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{{Animal
"Zant bears an uncanny resemblance to Onox and Veran. Given that Twilight Princess is full of references and close similarities to Oracle of Seasons, and Oracle of Ages, this is probably not purely by coincidence."
 
  +
|name = Epona
Not...really?
 
  +
|image = [[File:TPHD Link and Epona Artwork.png|200px]]
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|caption = Link riding Epona artwork<br>from ''Twilight Princess HD''
  +
|species = [[Horse]]
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|gender = Female
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|game = {{OoT}}<br>{{MM}}<br>{{TMC}}<br>{{TP}}<br>''[[Zelda Wii U]]''
  +
|other = {{Manga|OoT}}<br>{{LCT}}<br>{{SSBB}}{{exp|as a Sticker}}<br>{{SSB4|3DS}}{{exp|as a Trophy}}<br>{{HW}}
  +
|family =
  +
|voice actor(s) =
  +
|nocat = *
  +
}}
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'''Epona''' (pronounced {{IPA|iːˈpoʊ.nə}} {{Respell|ee|POH|nə}})<ref>{{Cite web|quote= That first DLC pack unlocks Epona, which is like the best thing ever.|published= October 10, 2014|retrieved= October 24, 2014|url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5dQDMUqPbo&t=3m15s |title= Nintendo Minute – September Favorites|site= YouTube}}</ref> is [[Link]]'s recurring steed in {{LZS|Series}}.
   
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==Appearances==
Besides being an evil villain working under Ganondorf (just like Agahnim, or Vaati at one point), there's not any real similarity I can see. Possibly the pointy helmet, but Zant's doesn't even have the same motif as Onox's - the pointiness is a coincidence.
 
  +
===''Ocarina of Time''===
  +
[[File:Adult Epona.png|left|160px]]
  +
In {{OoT}}, Epona is first seen when she is just a foal at [[Lon Lon Ranch]], where she is raised by [[Malon]].<ref>{{Cite|Oh, yeah, I have to introduce you to my friend, fairy boy! She's this horse. Her name is Epona. Isn't she cute?|Malon|OoT}}</ref> She is wild and untamed, running away when Link approaches, as only Malon can get close to her.<ref>{{Cite|It seems like Epona is afraid of you, fairy boy...|Malon|OoT}}</ref> After Malon teaches Link "[[Epona's Song]],"<ref>{{Cite|My mother composed this song. Isn't it nice? Let's sing together.|Malon|OoT}}</ref> Epona stops running away and approaches Link. Malon then says that Epona has taken a liking to him.<ref>{{Cite|Oh, Epona! She's grown fond of you, fairy boy.|Malon|OoT}}</ref>
   
  +
Link then finds Epona seven years later when she has become a mare. However, things have taken a turn at the ranch and [[Ingo]] is now in charge. Ingo plans to present Epona to [[Ganon]]dorf,<ref>{{Cite|Is that Epona? How did you tame that wild horse right under my nose?! I was going to present that horse to the great Ganondorf...|Ingo|OoT}}</ref> who he claims gave him ownership of the Ranch.<ref>{{Cite|There are some people in Kakariko spreading rumors that I cheated Talon out of the ranch, but... Don't be ridiculous! That guy Talon was weak! I, the hard-working Ingo, poured so much energy into this place! I don't want any strangers like you saying anything bad about me! Listen. The great Ganondorf recognized my obvious talents and gave the ranch to me!|Ingo|OoT}}</ref> At first, Epona will run from Link as if he was a stranger, but if he plays "Epona's Song," she will remember him and trot to his side. Link can then participate in a horse race against Ingo with Epona as his steed. If Link wins, Ingo will get furious, challenging him again while betting Epona herself on the outcome of the race.<ref>{{Cite|Hey, you!! How about another race! If you win... You can keep...the horse!!|Ingo|OoT}}</ref> If Link wins, Ingo lets him keep Epona. However, Ingo then attempts to prevent Link from leaving with Epona by shutting the gates of the ranch.<ref>{{Cite|As I promised, I'll give the horse to you... However... I'll never let you leave this ranch!|Ingo|OoT}}</ref> The young hero can then jump above the walls of the ranch to escape with Epona. Afterwards, Link can play "Epona's Song" while in [[Hyrule Field]] to call her. During the ending credits, Epona is seen running across Hyrule Field, and is later seen next to Malon during the celebration of Ganondorf's defeat at Lon Lon Ranch.
What other similarities are there?
 
