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| + | {{Animal |
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| − | #REDIRECT [[Bombers Secret Society of Justice]] |
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| + | |name = Epona |
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| + | |image = [[File:Link Epona Artwork OoT3D.png|250px]] |
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| + | |caption = |
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| + | |title = |
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| + | |species = [[Animals#Horse|Horse]] |
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| + | |gender = Female |
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| + | |game = {{OOT}}<br>{{MM}}<br>{{FSA}}<br>{{TMC}}<br>{{TP}} |
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| + | |other = {{Manga|OoT}}<br>{{LCT}}<br>{{SSBB}}{{exp|as a Sticker}}<br>{{HW}} |
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| + | |family = |
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| + | |voice actor(s) = |
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| + | |nocat = * |
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| + | }} |
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| + | '''Epona''' (pronounced {{IPA|iːˈpoʊ.nə}} {{Respell|ee|POH|nə}})<ref>{{cite web|quote=That first DLC pack unlocks Epona, which is like the best thing ever. |retrieved=October 24, 2014|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5dQDMUqPbo&t=3m15s |title=Nintendo Minute – September Favorites |site=YouTube}}</ref> serves the role of [[Link]]'s steed in [[The Legend of Zelda (Series)|''The Legend of Zelda'' series]]. She made her debut in the first [[:Category:3D games|3D ''Zelda'' game]], {{OOT}}. She also appeared in its sequel, {{MM}}, {{TP}}, and as a small cameo in the [[Oracle Series|''Oracle'' series]] and {{TMC}}. |
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| + | |||
| + | Link is able to ride her in her home console appearances and can control her pace through the [[Carrot]] system. After cracking a whip, one of the on-screen Carrot icons darken and Epona moves more quickly, gaining the ability to jump over barriers. The Carrot icons reappear if Link waits before cracking the whip again. If he consumes them too quickly, Epona temporarily loses the ability to speed up and cannot jump over barriers. In ''Twilight Princess'', these Carrots are replaced by spurs. |
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| + | |||
| + | ==Appearances== |
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| + | ===''Ocarina of Time''=== |
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| + | [[File:Adult Epona.png|left|160px]] |
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| + | In {{OoT}}, Epona is first encountered when she is just a foal at [[Lon Lon Ranch]] where she was raised by [[Malon]].<ref>{{Cite|Oh, yeah, I have to introduce you to my friend, fairy boy! She's this horse. Her name is Epona. Isn't she cute?|Malon|OoT}}</ref> She is wild and untamed, running away when Link approaches, and only Malon can get close to her.<ref>{{Cite|It seems like Epona is afraid of you, fairy boy...|Malon|OoT}}</ref> After Malon teaches Link "[[Epona's Song]]" for his [[Ocarina]],<ref>{{Cite|My mother composed this song. Isn't it nice? Let's sing together.|Malon|OoT}}</ref> Epona stops running away and approaches Link. Malon then says that Epona has taken a liking to Link.<ref>{{Cite|Oh, Epona! She's grown fond of you, fairy boy.|Malon|OoT}}</ref> |
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| + | |||
| + | Link next encounters Epona seven years later when she has become a mare. Unfortunately, things have taken a turn for the worse at the ranch and [[Ingo]] is now in charge. Ingo plans to present Epona to [[Ganon]]dorf,<ref>{{Cite|Is that Epona? How did you tame that wild horse right under my nose?! I was going to present that horse to the great Ganondorf...|Ingo|OoT}}</ref> who he claims gave him ownership of the Ranch.<ref>{{Cite|There are some people in Kakariko spreading rumors that I cheated Talon out of the ranch, but... Don't be ridiculous! That guy Talon was weak! I, the hard-working Ingo, poured so much energy into this place! I don't want any strangers like you saying anything bad about me! Listen. The great Ganondorf recognized my obvious talents and gave the ranch to me!|Ingo|OoT}}</ref> At first, Epona runs away from Link again, but once he plays "Epona's Song," she remembers him and trots to his side. Link then participates in a horse race against Ingo, with Epona as his steed, and wins much to Ingo's astonishment. Ingo, now furious, challenges Link again and bets Epona herself on the outcome of the race.<ref>{{Cite|Hey, you!! How about another race! If you win... You can keep...the horse!!|Ingo|OoT}}</ref> Needless to say, Link wins, and Epona is his. However, Ingo attempts to prevent Link from leaving with Epona by shutting the gates of the ranch.<ref>{{Cite|As I promised, I'll give the horse to you... However... I'll never let you leave this ranch!|Ingo|OoT}}</ref> This is not a problem for Epona though, who just jumps straight over and out to freedom. From that point on she will willingly carry Link anywhere she can and will run to his side whenever he plays "Epona's Song" on his ocarina. Link cannot get hurt by enemies while riding on Epona. |
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| + | |||
| + | Epona can be used to jump across the broken bridge in [[Gerudo Valley]] and play the [[:Category:Minigames|minigame]] at the [[Horseback Archery Range]] in [[Gerudo's Fortress]]. |
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| + | |||
