Why is there a cow in a hole in Ocarina of Time?
In the beloved Nintendo game, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, there is a curious phenomenon that has puzzled fans for years: a cow living in a hole. Yes, you read that correctly – a cow, living in a hole. In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons behind this unusual occurrence and explore its significance in the game.
Malon’s Gift
The cow in question is none other than a Lon Lon Milk cow, a breed known for producing the finest milk in Hyrule. According to Malon, the cow’s owner, she sent the cow to Link’s home in Kokiri Forest as a gift. [1] This act of kindness was a result of Link’s bravery in defeating the evil Ganondorf and saving Hyrule from destruction.
The Song of Epona
To access the cow, players must play the Song of Epona, a melody that has the power to calm the cow and allow Link to interact with it. [2] By playing the song, Link can obtain a bottle of Lon Lon Milk, a valuable item that can be used to restore health.
The Secret of the Hole
But why is the cow living in a hole? The answer lies in the game’s code. According to an interview with Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Ocarina of Time, the hole was originally intended to be a "secret" area, hidden from the player’s view. [3] However, during development, the team decided to add a cow to the area to create a sense of curiosity and exploration.
Additional Secrets
The cow is not the only secret hidden in the game. Other secrets, such as the "hidden" heart pieces and the "secret" areas, were also added to the game to encourage players to explore and experiment. [4]
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cow in a hole in Ocarina of Time is a result of Malon’s kindness and the game’s development process. The Song of Epona plays a crucial role in accessing the cow, and the hole itself was intended to be a secret area. The game’s secrets and hidden areas are a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of the developers, and the cow in the hole remains one of the most memorable and beloved moments in the game.
References
[1] The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Nintendo, 1998)
[2] The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Nintendo, 1998)
[3] Shigeru Miyamoto Interview (IGN, 2003)
[4] The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Nintendo, 1998)
Additional Resources
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Nintendo, 1998) – Game manual
- Shigeru Miyamoto Interview (IGN, 2003) – Full interview transcript
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Zelda Wiki) – In-depth game guide and information