Epona is a recurring character in The Legend of Zelda series.[2][3]
Biography[]
Ocarina of Time[]
Epona is first seen when she is just a foal at Lon Lon Ranch in Ocarina of Time, where she is raised by Malon.[1] She is wild and untamed, running away when Link approaches, as only Malon can get close to her.[4] After Malon teaches Link "Epona's Song",[5] Epona stops running away and approaches Link. Malon then says that Epona has taken a liking to him.[6]
Link then finds Epona seven years later when she has become a mare. However, things have taken a turn at the Ranch and Ingo is now in charge. Ingo plans to present Epona to Ganondorf,[7] who he claims gave him ownership of the Ranch.[8] At first, Epona will run from Link as if he is a stranger, but if he plays "Epona's Song", she will remember him and trot to his side. Link can then participate in a horse race against Ingo with Epona as his steed. If Link wins, Ingo will get furious, challenging him again while betting Epona herself on the outcome of the race.[9] If Link wins again, Ingo lets him keep Epona. However, Ingo then attempts to prevent Link from leaving with Epona by shutting the gates of the Ranch.[10] Link can guide Epona to jump over the walls of the Ranch to escape into Hyrule Field. Afterwards, Link can play "Epona's Song" while in Hyrule Field to call her. During the ending credits, 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.
While riding Epona, Link cannot get hurt by enemies and can only attack by using the Bow. He can also whip her to get up to six speed boosts, appearing on-screen as Carrots. The boosts can be used to jump over barriers and fences, such as in the aforementioned escape from Lon Lon Ranch after Ingo shuts the gates, and are restored after a few seconds. Epona can be used to jump across the broken bridge in Gerudo Valley and to play the Horseback Archery Range minigame in Gerudo's Fortress. She is also required to summon Big Poes in Hyrule Field. Despite this, obtaining Epona is entirely optional, as Link can also cross the broken bridge in Gerudo Valley using the Longshot.
Majora's Mask[]
Link is first seen riding Epona through the Lost Woods at the start of Majora's Mask. Epona is then startled by Tatl and Tael, causing Link to be thrown to the ground and knocked unconscious. The Skull Kid wearing Majora's Mask then appears and searches Link's body, finding the Ocarina of Time and taking it.[11] When Link regains consciousness, the Skull Kid attempts to hide the Ocarina, but Link lunges at him in an attempt to get it back. The Skull Kid then leaps out of the way and onto Epona, galloping away on her afterwards. 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 Link finally catches up with the Skull Kid again, he tells him that he got rid of Epona because she did not listen to a word he said.[12]
After completing the Snowhead Temple, Link finds Epona in Romani Ranch. If he visits the Ranch on the First Day, Romani teaches him "Epona's Song" and gives Epona back to Link after he practices shooting balloons while riding her.[13][14] Epona is required to enter the Great Bay and Ikana Canyon since they are blocked by fences that only she can jump over. During the ending credits, Link is seen departing from Termina on Epona.
As in Ocarina of Time, enemies cannot hurt Link while riding on Epona, he can only attack by using his Bow, and he can get up to six speed boosts.
The Minish Cap[]
Epona can be seen in Hyrule Town carrying a wagon with Milk containers in The Minish Cap. She is owned by Malon, who sells milk to Link after he helps her and Talon find the Spare Key to their farm house. While Minish-sized, Link can communicate with Epona, who asks him to buy some Lon Lon Milk.[15] Link can also Fuse Kinstones with her.
Twilight Princess[]
The name of Link's horse can be chosen in Twilight Princess, although the default name is Epona. She is seen and used very early in the game, aiding Link in his job as a rancher in Ordon Village, although Ilia is the one who takes care of her.[16] Ilia gets angry when Link treats the horse poorly or she gets hurt.[17] After the village is attacked by King Bulblin, Epona disappears. However, Link reunites with her later in Kakariko Village, where she runs around desperately attempting to throw off two Bulblins. Once the Bulblins are defeated, Link has to tame her and then ride her back to Ordon Village to ask Mayor Bo how to best the Gorons of Death Mountain.[18] After returning to Kakariko Village, Link and Epona ride together to save Colin after he is kidnapped and taken into Hyrule Field by King Bulblin.
