What are the Shrines in the Great Plateau? Unveiling Hyrule's Ancient Tests
Stepping out of the Shrine of Resurrection, a disoriented Link is met with a vast, untamed landscape and a cryptic voice. The Great Plateau, the introductory area of *The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild*, is more than just a tutorial zone; it’s a meticulously crafted microcosm of Hyrule, brimming with secrets, challenges, and the very essence of the game's innovative design. Among its most prominent features are the ancient Shrines, glowing orange beacons of mystery dotting the horizon. For a newcomer, the immediate question that arises is, "What are the shrines in the Great Plateau, and what purpose do they serve?" These enigmatic structures are ancient Sheikah constructs, imbued with trials and puzzles designed to test the spirit and awaken the dormant abilities of the chosen hero. They are essentially mini-dungeons, offering crucial rewards and a glimpse into the advanced technology of a bygone era.
My own initial encounters with these shrines were a mix of awe and trepidation. The sheer number of them visible from the plateau's vantage points, each humming with potential discovery, was both exciting and a little daunting. The first one, the "Shrine of Resurrection" itself, serves as a profound introduction, but it's the subsequent ones that truly begin to unfold the game's mechanics. The Great Plateau acts as a perfect training ground, forcing players to engage with the core gameplay loops – exploration, combat, puzzle-solving, and resource management – before unleashing them upon the sprawling world of Hyrule. The shrines within this starting area are strategically placed to ensure that players organically learn about the different types of challenges they will face throughout their journey.
The narrative context provided by the Old Man, a mysterious figure who guides Link through his initial awakening, is vital in understanding the significance of these ancient structures. He speaks of the Sheikah, an ancient civilization renowned for their technological prowess, and how they created these shrines as a means to prepare Link for the monumental task ahead: defeating Calamity Ganon. Each shrine, he explains, contains a "Spirit Orb," a tangible representation of Link's courage and strength, which can be exchanged for greater power. This simple yet profound explanation immediately imbues the exploration of these shrines with purpose and urgency.
Thematic Significance of the Shrines
Beyond their mechanical function as puzzle boxes and reward dispensers, the shrines in the Great Plateau, and indeed throughout Hyrule, carry a profound thematic weight. They represent the lingering legacy of the Sheikah, a civilization that, despite its advanced technology, ultimately failed to prevent the Great Calamity. The dormant nature of these shrines, awakened only by Link's presence, mirrors the slumber of Hyrule itself after centuries of Ganon's reign. Their orange glow, a stark contrast to the often-desolate landscape, signifies hope and a resurgence of the ancient power that once protected the kingdom.
The very architecture of the shrines speaks volumes. Their geometric precision, smooth metallic surfaces, and the pervasive use of the Sheikah eye symbol are testaments to a highly advanced and organized society. These are not crude structures; they are sophisticated machines, built with an understanding of physics, engineering, and even magic that far surpasses anything seen in the present-day Hyrule. The fact that they have endured for ten thousand years, largely intact, speaks to the incredible durability and foresight of their creators. It makes you wonder about the full extent of the Sheikah's capabilities and what other marvels they might have left behind.
The Shrines also serve as a poignant reminder of Hyrule's past. They are tangible links to a golden age, a time when technology and harmony coexisted. As Link progresses through the trials, he is not just honing his skills; he is also piecing together the fragmented history of his world. Each puzzle solved, each mechanism activated, offers a subtle clue about the Sheikah's worldview and their dedication to preserving life. This narrative layering elevates the shrines from mere gameplay elements to crucial components of the world-building, enriching the player's understanding and appreciation of Hyrule's lore.
The Great Plateau's Shrines: A Detailed Look
The Great Plateau, in its entirety, hosts four main Shrines that are integral to Link's initial progression. These are strategically placed to introduce different gameplay mechanics and environmental interactions. Let's delve into each of these foundational trials:
1. The Oman Au Shrine (The Sheikah Slate)This is the very first shrine Link encounters after waking up. Its primary purpose is to introduce the player to the Sheikah Slate, an indispensable tool throughout the game. The Oman Au Shrine is relatively straightforward, designed to familiarize players with basic movement and interaction mechanics.
