Storytelling has long played an integral role in shaping human culture, whether through the enchanting melodies of bards or the dramatic interpretations of actors. In the realm of gaming, Ghost of Tsushima stands out for its deep narrative, particularly showcased through the Mythic Tales woven by the musician Yamato.
The game features an assortment of tales that explore the profound personal journey of Jin Sakai, alongside the stories of Tsushima’s resilient inhabitants. Among these, the Mythic Tales carve a niche as legendary adventures that often culminate in remarkable rewards, following equally extraordinary exploits.
Yamato’s storytelling brilliantly encapsulates these legends, sparking Jin’s curiosity to delve into each tale. Across the game, players can discover a total of nine distinct Mythic Tales—seven on the main island of Tsushima and two included in the Iki Island DLC—marked by a distinct blue icon on the map.
While all the Mythic Tales are deeply memorable, presented with stunning sumi-e artwork and immersive exploration aspects, some tales shine particularly bright and deserve special mention.
11 The Legacy of Kazumasa Sakai
A Tale of Cycles and Honor
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Prerequisite |
Journey into the Past |
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Reward |
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The Legacy of Kazumasa Sakai is one of the two Mythic Tales exclusive to Iki Island and possesses a notable stipulation: Jin must not be adorned in the Sakai Clan Armor to initiate the tale. This reflects the historical tension surrounding the Sakai Clan on Iki Island.
The narrative centers around Jin’s father, Kazumasa Sakai, whose past resonates with the locals, weaving a personal layer of animosity. It’s through the actions of Kazumasa that Jin’s family legacy faces a tragic confrontation on the island.
The focus shifts to Kazumasa’s horse, emphasizing themes of heritage and the necessity of breaking cycles of violence. Achieving the Sakai Horse Armor involves eavesdropping on wary inhabitants, which can be challenging but rewarding. The armor empowers Jin with charge abilities that can disperse crowds, though the overall horse combat isn’t central to game mechanics.
9 The Undying Flame
Spice Up Jin’s Katana. .. Literally
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Prerequisite |
Honor and Ash |
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Reward |
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The Undying Flame is often the last of the Mythic Tales that players embark upon, revealing itself during Act III within the icy terrain of Mount Jogaku. Here, Jin encounters Yamato near a campfire, where the warmth allows for the sharing of ancient tales.
The quest leads Jin to Bettomaru’s dojo, situated perilously on Mount Jogaku’s peak, posing deadly cold challenges reminiscent of real-world mountaineering. Players must navigate these hazards to claim the powerful Way of the Flame ability, which can ignite Jin’s katana for devastating effect.
While it provides a unique combat style, its introduction late in the game limits its broader usage to New Game+ scenarios, though it can create memorable fiery chaos during battles.
8 The Unbreakable Gosaku
Introducing the Farmsteads
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Prerequisite |
A New Horizon |
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Reward |
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As players start Act II, the Mongols escalate their assault on the Izuhara Region’s farmsteads, breweries, and fishing villages, unlocking the Mythic Tale The Unbreakable Gosaku. Yamato narrates the heroic story of a farmer named Gosaku, who valiantly repelled a bandit invasion while clad in stolen samurai armor.
After his passing, farming families safeguarded Gosaku’s armor, concealing the keys within their homesteads. Jin embarks on a quest to obtain six keys from various locations, culminating in the acquisition of Gosaku’s Armor—a coveted artifact that enhances combat effectiveness by staggering enemies during confrontations.
7 The Legend of Tadayori
An Archer’s Ideal Tale
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Prerequisite |
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Reward |
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Another early Mythic Tale, The Legend of Tadayori, offers a delightful experience for players who prefer archery. This narrative leads Jin to the picturesque Tadayori’s Rest, where the quest for Tadayori’s Armor unfolds amidst stunning floral landscapes.
As Jin navigates through this breath-taking scenery, he ultimately confronts Tadayori’s descendant, Kaede, to unlock the whereabouts of this coveted armor, which enhances Jin’s archery capabilities. Though it’s a supplemental skill rather than the game’s focus, mastering archery adds depth to combat and strategy.
6 The Spirit of Yarikawa’s Vengeance
The Ghost vs The Spirit
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Prerequisite |
A New Horizon |
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Reward |
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In The Spirit of Yarikawa’s Vengeance, players witness a transformation in Jin’s combat abilities, as he gains the devastating Dance of Wrath ability. This tale commences with rumors surrounding the Spirit of Yarikawa, culminating in a suspenseful duel between Jin and the mythical spirit, witnessed by an audience of Yarikawa’s citizens.
This thrilling encounter is both entertaining and narratively fulfilling, offering unique dialogues when completed before Jin’s main mission in Yarikawa, making it an unmissable experience.
5 The Heavenly Strike
The First Mythic Tale
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Prerequisite |
Prologue |
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Reward |
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The inaugural Mythic Tale, The Heavenly Strike, introduces players to one of the game’s most potent abilities. This tale necessitates tracking down Yasuhira Koga, a former samurai turned assassin, to unearth his deadly Heavenly Strike technique.
As players engage Koga in combat, the experience serves to equip Jin with new abilities mid-battle, ultimately halting Koga’s reign of terror. Its straightforward yet engaging mechanics make this mythic journey both iconic and rewarding.
4 The Curse of Uchitsune
Implementing Yokai is Intriguing
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Prerequisite |
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Reward |
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The Curse of Uchitsune captivates players with its stunning visuals and unique integration of Tengu yokai themes. In this quest, Jin pursues the fabled, presumably cursed Longbow, while contending with a man in a Tengu mask intent on thwarting his efforts.
The resultant duel, surrounded by a swirling mass of vibrant birds, is one of the most visually striking confrontations in the game. The Longbow’s explosive and heavy-arrow capabilities further enrich Jin’s arsenal for ranged combat.
2 The Legend of Black Hand Riku
Pure Monkey Business
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Prerequisite |
Journey into the Past |
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Reward |
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The Legend of Black Hand Riku is the standout Mythic Tale in the Iki Island DLC, brimming with themes of piracy and adventure. Active exploration leads Jin to engage with formidable foes while seeking the incredible Sarugami Armor, renowned for enhancing parry and dodge mechanics.
The journey is thrilling, featuring exploration through dark caves reminiscent of treasure hunts, culminating in confrontations that test the player’s skill with the newly acquired abilities.
1 The Six Blades of Kojiro
Stunning Duels and Kurosawa Combat
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Prerequisite |
A New Horizon |
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Reward |
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The six Blades of Kojiro presents players with the ultimate combat experience in Ghost of Tsushima. This Mythic Tale depicts a rogue ronin, Kojiro, who recruits five others to challenge Jin in intense duels. Each encounter is a meticulously choreographed spectacle, echoing the artistry of classic Akira Kurosawa films.
The scenery, dialogues, and thrill of combat create an engaging mix, rendering the Kensei Armor—enhancing Ghost Weapons—merely a bonus to the fulfillment gained from the journey itself. Completing these duels unlocks the joy of replaying these iconic battles.
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