   
  +
While riding Epona, Link cannot get hurt by enemies and can only attack by using the [[Bow]]. He can also whip her to get up to six speed boosts, appearing on-screen as [[carrot]]s. The boosts can be used to jump over barriers and fences and are restored after a few seconds. Epona can be used to jump across the broken bridge in [[Gerudo Valley]] and to play the [[Horseback Archery Range]] minigame in [[Gerudo's Fortress]]. She is also required to summon [[Big Poe]]s in Hyrule Field. Despite this, obtaining Epona is entirely optional, as Link can also cross the broken bridge in Gerudo Valley using the [[Longshot]].
   
  +
===''Majora's Mask''===
So, what's wrong with that? I'm sure we'd find it difficult to think up a completely different storyline of character for each game.
 
  +
[[File:MM Epona2.png|right|110px]]
I guess they have to link up all the games somehow.
 
  +
In {{MM}}, Link is first seen riding Epona through the [[Lost Woods]] at the start of the game. Epona is then startled by [[Tatl]] and [[Tael]], causing [[Link]] to be thrown to the ground and knocked unconscious. The [[Skull Kid]] wearing [[Majora's Mask (Object)|Majora's Mask]] then appears and searches Link's body, finding the {{it|Ocarina of Time}} and taking it.<ref>{{Cite|Ooh, ooh! What a pretty ocarina... Hey, Skull Kid, lemme touch it! I wanna see!|Tael|MM}}</ref> When Link regains consciousness, Skull Kid attempts to hide the Ocarina, but Link lunges at him in an attempt to get it back. Skull Kid then leaps out of the way and onto Epona, galloping away on her afterwards. Link leaps after him but only manages to grab onto Skull Kid's leg. Epona continues to gallop along, dragging Link with them until he loses his grip. When Link finally catches up with Skull Kid again, he tells him that he got rid of Epona because she did not listen to a word he said.<ref>{{Cite|What's with that stupid horse of yours?! It doesn't listen to a word that's said to it... There's no point in riding a thing like that, so I did you a favor and got rid of it... Hee, hee...|Skull Kid|MM}}</ref>
   
  +
After completing the [[Snowhead Temple]], Link finds Epona in [[Romani Ranch]]. If he visits the ranch on the [[First Day]], [[Romani]] teaches him "Epona's Song" and gives Epona back after Link practices shooting balloons while riding her.<ref>{{Cite|I'll teach Romani's horse-calling song to you, Grasshopper.|Romani|MM}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|Now you two keep getting along, and go practice some more!|Romani|MM}}</ref> Epona is required to enter the [[Great Bay]] and [[Ikana Canyon]] since they are blocked by fences that only Epona can jump over. During the [[New Day|ending credits]], Link is seen departing from [[Termina]] on Epona.
   
  +
As in ''Ocarina of Time'', enemies cannot hurt Link while riding on Epona, he can only attack by using his Bow, and he can get up to six speed boosts.
__________
 
   
  +
===''The Minish Cap''===
I'm taking this out "is is probably not purely by coincidence."". This article is no place for speculaiton from overzealous Zelda fanatics. If we are to include anything in this, it has to be fact, not speculation.
 
  +
[[File:TMC Epona.gif|left]]
  +
In {{TMC}}, Epona can be seen in [[Hyrule Castle Town]] carrying a wagon with [[milk]] containers. She is owned by Malon, who sells milk to Link after he helps her and [[Talon]] find the [[Spare Key]] to their farm house. [[Minish Link]] can communicate with Epona, who asks him to buy some Lon Lon Milk.<ref>{{Cite|Please! Buy Lon Lon Milk from me! If you don't my wagon will be too heavy on the ride home!|Epona|TMC}}</ref> Link can also [[Kinstone Fusion|fuse]] [[Kinstone]]s with her.
   