Objective: Obtain the Sheikah Slate. Key Mechanic Introduced: The Sheikah Slate and its Rune abilities. Puzzles: Basic platforming and activating switches. Using the "Magnesis" Rune to move metallic blocks to create pathways or activate pressure plates. This is often the first significant puzzle that introduces a Sheikah ability, and it's quite satisfying to learn how to manipulate these heavy objects with seemingly effortless control. The final puzzle involves using Magnesis to construct a bridge. Reward: The Sheikah Slate, which provides essential functions like the map, Hyrule Compendium, and later, various Runes. The Slate itself is a technological marvel, a handheld device that becomes Link's constant companion and a gateway to interacting with the world in unique ways.My experience with the Oman Au Shrine was one of pure discovery. The sense of wonder as the Sheikah Slate materialized in Link’s hand, along with the intuitive explanation of Magnesis, made it clear that this game was going to be something special. The puzzles were challenging enough to be engaging but simple enough not to overwhelm a new player. It felt like being handed a powerful tool and then being shown just a glimpse of what it could do.
2. The Ja Baij Shrine (The Wind)Located in the eastern part of the Great Plateau, the Ja Baij Shrine focuses on introducing Link to the concept of using wind to his advantage, and the importance of environmental puzzles.
Objective: Navigate through a series of wind-based challenges. Key Mechanic Introduced: Wind currents and their manipulation, as well as the "Remote Bomb" Rune. Puzzles: The shrine prominently features large fans that generate powerful gusts of wind. Players must time their movements to pass through these currents or use them to reach higher platforms. One section requires using the Remote Bomb Rune to destroy cracked walls, revealing new pathways or uncovering hidden switches. Learning to precisely place and detonate bombs is a skill that will serve you well throughout the game. Another puzzle involves using wind to propel a raft across a body of water. This teaches players about how wind interacts with objects and how to utilize it for traversal. Reward: A Spirit Orb.The Ja Baij Shrine really opened my eyes to the variety of puzzles *Breath of the Wild* had to offer. The wind mechanics were a novel concept, and figuring out how to use those powerful gusts to ascend to new heights or navigate across obstacles was immensely satisfying. The introduction of the Remote Bomb Rune was also a game-changer, literally allowing Link to blow his way through obstacles. It felt like a direct lesson in creative problem-solving.
3. The Owa Daim Shrine (A Modest Test of Strength)This shrine is dedicated to combat, specifically introducing Link to the challenges posed by Guardian Scouts. It’s a significant step up in difficulty from the previous shrines, requiring players to actively engage with combat mechanics.
Objective: Defeat the Guardian Scout. Key Mechanic Introduced: Combat against Guardian Scouts and the importance of parrying and dodging. Puzzles (Combat): The shrine features a single, formidable Guardian Scout. This is your first real test of combat prowess. Players must learn to effectively use their weapons, shield, and dodges to survive the scout's relentless attacks. The scout’s laser beams and melee attacks are designed to push Link to his limits. Mastering the art of parrying with your shield to deflect laser beams and executing timed dodges to perform "Flurry Rushes" are crucial for victory. These combat techniques are fundamental to surviving later encounters. Reward: A Spirit Orb.The Owa Daim Shrine was where I first felt a real sense of accomplishment. Up until this point, combat had been relatively simple. Facing that Guardian Scout was intimidating, and I’ll admit I failed a few times! But the struggle was part of the learning process. Understanding how to time my dodges and parries, and finally landing that decisive blow, felt incredibly rewarding. It was a clear indication that the game expected you to become proficient in combat, not just exploration.
