How do I solve the "The Forgotten Sword" shrine quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

The "Forgotten Sword" shrine quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a unique and engaging side quest that involves solving a riddle to uncover a hidden shrine. This quest is located in the Hyrule Ridge region, near the Serenne Stable. The quest is given by an NPC named Rola, who is found sitting near the stable. She will tell you about a legendary sword stuck in a pedestal and challenge you to find it. The quest requires careful observation, puzzle-solving skills, and a bit of exploration. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to complete it.

To start the quest, speak to Rola at Serenne Stable. She will mention a sword stuck in a pedestal and give you a riddle: "The hero's sword sleeps with the forgotten memory of the king, where the forest dragon plays in the spring." This riddle is the key to finding the hidden shrine. The "forest dragon" refers to the Great Hyrule Forest, and the "spring" is the Minshi Woods, located to the northeast of the stable. The "hero's sword" is the Master Sword, but in this context, it refers to a pedestal that resembles the one where the Master Sword is found.

The first step is to head to the Minshi Woods. This area is filled with trees and has a serene, spring-like atmosphere. Look for a pedestal with a sword stuck in it, similar to the one in Korok Forest. The pedestal is located near a small pond in the woods. When you approach the pedestal, you will notice that the sword is stuck, and you cannot pull it out. This is where the puzzle begins.

The solution to the puzzle involves using the environment. Near the pedestal, you will see a large tree with a hollow trunk. Inside the hollow, there is a metal block. You need to use the Magnesis rune to pull the metal block out of the tree and place it on the pedestal. This will trigger the appearance of the hidden shrine, called the Mijah Rokee Shrine.

Once the shrine appears, enter it to complete the quest. Inside the shrine, you will face a minor test of strength, where you must defeat a Guardian Scout. This enemy is relatively easy to defeat if you have decent weapons and armor. Use your shield to deflect its laser attacks and strike it with melee weapons or arrows. After defeating the Guardian Scout, you will receive a Spirit Orb and a treasure chest containing a weapon or other useful item.

Here are some important tips and considerations for this quest. First, make sure you have the Magnesis rune unlocked, as it is essential for solving the puzzle. Second, bring some decent weapons and armor, as you will need to fight a Guardian Scout inside the shrine. Third, pay close attention to the environment and the riddle, as they provide crucial clues for solving the puzzle.

Common mistakes to avoid include not exploring the area thoroughly and missing the metal block inside the tree. Some players might also try to pull the sword out of the pedestal, which is not possible and will not progress the quest. Another mistake is not being prepared for the Guardian Scout fight inside the shrine, so make sure you have enough health and weapons before entering.

Advanced techniques or optimizations include using stealth to avoid unnecessary fights in the Minshi Woods and conserving resources for the Guardian Scout battle. You can also use the environment to your advantage during the fight, such as hiding behind pillars to avoid the Scout's attacks.

Required items and preparation include having the Magnesis rune, a decent weapon, and some healing items. ItÔÇÖs also a good idea to have a shield for deflecting the Guardian ScoutÔÇÖs laser attacks.

Alternative approaches are limited due to the specific nature of the puzzle, but you can explore the area more thoroughly if you get stuck. Sometimes, looking at the environment from different angles can help you spot the metal block inside the tree.

In summary, the "Forgotten Sword" shrine quest is a rewarding challenge that tests your observation and puzzle-solving skills. By following the riddle, using the Magnesis rune, and preparing for the Guardian Scout fight, you can successfully complete the quest and uncover the hidden shrine. This quest is a great example of how Breath of the Wild encourages exploration and creative problem-solving, making it a memorable part of the game.