  +
===''Twilight Princess''===
  +
[[File:Epona.png|150px|right]]
  +
In {{TP}}, the name of Link's horse can be chosen, although the default name is Epona. She is seen and used very early in the game, aiding Link in his job as a rancher, although [[Ilia]] is who takes care of her.<ref>{{Cite|Oh, hi, Link. I washed Epona for you!|Ilia|TP}}</ref> Ilia gets angry when Link treats the horse poorly or she gets hurt.<ref>{{Cite|Wait... What's this? What's happened? She's injured, isn't she? Link? How could you! You were pushing Epona too hard again! I bet you hurt her leg jumping fences, didn't you!|Ilia|TP}}</ref> After the village is attacked by [[King Bulblin]], Epona disappears. However, Link reunites with her later in [[Kakariko Village]], where she runs around desperately attempting to throw off two [[Bulblin]]s. Once the Bulblins are defeated, Link has to tame her and then ride her to save [[Colin]].<ref>{{Cite|Hmm... You're not too shabby a wrangler after all! Won't this make getting back to your town a lot easier? Now go finish your errand so we can get back! Get a move on!|Midna|TP}}</ref>
   
  +
In most locations around Hyrule Field, Link can call Epona by blowing a [[Horse Grass]] or the [[Horse Call]], which both play "Epona's Song." Different from previous games, Link can use various items while riding her, including the [[Sword]]. Also, carrots are replaced by spurs. Epona is used when fighting against [[King Bulblin]] and during the third part of Ganondorf's battle. [[Wolf Link]] is able to speak with her, as with other animals.<ref>{{Cite|Even though you change shape, I still understand you.|Epona|TP}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|Link... Hurry up and return to your true self...|Epona|TP}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|If you wish to ride me, return to your true self.|Epona|TP}}</ref>
Is it just me, or is 1/2 of the miscellaneous section completely worthless? Stuff about fanfics and Harry Potter, in my mind, have no place in an otherwise wonderful article. [[User:Hisak|Hisak]] 15:02, 31 July 2007 (PDT)
 
   
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===''Zelda Wii U''===
== Zant one of the hardest bosses?? ==
 
  +
In ''[[Zelda Wii U]]'', riding Epona is done automatically, with Link only needing to steer. He can attack by using the Sword or the Bow while riding her. Link is also able to jump off Epona, slowing the game in order to shoot [[Arrow]]s at enemies more precisely. However, unlike her physical appearance in all other games, Epona is seen with a black mane and tail.
   
  +
==Non-Canon Appearances==
''*trying not to bust up laughing*'' Oh my gosh. First of all, that is entirely opinionated. Second of all, it's not true. I lost like three hearts beating the dude, and I'm not ''that'' good. Come on. ''Morpheel'' was harder. --[[User:Myth|Myth]] ([[User talk:Myth|talk]]) 15:56, 14 September 2007 (EDT)
 
  +
{{Noncanon|start}}
  +
===''Super Smash Bros.'' Series===
  +
Epona in her ''Ocarina of Time'' incarnation appears as a [[Sticker]] in {{SSBB}} and a [[Trophies in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U|Trophy]] in {{SSB4|3DS}}.
   
  +
====Sticker Information====
:I'm gonna delete this statement unless someone thinks it's there for good reason. --[[User:Myth|Myth]] ([[User talk:Myth|talk]]) 13:04, 15 September 2007 (EDT)
 
  +
{| class="wikitable" border="1" cellpadding="2" style="text-align:center;"
  +
|-
  +
!width="inherited"|Name
  +
!width="50px"|Image
  +
!Effect in [[The Subspace Emissary]]
  +
!Usable by
  +
|-
  +
|Epona & Link
  +
|[[File:Link and Epona Sticker.png|70px]]
  +
|align=left|[Arm, Leg] - Attack +9
  +
|[[File:LZGT.png|100px]]
  +
|}
   