| + | During the ending, after Link defeats Ganon and is sent back in time by Zelda, Epona is seen running across Hyrule Field and is later seen next to Malon during the celebration of Ganondorf's defeat at Lon Lon Ranch. |
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| + | |||
| + | ===''Majora's Mask''=== |
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| + | [[File:MM Epona2.png|right|110px]] |
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| + | [[File:Skull Kid Steals Epona 01.png|200px|thumb|left|The Skull Kid stealing Epona]] |
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| + | In {{MM}}, Link is seen riding on Epona at the start of the game, both of them still young. Epona is intentionally startled by two fairies, [[Tatl]] and [[Tael]], and Link is thrown to the ground and knocked unconscious. [[Skull Kid]] appears, wearing [[Majora's Mask (Object)|Majora's Mask]], and searches Link's unconscious body, finding the {{it|Ocarina of Time}} and taking it.<ref>{{Cite|Ooh, ooh! What a pretty ocarina... Hey, Skull Kid, lemme touch it! I wanna see!|Tael|MM}}</ref> |
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| + | |||
| + | When Link regains consciousness, the Skull Kid attempts to hide the ocarina, but Link lunges for him in an attempt to get it back. Skull Kid leaps out of the way and onto Epona, and gallops away. Link leaps after him but only manages to grab onto Skull Kid's leg. Epona continues to gallop along, dragging Link with them until he loses his grip when she veers around a bend, and he is forced to watch her gallop off with Skull Kid on her back. |
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| + | |||
| + | When Link finally catches up with Skull Kid again, he tells him that he got rid of Epona because she was a "stupid horse" that didn't listen to a word that was said to her.<ref>{{Cite|What's with that stupid horse of yours?! It doesn't listen to a word that's said to it... There's no point in riding a thing like that, so I did you a favor and got rid of it... Hee, hee...|Skull Kid|MM}}</ref> Link does not encounter her again until he makes his way to [[Romani Ranch]] in [[Termina]]. If he visits the Ranch on the [[First Day]], which is only possible with the aid of a [[Powder Keg]], [[Romani]] teaches him "Epona's Song" and gives Epona back after Link practices shooting aliens from horseback.<ref>{{Cite|I'll teach Romani's horse-calling song to you, Grasshopper.|Romani|MM}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|Now you two keep getting along, and go practice some more!|Romani|MM}}</ref> |
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| + | |||
| + | Epona is necessary to enter the [[Great Bay]] and [[Ikana Canyon]] areas since they are blocked off by fences that only Epona can jump over. As with ''Ocarina of Time'', enemies cannot hurt Link if he's riding on Epona. When Link's adventures in Termina end on the dawn of a [[New Day]], he departs riding Epona. |
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| + | |||
| + | ===''Oracle'' Series=== |
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| + | [[File:Hyrule Castle-Oracle of Seasons.png|right|thumb|130px|The unnamed horse in ''Oracle of Seasons'']] |
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| + | In the [[Oracle Series|''Oracle'' series]], a nameless horse that looks very similar to Epona can be seen in the games' introductions, being ridden on by Link. They are seen either riding in green fields or near a rocky shore before Link discovers a castle, which houses the [[Triforce]] that transports him to either [[Holodrum]] or [[Labrynna]]. |
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| + | |||
| + | ===''The Wind Waker''=== |
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| + | Epona from ''Ocarina of Time'' makes a small cameo in the introduction of {{TWW}}, being ridden by Link while he and the people of Hyrule celebrate Ganon's defeat. |
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| + | |||
| + | ===''Four Swords Adventures''=== |
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| + | [[File:Horse FSA.png|left]] |
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| + | In {{FSA}}, the [[Links]] gain their horses in [[Near the Fields]]' first stage, [[The Field]]. After escorting [[Malon]] home, [[Talon]] will reward the four Links by letting them use horses from [[Lon Lon Ranch]]. The four horses are never referred to by name. If a Link acquires a [[Carrot]] and throws it on the ground, each of the four Links will be able to ride a horse for a short period of time. While riding, the Links cannot be damaged by enemies and are able to knock [[Force Gem]]s out of other characters. The horse is also added to the [[Shadow Battle]] mode. |
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| + | {{clear}} |
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| + | |||
| + | ===''The Minish Cap''=== |
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| + | [[File:TMC Epona.gif|left]] |
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| + | Epona also makes an appearance in {{TMC}};<ref>{{Cite|[[:File:Epona Minish Cap.gif|Minish Cap Kinstone fusion screen]]||TMC}}</ref> however, Link cannot ride her. She is under the ownership of Lon Lon Ranch, and can be seen in [[Hyrule Castle Town]] with [[Malon]], who will sell milk there after Link helps Malon and Talon find the spare key to their farm house. [[Minish Link]] is able to communicate with Epona, who asks Link to buy some Lon Lon [[Milk]].<ref>{{Cite|Please! Buy Lon Lon Milk from me! If you don't my wagon will be too heavy on the ride home!|Epona|TMC}}</ref> Link can also [[Kinstone Fusion|fuse]] [[Kinstone]]s with her. |