4. The Keh Namut Shrine (The Current)Situated in the northern part of the plateau, the Keh Namut Shrine focuses on the use of ice and introduces the "Stasis" Rune, a powerful tool for manipulating time and objects.
Objective: Navigate icy terrain and utilize the Stasis Rune. Key Mechanic Introduced: The "Stasis" Rune and its applications. Puzzles: This shrine involves traversing areas with slippery, icy floors, requiring careful movement and balance. The primary challenge revolves around using the Stasis Rune to freeze objects in time. This allows Link to build up kinetic energy by hitting them repeatedly, and then release that energy to launch them across gaps or activate mechanisms. One puzzle involves freezing a moving platform to make it stationary long enough to cross. Another might require freezing a block and then hitting it to send it flying to a distant pressure plate. Reward: A Spirit Orb.The Keh Namut Shrine felt like a leap forward in terms of puzzle complexity. The Stasis Rune, once I understood its potential, opened up a whole new dimension of gameplay. The idea of freezing time and then using physics to your advantage was incredibly innovative. It’s moments like these that really make you appreciate the sheer ingenuity behind *Breath of the Wild*'s design. The ice puzzles themselves were also a good test of patience and precise movement.
The Role of the Sheikah Slate and Runes
The Sheikah Slate is arguably the most important item Link acquires on the Great Plateau, serving as the central hub for many of his abilities. The Runes integrated into the Slate are the key to overcoming the shrine challenges and, indeed, many obstacles throughout Hyrule.
As we’ve seen, the Great Plateau’s shrines introduce four fundamental Runes:
Magnesis: Allows Link to manipulate metallic objects with magnetic force. This is incredibly useful for moving platforms, creating bridges, or even using heavy metal boxes as makeshift weapons. Remote Bomb: Grants Link the ability to create and detonate spherical or cubic bombs at a distance. This is essential for destroying cracked walls, clearing debris, and damaging enemies. Stasis: Temporarily freezes objects in time. While frozen, Link can hit the object to store kinetic energy, which is released when time resumes, launching the object with considerable force. This rune is fundamental for solving many physics-based puzzles. Cryonis: Creates pillars of ice from water surfaces. These pillars can be used as platforms to cross bodies of water, as shields, or to reach elevated areas.The acquisition and mastery of these Runes are paramount. The Great Plateau’s design ensures that players don't just receive these tools but are actively encouraged to experiment with them in varied scenarios. Each Shrine’s puzzle is essentially a tutorial for a specific Rune, demonstrating its practical applications and encouraging players to think creatively about how these abilities can be combined and exploited.
It’s worth noting that while these four Runes are introduced on the Great Plateau, the Sheikah Slate is capable of housing more. The remaining Runes are acquired later in the game, but the foundation laid by these initial four is crucial. They teach the player the core philosophy of *Breath of the Wild*: environmental interaction and creative problem-solving. The game doesn't provide explicit solutions; instead, it gives you tools and a sandbox, encouraging you to improvise and discover your own path.
Beyond the Initial Four: Other Potential Shrines (If Applicable)
While the four main shrines are mandatory for progression and obtaining the paraglider, the Great Plateau might hold other secrets for the truly observant explorer. In the vastness of Hyrule, the concept of "shrines" often expands to include hidden or less obvious trials. However, for the *initial* Great Plateau experience as intended by the game's developers, the four listed above are the primary ones that are essential for Link to awaken his powers and leave the plateau. Any other structures that might appear as small, glowing orange points on the map within the plateau itself are typically either smaller mini-shrines with minor challenges or simply visual cues that expand the world without directly contributing to the main quest progression at that early stage. The focus on the Great Plateau is on introducing the core mechanics, and these four shrines are perfectly curated for that purpose.
The game is designed so that once Link acquires the paraglider, he is free to leave the Great Plateau. While there are no *additional mandatory* shrines that block his departure, dedicated players might find smaller, optional challenges scattered across the plateau’s diverse terrain. These could be minor puzzles that reward a few rupees or useful materials. However, the core progression hinges on completing the four main Sheikah Shrines. These act as gated progression, ensuring Link gains the necessary tools and understanding before facing the dangers of the wider world. The beauty of *Breath of the Wild* is that even these "optional" areas often feel substantial and rewarding, so it’s always worth keeping an eye out.
