What Happens if Zelda’s Horse Dies? A Comprehensive Guide
If Zelda’s horse dies in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom, the process of getting it back depends on the specific horse in question. Luckily, most horses, including the Golden Horse typically associated with Zelda, can be revived by the Horse God, Malanya. This involves visiting Malanya Spring, offering a specific item (usually an Endura Carrot), and then Malanya will bring your beloved steed back to life. However, some unique horses, like the Stalhorse, cannot be revived, and the process might vary slightly depending on the specific title.
Understanding Horse Death and Resurrection in Zelda Games
The concept of horse death can be quite jarring for players deeply invested in their virtual companions. In both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, horses are susceptible to environmental dangers, enemy attacks, and unfortunately, accidental falls. Knowing how to navigate these situations and what options are available after a horse’s demise is crucial for any dedicated player.
The Grim Reality of Horse Mortality
While riding across Hyrule, your horse can be injured by several factors. These include:
- Enemy attacks: Guardians, Bokoblins, and other monsters can target your horse, leading to significant damage.
- Environmental hazards: Falling off cliffs, getting caught in lava, or drowning can all prove fatal.
- Accidental friendly fire: Be careful where you swing that sword!
Once a horse’s health depletes entirely, it will collapse and die. This can be a heartbreaking moment, especially if it was a horse you had spent a lot of time bonding with. However, thankfully, this isn’t always the end of the road.
Malanya: The Horse God and Resurrection
The Horse God, Malanya, is a recurring figure in both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. Residing within a Fairy Fountain (specifically Malanya Spring), Malanya possesses the power to revive registered horses that have fallen in battle or from other causes. This is an invaluable service, allowing players to restore their favorite steeds to their former glory.
The Resurrection Process
The process for reviving a horse through Malanya is quite straightforward:
- Locate Malanya Spring: In Breath of the Wild, it’s found in the Lake Region, while in Tears of the Kingdom, it’s located in Northern Akkala.
- Interact with the Fairy Fountain: Approach the large, glowing flower bud and interact with it.
- Offer an Endura Carrot: Malanya will typically request an Endura Carrot as payment for their services. These can be found in specific locations or grown through gardening.
- Speak to Malanya: After offering the carrot, Malanya will appear and offer to revive your fallen horse.
Special Cases: Unique Horses and Exceptions
While Malanya can revive most registered horses, there are certain exceptions to this rule.
- Unregistered Horses: If a horse dies before it’s officially registered at a stable, it cannot be revived by Malanya.
- Stalhorses: These skeletal horses encountered at night cannot be registered or revived.
- Specific Quest-Related Horses: Some horses involved in specific quests may have unique rules regarding their revival.
Even the Giant Horse is capable of being revived by Malanya as long as it is registered.
What About Epona?
Many players wonder about Epona, the iconic horse from the Ocarina of Time. In Breath of the Wild, Epona can be summoned using the Twilight Princess Link amiibo. Luckily, just like other registered horses, Epona can be revived by Malanya if she happens to meet an untimely end.
Protecting Your Horse
While resurrection is possible, it’s always better to prevent your horse from dying in the first place. Here are some tips:
- Be mindful of enemy attacks: Keep an eye on your horse’s health and dismount if combat becomes too intense.
- Avoid dangerous environments: Steer clear of lava, deep water, and steep cliffs.
- Equip better armor: Upgrade your horse’s armor at stables to provide additional protection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can all horses be registered at stables?
No, not all horses can be registered. Only wild horses that have been tamed and have a suitable temperament can be registered at a stable. Stalhorses and certain quest-related horses cannot be registered.
2. What happens if I reach the horse limit at stables?
You can only have five horses registered at any given time. If you want to register a new horse when you’re at the limit, you’ll need to release one of your existing horses.
3. Where can I find Endura Carrots?
Endura Carrots are relatively rare but can be found near Great Fairy Fountains or grown in Hateno Village after completing the relevant side quest.
4. Is there a penalty for dying in Zelda games?
In Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, the primary penalty for dying is being sent back to your last save point. This can result in lost progress, but there are no lasting in-game consequences like losing items.
5. Can I change my horse’s name after registering it?
No, once you register a horse and give it a name, you cannot change it. Choose wisely!
6. How do I improve my bond with my horse?
You can improve your bond with your horse by riding it frequently, feeding it apples, and patting it. A higher bond level unlocks new abilities, such as improved speed and the ability to perform more advanced maneuvers.
7. Are there different types of horse armor?
Yes, there are various types of horse armor that can be found or earned throughout the game. These armors provide different benefits, such as increased protection or enhanced speed. The EX Ancient Horse Rumors is one of DLC Side Quests in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Completing this mission will unlock the Ancient Bridle and Ancient Saddle.
8. Where can I find Zelda’s Golden Horse?
Zelda’s Golden Horse can be found in the North Tabantha Snowfield in Tears of the Kingdom. You’ll need to be stealthy to approach and mount it.
9. What are the best stats for a horse in Zelda?
The best stats for a horse depend on your play style. However, generally, a horse with high speed, stamina, and strength is desirable.
10. Can I breed horses in Zelda games?
No, horse breeding is not a feature in either Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom.
11. What is the Royal White Stallion?
The Royal White Stallion is a special horse in Breath of the Wild with a connection to the royal family of Hyrule. It can be found near the Outskirt Stable and is part of a specific side quest.
12. Is there a full black horse in Zelda games?
Yes, wild horses come in a variety of colors, including black. You can find them in various regions of Hyrule.
13. Why is stealth important when catching a horse?
Stealth is crucial because horses are easily spooked. Approaching a horse slowly and from behind increases your chances of successfully mounting it before it runs away.
14. Is Tears of the Kingdom the last Zelda game ever?
No, Tears of the Kingdom is not the last Zelda game. The Zelda franchise has a rich history and is likely to continue with new installments in the future. The success of the Zelda series suggests that it will continue beyond TOTK.
15. Where can I learn more about the educational aspects of gaming?
You can find valuable insights and research on the intersection of games and learning at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. This is a good source for research related to the GamesLearningSociety.org.
Losing a horse in Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom can be a disheartening experience, but with the knowledge of Malanya’s abilities and some careful planning, you can ensure your favorite steeds continue to accompany you on your Hyrule adventures. Remember to protect your horses, register them at stables, and when the inevitable happens, seek out the Horse God to restore them to their former glory.