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 one of the many shrine quests that require players to solve a puzzle or follow a clue to reveal a hidden shrine. This quest is located in the Hyrule Ridge region, near the Serenne Stable. The quest involves finding a hidden shrine by following a specific set of instructions related to a sword stuck in a pedestal. Here is a detailed guide on how to complete this quest.

To start the quest, you need to speak to an NPC named Rola, who is found near the Serenne Stable. She will tell you about a legendary sword stuck in a pedestal and will give you a riddle to solve. The riddle states that the sword will reveal the shrine when the sun sets and the sword's shadow points to the shrine's location. This means you need to wait until sunset and observe the shadow cast by the sword to find the shrine.

The first step is to locate the sword. The sword is found on a hill directly west of the Serenne Stable. You can easily spot it by looking for a glowing pedestal with a sword stuck in it. Once you find the sword, you need to wait until sunset. The game's time system allows you to pass time by sitting at a campfire or resting at a stable. Make sure you have a campfire nearby or return to the Serenne Stable to rest until evening.

When the sun sets, the sword's shadow will appear on the ground. The shadow will point in a specific direction, and you need to follow it to find the shrine. The shadow will lead you to a spot on the ground where the shrine is hidden. The shrine, called the Sho Dantu Shrine, will only appear when you stand in the correct location at the right time. This means you need to be precise in following the shadow and standing in the exact spot it points to.

One important tip is to make sure you are standing directly in the path of the shadow. If you are even slightly off, the shrine will not appear. You can use the sword's shadow as a guide and align yourself with it to ensure you are in the correct position. Another tip is to use the in-game map to mark the location of the sword and the direction of the shadow. This will help you keep track of where you need to go.

A common mistake players make is not waiting until the exact moment of sunset. The shrine will only appear when the sun is setting, so you need to be patient and wait for the right time. Another mistake is not following the shadow closely enough. The shadow is your only clue, so you need to pay close attention to its direction and length.

In terms of preparation, you do not need any special items to complete this quest. However, it is always a good idea to have a few weapons, shields, and healing items in case you encounter enemies along the way. The area around the Serenne Stable is relatively safe, but it is better to be prepared.

An alternative approach to this quest is to use the Sheikah Sensor to detect the shrine. If you have already activated the Sheikah Sensor and set it to detect shrines, it will beep when you are near the hidden shrine. This can help you narrow down the location even before the sun sets. However, you still need to wait for sunset to make the shrine appear.

In summary, the "Forgotten Sword" shrine quest requires you to follow the shadow of a sword at sunset to reveal a hidden shrine. The key steps are to locate the sword, wait until sunset, follow the shadow, and stand in the correct spot. Pay close attention to the shadow's direction and be patient. With these tips and strategies, you should be able to complete the quest and unlock the Sho Dantu Shrine.