What is the solution to the "The Ancient Rito Song" shrine quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

The "The Ancient Rito Song" shrine quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a unique and engaging side quest that requires players to decipher a cryptic song to locate a hidden shrine. This quest is found in the Rito Village, a settlement located in the Tabantha region, and is given by Kass, the Rito bard. The quest revolves around interpreting the lyrics of an ancient Rito song to find the hidden shrine, known as the Shae Katha Shrine. Here is a detailed guide to completing this quest.

To begin the quest, you must first speak to Kass, who is standing near the entrance of Rito Village. He will sing a song that contains clues about the location of the hidden shrine. The lyrics of the song mention a "pillar in the sky" and a "pillar on the ground," which are key to solving the puzzle. The song also references the "ancient hero" and the "light of the sun," which are important hints for the next steps.

The first step is to identify the "pillar in the sky." This refers to the large stone pillar that stands prominently in the middle of Rito Village. You will need to climb to the top of this pillar, which can be done by using the updrafts created by the nearby fires or by using the Revali's Gale ability if you have unlocked it. Once at the top, you will notice a small platform with a glowing pedestal. This is where the next clue comes into play.

The song mentions the "light of the sun," which indicates that you need to interact with the pedestal at a specific time of day. The best time to do this is during sunrise, when the sun's rays are directly shining on the pedestal. Stand on the pedestal and wait for the sun to rise. As the sunlight hits the pedestal, a beam of light will shoot out and point towards the location of the hidden shrine.

The beam of light will lead you to the "pillar on the ground," which is a large rock formation located to the southeast of Rito Village. This rock formation is easily identifiable by its tall, narrow shape. Once you reach the base of the rock formation, you will need to climb to the top. This can be a bit challenging due to the steep incline, so make sure you have enough stamina or stamina-restoring items like Endura Carrots or Stamina Elixirs.

At the top of the rock formation, you will find the entrance to the Shae Katha Shrine. The shrine itself contains a simple puzzle that involves using the Magnesis rune to move metal blocks and create a path to the altar. Once you complete the shrine, you will receive a Spirit Orb as a reward.

There are a few important tips and considerations to keep in mind while completing this quest. First, make sure you have enough stamina to climb the tall structures involved in the quest. If your stamina is low, consider cooking meals or elixirs that restore or increase your stamina. Second, pay close attention to the time of day when interacting with the pedestal. The beam of light will only appear during sunrise, so you may need to wait or use a campfire to pass the time.

Common mistakes to avoid include not climbing to the very top of the pillar in Rito Village or misinterpreting the song's clues. Some players may mistakenly look for the shrine in the wrong location, so it is crucial to follow the beam of light accurately. Additionally, make sure to save your game before attempting the climb, as falling from a great height can result in losing progress.

Advanced techniques or optimizations include using the Revali's Gale ability to reach the top of the pillar quickly, or using the Paraglider to glide from the pillar to the rock formation, saving time and stamina. If you have the Climbing Gear set, equipping it will also make the climbs easier and faster.

Required items and preparation include having a good amount of stamina or stamina-restoring items, as well as the Magnesis rune for the shrine puzzle. It is also helpful to have a few weapons and shields in case you encounter enemies along the way.

Alternative approaches to the quest include using the Sheikah Sensor to detect the shrine once you are close to its location, or using the Stasis rune to identify the rock formation from a distance. Some players may also choose to complete the quest at a different time of day by using a campfire to adjust the time.

In conclusion, "The Ancient Rito Song" shrine quest is a rewarding and enjoyable challenge that requires careful interpretation of clues and precise execution. By following the steps outlined above and keeping the tips and considerations in mind, you will be able to successfully locate and complete the Shae Katha Shrine, earning a valuable Spirit Orb in the process.