  +
====Trophy Information====
== Zant is not a Harry Potter Character. ==
 
  +
{| class=wikitable sortable align=center width=100% cellspacing=0 border=1 cellpadding=3 style="text-align:center; border-collapse:collapse;"
  +
|-
  +
!width="inherited"|Image
  +
!width="inherited"|Description
  +
!width="inherited"|How to Unlock
  +
|-
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|[[File:SSB4 Epona Trophy.png|100px]]
  +
|''Epona is a gorgeous, spirited sorrel who allows only two people to ride her: Malon, daughter of the owner of Lon Lon Ranch, and Link. To win Epona's favor, Link must play the song Malon teaches him. Forever after, this lovely song will carry across the wind and summon Epona.''
  +
|{{Exp|Can be obtained in Classic Mode, in All-Star Mode, in Trophy Rush, in Smash Run, or purchased from the Trophy Shop|Random}}
  +
|-
  +
|}
   
  +
===''Hyrule Warriors''===
While most of the points that have been made over the past couple of months that compares Zant to Harry Potter characters such as he looks like Lord Voldemort and acts like Bellatrix Lestrange seem to hold some truth, they are pointless. Nintendo did not design Zant or Twilight Princess after J.K. Rowling's book series, if they had then I am pretty sure J.K. Rowling would have sued by now.
 
  +
In {{HW}}, Epona appears during Link's intro and victory animations. In the Master Quest DLC pack, she is also a weapon type for Link, allowing him to ride her in battle. She is very fast and is able to cause damage to enemies while running due to her sheer size. She has a good area of effect attacks, though her large size also makes her easy to be hit. Her second and third weapon tiers are based on her designs from ''Twilight Princess'' and ''Ocarina of Time'', respectively. Unlike other weapons in the game, Epona's additional tiers are not earned via special requirements, but are instead available right from the start provided they are earned in battle.
   
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<gallery align="center">
Even if Zant was based on elements in Harry Potter, there is no need to compare him to characters outside of the Legend of Zelda series because those characters are not in the Zelda series and unlike the the reference to Emily Rose they do not create a possibility that helps to understand what happpened to Zant. Thus so far, the comparisons between the two series provides no relevant comparison that should be in this article.
 
  +
File:HW Epona Icon.png|Epona
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File:HW Twilight Epona Icon.png|Twilight Epona
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File:HW Epona of Time Icon.png|Epona of Time
  +
</gallery>
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{{Noncanon|end}}
   
  +
==Development==
So whoever is doing it, please stop.
 
  +
During the development of ''{{smw|Super Mario 64}}'', the development team had plans to include a horse, which were later moved to ''Ocarina of Time''. The developers did not want controls to be difficult, so Epona was made to automatically jump over barriers if she has enough speed. To make the experience more entertaining, the carrot system was established, as well as mounted archery. The developers also wanted to include one-on-one battles and horseback swordplay, though such features did not appear until ''Twilight Princess''.
   
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The scene where Epona jumps over the broken bridge in Gerudo Valley was specially requested by [[Shigeru Miyamoto]]. A similar scene is shown when Epona escapes from Lon Lon Ranch, which had more than one exit, so a cutscene was made for each. The idea of horses and these scenes were inspired by Western movies.<ref name="IwataAsks">{{Cite web|url= http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/3ds/zelda-ocarina-of-time/1/4|title= What We Couldn't Do with The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|site= Nintendo official website}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url= http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/3ds/zelda-ocarina-of-time/4/2|title= Everyone Loves Horses|site= Nintendo official website}}</ref>
You're right, Zant bears no resemelance to You-know-who, he does not act like Bellatrix. Just like you said Rowling would of sued Nintendo.--[[User:Link hero of light|Link hero of light]] 12:32, 7 December 2007 (EST)
 
   
  +
==Trivia==
NO WAY!!! Zant is, if a cameo at all, is Asaj Venress (or however thats spelled) from starwars or vica-verca Dragontine
 
