Epona
The faithful steed summoned by song to aid the Hero of Time.
Epona is the legendary horse who serves as Link's trusted companion in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and subsequent entries. Introduced at Lon Lon Ranch, she was chosen by Shigeru Miyamoto specifically so that Link could establish contact with other characters during his journey. She represents a unique bond between the hero and his steed, functioning not merely as transport but as a steadfast partner. Her inclusion marked a revolutionary shift in how players traversed the game world, offering a sense of speed and connection previously unseen in the series.
- Role
- Link's Primary Mount
- Affiliation
- The Hero of Time / The Hero of the Wild
- First Appearance
- Ocarina of Time (as a playable mount)
- Species
- Horse (Hylian Breed)
Lore & Background
Epona first appears in Ocarina of Time at Lon Lon Ranch, where she is introduced alongside Malon. It is here that young Link learns "Epona's Song," a melody he plays on his ocarina to call her. Later in the game, Link must free her from the control of Ingo before she can become his steed. Her role extends beyond Ocarina of Time; she reappears as the same horse in Majora's Mask and appears in The Minish Cap, Twilight Princess, Breath of the Wild, and Tears of the Kingdom. In Twilight Princess, Link calls her by playing "Epona's Song" on a blade of "horse grass." Shigeru Miyamoto noted that Epona was selected as Link's main mode of transport to facilitate his interactions with other characters throughout Hyrule.
In Their Own Story
The journey began at Lon Lon Ranch, where the gentle rhythm of hooves marked the start of an enduring partnership. Young Link stood before the fence, learning "Epona's Song" from Malon, a tune that would later bridge the gap between boy and beast. When Ganondorf seized control of Hyrule, it was Ingo who held Epona captive, forcing her to serve under duress. Link returned as an adult, playing the familiar melody on his ocarina to break Ingo's hold and reclaim his friend. This bond was so profound that in Majora's Mask, Link's search for a "beloved and invaluable friend," implied to be Navi, led him into Termina, yet Epona remained a constant presence whenever he returned to Hyrule.
Reader's Guide
To utilize Epona effectively, players must first locate her at Lon Lon Ranch in Ocarina of Time. After learning "Epona's Song" from Malon, the player can summon her by playing the melody on the ocarina. Once tamed, she serves as the primary method for traversing large distances quickly. Her presence allows for faster travel across the open world, which was noted by Charlotte Krol of NME as one of the most enjoyable aspects of the game. In gameplay terms, she enables Link to move swiftly between locations and escape danger, fulfilling Miyamoto's design goal of connecting the player with the wider environment.
Did You Know?
- Shigeru Miyamoto chose Epona as Link's main mode of transport specifically to help him get in contact with other characters.
- In Ocarina of Time, Link must free Epona from Ingo's control before she can become his steed.
- Epona appears in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom as the same horse from Ocarina of Time.
- In Twilight Princess, players call Epona by playing "Epona's Song" on a blade of "horse grass" instead of an ocarina.
- Chris Hoffman of GamesRadar praised the subtle bond between Link and Epona, describing her as his steadfast companion.
Related in The Legend of Zelda
Links follow this subject's own source article.
Elsewhere in the The Legend of Zelda universe
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