Locating the Kikwi Elder

Find the elusive Kikwi Elder in Zelda: Skyward Sword HD's Faron Woods. Navigate the early challenges of the woods to progress the main story.

After your dramatic descent into the Faron Woods, your primary objective is to locate the Kikwi Elder. This crucial step is essential for progressing the main story and learning more about the surface world. The woods are teeming with new sights, sounds, and a few early challenges. Don't worry, this guide will walk you through every step of finding the elusive Elder.

Navigating Faron Woods: Initial Steps

Upon landing, you'll find yourself in a vibrant, albeit slightly overgrown, forest. Your first task is to get acquainted with the area and a new tool that will prove invaluable:

1. Follow the Path: From your landing spot, proceed along the main, winding path. Keep an eye out for sparkling spots on the ground and in bushes; these often contain valuable Rupees or collectible materials like Jelly Blobs (from defeated ChuChus) and Amber Relics.
2. First Encounter & Slingshot Acquisition: As you continue, you'll soon encounter a small, green, plant-like creature hiding in a bush. This is a Kikwi! After a brief, humorous interaction, the Kikwi will point you towards a nearby chest. Open this chest to receive your very first ranged weapon: the Slingshot! This item is crucial for solving puzzles and defeating certain enemies, so get used to aiming with motion controls or the right stick.
3. Practice with the Slingshot: Immediately after acquiring the Slingshot, you'll have an opportunity to use it. Look up at the large tree directly in front of you. You'll spot another Kikwi perched precariously on a branch. Aim your Slingshot at it and fire a Deku Seed to knock it down. This friendly Kikwi will then provide you with some helpful directions.

Finding the Kikwi Elder: A Step-by-Step Guide

With the Slingshot in hand and a better understanding of the Kikwi, it's time to delve deeper into the Faron Woods to find their leader. The Elder is known for being particularly shy and well-hidden.

1. Proceed Deeper into the Woods: Continue following the main path. You'll encounter your first group of Bokoblins. These red-skinned goblins are a common enemy. Practice your swordplay, using horizontal and vertical slashes to break their guard and defeat them. Remember to collect any Bokoblin Horns or Bokoblin Guts they drop.
2. The Great Tree and the Waterfall: The path will lead you towards a massive, ancient tree with a large opening at its base. To the right of this tree, you'll see a small waterfall cascading into a pond. This area serves as a central hub for the initial part of Faron Woods.
3. Consult Fi for Hints: If you ever feel lost, remember to summon Fi (by pressing the ↓ button on the D-pad). She will often provide subtle, yet useful, hints about your current objective, including the general direction of the Kikwi Elder. Her dowsing ability can be particularly helpful here.
4. Navigating the Elevated Paths: From the area near the Great Tree, look for a path that ascends. You'll need to climb some vines or ledges. Be wary of Deku Babas – carnivorous plants that will try to snap at you. Use your sword to cut them down when their mouths are open, or stun them with your Slingshot.
5. The Elder's Hiding Spot: The Kikwi Elder is notoriously good at blending in with its surroundings. As you traverse the elevated paths, you'll eventually reach a section with several large, leafy bushes. The Elder is hiding within one of these.
6. Locating the Elder:
   • Method 1 (Visual): Carefully scan the large, dense bushes. Look for any slight movement or a small, green, plant-like creature peeking out.
   • Method 2 (Fi's Dowsing): This is the most reliable method. Summon Fi and activate her dowsing ability. Select "Kikwi Elder" as your target. Fi's dowsing meter will glow and beep more intensely as you get closer to the Elder's exact hiding spot. Follow the direction her dowsing points you.
   • Method 3 (Environmental Interaction): Once you've narrowed down the general area, you may need to perform a specific action to reveal the Elder. This often involves rolling into the bush it's hiding in (by running and pressing the A button) or using your Slingshot to hit it.
7. The Revelation: Once you successfully interact with the correct bush, the Kikwi Elder, Bucha, will reveal himself. He's a much larger, older Kikwi with a distinctive appearance.

Rewards and Next Steps

After a lengthy and informative conversation with Bucha, the Kikwi Elder, you will receive vital information about the surface world and your next objective. He will also provide you with the Slingshot Pouch, allowing you to carry more Deku Seeds. This interaction is a key turning point in your adventure, opening up new areas and challenges in the Faron Woods and beyond.