Hyrule has always been an interesting world full of wondrous places to explore, hidden secrets to discover, and an array of fascinating characters to meet. When Link crossed over the bridge that separated Kokiri Forest and Hyrule Field, he left behind the life he knew, and although this land may have seemed alien at first, this was the place where he would make some of his most special friendships, some formed in the highest of mountains and the deepest of waters. But where would our hero be without one of his closest and noblest friends?
After reaching Hyrule Town and meeting the ranch owner, Talon, and his daughter, Malon, Link travels to the famed Lon Lon Ranch, home to a small dairy and stud farm that is legendary across Hyrule for producing the freshest of Lon Lon Milk and the finest of horses. It is here where Link first meets a silver bay draft foal called Epona, whose destiny would soon be intertwined with his own.
At a first glance, Epona is shy and seemingly leery of strangers, which is evident when she runs away from Link when he tries to get close to her. Epona’s shyness is also confirmed by Malon, who hand-raised Epona from birth. Through Link’s persistence of getting close to Epona and through seeing the fairy boy’s kindness, Malon decided to teach Link “Epona’s Song” and introduced what would become the start of a beautiful friendship. Sadly, as quick as the bond started, so did it end, for Epona was far too small to join Link on his adventure, and Link was far too small to ride a horse. Link soon exited the ranch and, unknowingly, would not return until he was a man.
When Link awakens seven years later and returns to the Lon Lon Ranch, he finds that Epona has grown into a beautiful mare and is to be presented to Ganondorf by the new ranch owner, Ingo. Due to the years that have passed and the distress of what has happened to the ranch, Epona’s recollection of Link was faded and she inevitably ran away from him as she did on their first encounter. Link plays “Epona’s Song,” which reignites Epona’s memory as she trots to his side and becomes his steed while participating in a race against Ingo. The prize? Epona herself.
After defeating Ingo twice, Link and Epona are locked into the horse pen by the corrupt rancher who refuses to let them leave but, through the power of friendship (and mighty fine horse riding), Link guides Epona over the walls and into freedom. Once the duo escapes into Hyrule Field, Epona stays with Link throughout the remainder of his quest, coming to his aid whenever her song is played.
Animal companions are a part of our everyday lives and quickly become a part of our families. They provide us with not only the purest of friendships but also with emotional support during the toughest of times. For Link, the sense of loneliness must have always been overbearing, especially after awaking years into a future where everything and everyone he had known changed. Link needed Epona and Epona needed Link through the darkest of times.
After Ganondorf’s defeat, Epona can be seen running free across Hyrule Field and is later seen rested next to Malon during Hyrule’s celebration at the Lon Lon Ranch. Although not much is known about the future of the fairy boy and his horse, Link and Epona seemed as close as ever during the chapter of The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask, despite Link not being old enough to own a horse. My only conclusion is that fate had always intended for these two to find each other and that Link would always earn Epona’s friendship no matter where the flow of time led them.
