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 challenge that requires players to solve a riddle and interact with the environment to uncover a hidden shrine. This quest is located in the Hyrule Ridge region, near the Serenne Stable. To begin the quest, you must speak to an NPC named Rola, who is found near the stable. She will tell you about a legendary sword stuck in a pedestal and provide a riddle that hints at how to unlock the shrine. The shrine, called the Mijah Rokee Shrine, is hidden underground and can only be accessed by solving the riddle and performing a specific action at the right time.

The riddle Rola gives you is: "When the sword stands in the stone and the red moon rises, the shrine will appear." This means you need to interact with the sword pedestal during a Blood Moon. A Blood Moon is a special event in the game that occurs periodically, usually after you have defeated a large number of enemies. During a Blood Moon, the sky turns red, and all defeated enemies respawn. To trigger the shrine, you must pull the sword from the pedestal while the Blood Moon is active.

To prepare for this quest, you should first ensure you have a way to track the Blood Moon. You can do this by paying attention to the in-game calendar or by speaking to NPCs who may mention the Blood Moon's approach. Additionally, it is helpful to have a fast travel point near the Serenne Stable, such as the nearby shrine or tower, so you can quickly return to the area when the Blood Moon rises. You do not need any special items or equipment to complete this quest, but having a strong weapon or shield can be useful in case you encounter enemies while waiting for the Blood Moon.

Once you are ready, head to the sword pedestal, which is located on a small hill northwest of the Serenne Stable. The pedestal is easy to spot, as it has a sword stuck in it and is surrounded by a circle of stones. When the Blood Moon begins, the sky will turn red, and you will hear eerie music. This is your cue to approach the pedestal and interact with it. Press the button prompt to pull the sword from the stone. If done correctly, the ground will shake, and the Mijah Rokee Shrine will emerge from the ground nearby.

One common mistake players make is trying to pull the sword at the wrong time. The shrine will only appear if you interact with the pedestal during the Blood Moon. If you attempt to pull the sword at any other time, nothing will happen. Another mistake is not being patient enough to wait for the Blood Moon. If you are in a hurry, you can pass time by resting at a campfire or waiting at the stable, but this will not speed up the Blood Moon's arrival. It is a natural event that occurs based on in-game time and enemy defeats.

An advanced technique to optimize this quest is to use the Blood Moon as an opportunity to farm materials or defeat powerful enemies. Since all enemies respawn during a Blood Moon, you can use this time to gather resources or complete other quests that require defeating specific enemies. Additionally, if you are having trouble finding the sword pedestal, you can use the Sheikah Sensor to locate it. The pedestal is marked as a point of interest on the map, so you can set your sensor to detect it and follow the signal.

In terms of alternative approaches, there is no other way to unlock the Mijah Rokee Shrine besides solving the riddle and pulling the sword during the Blood Moon. However, you can prepare for the quest by completing other tasks in the area, such as gathering materials or completing side quests at the Serenne Stable. This will make the wait for the Blood Moon more productive.

Once the shrine appears, you can enter it and complete the trial inside. The Mijah Rokee Shrine is a blessing shrine, meaning there are no puzzles or enemies to defeat. You can simply walk in, collect the treasure chest, and speak to the monk to receive your Spirit Orb. The treasure chest contains a Royal Broadsword, which is a powerful weapon that can be useful in your adventures.

In summary, the "Forgotten Sword" shrine quest requires patience and careful timing. By understanding the mechanics of the Blood Moon and following the riddle's clues, you can successfully unlock the Mijah Rokee Shrine and claim your reward. Make sure to prepare by tracking the Blood Moon and having a fast travel point nearby. Avoid common mistakes like pulling the sword at the wrong time, and use the Blood Moon as an opportunity to complete other tasks. With these strategies, you can easily solve this shrine quest and continue your journey through Hyrule.