  +
*Various unnamed horses resembling Epona appear in the {{OoX}} and {{TWW}} introductions, and in [[The Field]] stage from {{FSA}}.
  +
*During development of ''Ocarina of Time'', Link would use a whip to control Epona. After using the whip, Link would have to give her a carrot.<ref>{{Cite web|quote= '''Q: How do you control the horse?'''<br>'''Miyamoto:''' With whips and carrots. For each time you use the whip, you have to give the horse a carrot. If you only use the whip, then we'd feel sorry for the horse.|author= |published= November 26, 1997|retrieved= March 26, 2016|url= http://www.ign.com/articles/1997/11/27/the-z-files-4|title= The Z-Files|site= IGN|type=}}</ref>
   
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==Etymology==
  +
{{wp|Epona}} is named after the Celtic Goddess of horses and fertility.<ref name="IwataAsks"/>
   
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{{Names|align=left
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|ja= {{Japanese|エポナ|Epona}}
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|jaM=
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|es= Epona
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|esM=
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|fr= Epona
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|frM=
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|frC= Épona {{ExpGame|OoT3D}}
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|frCM=
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|de= {{de|Epona}}
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|deM=
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|it=
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|itM=
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|ko=
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|koM= }}
   
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==Gallery==
  +
<gallery>
  +
File:OoT Epona.png|Link petting Epona artwork from ''Ocarina of Time''
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File:Epona w link.png|Link riding Epona artwork from ''Ocarina of Time''
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File:Link Epona OoT.png|Link using the Bow while riding Epona artwork from ''Ocarina of Time''
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File:Link Epona Artwork OoT3D.png|Link riding Epona artwork from ''Ocarina of Time 3D''
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File:Linkepona.png|Link riding Epona artwork from ''Twilight Princess''
  +
File:Epona OoT3D.png|Epona from ''Ocarina of Time 3D''
  +
File:Gerudo Valley Bridge Leap.png|Link and Epona leaping across Gerudo Valley in ''Ocarina of Time''
  +
File:Oot3d15.jpg|Link riding Epona in ''Ocarina of Time 3D''
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File:MM Link Riding Epona.png|Link exploring the Lost Woods with Epona in ''Majora's Mask''
  +
File:Skull Kid Steals Epona 01.png|The Skull Kid stealing Epona in ''Majora's Mask''
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File:MM Riding Epona.png|Link riding Epona in ''Majora's Mask''
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File:Epona Minish Cap.gif|Link fusing Kinstones with Epona in ''The Minish Cap''
  +
File:Zelda Wii U Epona.png|Link riding Epona in ''Zelda Wii U''
  +
HW Link Epona.png|Link riding Epona artwork from ''Hyrule Warriors''
  +
File:MM Link and Epona Artwork.png|Link riding Epona artwork from ''Majora's Mask''
  +
</gallery>
   
  +
==See Also==
Dude Zant is not only the easist boss but he's my favorite. When I went to fight him for the first time my friend's like "You're gonna go fight Zant with 5 hearts!" ~Kailuh
 
  +
* [[Catherine]]
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* [[Cloud]]
   
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{{Ref}}
== This has nothing to do with the article ==
 
But Zant was my favorite boss up until the actual time you fought him. I'm really hoping he was possessed because I would be dissapointed for him to be a comic villain as he was built up to be a very intimidating person
 
   
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{{Characters}}
== Hissing Noise ==
 
   
  +
[[Category:Transportation]]
What's the strange hissing noise that is made when ever Zant appears? It reminds me of a pterodactyl. --[[User:Link hero of light|Link hero of light]] 21:48, 17 December 2007 (EST)
 
  +
[[Category:Horses]]
 
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[[Category:Characters in Ocarina of Time]]
:Maybe your TV I couldn't really here any hissing just a lot of grunting and whining from him. Really I still consider him the worst boss ever. Zant deserved his own battle style and stage instead of a compilation of all the other bosses/mini-bosses.--[[User:Green Tunic|Green]] 02:48, 18 December 2007 (EST)
 
  +
[[Category:Characters in Majora's Mask]]
 