The Strategic Placement of Great Plateau Shrines
One of the most impressive aspects of the Great Plateau is the deliberate and intelligent placement of its Shrines. They are not haphazardly scattered but are positioned to guide the player organically through the environment and introduce new gameplay mechanics at opportune moments.
For instance, the Oman Au Shrine is near the starting area, immediately making the Sheikah Slate accessible. The Ja Baij Shrine is located in a more open area to the east, requiring traversal and introducing wind mechanics. The Owa Daim Shrine, the combat challenge, is placed in a location that encourages the player to explore and perhaps find better gear or food before engaging. The Keh Namut Shrine is in a more secluded, higher-altitude area, presenting a different environmental challenge and the Stasis Rune. This strategic placement ensures that players are constantly learning and adapting without feeling overwhelmed or lost.
This intentional design makes the Great Plateau feel like a perfectly crafted introduction. It respects the player's intelligence, allowing them to discover things at their own pace while still providing a clear path for progression. The visual cues – the glowing orange beacons – draw the eye, acting as subtle signposts for the challenges and rewards that await. It’s a masterclass in tutorial design, seamlessly integrating narrative, mechanics, and environmental storytelling.
Leaving the Great Plateau: A Rite of Passage
The culmination of Link's journey on the Great Plateau is the acquisition of the Paraglider from the Old Man, which is rewarded after he has visited all four main shrines and received his Spirit Orbs. This moment is a significant rite of passage. The Paraglider, obtained in exchange for the Spirit Orbs, allows Link to descend from the plateau and begin his true adventure across Hyrule. It’s a symbolic moment, representing Link’s renewed freedom and readiness to face the challenges that await him.
The journey to acquire the Paraglider is not just about collecting items; it’s about building confidence and competence. The shrines, with their diverse puzzles and combat encounters, ensure that Link is no longer a helpless amnesiac but a burgeoning hero equipped with the fundamental skills needed to survive. The Great Plateau, in essence, is Hyrule in miniature, a microcosm of the larger world’s dangers and wonders, designed to prepare the player for the epic quest ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions About Great Plateau Shrines
How many Shrines are on the Great Plateau?There are a total of four mandatory Shrines on the Great Plateau that Link must complete to obtain the Spirit Orbs necessary for acquiring the Paraglider. These are the Oman Au Shrine, the Ja Baij Shrine, the Owa Daim Shrine, and the Keh Namut Shrine. While there might be other smaller structures or points of interest that could be mistaken for shrines, these four are the primary ones that contribute to the main progression of leaving the starting area.
Each of these Shrines is strategically placed to introduce different core gameplay mechanics and challenge types. The Oman Au Shrine teaches you about the Sheikah Slate and the Magnesis Rune. The Ja Baij Shrine introduces the Remote Bomb Rune and environmental puzzles involving wind. The Owa Daim Shrine acts as your first significant combat trial, testing your skills against a Guardian Scout. Finally, the Keh Namut Shrine focuses on the Stasis Rune and navigating environmental hazards like ice.
Completing these four Shrines is essential not only for obtaining the Paraglider but also for building a solid understanding of *Breath of the Wild*'s intricate systems. The game is designed such that you cannot leave the Great Plateau without experiencing and overcoming the challenges presented within these initial sacred grounds. They serve as a thorough and engaging tutorial, ensuring that every player, regardless of their prior *Zelda* experience, is adequately prepared for the vast world that awaits.
Why are the Shrines orange?The distinctive orange glow of the Shrines, and indeed much of the ancient Sheikah technology in *The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild*, is a visual representation of their dormant power and their connection to the Sheikah civilization. The Sheikah were masters of technology and possessed a unique understanding of energy manipulation, often employing a vibrant, glowing aesthetic for their creations.
