Great Hylian Bridge


 * Not to be confused with the Bridge of Hylia from .

The is recurring location in.

Link first journeys over the bridge in his wolf form, in an attempt to reach Lake Hylia to gather Tears of Light for the Light Spirit, Lanayru. However, a Bulblin grunt sets the oil-coated bridge on fire, hindering Link's progression, and he is forced to jump off of the bridge into the depths of Lake Hylia below to continue his search for the Tears of Light. Failure to jump off the bridge in time will result in an instant Game Over.

Link later crosses the bridge again in his human form while escorting a wagon, carrying Ilia, Telma, and a mortally sick Ralis to Kakariko Village for medical care, as the Bridge of Eldin has been destroyed by Shadow Beasts. En route to the village, King Bulblin stands in Link's path on the bridge and challenges him to a jousting match of sorts, to redeem his defeat at the Bridge of Eldin earlier in the game. By defeating the Bulblin King the second time, Link is able to cross the bridge and continue to Kakariko Village.

The Great Hylian Bridge is also home to both male and female species of golden mantises. The female mantis is located south of the bridge against the rock facade immediately after the bridge, while the male counterpart flies around the bridge overhang near its north side. There is also a hidden chest with an orange Rupee on the northern part of the bridge which Link can reach through using the Clawshot on nearby vines.

In, the Great Hylian Bridge appears in a Defender Mode scenario in Stage 3. The camera angle is fixed with a view away from the actual bridge towards the surrounding countryside. Kargaroks will continuously fly towards Link and attack by spitting rocks. As with other Defender Mode stages, few additional point-giving objects can be found.