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[[Category:Characters in Twilight Princess]]
Maybe I should rephrase "hissing" to "chime". It can't be my TV because I hear it in videos on You Tube, and why did you tell me that Zant is the worst boss ever, I didn't ask you if you thought he was a good boss are a bad boss? Did you get me confused with another user? --[[User:Link hero of light|Link hero of light]] 13:47, 18 December 2007 (EST)
 
 
== Theories ==
 
 
As with most smaller wikis (although this is one of the larger smaller), fandom runs rampant. I've noted this before, and I'd just like to say that, if you read an encyclopedia, if you go to the "perfect" Wikipedia articles, you'll notice that they stay away from speculation, favor fact and canon. Theories don't belong in here unless it's something that is widely, generally, accepted. Otherwise it lessens the quality of the article. Those theories are simply that--theories. All of them "adds" something that is not in the game to fit it's needs. Something that is outside and is the last, unseen, component. That makes it speculation. That means it shouldn't be a part of the article. [[User:Saibh|Saibh]] 14:37, 20 March 2008 (EDT)
 
 
How about if we add a section to the article all about theories about Zant.--[[User:Link hero of light|Link hero of light]] 19:42, 20 March 2008 (EDT)
 
 
That was how it was before, but like Saibh, another user thought that the theories were fandom. And he/she just removed it.--[[User:Green Tunic|Green]] 19:46, 20 March 2008 (EDT)
 
::Would it just be better to have an article based on major theories in the Zeldaverse? Hmm...as this is supposed to be an encyclopedia, I just think that theories should be condensed where they belong: in a theories section. Hmm...maybe I should make a movement about this. [[User:Saibh|Saibh]] 20:51, 20 March 2008 (EDT)
 
 
Talk to [[user:Eponasowner|Eponasowner]]. He's a member thoght a theory page would be good idea. I oposed it at the time, but since this has all happened, it might be a good idea.--[[User:Link hero of light|Link hero of light]] 21:19, 20 March 2008 (EDT)
 

Revision as of 11:12, 16 April 2016

Template:Animal Epona (pronounced /iːˈpoʊ.nə/ ee-POH-nə)[1] is Link's recurring steed in Template:LZS.

Appearances

Ocarina of Time

In Ocarina of Time, Epona is first seen when she is just a foal at Lon Lon Ranch, where she is raised by Malon.[2] She is wild and untamed, running away when Link approaches, as only Malon can get close to her.[3] After Malon teaches Link "Epona's Song,"[4] Epona stops running away and approaches Link. Malon then says that Epona has taken a liking to him.[5]

Link then finds Epona seven years later when she has become a mare. However, things have taken a turn at the ranch and Ingo is now in charge. Ingo plans to present Epona to Ganondorf,[6] who he claims gave him ownership of the Ranch.[7] At first, Epona will run from Link as if he was a stranger, but if he plays "Epona's Song," she will remember him and trot to his side. Link can then participate in a horse race against Ingo with Epona as his steed. If Link wins, Ingo will get furious, challenging him again while betting Epona herself on the outcome of the race.[8] If Link wins, Ingo lets him keep Epona. However, Ingo then attempts to prevent Link from leaving with Epona by shutting the gates of the ranch.[9] The young hero can then jump above the walls of the ranch to escape with Epona. Afterwards, Link can play "Epona's Song" while in Hyrule Field to call her. During the ending credits, Epona is seen running across Hyrule Field, and is later seen next to Malon during the celebration of Ganondorf's defeat at Lon Lon Ranch.

While riding Epona, Link cannot get hurt by enemies and can only attack by using the Bow. He can also whip her to get up to six speed boosts, appearing on-screen as carrots. The boosts can be used to jump over barriers and fences and are restored after a few seconds. Epona can be used to jump across the broken bridge in Gerudo Valley and to play the Horseback Archery Range minigame in Gerudo's Fortress. She is also required to summon Big Poes in Hyrule Field. Despite this, obtaining Epona is entirely optional, as Link can also cross the broken bridge in Gerudo Valley using the Longshot.

