In the world of Ghost of Tsushima, players are immersed in a stunning open-world adventure inspired by feudal Japan. Beyond the main storyline of Jin Sakai’s struggle to reclaim his homeland, the game offers unique side quests known as Mythic Tales. These quests are legendary stories passed down through generations, filled with mystery, heroism, and the supernatural. Completing the Mythic Tales not only enriches the narrative experience but also grants powerful rewards, such as special armor, sword techniques, and charms. Each tale carries its own legend, blending history and folklore in a way that deepens the atmosphere of Tsushima Island.
What Are Mythic Tales in Ghost of Tsushima?
Mythic Tales are a special category of side quests in Ghost of Tsushima. Unlike regular missions, these tales revolve around ancient myths and legendary warriors of Tsushima. They are narrated by wandering musicians known as bards, who tell Jin Sakai about long-forgotten heroes and their mystical techniques. Players are then tasked with retracing the steps of these legends to uncover hidden treasures or master powerful abilities.
Each tale features its own artful introduction a hand-drawn sequence accompanied by traditional Japanese music. These stylized openings set the tone for the quest, giving the sense that Jin is stepping into a living legend. Mythic Tales are not just about combat; they involve exploration, puzzle-solving, and sometimes duels that test the player’s skill and patience.
The Rewards of Mythic Tales
One of the most exciting aspects of completing Mythic Tales in Ghost of Tsushima is the reward system. These quests often grant rare equipment or techniques that significantly enhance Jin’s abilities. Rewards include
- Unique Armor Setsthat provide distinct bonuses to stealth, defense, or archery.
- Legendary Techniquessuch as the Heavenly Strike or Dance of Wrath, giving Jin powerful new combat moves.
- Special Charmsthat boost health, resolve, or other stats, helping in battles against tougher enemies.
Because of their high value, many players prioritize Mythic Tales early in the game. They not only make Jin stronger but also deepen the player’s connection to the culture and myths of Tsushima.
List of All Mythic Tales
There are seven main Mythic Tales in Ghost of Tsushima, each with its own theme, location, and legendary reward. These stories range from tales of cursed blades to techniques born from the gods themselves.
- The Heavenly Strike
- The Legend of Tadayori
- The Unbreakable Gosaku
- The Spirit of Yarikawa’s Vengeance
- The Six Blades of Kojiro
- The Curse of Uchitsune
- The Undying Flame
Each Mythic Tale offers a glimpse into the legends of Tsushima and challenges players to prove themselves worthy of the powers or relics left behind by great warriors of the past.
The Heavenly Strike
The Heavenly Strike is one of the earliest Mythic Tales players can encounter. It tells of a powerful sword technique capable of striking faster than the eye can see. Jin learns of this legend from a musician who tells him that a bandit has discovered the technique and is using it to terrorize the island. To obtain it, Jin must track down the bandit and defeat him in an intense duel beneath a stormy sky.
Upon completing the quest, Jin earns the Heavenly Strike technique, a devastating move that consumes Resolve but deals massive damage. It’s particularly useful against strong enemies and makes Jin feel like a true samurai of legend.
The Legend of Tadayori
This Mythic Tale centers on the legendary archer Tadayori, whose skill with the bow was unmatched. According to the story, Tadayori crafted a special armor that enhanced his archery and allowed him to fight with grace and precision. To find this armor, Jin follows clues hidden in ancient poetry and travels through scenic locations across Tsushima.
The tale culminates in a respectful duel with Tadayori’s descendant, who tests Jin’s worthiness. After the battle, Jin gains Tadayori’s Armor, which boosts bow draw speed, concentration duration, and arrow damage. This armor is essential for players who favor a ranged combat style.
The Unbreakable Gosaku
The legend of Gosaku speaks of a farmer who became a hero by defending his village from bandits using stolen samurai armor. Over time, Gosaku’s armor became a symbol of courage and protection. However, after his death, the armor was locked away, and six keys were given to village leaders across Tsushima.
Jin must retrieve all six keys by helping these villages, many of which are under Mongol control. Once he gathers them, he can access the hidden cave containing Gosaku’s Armor. This set provides high defense and greatly increases Jin’s ability to stagger enemies, making it one of the most powerful armor sets in the game.
The Spirit of Yarikawa’s Vengeance
One of the darker Mythic Tales, The Spirit of Yarikawa’s Vengeance, tells the story of a vengeful spirit haunting the ruins of Yarikawa. The spirit is said to punish those who betrayed her family during a past rebellion. As Jin investigates, eerie sounds, fog, and haunting whispers create an unsettling atmosphere, blending myth and horror.
The tale ends in a duel against the so-called spirit, who turns out to be a living warrior consumed by hatred. After defeating her, Jin learns the Dance of Wrath, a special technique that allows him to perform three rapid killing strikes in succession. This move becomes a symbol of Jin’s mastery of both physical and mental strength.
The Six Blades of Kojiro
This Mythic Tale is a test of endurance and skill. It recounts the legend of Kojiro, a master swordsman who seeks worthy challengers. To face him, Jin must first defeat five of Kojiro’s most skilled disciples across Tsushima. Each duel takes place in a beautifully designed location from snowy mountains to moonlit fields emphasizing the game’s cinematic style.
Once all five are defeated, Jin faces Kojiro himself in a breathtaking duel set inside a cave illuminated by soft blue light. Defeating Kojiro earns Jin the Kensei Armor, which enhances Ghost Weapons and rewards players who mix samurai and stealth combat styles.
The Curse of Uchitsune
This tale revolves around Uchitsune, a legendary archer whose cursed longbow is said to bring death to those unworthy of wielding it. To find the bow, Jin follows mystical blue fire guiding him to sacred shrines. The atmosphere in this quest is mysterious and dreamlike, with supernatural elements that make it one of the most memorable Mythic Tales.
The journey ends with a duel against Uchitsune’s ghost, who tests Jin’s resolve and skill with the bow. Once victorious, Jin receives the Longbow of Uchitsune, capable of shooting powerful arrows that can pierce armor an invaluable weapon for long-range combat.
The Undying Flame
The final Mythic Tale, The Undying Flame, takes Jin to Mount Jogaku, a snow-covered mountain filled with danger. The tale speaks of a flame that never dies, symbolizing eternal endurance. To prove himself worthy of mastering this flame, Jin must endure freezing temperatures, fight bandits, and climb to the mountain’s peak.
At the end, Jin faces a duel against a monk who guards the secret of the flame. Upon victory, Jin gains the Way of the Flame technique, allowing him to ignite his katana and unleash fiery attacks. This power represents Jin’s full mastery of both traditional and mythical combat.
The Cultural Significance of Mythic Tales
Beyond their gameplay rewards, the Mythic Tales in Ghost of Tsushima play a vital role in connecting players to Japanese folklore and samurai tradition. Each story reflects values such as honor, discipline, and perseverance, while also exploring themes of revenge, sacrifice, and redemption. These tales demonstrate how legends shape cultural identity and inspire future generations much like Jin Sakai himself, who becomes a living legend through his actions.
The Ghost of Tsushima Mythic Tales are more than just side quests; they are windows into the soul of Japanese storytelling. Through these quests, players experience the beauty of myth, the thrill of combat, and the power of heritage. Whether unlocking new techniques or uncovering lost relics, each tale enriches Jin Sakai’s journey and transforms the player into part of the island’s living legend. Completing every Mythic Tale is not only rewarding in terms of gameplay but also emotionally fulfilling, as it ties together history, myth, and the eternal spirit of the samurai.