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| + | |||
| + | ===''Twilight Princess''=== |
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| + | {{Image|type=caption|image=Linkepona.png|size=180px|align=right|caption=Link and Epona artwork from ''Twilight Princess''}} |
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| + | In {{TP}}, the name of Link's horse can be chosen, although the default name is Epona. She is seen and used very early in the game, aiding Link in his job as a rancher, but it is [[Ilia]] who takes care of her.<ref>{{Cite|Oh, hi, Link. I washed Epona for you!|Ilia|TP}}</ref> Ilia gets very angry when Link treats the horse poorly or she gets hurt.<ref>{{Cite|Wait... What's this? What's happened? She's injured, isn't she? Link? How could you! You were pushing Epona too hard again! I bet you hurt her leg jumping fences, didn't you!|Ilia|TP}}</ref> After the village is attacked by [[King Bulblin]], the horse disappears. Link reunites with Epona later in [[Kakariko Village]]. She runs around desperately attempting to throw off two [[Bulblin]]s. Once the Bulblins are defeated, Link has to tame her and then take her off to save [[Colin]].<ref>{{Cite|Hmm... You're not too shabby a wrangler after all! Won't this make getting back to your town a lot easier? Now go finish your errand so we can get back! Get a move on!|Midna|TP}}</ref> In this game, Epona can gallop faster than in previous games. In most locations around [[Hyrule Field]], Link can call Epona to his side by blowing a [[Grass Whistles#Horse Grass|Horse Grass]] or the [[Horse Call]]. Both instruments play "Epona's Song". |
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| + | |||
| + | Epona plays a much more prominent role in this game than in the previous games in which she has appeared. For the first time, Link can use various items while riding her, including the Sword. There are times during which it is necessary to use Epona to progress in the game, which often includes battle on horseback. Both [[King Bulblin]] and the third part of [[Ganon]]dorf's fight are horseback battles. |
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| + | |||
| + | [[Wolf Link]] is able to speak with Epona briefly, as with other animals. The first time he speaks to her, she says "Even though you change shape, I still understand you." Afterwards, she will say, "Link... Hurry up and return to your true self..." or, "If you wish to ride me, return to your true self." |
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| + | |||
| + | ==Non-canon Appearances== |
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| + | {{Noncanon|start}} |
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| + | ===''Super Smash Bros. Brawl''=== |
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| + | Epona appears as a [[Sticker]] in {{SSBB}}. |
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| + | |||
| + | {| class="wikitable" border="1" cellpadding="2" style="text-align:center;" |
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| + | |- |
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| + | !width="inherited"|Name |
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| + | !width="50px"|Image |
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| + | !Artwork from |
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| + | !Effect in [[The Subspace Emissary]] |
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| + | !Usable by |
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| + | |- |
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| + | |[[Epona]] & [[Link]] |
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| + | |[[File:Link and Epona Sticker.png|70px]] |
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| + | |'' Ocarina of Time |
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| + | |align=left|[Arm, Leg] - Attack +9 |
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| + | |[[File:LZGT.png|100px|This sticker is usable by Link, Zelda, Ganondorf, and Toon Link]] |
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| + | |} |
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| + | |||
| + | ===''Hyrule Warriors''=== |
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| + | Epona makes a cameo in {{HW}} during Link's intro and victory animations. In the Master Quest DLC pack, she is also a weapon type (dubbed as Horse) for Link to use, allowing Link to ride her in battle. Although not the most maneuverable, she is very fast, and able to clear long distances with ease. Epona also has the unique passive ability to cause damage to enemies while running due to her sheer size. She has a very good area of effect attacks, though her large size also makes it easy to be hit. |
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| + | |||
| + | Epona is available as a weapon choice immediately after when the DLC pack is downloaded. Her second and third weapon tiers are based off her designs from ''Ocarina of Time'' and ''Twilight Princess''. An interesting thing to note is that unlike other weapons in the game, Epona's additional tiers are not earned via special requirements but are instead available right from the start provided if they are earned in battle. |
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| + | {{Noncanon|end}} |
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| + | |||
| + | ==Development== |