In most locations around Hyrule Field, Link can call Epona by blowing a Horse Grass or the Horse Call, which both play "Epona's Song". Unlike in previous games, Link can use various items while riding her, including the Sword. Additionally, Epona can provide short speed boosts like in Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask, appearing onscreen as spurs instead of Carrots. Epona is used when fighting against King Bulblin and during the third part of the final battle with Ganondorf. Wolf Link is able to speak with her, as with other animals.[19][20][21]
Breath of the Wild[]
Link can obtain Epona in Breath of the Wild by scanning either the Super Smash Bros. Link or Twilight Princess Zelda 30th Anniversary Link amiibo. Unlike other Horses in the game, Epona does not need to be tamed and can be immediately mounted. Once registered at a Stable, Epona cannot be obtained more than once through the amiibo, even if she is deceased; if she dies, she can be revived by Malanya.
Like the Giant Horse, her mane cannot be groomed and she receives a special bridle and saddle called Epona Gear.[22]
Though not stated in-game, Epona is the namesake of Epona Co., a 150 year old company that makes horse goods from horse gear to fine items like brushes and riding wear worn by stable workers.[23] Their company logo can be seen on the hats of Stable workers and the base of the Horse statue at the Sanidin Park Ruins indicating they were involved in its construction. As a result, Epona is famous and legendary horse among the stable managers/innkeepers as they recognize her when Link registers her and will force Link to name her Epona as they will not accept any other name.
Spinoff appearances[]
Link's Crossbow Training[]
Hyrule Warriors[]
Epona appears during Link's intro and Hylian Sword victory animations in Hyrule Warriors. In the Master Quest DLC pack, she is also a weapon type for Link, allowing him to ride her in battle. She is very fast and is able to cause damage to enemies while running due to her sheer size. She has a good area of effect attacks, though her large size also makes her easy to be hit. Her second and third weapon tiers are based on her designs from Twilight Princess and Ocarina of Time, respectively. In the Wii U version, Epona's tiers are not earned via special requirements, but are instead available right from the start provided they are earned in battle. In Hyrule Warriors Legends and Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition, they are instead obtained through special requirements in Adventure Mode.
Epona
Twilight Epona
Epona of Time
Crossover appearances[]
Super Smash Bros. series[]
Super Smash Bros. Brawl[]
Epona in her Ocarina of Time incarnation appears as a Sticker in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.
| Sticker | Artwork from | Effect in The Subspace Emissary | Usable by |
|---|---|---|---|
 Epona & Link |
Ocarina of Time | [Arm, Leg] - Attack +9 | 
|
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS[]
Epona appears as a Trophy in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS.
| # | Trophy | Appears in | Description | How to unlock | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| ||||
| 223 | 
|
N/A | Ocarina of Time Ocarina of Time 3D |
Epona is a gorgeous, spirited sorrel who allows only two people to ride her: Malon, daughter of the owner of Lon Lon Ranch, and Link. To win Epona's favor, Link must play the song Malon teaches him. Forever after, this lovely song will carry across the wind and summon Epona. | Random |
| Epona | |||||
Animal Crossing: New Leaf[]
Epona was added as a villager in the Welcome amiibo update of Animal Crossing: New Leaf, alongside Wolf Link, Ganon, and Medli. If the Sheik amiibo is scanned into the game, Epona will show up at the campground and can be asked to move into the town. She is a Horse villager that has a Peppy personality, and is thus friendly, talkative, and likes to gossip. Her birthday, November 21, references the Japanese release date of Ocarina of Time.
My Nintendo Picross: Twilight Princess[]
The thirty-first puzzle in the Picross series and the thirty-ninth puzzle in the Mega Picross series depict Epona.
