We all know the arresting effect Breath of the Wild’s natural environment had on us at one point or another. Within its vast fields and forests, there’s something spectacular to behold for players of all sensibilities, ranging from the epic to the serene. I’m partial to both, but when it comes to one of my favourite locations in the game, the serene wins out. It is a place of respite from the chaos of greater Hyrule, an arboreal oasis that may easily be overlooked because of its position in the literal shadow of one of Breath of the Wild’s more famous natural beauties. It is a sight dear to my heart: a little place called Rutile Lake.
Resting at the foot of Satori Mountain, which is known for its unique cherry blossoms and the ghostly green glow that can be seen all across Hyrule, Rutile Lake is a far more humble sight. You may not have even catalogued the name of the location in your mind as you passed through it, as it doesn’t have much to offer to most players besides a few Korok seeds. But it struck a different chord with me when I chanced upon it. I was able to set down my sword for a much-needed moment of reprieve. The Koroks that live here are out of view of any enemy spawn points, so while there are some Forest Octoroks just around the corner, they’ll leave you in peace while you’re solving the puzzles.
The terrain itself is unique compared to many locales in Hyrule. The ground is badly fractured, with veins of coarse bedrock snaking across the soil, meaning that Link has to tread carefully in order to avoid twisting his ankle when jogging through. The splintered earth is likely the result of earthquakes, though the way the grass and moss have adapted to the changes in their environment, growing right along the jagged edges, indicates seismic activity that long predates the activation of the Sheikah Towers that shook Hyrule at the start of Link’s journey. The sight is striking because of those signs of adaptability, demonstrating how the forest can keep growing and embrace any tumultuous occurrence. It hasn’t scared the Koroks away, so that’s also a good sign.
In addition to the Koroks, many wild critters have found Rutile Lake to be a suitable home. There are a number of beehives in the vicinity packed with delicious honeycomb for Link to salvage (though provoking them will likely disturb Link’s peace). Hearty Durians can also be found, available to pluck from sparsely-strewn baobabs. And a number of times, I noticed Mountain Crows taking a rest by the water, the only bird that seems to visit the lake. An interesting note about Mountain Crows: The Hyrule Compendium describes them as a species that breeds contempt among humans; apparently they’ve got a penchant for stealing farmers’ crops, and their jet-black feathers are often taken as a sign of ill fortune. I mean, they haven’t stolen any of my Hylian Rice yet, so I say they’re alright!
I suppose there are plenty of places in Hyrule like Rutile Lake, but I think that the modest nature of this particular locale is what makes me admire it so much. Its greatest rewards are the simplest of delights: observing nature as it moves and grows, unearthing the cheerful spirits of the wood through small but engaging challenges, pondering the history of Hyrule, and marveling at how one unremarkable pond could have made such an impact to a passing traveler — someone like Link. Its humble beauty never ceases to take my breath away, and to find joy in that is to find peace.