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| + | During the development of ''{{smw|Super Mario 64}}'', a discussion about horses began. Though a horse never appeared in ''Super Mario 64'', one was included in ''Ocarina of Time''. The developers did not want controls to be very difficult, so Epona was made to automatically jump over barriers if she has enough speed. To make the experience more entertaining, the Carrot system was established, as well as mounted archery. The developers also wanted to include one-on-one battles and horseback swordplay, though such features didn't appear until ''Twilight Princess''. |
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| + | |||
| + | The scene where Epona jumps over the broken bridge in [[Gerudo Valley]] was specially requested by [[Shigeru Miyamoto]]. The view was from the bottom of the valley against the light, so the light would break through. A similar scene was shown when Epona escaped from the ranch with Link's help. At the time, the ranch had more than one exit, so a cutscene was made for each. The idea of horses and these scenes in particular were inspired by Western cowboy movies.<ref name="IwataAsks">{{cite web|url=http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/3ds/zelda-ocarina-of-time/1/4|title=What We Couldn't Do with The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|site=Iwata Asks}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/3ds/zelda-ocarina-of-time/4/2|title=Everyone Loves Horses|site=Iwata Asks}}</ref> |
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| + | |||
| + | ==Trivia== |
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| + | *She is named after the Celtic Goddess of horses and fertility, {{wp|Epona}}.<ref name="IwataAsks"/> |
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| + | *Despite being such an iconic character in ''Ocarina of Time'', the first game she appears in, getting Epona is entirely optional. The only time where Epona is used to progress further in the main quest is crossing the broken bridge in [[Gerudo Valley]]. However, the broken bridge can also be crossed using the [[Hookshot#Longshot|Longshot]]. |
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| + | |||
| + | ==Gallery== |
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| + | <gallery> |
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| + | File:OoT Epona.png|Link petting Epona artwork from ''Ocarina of Time'' |
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| + | File:Epona w link.png|Link riding Epona artwork from ''Ocarina of Time'' |
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| + | File:Link Epona OoT.png|Link shooting an Arrow while riding Epona artwork from ''Ocarina of Time'' |
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| + | File:Gerudo Valley Bridge Leap.png|Link and Epona leaping across Gerudo Valley in ''Ocarina of Time'' |
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| + | File:Epona OoT3D.png|Epona from ''Ocarina of Time 3D'' |
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| + | File:Oot3d15.jpg|Link riding Epona in ''Ocarina of Time 3D'' |
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| + | File:MM Link Riding Epona.png|Link riding Epona artwork from ''Majora's Mask'' |
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| + | File:MM Riding Epona.png|Link riding Epona in ''Majora's Mask'' |
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| + | File:Epona Minish Cap.gif|Link fusing Kinstones with Epona in ''The Minish Cap'' |
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| + | File:Epona.png|Epona from ''Twilight Princess'' |
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| + | HW Link Epona.png|Link riding Epona artwork from ''Hyrule Warriors'' |
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| + | </gallery> |
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| + | |||
| + | ==See also== |
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| + | *[[Catherine]] |
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| + | *[[Cloud (The Shadow Prince)|Cloud]] |
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| + | |||
| + | {{Ref}} |
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| + | <br> |
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| + | {{Names |
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| + | |ja= {{Japanese|エポナ|Epona}} |
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| + | |jaM= |
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| + | |es= Epona |
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| + | |esM= |
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| + | |fr= Epona |
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| + | |frM= |
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| + | |frC= Épona {{ExpGame|OoT3D}} |
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| + | |frCM= |
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| + | |de= {{de|Epona}} |
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| + | |deM= |
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| + | |it= |
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| + | |itM= |
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| + | |ko= |
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| + | |koM= }} |
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| + | |||
| + | {{Characters}} |
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| + | [[Category:Transportation]] |
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| + | [[Category:Horses]] |
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Revision as of 09:26, 23 January 2015
Template:Animal Epona (pronounced /iːˈpoʊ.nə/ ee-POH-nə)[1] serves the role of Link's steed in The Legend of Zelda series. She made her debut in the first 3D Zelda game, Template:OOT. She also appeared in its sequel, Majora's Mask, Twilight Princess, and as a small cameo in the Oracle series and The Minish Cap.