Development[]
During the development of Super Mario 64, the development team had plans to include a horse, which were later moved to Ocarina of Time. The developers did not want controls to be 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 did not appear until Twilight Princess.
The scene where Epona jumps over the broken bridge in Gerudo Valley was specially requested by Shigeru Miyamoto. A similar scene is shown when Epona escapes from Lon Lon Ranch, which had more than one exit, so a cutscene was made for each. The idea of horses and these scenes were inspired by Western movies.[24][25]
Trivia[]
- Various unnamed horses resembling Epona appear in the opening cinematics of Oracle of Seasons, Oracle of Ages, and The Wind Waker, as well as in The Field stage from Four Swords Adventures.
- During development of Ocarina of Time, Link would use a whip to control Epona. After using the whip, Link would have to give her a carrot.[26]
Nomenclature[]
Epona is named after the Gaulish Goddess of horses and fertility.[24] It is built from the Celtic word epos, meaning "horse".[27]
 Names in other regions  | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Language | Name | Meaning | |
 | Japanese | エポナ (Epona) (OoT | TMC)[28][29] | |
 | FrenchEU | Épona (OoT)[30] Epona (MM | MM3D)[31][32] Epona (MM | MM3D)[33][34] | |
 | German | Epona (TMC | HWDE)[35][36] | |
 | Italian | Epona (MM3D | TMC)[37] | |
 | SpanishEU | Epona (TMC)[38] | |
| This table was generated using translation pages. To request an addition, please contact a staff member with a reference. | |||
Gallery[]
See also[]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "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)
- ↑ Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 239,(OoT) 244,(MM) 270,(TMC) 276 (TP)
- ↑ "Horseback Target Practice
Ride Epona across Hyrule Field, and shoot the bull's-eyes. Consecutive hits boost your score!" — Stage Select (Link's Crossbow Training) - ↑ "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)
- ↑ "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!" — Midna (Twilight Princess)
- ↑ "Even though you change shape, I still understand you." — Epona (Twilight Princess)
- ↑ "Link... Hurry up and return to your true self..." — Epona (Twilight Princess)
- ↑ "If you wish to ride me, return to your true self." — Epona (Twilight Princess)
- ↑ Creating a Champion, Dark Horse Books, pg. 161
- ↑ "Epona Co. An established, all- encompassing horse goods maker with over one hundred and fifty years of experience. Our company name comes from the cultural developments between man and horse born from the beloved partner of a legendary hero, which serves as our motto. We handle everything from saddles and bridles to fine items like brushes and riding wear." (Creating a Champion, Dark Horse Books, pg. 337)
- ↑ 24.0 24.1 What We Couldn't Do with The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Nintendo official website.
- ↑ Everyone Loves Horses, Nintendo official website.
- ↑ "Q: How do you control the horse?
Miyamoto: With whips and carrots. For each time you use the whip, you have to give the horse a carrot. If you only use the whip, then we'd feel sorry for the horse." — The Z-Files, IGN, published November 26, 1997, retrieved March 26, 2016. - ↑ Given Name EPONA, behindthename.com.
- ↑ Nintendo Official Guidebook—The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Shogakukan) pg. 141
- ↑ Nintendo Official Guidebook—The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap (Shogakukan) pg. 145
- ↑ Encyclopedia (Les Éditions Soleil) pg. 239 (OoT)
- ↑ Encyclopedia, Les Éditions Soleil, pg. 244 (MM)
- ↑ Encyclopedia, Les Éditions Soleil, pg. 244
- ↑ Encyclopedia, Les Éditions Soleil, pg. 244 (MM)
- ↑ Encyclopedia, Les Éditions Soleil, pg. 244
- ↑ Encyclopedia (TOKYOPOP) pg. 270
- ↑ "Epona" — Smithy (Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition)
- ↑ Encyclopedia (Magazzini Salani) pg. 270
- ↑ Encyclopedia (Norma Editorial) pg. 270
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