Majora's Mask

In Majora's Mask, Link is first seen riding Epona through the Lost Woods at the start of the game. Epona is then startled by Tatl and Tael, causing Link to be thrown to the ground and knocked unconscious. The Skull Kid wearing Majora's Mask then appears and searches Link's body, finding the Template:It and taking it.[10] When Link regains consciousness, Skull Kid attempts to hide the Ocarina, but Link lunges at him in an attempt to get it back. Skull Kid then leaps out of the way and onto Epona, galloping away on her afterwards. Link leaps after him but only manages to grab onto Skull Kid's leg. Epona continues to gallop along, dragging Link with them until he loses his grip. When Link finally catches up with Skull Kid again, he tells him that he got rid of Epona because she did not listen to a word he said.[11]

After completing the Snowhead Temple, Link finds Epona in Romani Ranch. If he visits the ranch on the First Day, Romani teaches him "Epona's Song" and gives Epona back after Link practices shooting balloons while riding her.[12][13] Epona is required to enter the Great Bay and Ikana Canyon since they are blocked by fences that only Epona can jump over. During the ending credits, Link is seen departing from Termina on Epona.

As in Ocarina of Time, enemies cannot hurt Link while riding on Epona, he can only attack by using his Bow, and he can get up to six speed boosts.

The Minish Cap

In The Minish Cap, Epona can be seen in Hyrule Castle Town carrying a wagon with milk containers. She is owned by Malon, who sells milk to Link after he helps her and Talon find the Spare Key to their farm house. Minish Link can communicate with Epona, who asks him to buy some Lon Lon Milk.[14] Link can also fuse Kinstones with her.

Twilight Princess

In Twilight Princess, the name of Link's horse can be chosen, although the default name is Epona. She is seen and used very early in the game, aiding Link in his job as a rancher, although Ilia is who takes care of her.[15] Ilia gets angry when Link treats the horse poorly or she gets hurt.[16] After the village is attacked by King Bulblin, Epona disappears. However, Link reunites with her later in Kakariko Village, where she runs around desperately attempting to throw off two Bulblins. Once the Bulblins are defeated, Link has to tame her and then ride her to save Colin.[17]

In most locations around Hyrule Field, Link can call Epona by blowing a Horse Grass or the Horse Call, which both play "Epona's Song." Different from previous games, Link can use various items while riding her, including the Sword. Also, carrots are replaced by spurs. Epona is used when fighting against King Bulblin and during the third part of Ganondorf's battle. Wolf Link is able to speak with her, as with other animals.[18][19][20]

Zelda Wii U

In Zelda Wii U, riding Epona is done automatically, with Link only needing to steer. He can attack by using the Sword or the Bow while riding her. Link is also able to jump off Epona, slowing the game in order to shoot Arrows at enemies more precisely. However, unlike her physical appearance in all other games, Epona is seen with a black mane and tail.

Non-Canon Appearances

Super Smash Bros. Series

Epona in her Ocarina of Time incarnation appears as a Sticker in Super Smash Bros. Brawl and a Trophy in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS.

Sticker Information

Name Image Effect in The Subspace Emissary Usable by
Epona & Link File:Link and Epona Sticker.png [Arm, Leg] - Attack +9 File:LZGT.png

Trophy Information

Image Description How to Unlock
File:SSB4 Epona Trophy.png Epona is a gorgeous, spirited sorrel who allows only two people to ride her: Malon, daughter of the owner of Lon Lon Ranch, and Link. To win Epona's favor, Link must play the song Malon teaches him. Forever after, this lovely song will carry across the wind and summon Epona. Random

Hyrule Warriors

In Hyrule Warriors, Epona appears during Link's intro and victory animations. In the Master Quest DLC pack, she is also a weapon type for Link, allowing him to ride her in battle. She is very fast and is able to cause damage to enemies while running due to her sheer size. She has a good area of effect attacks, though her large size also makes her easy to be hit. Her second and third weapon tiers are based on her designs from Twilight Princess and Ocarina of Time, respectively. Unlike other weapons in the game, Epona's additional tiers are not earned via special requirements, but are instead available right from the start provided they are earned in battle.