Link is able to ride her in her home console appearances and can control her pace through the Carrot system. After cracking a whip, one of the on-screen Carrot icons darken and Epona moves more quickly, gaining the ability to jump over barriers. The Carrot icons reappear if Link waits before cracking the whip again. If he consumes them too quickly, Epona temporarily loses the ability to speed up and cannot jump over barriers. In Twilight Princess, these Carrots are replaced by spurs.
Appearances
Ocarina of Time
In Ocarina of Time, Epona is first encountered when she is just a foal at Lon Lon Ranch where she was raised by Malon.[2] She is wild and untamed, running away when Link approaches, and only Malon can get close to her.[3] After Malon teaches Link "Epona's Song" for his Ocarina,[4] Epona stops running away and approaches Link. Malon then says that Epona has taken a liking to Link.[5]
Link next encounters Epona seven years later when she has become a mare. Unfortunately, things have taken a turn for the worse at the ranch and Ingo is now in charge. Ingo plans to present Epona to Ganondorf,[6] who he claims gave him ownership of the Ranch.[7] At first, Epona runs away from Link again, but once he plays "Epona's Song," she remembers him and trots to his side. Link then participates in a horse race against Ingo, with Epona as his steed, and wins much to Ingo's astonishment. Ingo, now furious, challenges Link again and bets Epona herself on the outcome of the race.[8] Needless to say, Link wins, and Epona is his. However, Ingo attempts to prevent Link from leaving with Epona by shutting the gates of the ranch.[9] This is not a problem for Epona though, who just jumps straight over and out to freedom. From that point on she will willingly carry Link anywhere she can and will run to his side whenever he plays "Epona's Song" on his ocarina. Link cannot get hurt by enemies while riding on Epona.
Epona can be used to jump across the broken bridge in Gerudo Valley and play the minigame at the Horseback Archery Range in Gerudo's Fortress.
During the ending, after Link defeats Ganon and is sent back in time by Zelda, Epona is seen running across Hyrule Field and is later seen next to Malon during the celebration of Ganondorf's defeat at Lon Lon Ranch.
Majora's Mask
The Skull Kid stealing Epona
In Majora's Mask, Link is seen riding on Epona at the start of the game, both of them still young. Epona is intentionally startled by two fairies, Tatl and Tael, and Link is thrown to the ground and knocked unconscious. Skull Kid appears, wearing Majora's Mask, and searches Link's unconscious body, finding the Template:It and taking it.[10]
When Link regains consciousness, the Skull Kid attempts to hide the ocarina, but Link lunges for him in an attempt to get it back. Skull Kid leaps out of the way and onto Epona, and gallops away. Link leaps after him but only manages to grab onto Skull Kid's leg. Epona continues to gallop along, dragging Link with them until he loses his grip when she veers around a bend, and he is forced to watch her gallop off with Skull Kid on her back.
When Link finally catches up with Skull Kid again, he tells him that he got rid of Epona because she was a "stupid horse" that didn't listen to a word that was said to her.[11] Link does not encounter her again until he makes his way to Romani Ranch in Termina. If he visits the Ranch on the First Day, which is only possible with the aid of a Powder Keg, Romani teaches him "Epona's Song" and gives Epona back after Link practices shooting aliens from horseback.[12][13]
Epona is necessary to enter the Great Bay and Ikana Canyon areas since they are blocked off by fences that only Epona can jump over. As with Ocarina of Time, enemies cannot hurt Link if he's riding on Epona. When Link's adventures in Termina end on the dawn of a New Day, he departs riding Epona.
