How do I complete 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 a shrine quest located in the Hebra region. This quest involves solving a riddle to uncover the hidden Tena Ko'sah Shrine. The quest is given by a character named Kass, who can be found near the Hebra Tower. Kass will sing a riddle that hints at the location of the shrine. The riddle goes like this: "A monument stands tall at the edge of the forest, where the trees grow tall and the air is crisp. When the sun sets, the shadow of the monument points the way to the shrine."

To begin the quest, you need to find Kass near the Hebra Tower. He is located on a small hill to the northeast of the tower. Once you speak to him, he will sing the riddle, and the quest will officially start. The key to solving this quest is understanding the riddle and using the environment to your advantage.

The first step is to locate the monument mentioned in the riddle. The monument is a large stone structure shaped like a sword, and it is located in the Hebra region, specifically in the area known as the Hebra Headspring. This area is to the northwest of the Hebra Tower. You can reach it by gliding from the tower or by traveling on foot or horseback. The monument is surrounded by tall cedar trees, which is a clue that you are in the right place.

Once you find the monument, the next step is to wait for the sun to set. The riddle mentions that the shadow of the monument will point the way to the shrine when the sun sets. This means you need to be at the monument during the evening hours, specifically between 5 PM and 7 PM in-game time. During this time, the shadow of the monument will extend to the northwest, pointing towards a specific spot.

Follow the shadow of the monument to the northwest. The shadow will lead you to a small clearing among the cedar trees. In this clearing, you will find a pedestal with a Sheikah Eye symbol on it. This is the spot where the shrine is hidden. To reveal the shrine, you need to place a glowing object on the pedestal. The glowing object required is a luminous stone, which can be found in various locations throughout the game, including the Zora's Domain area.

If you do not have a luminous stone, you can find one by mining ore deposits in the Hebra region or by defeating Stone Taluses, which often drop luminous stones when defeated. Once you have a luminous stone, place it on the pedestal, and the Tena Ko'sah Shrine will rise from the ground.

Now that the shrine is revealed, you can enter it and complete the shrine's challenge. The Tena Ko'sah Shrine is a Major Test of Strength shrine, which means you will face a powerful Guardian Scout inside. Be prepared for a tough fight, as the Guardian Scout will have a variety of attacks, including melee strikes, laser beams, and spinning attacks. Make sure you have strong weapons, shields, and armor before entering the shrine. It is also a good idea to bring healing items, such as hearty meals or elixirs, to restore your health during the battle.

During the fight, use your shield to deflect the Guardian Scout's laser beams back at it. This will deal significant damage and stun the Guardian Scout, giving you an opportunity to attack. You can also use your bow to target the Guardian Scout's eye, which will stun it and allow you to land critical hits. If you have any ancient weapons or armor, they will be particularly effective against the Guardian Scout, as they deal extra damage to mechanical enemies.

After defeating the Guardian Scout, you will receive a Spirit Orb and a treasure chest containing a strong weapon or shield. This completes the shrine and the "Secret of the Cedars" quest.

Some important tips and considerations for this quest include making sure you have a luminous stone before heading to the monument. It can be frustrating to reach the pedestal only to realize you do not have the required item. Additionally, be prepared for the fight inside the shrine by stocking up on healing items and ensuring your weapons and armor are in good condition.

A common mistake to avoid is not waiting for the correct time of day. The shadow of the monument only points the way during the evening, so arriving at the wrong time will make it difficult to find the shrine. Another mistake is not being prepared for the Major Test of Strength shrine. The Guardian Scout inside is one of the toughest enemies in the game, so make sure you are ready for a challenging fight.

An advanced technique you can use is to save your game before placing the luminous stone on the pedestal. This way, if you are not satisfied with the treasure you receive from the shrine, you can reload your save and try again. This is particularly useful if you are looking for a specific weapon or shield.

In terms of alternative approaches, if you do not want to fight the Guardian Scout, you can use stealth to avoid its attacks. However, this is difficult and requires precise timing and movement. Another alternative is to use the environment to your advantage, such as using the shrine's pillars to block the Guardian Scout's attacks.

Overall, the "Secret of the Cedars" shrine quest is a rewarding challenge that tests your puzzle-solving and combat skills. By following the steps outlined above and being prepared, you can successfully complete the quest and uncover the hidden Tena Ko'sah Shrine.