Development

During the development of Super Mario 64, the development team had plans to include a horse, which were later moved to Ocarina of Time. The developers did not want controls to be difficult, so Epona was made to automatically jump over barriers if she has enough speed. To make the experience more entertaining, the carrot system was established, as well as mounted archery. The developers also wanted to include one-on-one battles and horseback swordplay, though such features did not appear until Twilight Princess.

The scene where Epona jumps over the broken bridge in Gerudo Valley was specially requested by Shigeru Miyamoto. A similar scene is shown when Epona escapes from Lon Lon Ranch, which had more than one exit, so a cutscene was made for each. The idea of horses and these scenes were inspired by Western movies.[21][22]

Trivia

  • Various unnamed horses resembling Epona appear in the Template:OoX and The Wind Waker introductions, and in The Field stage from Four Swords Adventures.
  • During development of Ocarina of Time, Link would use a whip to control Epona. After using the whip, Link would have to give her a carrot.[23]

Etymology

Epona is named after the Celtic Goddess of horses and fertility.[21]

TMC Forest Minish Artwork Names in Other Regions TMC Jabber Nut Sprite
Language Name
Japan Japanese Template:Japanese
French-speaking countries French Epona
Canada FrenchCA Épona Template:ExpGame
Federal Republic of Germany German Epona
Spanish-speaking countries Spanish Epona

Gallery

See Also

References

  1. Template:Cite web
  2. "Oh, yeah, I have to introduce you to my friend, fairy boy! She's this horse. Her name is Epona. Isn't she cute?" — Malon (Ocarina of Time)
  3. "It seems like Epona is afraid of you, fairy boy..." — Malon (Ocarina of Time)
  4. "My mother composed this song. Isn't it nice? Let's sing together." — Malon (Ocarina of Time)
  5. "Oh, Epona! She's grown fond of you, fairy boy." — Malon (Ocarina of Time)
  6. "Is that Epona? How did you tame that wild horse right under my nose?! I was going to present that horse to the great Ganondorf..." — Ingo (Ocarina of Time)
  7. "There are some people in Kakariko spreading rumors that I cheated Talon out of the ranch, but... Don't be ridiculous! That guy Talon was weak! I, the hard-working Ingo, poured so much energy into this place! I don't want any strangers like you saying anything bad about me! Listen. The great Ganondorf recognized my obvious talents and gave the ranch to me!" — Ingo (Ocarina of Time)
  8. "Hey, you!! How about another race! If you win... You can keep...the horse!!" — Ingo (Ocarina of Time)
  9. "As I promised, I'll give the horse to you... However... I'll never let you leave this ranch!" — Ingo (Ocarina of Time)
  10. "Ooh, ooh! What a pretty ocarina... Hey, Skull Kid, lemme touch it! I wanna see!" — Tael (Majora's Mask)
  11. "What's with that stupid horse of yours?! It doesn't listen to a word that's said to it... There's no point in riding a thing like that, so I did you a favor and got rid of it... Hee, hee..." — Skull Kid (Majora's Mask)
  12. "I'll teach Romani's horse-calling song to you, Grasshopper." — Romani (Majora's Mask)
  13. "Now you two keep getting along, and go practice some more!" — Romani (Majora's Mask)
  14. "Please! Buy Lon Lon Milk from me! If you don't my wagon will be too heavy on the ride home!" — Epona (The Minish Cap)
  15. "Oh, hi, Link. I washed Epona for you!" — Ilia (Twilight Princess)
  16. "Wait... What's this? What's happened? She's injured, isn't she? Link? How could you! You were pushing Epona too hard again! I bet you hurt her leg jumping fences, didn't you!" — Ilia (Twilight Princess)
  17. "Hmm... You're not too shabby a wrangler after all! Won't this make getting back to your town a lot easier? Now go finish your errand so we can get back! Get a move on!" — Princess Midna (Twilight Princess)
  18. "Even though you change shape, I still understand you." — Epona (Twilight Princess)
  19. "Link... Hurry up and return to your true self..." — Epona (Twilight Princess)
  20. "If you wish to ride me, return to your true self." — Epona (Twilight Princess)
  21. 21.0 21.1 Template:Cite web
  22. Template:Cite web
  23. Template:Cite web