Korok Forest is a recurring location in The Legend of Zelda series.(BotWBreath of the Wild | TotKTears of the Kingdom | HWAoCHyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity)[1][2][3]
Korok Forest is located at the center of the Lost Woods in the Great Hyrule Forest. In order to access the Forest, Link must follow the direction of the Wind in the Lost Woods. The Great Deku Tree is known to be the protector of Korok Forest, and it is also home to a variety of Koroks.[4] The primary feature of the Forest is the Pedestal of the Master Sword, which houses the Master Sword when it is not in use. Keo Ruug Shrine is also situated at the base of the Great Deku Tree. An Ogre Tree east of the Pedestal serves as the exit to Korok Forest, returning Link to the entrance of the Lost Woods when he steps into its mouth.[5]
100 prior to the events of Breath of the Wild, Link entered the Korok Forest at around the age of 12 or 13 and pulled the Master Sword from its Pedestal.[6] After Link fell on the day of the Great Calamity, Princess Zelda returned the Master Sword to its Pedestal, hoping that he would find it again after his Slumber of Restoration.[7] She attempted to leave a message for the Great Deku Tree to relay to Link, though he insisted that it would be better for Link to hear her words directly from her.[8] The events of Zelda and the Great Deku Tree's conversation can be seen during Recovered Memory "The Master Sword", which Link recalls as part of the Main Quest "The Hero's Sword".
In preparation for Link's inevitable return to Korok Forest, the Koroks prepared a series of Korok Trials to help guide him to the Ancient Shrines in the Lost Woods.[9] Eventually, the Trials became rites of passage for young Koroks.[10] These Trials can be found by following the Signs or Bean Lamps throughout Korok Forest.[11][12] The Goddess Statue of Korok Forest in located within the Great Deku Tree's Navel.
When Link first enters Korok Forest, he will be directed towards the Pedestal of the Master Sword. If he attempts to pull the Master Sword, he will receive a vision of several Recovered Memories, and the voice of Princess Zelda reminds him that he is the hope of Hyrule.[13] The Great Deku Tree then awakens, recognizing Link from 100 years prior.[14] He informs Link that he once wielded the Master Sword, though he warns him that he may currently be too weak to do so now.[15] After speaking to the Great Deku Tree, The Main Quest "The Hero's Sword" will begin.
When Link emerges at Korok Forest, he finds the Great Deku Tree in a sickly state. The air carries a Gloom fog, rendering the Koroks within catatonic. In order for Link to restore the Forest to normal, he must enter the Great Deku Tree's Navel and descend into the Deku Tree Chasm within. Gloom Spawn, the source of the illness, can be found below. By defeating the Gloom Spawn and the Phantom Ganon that appears afterward, Link can restore Korok Forest to normal.
↑Although the Slumber of Restoration will most certainly deprive him of his memories, please trust me when I saw that I know he will arrive before you yet again. — Princess Zelda (Breath of the Wild)
↑Great Deku Tree, I ask of you, when he returns, can you please relay this message... Tell him I— — Princess Zelda (Breath of the Wild) Now then... Words intended for him would sound much better in the tones of your voice, don't you think? — Great Deku Tree (Breath of the Wild)
↑Us Koroks all got together and prepared some trials just for you, Mr. Hero! If you pass the veeeery tough trials we've prepared... pulling out the Master Sword will be a piece of cake! ...Probably! So will you test your mettle in the Korok Trials? — Chio (Breath of the Wild)
↑[Korok Trials?] Ah, you need to think about it first... Wise boy... The Korok Trials! Long story short—you need to visit all the shrines in the Korok Forest so that you can be considered a real grown-up! It's a ceremony that every Korok must undertake, and it's based on the trials of the legendary hero himself! I've done it... and so has Hestu... and him over there, and her too, and even the Great Deku Tree himself has done it! OK... that last part was a lie. He's pretty rooted. — Chio (Breath of the Wild)
↑Who is that...? Did I doze off again? Hrm? Well, well...it's you. You finally decided to return. Better late than never. After 100 years, I'd nearly given up hope on seeing you again. Even my patience has limits, you know... — Great Deku Tree (Breath of the Wild)
↑That is the weapon created by the ancient Goddess. The sword that seals the darkness—that only the chosen knight can wield against the Calamity Ganon. Believe it or not...it was actually you who wielded that sword 100 years ago. But I must warn you to take extreme caution. The sword stands as a test to anyone who would dare attempt to possess it. As you are now, I cannot say whether you are worthy or not... If you sought to free the sword in any sort of weakened state, you would surely lose your life where you stand. Best of luck, young one... — Great Deku Tree (Breath of the Wild)
↑You heard a mysterious voice that mentioned something about a glorious trial...
What could this trial be? The voice instructed you to speak with the Great Deku Tree at Korok Forest to take on the challenge... — Adventure Log (Breath of the Wild)
↑Hm? What's this? A voice beckoned you here? I see. So the time has come. I shall now tell you all I know about the arduous trial that awaits you. That sword you have reunited with... the Master Sword...it has yet to realize its true splendor. This trial shall test your courage to ensure you are worthy of this splendor. It is called the Trial of the Sword. It will challenge you as you have never been challenged before. All of your weapons and armor will be sealed away. You must face your enemies without the tools you've come to rely on. Once you have tempered your soul and proven your wisdom and courage by completing the Trial of the Sword... the Master Sword shall truly be yours! ...Hm. Unless my eyes deceive me, you seem quite willing to take on this trial. A hero through and through! Now, Link... Place the Master Sword in its pedestal. — Great Deku Tree (Breath of the Wild)
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Korok Forest
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Korok Forest
Names in Other Regions 
The Test of Wood