This orange hue is not merely aesthetic; it signifies that the shrines are active, albeit in a latent state, waiting for the hero's touch to fully awaken. It contrasts sharply with the often muted, earthy tones of Hyrule's natural environment, highlighting the artificial and advanced nature of the Sheikah constructs. This color choice also serves as a beacon, drawing the player's attention and guiding them towards these important locations for discovery and progression.
Furthermore, the Sheikah were known to be a technologically advanced race that served the Hyrulean royal family. Their technology was often used for protective purposes, and the glowing orange aesthetic can be interpreted as a symbol of this protective energy. When Link interacts with these shrines, he is essentially reactivating this ancient power, bringing it back to life to aid him in his quest against Calamity Ganon.
What happens if I don't complete all the Shrines on the Great Plateau?If you do not complete all four mandatory Shrines on the Great Plateau, you will be unable to acquire the Paraglider, and therefore, you will not be able to leave the plateau. The game’s progression is directly tied to these initial trials. The Old Man will not bestow the Paraglider upon Link until he has collected the four Spirit Orbs obtained from these specific Shrines.
The Shrines are designed to serve as a comprehensive tutorial for the fundamental gameplay mechanics of *Breath of the Wild*. Each shrine introduces a new Sheikah Rune (Magnesis, Remote Bomb, Stasis, Cryonis) or a combat scenario that Link will need to master to survive in the wider world. For instance, the Owa Daim Shrine is specifically designed to teach you about combat with the Guardian Scouts, including essential techniques like parrying and dodging. Skipping these would leave Link ill-equipped for the challenges that lie beyond the Great Plateau's borders.
While the world of Hyrule is vast and offers immense freedom, the Great Plateau acts as a carefully curated introduction. The game designers have intentionally gated the ability to leave this starting area to ensure that players have a foundational understanding of the game's systems. Therefore, to progress the main story and experience the full scope of *The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild*, completing these four essential Shrines is a non-negotiable requirement.
What is the purpose of the Spirit Orbs obtained from the Shrines?The Spirit Orbs are the primary reward for completing each of the Shrines scattered throughout Hyrule, including those on the Great Plateau. Their purpose is to serve as a form of spiritual currency that Link can use to enhance his core attributes: his maximum health and his stamina wheel. This system allows for a direct and tangible way to increase Link’s power and survivability as he progresses through his arduous journey.
Upon collecting four Spirit Orbs, Link can visit any of the Goddess Statues found in various locations, most notably in the Temple of Time on the Great Plateau and in the stables and villages across Hyrule. Interacting with these statues allows Link to offer the Spirit Orbs in exchange for either an additional Heart Container (increasing his maximum health) or a Stamina Vessel (increasing his stamina). This choice offers a degree of player agency in how they wish to customize Link’s abilities, catering to different playstyles.
The accumulation of Spirit Orbs and the subsequent upgrades are vital for overcoming increasingly difficult challenges. More hearts mean Link can withstand more damage, while more stamina allows for longer glides, more powerful charged attacks, and the ability to climb taller structures and traverse longer distances without needing to rest. Thus, the Spirit Orbs are not just collectibles; they are essential components of Link’s growth and development as he prepares to confront the immense threat of Calamity Ganon.
Can I revisit the Great Plateau Shrines after leaving?Absolutely, you can revisit the Shrines on the Great Plateau any time after you have left it. The game design allows for full exploration and backtracking. Once Link has obtained the Paraglider and ventured out into the wider world of Hyrule, he is free to return to the Great Plateau whenever he wishes. The Shrines, once completed, remain accessible and can be used as fast travel points.
