How do I complete the "The Secret of the Cedars" shrine quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

The "Secret of the Cedars" shrine quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is one of the many shrine quests that require players to solve a puzzle or complete a specific task to reveal a hidden shrine. This quest is located in the Hebra region, specifically near the Rito Village. The shrine itself, called the Sha Gehma Shrine, is hidden and can only be accessed by solving the riddle given by the quest giver, Bedoli, who is found near the Rito Stable.

To begin the quest, you need to speak with Bedoli, who will give you a riddle: "The secret of the cedars sleeps with the sun. When the two orbs meet, the shrine will awaken." This riddle is the key to unlocking the shrine. The mechanics involved in this quest revolve around understanding the riddle and using the environment to your advantage. The "two orbs" mentioned in the riddle refer to the sun and the glowing orbs found on two specific cedar trees in the area. The shrine will only appear when the sunlight aligns with these orbs at a specific time of day.

To solve the quest, follow these step-by-step instructions. First, head to the area north of Rito Village, near the Rito Stable. Look for two large cedar trees that are close to each other. These trees have glowing orbs embedded in their trunks. The key is to position yourself so that the sunlight passes through these orbs at the right time. The best time to do this is during the late afternoon, around 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM in-game time. Stand between the two trees and face the direction where the sun is setting. As the sun aligns with the orbs, the Sha Gehma Shrine will emerge from the ground.

There are a few important tips and considerations to keep in mind. First, make sure you have a clear view of the sun and the orbs. If the weather is cloudy or rainy, the shrine may not appear, so you might need to wait for clear weather. Additionally, itÔÇÖs helpful to use the Sheikah Sensor to detect the shrine once it appears. If youÔÇÖre having trouble finding the exact spot, try marking the location of the trees on your map and use the sunÔÇÖs position as a guide.

Common mistakes to avoid include trying to solve the quest at the wrong time of day or in poor weather conditions. Some players might also overlook the importance of the sunÔÇÖs alignment, thinking that the orbs themselves are the key. Remember, the shrine will only appear when the sunlight passes through both orbs simultaneously.

Advanced techniques or optimizations include using the Paraglider to get a better vantage point or using the Stasis rune to freeze the orbs temporarily, though this is not necessary for solving the quest. Another optimization is to set a campfire nearby and rest until the desired time of day, ensuring you donÔÇÖt have to wait too long for the sun to align.

Required items and preparation are minimal for this quest. You donÔÇÖt need any special weapons or armor, but having the Sheikah Sensor upgraded to detect shrines can be helpful. ItÔÇÖs also a good idea to have some food or elixirs in case you encounter enemies in the area, though the quest itself is non-combat.

Alternative approaches are limited due to the specific nature of the riddle, but some players might try using the Magnesis rune to interact with the orbs, though this wonÔÇÖt yield any results. The only way to solve the quest is by aligning the sunlight with the orbs at the correct time.

In specific examples and scenarios, players might find themselves struggling if they donÔÇÖt realize the importance of the sunÔÇÖs position. For instance, if you attempt the quest in the morning or midday, the shrine wonÔÇÖt appear because the sun isnÔÇÖt in the right position. Another scenario might involve players not noticing the glowing orbs on the trees, especially if theyÔÇÖre not paying close attention to the environment.

In conclusion, the "Secret of the Cedars" shrine quest is a straightforward but time-sensitive puzzle that requires careful observation of the environment and the sunÔÇÖs position. By following the riddleÔÇÖs clues and aligning the sunlight with the orbs on the cedar trees, you can successfully reveal the Sha Gehma Shrine and claim your Spirit Orb.