The Mystery of the Cow in a Hole: Unraveling Ocarina of Time’s Quirky Secret

The presence of a cow in a hole on Death Mountain in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time might seem bizarre, even by Hyrule’s standards, but it’s a deliberate design choice with multiple layers of purpose. The primary reason for the cow’s unusual location is to serve as a source of free Lon Lon Milk for Link. By playing Epona’s Song in front of the cow, Link can obtain a bottle of milk, replenishing his health. This isn’t a random placement; it’s a strategic inclusion that offers players a readily available healing resource, particularly useful during the more challenging sections of the game, including the ascent to Death Mountain’s summit. The cow itself is an element of the game’s unique world-building, encouraging exploration and rewarding players who pay attention to the game’s quirks. It also links to other related features that help enrich the overall experience.

The Practicality of the Bovine

The in-game logic for having the cow in the hole revolves around resource management. Unlike fairies, which are limited and sometimes hard to find, the cow is a reliable source of healing. This is especially beneficial in areas like Death Mountain, where Link often faces tougher enemies and environmental hazards, requiring frequent health recovery. By playing Epona’s Song, a tune that is learned earlier in the game, players are rewarded with a full bottle of Lon Lon Milk. The game reinforces the utility of the song in this context beyond simply calling Epona, encouraging its use in a variety of situations.

Rewarding Exploration

The cow’s unusual location also serves as an incentive for exploration. The area is somewhat out of the way, requiring players to venture off the beaten path. This placement is not arbitrary; it’s part of the game’s design to reward inquisitive players with hidden resources. Discovering this secret not only provides a practical benefit with the milk but also enriches the overall experience of exploration that the game encourages. The cow in the hole isn’t just a random element; it’s a part of the larger world design, inviting players to engage with the environment and seek out its secrets.

Connecting to Larger Themes

The cow’s presence also connects to larger themes present in Ocarina of Time, particularly themes of connection to nature and the rewarding of kindness. Epona’s Song is not just a way to call a horse; it’s a song that represents a connection between Link and the natural world. This connection is shown further by the cow’s response to the tune. The cow, a symbol of pastoral life, rewards Link’s musical gesture with a practical gift, which furthers the theme of nature providing for those who show respect. This interaction adds to the game’s emphasis on the bonds between Link and the creatures and environment of Hyrule. It also serves as another connection to Malon, the character who taught the song to Link and who has a direct bond with the cows of Lon Lon Ranch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is the cow accessible on Death Mountain?

The cow on Death Mountain isn’t directly part of the mountain’s lore. It’s present for gameplay purposes as an easily accessible source of Lon Lon Milk, which is beneficial to players, especially when they are progressing through the area.

2. How do I get the free milk from the cow?

To get free milk from the cow, simply play Epona’s Song in front of it while you have an empty bottle. The cow will immediately provide you with a fresh bottle of Lon Lon Milk.

3. Can I get unlimited milk from the cow?

Yes, as long as you have an empty bottle, you can obtain unlimited Lon Lon Milk from the cow by playing Epona’s Song each time you want a refill.

4. Is there another cow somewhere else in the game that can give milk?

Yes, there is another cow inside Link’s house in Kokiri Forest (as an adult). This cow is a reward for beating the record at Lon Lon Ranch. This cow provides the same function as the one in Death Mountain.

5. What is the significance of Epona’s Song?

Epona’s Song is primarily known for calling Link’s horse, Epona, but it also has other uses, such as obtaining Lon Lon Milk from cows throughout the game. The song plays a critical role in both transportation and resource management.

6. What does Lon Lon Milk do in Ocarina of Time?

Lon Lon Milk in Ocarina of Time is a healing item that refills six hearts, making it a very effective way to recover health in the middle of dungeons, or on a climb up Death Mountain.

7. Does the cow have any other purpose besides giving milk?

Besides giving milk, the cow primarily serves as a unique environmental element to explore and discover. It’s a reward for paying attention to the details of the game’s world and encourages the player to experiment with Epona’s Song beyond its use to summon the horse.

8. Why is Navi turning green around the cow area?

Navi turning green typically indicates an opportunity to use a song for specific effects. It does not directly correlate with the cow, but it’s worth exploring the area with Navi to see if something else is triggered by a certain song that may have not been seen or discovered before, such as a fairy spirit by playing the song of storms at certain green spots.

9. Can other songs be used with the cow in the hole?

No, the cow will only react to Epona’s Song by providing Lon Lon Milk. Other songs will not have an effect on it.

10. Is this the only cow found in a cave or hole in the game?

Yes, the cow in the hole on Death Mountain is the only one found in this specific situation in Ocarina of Time. Other cows can be found at Lon Lon Ranch, and the one in Link’s house (as an adult), but not in cave or hole environments.

11. Why is there a caged cow in Impa’s house?

The caged cow in Impa’s house is part of a hidden piece of heart puzzle. It is not directly linked to milk production but is another example of the game including the bovine in unique places to further exploration and reward curious players.

12. What is the significance of Malon in Ocarina of Time?

Malon is the farm girl from Lon Lon Ranch who teaches Link Epona’s Song. She plays a significant role as a memorable character and her presence ties into the game’s exploration of rural life and connections to the natural world.

13. How can I get the cow into my house?

To get the cow into your house in Kokiri Forest (as an adult), you must beat the record at the Lon Lon Ranch mini-game. After successfully doing so, Malon will send you a cow to live in your house which you can milk to your heart’s content by playing Epona’s Song.

14. What does the milk replenish in the game?

Lon Lon Milk in Ocarina of Time will replenish six hearts of Link’s health, making it a highly effective and valuable healing resource that can save a lot of time and energy searching for other healing items.

15. Does the cow reappear every time I leave and re-enter the area?

Yes, the cow in the hole on Death Mountain and the cow in Link’s House (as an adult) will remain available as long as the player still has an empty bottle to use for the milk. Therefore it can be accessed every time a player enters the area, ensuring a constant supply of milk during the adventure.