Breath of the Wild has a massive open-world, with so many locations to explore. At first glance, though, the Gerudo region may appear bare when compared to the rest of Hyrule. Just looking at the topographic map, all you can see are these cliffs that fall off into a flat desert plain. You can tell the Gerudo’s themselves were having a tough time naming points of interest with names like “East Barrens” and “West Barrens.” To find the more interesting locations in the Gerudo region, you have to go and explore it first-hand. There are more Shrines out in the desert than you may think and plenty of hidden treasures to be found. I think my favorite Shrine location in Gerudo Desert is hidden underneath the Seven Heroines statues.
The Seven Heroines can be easy to miss when first traveling to the harsh desert. Tucked away southwest of the Wasteland Tower, these towering colossi stand in a circle, gazing at a central point that draws their collective attention. The statues appear as seven unnamed warriors frozen in time, wielding giant swords in a ceremonial reverse-grip. At their feet are holes in which Link can place orbs–each with its own mysterious symbols. If Link places all the orbs into the correct holes, Korsh O’Hu Shrine will emerge from the sands below. Inside the Blessing Shrine, Link can grab a Spirit Orb as well as a Flamespear, a blazing weapon to complement the hot desert sun.
Breath of the Wild is shrouded in mystery and intrigue. The game’s lack of exposition leaves the player to decipher some of the more cryptic locations found in this ruined version of Hyrule. While their exact origins are unclear, we do get some insight from the archaeologist Rotana who reveals that the statues are of seven Gerudo warriors that once protected the land, each possessing a different power: skill, spirit, endurance, knowledge, flight, motion, and gentleness. I find these statues to be fascinating as they represent a glimpse into a past long forgotten. Tears of the Kingdom is right around the corner and hopefully we will be blessed with more lore on the mysteries we were left with in Breath of the Wild. Perhaps we will even uncover the mystery of this rumored Eighth Heroine.
