The following rally may contain LoZ-spoilers not suitable for all ages
LoZ:OoT -
LoZ:OoT for the 3DS -
LoZ:MM -
LoZ:TP -
For those of you familiar with Epona, there isn't much that needs to be said. For those of you unfamiliar, shame on you. I'll touch on why Epona's cool and why she should reach the next Character Battle.
Why like Epona? She's your loyal companion like no other character in the Legend of Zelda series, that's why! She helps you travel, race, and attack with her to support your journey. You may also talk with her when you're in wolf-form, plus you can call her from nearly anywhere on command at any time as long as you play her soothing song...
...I know your nostalgia's invoked. Remember the first time you saw her grown up after you got the Master Sword? Or jumped Gerudo Bridge when it was broken? Or shot arrows to kill a Poe while riding her? Me too.
Furthermore, she has become a staple in the LoZ-series. She first appeared in the most celebrated game ever made -- Ocarina of Time. She returned later in the Nintendo 64's lifespan for Majora's Mask, and you even start with her and name her in Twilight Princess. She can be found with smaller roles in games such as Minish Cap and Four Swords Adventure, too. She has been a regular LoZ-character since the series took its 3D-transition, and at one time or another we've all relied on the trusty steed.
Why should she make a contest? Because we can always use more worthwhile newcomers and Epona's well-respected in the LoZ-series. She should beat Midna and crush Tingle, which is a good start for any newcomer. No other new LoZ-character makes sense to rally for next, either. Sheik? Ineligible. Dark Link? Clone. Happy Mask Salesman? Bomb. King of Red Lions? Horseback-riding > sailing! Navi? HEY, LISTEN...no. She may be able to garner a bit of joke-support as well for being a horse in a contest of characters, though I think she's become more than just a horse to avoid that kind of vote.
How many newcomers can you think of that would beat Epona, anyway? Considering Link just won his sixth contest, Ganondorf was the runner-up for the Villain Contest, Zelda was in the championship for the Female Bracket, LoZ won the Series Contest, LoZ:OoT won BGE2 while LoZ:TP won its 2004-2006 division, and both LoZ:TP and LoZ:MM just easily won their divisions in the GotD-contest...it's hard to say Epona doesn't have a chance at doing well!
Ultimately, Epona is a character that we have shared more time with than we probably realize, which can make her stronger than we probably realize. She's a newcomer with an interesting range and good potential to be respectable in the contests. We've had over a decade of great gaming memories with her, and more are coming. We already know she will be in the LoZ:OoT-remake for the 3DS, and imagine if we see Epona in LoZ:SS, too...
Let's ride together, for Epona.
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EEEEEPPPPPOOOOONNNNNAAAAA