What is the solution to the "The Serpent's Jaws" shrine quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

The Serpent's Jaws shrine quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is one of the more intriguing shrine quests, as it involves solving a riddle and interacting with the environment in a specific way. This quest is located in the Faron region, near the Lakeside Stable. The quest is given by Kass, the Rito bard, who sings a riddle that hints at the location and solution to the shrine. The shrine itself is hidden and will only appear once the riddle is solved correctly.

To begin the quest, you need to speak with Kass near the Lakeside Stable. He will sing a riddle that goes like this: "The dragon's mouth holds a treasure, but it's not the one you seek. The true treasure lies in the serpent's jaws, where the water and earth meet." This riddle is the key to unlocking the shrine. The "dragon's mouth" refers to the nearby Riola Spring, which is shaped like a dragon's head. However, the riddle tells you that the treasure is not there, but rather in the "serpent's jaws," which is a reference to the nearby waterfall called Floria Falls.

The first step is to head to Floria Falls, which is located to the east of the Lakeside Stable. When you arrive, you will notice that the waterfall is shaped like a serpent's mouth, with two large rocks resembling jaws on either side. This is the "serpent's jaws" mentioned in the riddle. The next part of the riddle mentions "where the water and earth meet," which is a clue that you need to look at the base of the waterfall, where the water hits the ground.

At the base of Floria Falls, you will find a small pond. This is where the shrine is hidden. To reveal the shrine, you need to offer a Farosh's Scale to the pond. Farosh is one of the three dragons in the game, and its scales can be obtained by shooting an arrow at the dragon's body while it is flying. Farosh can often be found flying around the nearby Riola Spring, especially in the early morning or late evening. Once you have a Farosh's Scale, drop it into the pond at the base of Floria Falls. This will cause the shrine, called Shae Katha Shrine, to rise from the ground.

Before attempting this quest, it is important to prepare adequately. You will need a bow and arrows to shoot Farosh and obtain a scale. It is also helpful to have some stamina-boosting food or elixirs, as you may need to climb or swim to reach certain areas. Additionally, having a few extra arrows is a good idea, as shooting Farosh can sometimes require multiple attempts, especially if you are not used to aiming at moving targets.

One common mistake players make is not realizing that they need to drop the Farosh's Scale into the pond at the base of the waterfall. Some players might try to drop it into the water at Riola Spring, but this will not work. It is crucial to pay close attention to the riddle and understand that the "serpent's jaws" refer to Floria Falls, not Riola Spring. Another mistake is not being prepared with the necessary items, such as a bow and arrows, which can lead to frustration if you have to leave the area to gather supplies.

An advanced technique for this quest is to use the updrafts created by Farosh to your advantage. When Farosh flies near Riola Spring, it creates updrafts that you can use to glide closer to the dragon, making it easier to shoot a scale. This can save time and arrows, as you will have a better angle for your shot. Additionally, if you have the Zora Armor, you can swim up the waterfall to reach the top of Floria Falls, which can be a quicker way to get back to the pond if you need to make multiple attempts.

In terms of alternative approaches, some players might try to use other dragon parts, such as a horn or claw, but only a Farosh's Scale will work for this quest. It is also possible to complete the quest without speaking to Kass first, as the shrine will still appear if you drop the scale into the pond. However, speaking to Kass provides valuable context and makes the quest more enjoyable.

Overall, The Serpent's Jaws shrine quest is a great example of how Breath of the Wild encourages players to think creatively and interact with the environment. By carefully interpreting the riddle and using the right items, you can uncover the hidden shrine and continue your journey through Hyrule.