Oracle Series
The unnamed horse in Oracle of Seasons
In the Oracle series, a nameless horse that looks very similar to Epona can be seen in the games' introductions, being ridden on by Link. They are seen either riding in green fields or near a rocky shore before Link discovers a castle, which houses the Triforce that transports him to either Holodrum or Labrynna.
The Wind Waker
Epona from Ocarina of Time makes a small cameo in the introduction of The Wind Waker, being ridden by Link while he and the people of Hyrule celebrate Ganon's defeat.
Four Swords Adventures
In Four Swords Adventures, the Links gain their horses in Near the Fields' first stage, The Field. After escorting Malon home, Talon will reward the four Links by letting them use horses from Lon Lon Ranch. The four horses are never referred to by name. If a Link acquires a Carrot and throws it on the ground, each of the four Links will be able to ride a horse for a short period of time. While riding, the Links cannot be damaged by enemies and are able to knock Force Gems out of other characters. The horse is also added to the Shadow Battle mode.
The Minish Cap
Epona also makes an appearance in The Minish Cap;[14] however, Link cannot ride her. She is under the ownership of Lon Lon Ranch, and can be seen in Hyrule Castle Town with Malon, who will sell milk there after Link helps Malon and Talon find the spare key to their farm house. Minish Link is able to communicate with Epona, who asks Link to buy some Lon Lon Milk.[15] Link can also fuse Kinstones with her.
Twilight Princess
In Twilight Princess, the name of Link's horse can be chosen, although the default name is Epona. She is seen and used very early in the game, aiding Link in his job as a rancher, but it is Ilia who takes care of her.[16] Ilia gets very angry when Link treats the horse poorly or she gets hurt.[17] After the village is attacked by King Bulblin, the horse disappears. Link reunites with Epona later in Kakariko Village. She runs around desperately attempting to throw off two Bulblins. Once the Bulblins are defeated, Link has to tame her and then take her off to save Colin.[18] In this game, Epona can gallop faster than in previous games. In most locations around Hyrule Field, Link can call Epona to his side by blowing a Horse Grass or the Horse Call. Both instruments play "Epona's Song".
Epona plays a much more prominent role in this game than in the previous games in which she has appeared. For the first time, Link can use various items while riding her, including the Sword. There are times during which it is necessary to use Epona to progress in the game, which often includes battle on horseback. Both King Bulblin and the third part of Ganondorf's fight are horseback battles.
Wolf Link is able to speak with Epona briefly, as with other animals. The first time he speaks to her, she says "Even though you change shape, I still understand you." Afterwards, she will say, "Link... Hurry up and return to your true self..." or, "If you wish to ride me, return to your true self."
Non-canon Appearances
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Epona appears as a Sticker in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.
| Name | Image | Artwork from | Effect in The Subspace Emissary | Usable by |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epona & Link | File:Link and Epona Sticker.png | Ocarina of Time | [Arm, Leg] - Attack +9 | This sticker is usable by Link, Zelda, Ganondorf, and Toon Link |
Hyrule Warriors
Epona makes a cameo in Hyrule Warriors during Link's intro and victory animations. In the Master Quest DLC pack, she is also a weapon type (dubbed as Horse) for Link to use, allowing Link to ride her in battle. Although not the most maneuverable, she is very fast, and able to clear long distances with ease. Epona also has the unique passive ability to cause damage to enemies while running due to her sheer size. She has a very good area of effect attacks, though her large size also makes it easy to be hit.
Epona is available as a weapon choice immediately after when the DLC pack is downloaded. Her second and third weapon tiers are based off her designs from Ocarina of Time and Twilight Princess. An interesting thing to note is that unlike other weapons in the game, Epona's additional tiers are not earned via special requirements but are instead available right from the start provided if they are earned in battle.
Development
During the development of Super Mario 64, a discussion about horses began. Though a horse never appeared in Super Mario 64, one was included in Ocarina of Time. The developers did not want controls to be very difficult, so Epona was made to automatically jump over barriers if she has enough speed. To make the experience more entertaining, the Carrot system was established, as well as mounted archery. The developers also wanted to include one-on-one battles and horseback swordplay, though such features didn't appear until Twilight Princess.
