The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time #2 - Hyrule Field
Hyrule Field - Information
1. Lon Lon Ranch, Hyrule Field
Hyrule Field is a recurring large, grassy area that composes most of Hyrule in The Legend of Zelda series. It is the central region of Hyrule that leads to all of the prominent locations of the kingdom, and as such, Link must travel through Hyrule Field to reach villages, markets, and lakes, among other places. In Majora's Mask, there is a parallel version of Hyrule Field called Termina Field. Though the many game-specific regions of Hyrule often have a large field common to and one that connects all areas of the map, only those specifically labeled as Hyrule Field are of any significance.
Hyrule Field is a large round area that acts as the hub or crossroads of Hyrule in Ocarina of Time. All other areas of the game branch out from this region. However, there is little activity, and besides a few side-quests, it serves little purpose other than maintaining the illusion of a vast land.
Located in the center of Hyrule Field is Lon-Lon Ranch, and all other areas dwell on its outskirts. At the northmost section of the field rests Hyrule Castle Town, the main center of activity of Hyrule which also serves as the location of Hyrule Castle. To the northeast is Kakariko Village, the primary settlement for Hyruleans, and just north of the village is Death Mountain. Zora's River and ultimately Zora's Domain reside in the east, while the Kokiri Forest is situated in the southeast. Directly to the west of Kokiri Forest is Lake Hylia, a deep, pure lake that is home to the Water Temple. Lastly, Gerudo Valley is located to the west, where one the other side of the valley the gang of female thieves have established their hideout, the Gerudo's Fortress.
All of the waterflow in Hyrule is a direct source from the waters in Zora's Fountain, located in the northeast. This water flows through Zora's River and makes its way past Castle Town, continuing its path through the bottom of Gerudo Valley and eventually reaching its final destination: Lake Hylia.
As young Link, Stalchildren burrow out of the ground during the nighttime and attack the young hero. They can be avoided by sticking to the dirt road or by wearing the Bunny Hood. Peahats can also be found in the southern and northern corners of the field, and will attack anyone who gets too close to their territory during the day; however, if Link attacks the Peahats during the night, they will send out Peahat Larva to chase after him. Once Link turns into an adult by retrieving the Master Sword from its Pedestal, the Stalchildren and the Peahats will disappear; instead, Big Poes as well as ordinary Poes will roam the field, although they will only appear at certain spots.
2. Hyrule-Field, Hyrule Field
Lon Lon Ranch is a recurring location in The Legend of Zelda series. The ranch belongs to Malon and her father Talon, and is most famous for selling Lon Lon Milk.
The Lon Lon Ranch is the home of Talon, Malon, Ingo, and Epona in Ocarina of Time. It is located in the center of Hyrule and is owned by Talon. It is a small farm, with one house area and a barn to keep horses and cows safe. It also has a paddock that can exercise the horses daily. The ranch raises Cuccos, horses, and cows. They make a profit by selling off the famous Lon Lon Milk that the cows make to the people of Hyrule. An empty Bottle can be won here as young Link from Talon after winning the Super Cucco-findin' Game. A storage tower at the back of the ranch, directly behind the paddock, houses a Piece of Heart, as well as two cows. A Secret Grotto can also be found to the left of the paddock as child Link only.
When Link first visits the ranch as a child, Malon introduces him to Epona, a young horse. The farm girl goes on to teach Link "Epona's Song," and Link can play this melody to beckon Epona to him, but he cannot yet ride the horse. Seven years later, Link returns to the ranch to find that it has been taken over by Ingo with the help of Ganondorf and has been renamed to Ingo Ranch. As a result, Talon was kicked out of the ranch, and Malon is forced to obey Ingo's orders or else the horses will be mistreated.
For a fee of 10 Rupees, Link can ride the horses in the ranch. For an additional fee of 50 Rupees after riding once, he can race Ingo for the chance to keep the horse (namely, Epona, as she is the fastest). After losing, he will challenge Link again, this time wagering Epona. Upon being defeated yet again, he keeps his promises and hands over Epona to Link; however, he closes the gates of the ranch, intending to prevent the young hero from leaving the ranch. Link easily jumps over the gate by using Epona, and when he returns to the ranch, he finds that it has returned to its normal state. After losing the horse he had set aside for Ganondorf, Ingo turns the ranch over to Malon, and becomes a much happier and much more humble person after the experience. Malon also informs Link that her father will be returning to the ranch soon, and thanks Link for all that he has done.
Link can speak to Malon to take part in a small obstacle course and test his skills by using Epona. The goal is to complete two laps around the racetrack in the fastest time possible while jumping the set fences without missing one. If Link beats the obstacle course record, Malon will reward him by delivering a cow to his house in Kokiri Forest, so that he can easily obtain free Lon Lon Milk at any time.