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 and engaging side quest that involves solving a riddle to uncover a hidden shrine. This quest is located in the Hyrule Ridge region, near the Serenne Stable. The quest is given by an NPC named Rola, who is found sitting near the stable. She will tell you about a legendary sword stuck in a pedestal and challenge you to find it. The quest requires careful observation, puzzle-solving skills, and a bit of exploration. Here is a detailed guide to help you complete this quest.

To begin the quest, speak to Rola at Serenne Stable. She will mention a sword stuck in a pedestal and provide a riddle: "The hero's sword sleeps with the forgotten memory of the royal family. Seek the pedestal in the forest where the sword sleeps." This riddle is the key to finding the shrine. The "forest where the sword sleeps" refers to the Forgotten Temple, a large, ancient structure located in the Tanagar Canyon, northwest of the Great Plateau. The Forgotten Temple is a significant location in the game, filled with Guardians and ancient ruins, so be prepared for combat.

Before heading to the Forgotten Temple, it is recommended to prepare adequately. Bring weapons, shields, and armor with high durability, as you will encounter several Guardians along the way. Ancient or Guardian weapons are particularly effective against Guardians. Additionally, stock up on healing items, such as hearty meals or elixirs, to ensure you can survive the journey. If you have the Master Sword, it will be especially useful here due to its increased damage against Guardians.

Once you arrive at the Forgotten Temple, you will notice a large, open area with a long pathway leading to the temple's main chamber. The pathway is lined with decayed Guardians, so proceed cautiously. You can either fight the Guardians or use stealth to avoid them. If you choose to fight, use your strongest weapons and aim for their eyes to stun them. If you prefer stealth, equip the Sheikah Stealth Set or use stealth-enhancing elixirs to move quietly.

At the end of the pathway, you will enter the main chamber of the Forgotten Temple. Inside, you will find a large pedestal with a sword stuck in it. This is the sword Rola mentioned. Approach the pedestal and interact with it to pull out the sword. However, the sword is not the main objective of the quest. Instead, pulling the sword triggers the appearance of the hidden shrine, the Sho Dantu Shrine. The shrine will emerge from the ground near the pedestal, allowing you to enter and complete its trial.

The Sho Dantu Shrine contains a combat trial called "Two Bombs." In this trial, you must defeat a Guardian Scout IV using only bombs. The Guardian Scout is equipped with a powerful weapon, so you will need to rely on your bomb runes to defeat it. The key to this trial is timing and positioning. Use the environment to your advantage by hiding behind pillars and walls to avoid the Guardian's attacks. Throw or roll bombs at the Guardian to deal damage, and be patient, as it may take several hits to defeat it.

After completing the shrine, you will receive a Spirit Orb as a reward. Return to Rola at Serenne Stable to inform her of your success. She will reward you with a Silver Rupee, worth 100 rupees, as a token of her gratitude.

Some important tips and considerations for this quest include being well-prepared for combat, especially against Guardians. If you are not confident in your combat skills, consider upgrading your armor or using defensive elixirs. Additionally, make sure to save your game before attempting the shrine trial, as the Guardian Scout can be challenging to defeat with only bombs.

A common mistake to avoid is rushing into the Forgotten Temple without proper preparation. The Guardians in the area can quickly overwhelm you if you are not ready. Take your time to plan your approach and use the environment to your advantage.

For advanced players, you can optimize your strategy by using the environment to your advantage during the shrine trial. For example, you can lure the Guardian Scout into a corner and use the pillars to block its attacks while you throw bombs. Additionally, you can use the Stasis rune to freeze the Guardian Scout temporarily, giving you more time to position your bombs.

In summary, the "Forgotten Sword" shrine quest is a rewarding challenge that combines exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. By following the steps outlined above and preparing adequately, you can successfully complete the quest and uncover the hidden Sho Dantu Shrine. Remember to take your time, use the environment to your advantage, and be patient during the shrine trial. With these strategies, you will be well-equipped to overcome the challenges of this quest and reap the rewards.