories quest requires speaking with Impa. She provides the background and context that makes the quest more meaningful.
What is the easiest memory to find?
Memory Two – Lake Kolomo is positioned near to the Great Plateau where you start your game. Head to the west of Lake Kolomo, there’s a small path that leads towards the lake.
What is the hardest memory to find?
Captured Memory 8 is one of the toughest memories to reach, as it is within the heavily guarded Hyrule Castle. Players first need to reach the castle, then make their way to a small bridge between Zelda’s study and bedroom.
Is Impa related to Purah?
Yes, Impa and Purah are sisters. In Breath of the Wild, Purah, through her research at the Hateno Ancient Tech Lab, de-ages herself into a child-like form, but she is, in fact, older than Impa. Purah is around 120 years old, making her four years older than her sister Impa.
Why is Impa so old in Breath of the Wild?
Impa is approximately 120 years old in Breath of the Wild because she lived through the Second Great Calamity and the subsequent 100 years of Hyrule’s ruin. Unlike her sister Purah, she didn’t reverse her aging process.
What happens after I complete the Free the Divine Beasts quest?
Completing the Free the Divine Beasts quest weakens Calamity Ganon, making the final battle easier. Each Divine Beast you liberate reduces Ganon’s health. This is a very useful quest to finish before challenging Ganon.
Do I need to complete the Captured Memories quest to beat the game?
No, completing the Captured Memories quest is optional. However, it enhances the story and adds a scene to the ending.
What is the purpose of the blue Champion’s Tunic?
The Champion’s Tunic serves as a piece of armor that offers a defense bonus and displays the health of enemies. It is also symbolic, representing Link’s role as a Champion of Hyrule.
Can I lose the Champion’s Tunic?
Yes, it is possible to lose the Champion’s Tunic. If you are killed while wearing it, the tunic is dropped and can be recovered from your death point. It is also possible to sell the tunic to a merchant, but it is highly recommended not to sell it. You can buy it back from a merchant, but it’s a tedious process.
Where can I find Impa after completing all her quests?
After completing all the quests related to Impa, she remains in her house in Kakariko Village. You can revisit her to hear her wisdom and stories.
Does Impa appear in other Zelda games?
Yes, Impa is a recurring character in the Legend of Zelda series, often serving as a protector or advisor to Princess Zelda. Her appearances and roles vary across different games.
Does Impa like Gwonam?
It is not suggested that Impa likes Gwonam at any point of her video game career. Impa did not marry Gwonam.
What does Impa contribute to the overall narrative?
Impa provides essential backstory, guidance, and encouragement to Link throughout his quest. She connects him to his past, helps him understand his destiny, and tasks him with quests that are essential for saving Hyrule. Without Impa’s involvement, Link’s journey would be significantly more difficult. She is very instrumental to the success of Link’s quest to defeat Ganon.
Conclusion
Impa’s gifts in Breath of the Wild extend beyond mere items; they are crucial elements of Link’s journey, providing guidance, strength, and a deeper understanding of Hyrule’s past and present. From the Champion’s Tunic to the pivotal quests she bestows, Impa’s contributions are essential for any player seeking to fully experience the rich narrative and expansive world of Breath of the Wild.
The intricate world and character interactions within Breath of the Wild highlight the potential of video games for immersive learning experiences. For more on the intersection of games and education, explore the resources and research available at the Games Learning Society and at GamesLearningSociety.org.