The Eldin region of Hyrule is not among our favorites. There, we said it. We dislike Eldin. It’s so hot that a stay of any length requires armor to prevent one from going up in flames. In the Gerudo desert sun, at least you can carry a Flameblade for temporary temperature relief. Oh! And speaking of weapons, anything wooden – shield, bow, bokobat – will, if carried in Eldin, start to smoke and eventually self-incinerate. Got some goodies from an enemy or prey? Scoop them up quickly, lest you end up with burnt ostrich or smoked Lizalfos guts.
Simply put, Eldin just feels too damned hot and inhospitable.
It’s true that the Gorons, the inhabitants of the region, are themselves plenty hospitable – indeed, among the nicest, if dullest, to be found in Hyrule. It doesn’t matter. We dislike their homeland and travel there only if absolutely necessary.
Today, it’s necessary.
Today, we’re preparing to face off against the Divine Beast Vah Rudania, which we not-so-affectionately call the Giant Salamander.
As usual, the pre-fight ceremony includes speaking with the region’s elder and then securing the assistance, if it can be called that, of one of the region’s, um, youngers.
To wit: Bludo, the elder in question, will be found in Goron City bemoaning his aching back. Yunobo, the younger in question, has been sent to bring back painkillers. (This story line should perhaps have been another consideration in BOTW’s ESRB rating.)
In search of the narcotics, Link speaks with Drak at the Abandoned North Mine, who explains that Yunobo has gone missing OVER THERE (Drak gestures dramatically; map objective will update calmly).
Next ensues a complicated mission involving rotating cannons to obliterate enemies, all to rescue the hapless Yunobo from the cave in which he’s imprisoned.
Zelder Tip #1: Like wooden weapons, bomb arrows are a liability in Eldin. They’ll explode upon being drawn. Don’t, um, draw them.
You’ll need to work your way through several cannons, using updrafts to move between them. Upon freeing Yunobo – called a “Goron youth” in the cut scene, and that description is evident by his demeanor if incongruous given his size – the grateful youngster will scamper off to deliver the painkillers to the long-suffering Bludo. This leaves you alone in a cave filled with treasure…
Zelder Tip #2: After looting the cave for treasure, climb on top to claim a Korok seed.
Bludo, in turn – by the way, is anyone else reminded of Popeye’s enemy of a similar sounding name? – Bludo will reward Link with three fireproof elixirs. Now, it seems to us that this gift is too little too late, seeing as we already shelled out big rupees for the Flamebreaker armor. But whatever. They’ll come in handy somewhere else, we’re sure. There’s no want of incendiary disaster awaiting elsewhere in Hyrule. (Note that we clearly have little intention of returning to the much-disliked Eldin.)
Bludo is oh-so-willing to take on Vah Rudania, but wait – conveniently, his back is acting up again, painkillers notwithstanding. So Link trots off to Eldin Bridge to inform Yunobo that Bludo won’t be coming to fight any giant salamanders today.
Zelder Tip #3: As long as you’re in the area, activate Daqa Toh shrine en route to the bridge. It’s not that you’re going to want it as a travel point – who fancies returning to Eldin once Vah Rudania is taken care of? – but this shrine is less taxing than some, and another spirit orb and refreshed hearts is always welcome.
Zelder Tip #4: Speaking of refreshed hearts, Eldin does offer hot springs in which Link can submerge himself to recover his health. He can also throw an egg in the water for a hard-boiled treat. (Something here begs to be compared to the admonition not to, er, eat where you sleep.)
After rescuing poor Yunobo from some Moblins – sheesh, can the big guy get a break? – Link delivers the news of Bludo’s no-show; perhaps Yunobo will take Link as a stand-in?
We give Yunobo props for what happens next. Unlike a certain earlier divine beast escort – hello, Teba – Yunobo is sweet and humble, asking only what he can do for Link, rather than the reverse. Not that there isn’t a lot being asked of Link, as usual!
To board the Divine Salamander, you must first lower Eldin Bridge. You do so by firing Yunobo, rolled up into a ball, through a cannon. This seems passing cruel, so it bears noting that Yunobo is guarded by Daruk’s Protection – more about that later. Anyhow, being made into cannon fodder will leave Yunobo with stars circling around his head, poor fellow, but he’s a good sport and prepared to do it again to further the cause.
With the bridge down, it’s up Death Mountain we go. Aerial sentries patrol the route; they will pelt Link and Yunobo with magma bombs if either of the valiant duo is spotted. To avoid the sentries’ notice, then, Link must scout the path forward, whistling only when it’s safe for Yunobo to follow and cuing him when to stop.[1]
(We’re used to looking out for ourselves, but having to watch over Yunobo made us feel like parents with a two-ton toddler).
With Link in the lead and Yunobo trailing trustingly along behind, make your way up the path, stopping whenever you encounter a cannon, which is used to launch Yunobo at Vah Rudania. The Giant Salamander does not take kindly to the assault; it yowls and howls and roils about.
The final cannon is guarded by two black Moblins. Um, realize that if you whistle to have Yunobo stay put and safe while you engage in battle, the whistle will also alert the Moblins, who will bring the fight to you. Fortunately, we found this worked to our advantage, since the fighting area was further away from the chasm of lava near the cannon.
With the last successful Yunobo-bomb launch, the path to the beast is clear. Wave goodbye to the gentle giant and head on in; the real work is about to begin.
After all that fire and brimstone, we are positively parched. What better liquid refreshment than a chilled lemon drop martini?
[1] To whistle, push the down button on the D-pad. We offer this reminder since we most assiduously otherwise avoid pushing down on the D-pad, for fear of whistling in the middle of a Lizalfos lair or in the Yiga Clan hideout, and have thus banished the whistle from our memory.