The scene where Epona jumps over the broken bridge in Gerudo Valley was specially requested by Shigeru Miyamoto. The view was from the bottom of the valley against the light, so the light would break through. A similar scene was shown when Epona escaped from the ranch with Link's help. At the time, the ranch had more than one exit, so a cutscene was made for each. The idea of horses and these scenes in particular were inspired by Western cowboy movies.[19][20]
Trivia
- She is named after the Celtic Goddess of horses and fertility, Epona.[19]
- Despite being such an iconic character in Ocarina of Time, the first game she appears in, getting Epona is entirely optional. The only time where Epona is used to progress further in the main quest is crossing the broken bridge in Gerudo Valley. However, the broken bridge can also be crossed using the Longshot.
Gallery
- OoT Epona.png
Link petting Epona artwork from Ocarina of Time
- Epona w link.png
Link riding Epona artwork from Ocarina of Time
- Link Epona OoT.png
Link shooting an Arrow while riding Epona artwork from Ocarina of Time
- Gerudo Valley Bridge Leap.png
Link and Epona leaping across Gerudo Valley in Ocarina of Time
- Epona OoT3D.png
Epona from Ocarina of Time 3D
- Oot3d15.jpg
Link riding Epona in Ocarina of Time 3D
Link riding Epona artwork from Majora's Mask
Link riding Epona in Majora's Mask
- Epona Minish Cap.gif
Link fusing Kinstones with Epona in The Minish Cap
- Epona.png
Epona from Twilight Princess
- HW Link Epona.png
Link riding Epona artwork from Hyrule Warriors
See also
- Catherine
- Cloud
References
- ↑ Template:Cite web
- ↑ "Oh, yeah, I have to introduce you to my friend, fairy boy! She's this horse. Her name is Epona. Isn't she cute?" — Malon (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ "It seems like Epona is afraid of you, fairy boy..." — Malon (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ "My mother composed this song. Isn't it nice? Let's sing together." — Malon (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ "Oh, Epona! She's grown fond of you, fairy boy." — Malon (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ "Is that Epona? How did you tame that wild horse right under my nose?! I was going to present that horse to the great Ganondorf..." — Ingo (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ "There are some people in Kakariko spreading rumors that I cheated Talon out of the ranch, but... Don't be ridiculous! That guy Talon was weak! I, the hard-working Ingo, poured so much energy into this place! I don't want any strangers like you saying anything bad about me! Listen. The great Ganondorf recognized my obvious talents and gave the ranch to me!" — Ingo (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ "Hey, you!! How about another race! If you win... You can keep...the horse!!" — Ingo (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ "As I promised, I'll give the horse to you... However... I'll never let you leave this ranch!" — Ingo (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ "Ooh, ooh! What a pretty ocarina... Hey, Skull Kid, lemme touch it! I wanna see!" — Tael (Majora's Mask)
- ↑ "What's with that stupid horse of yours?! It doesn't listen to a word that's said to it... There's no point in riding a thing like that, so I did you a favor and got rid of it... Hee, hee..." — Skull Kid (Majora's Mask)
- ↑ "I'll teach Romani's horse-calling song to you, Grasshopper." — Romani (Majora's Mask)
- ↑ "Now you two keep getting along, and go practice some more!" — Romani (Majora's Mask)
- ↑ "Minish Cap Kinstone fusion screen" — [[]] (The Minish Cap)
- ↑ "Please! Buy Lon Lon Milk from me! If you don't my wagon will be too heavy on the ride home!" — Epona (The Minish Cap)
- ↑ "Oh, hi, Link. I washed Epona for you!" — Ilia (Twilight Princess)
- ↑ "Wait... What's this? What's happened? She's injured, isn't she? Link? How could you! You were pushing Epona too hard again! I bet you hurt her leg jumping fences, didn't you!" — Ilia (Twilight Princess)
- ↑ "Hmm... You're not too shabby a wrangler after all! Won't this make getting back to your town a lot easier? Now go finish your errand so we can get back! Get a move on!" — Princess Midna (Twilight Princess)
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 Template:Cite web
- ↑ Template:Cite web
 Names in Other Regions 
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| Language | Name | |
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Japanese | Template:Japanese |
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French | Epona |
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FrenchCA | Épona Template:ExpGame |
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German | Epona |
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Spanish | Epona |
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