If you revisit a completed Shrine, you won't be able to re-attempt the original puzzle or re-earn the Spirit Orb. However, the Shrine acts as a functional waypoint. This is incredibly useful for quickly traversing back to the starting area of the game, perhaps to revisit the Temple of Time or to explore any areas you might have missed on your initial visit. It’s a testament to the game’s emphasis on freedom and exploration, allowing players to engage with the world at their own pace and on their own terms.
Furthermore, some Shrines in *Breath of the Wild* are connected to later quests or offer additional challenges. While the four main Shrines on the Great Plateau are primarily tutorial-based and their Spirit Orbs are collected on the first visit, the game's engine allows for them to be revisited. This ensures that the Great Plateau, despite being the introductory area, remains a functional and accessible part of the game world throughout your entire playthrough.
Are there any hidden secrets or unique interactions within the Great Plateau Shrines?Yes, the Great Plateau Shrines, while often focused on specific mechanics, do contain subtle secrets and unique interactions that reward observant players. For example, within the Ja Baij Shrine, after using the Remote Bomb to clear a cracked wall, there’s often a hidden chest containing useful items like arrows or rupees. These small discoveries encourage thorough exploration of each chamber.
In the Oman Au Shrine, while Magnesis is used for the main path, experimenting with it on other metallic objects in the environment can sometimes lead to unexpected results or reveal optional paths that might offer minor rewards. Similarly, the Keh Namut Shrine, with its ice mechanics, might have areas where precise Stasis-powered launches can reveal hidden alcoves or shortcuts. The Owa Daim Shrine, while primarily a combat arena, might have environmental elements that can be exploited during the fight, such as explosive barrels or elevated platforms that offer a tactical advantage if used correctly.
Beyond direct rewards, these shrines are also excellent places to practice and refine the use of your Runes. The controlled environments allow you to experiment with different applications of Magnesis, bomb placement, Stasis timing, and Cryonis pillar creation without the pressure of immediate danger. Many players find that by thoroughly exploring and experimenting within these early shrines, they develop a deeper understanding of the game’s physics engine and the creative potential of the Sheikah Slate, which proves invaluable throughout their entire adventure.
It’s also worth noting that the visual design of each shrine often contains subtle clues or hints about its intended solution or about the broader lore of the Sheikah. Paying attention to the patterns, the orientation of mechanisms, and even the ambient sounds can sometimes provide non-verbal guidance, enhancing the immersive experience and making the discovery process all the more rewarding.
Conclusion
The Shrines in the Great Plateau are far more than just introductory puzzles; they are the very foundation upon which the experience of *The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild* is built. These ancient Sheikah constructs serve as vital gateways, not only to the mechanics and tools that Link will rely on throughout his journey but also to the overarching narrative and the rich lore of Hyrule. Each of the four main Shrines – Oman Au, Ja Baij, Owa Daim, and Keh Namut – acts as a meticulously designed lesson, introducing Link (and the player) to the essential Runes of the Sheikah Slate and the fundamental principles of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat that define this revolutionary title.
From the initial acquisition of the all-important Sheikah Slate in Oman Au, to mastering wind currents in Ja Baij, facing down formidable foes in Owa Daim, and manipulating time with Stasis in Keh Namut, these trials prepare Link for the monumental task ahead. The strategic placement of these Shrines within the Great Plateau ensures an organic learning curve, allowing players to gain confidence and competence before venturing into the vast, open world. The thematic significance of their orange glow, symbolizing hope and the resurgence of ancient power, further deepens their impact, imbuing them with a sense of mystery and destiny.
The Spirit Orbs, the tangible rewards for overcoming these trials, are crucial for Link's growth, allowing for direct upgrades to his health and stamina. This system empowers players to customize Link’s abilities and adapt to the challenges they encounter. Ultimately, the Shrines of the Great Plateau are a testament to masterful game design, seamlessly blending gameplay, narrative, and world-building into an unforgettable introduction that sets the stage for one of the most celebrated adventures in gaming history. They are the silent guardians of Hyrule’s past and the vibrant harbingers of its future, waiting patiently for the hero to awaken and prove his worth.