The story of Dawnbreaker revolves around the titular legendary sword, lost in time. It takes place in a pre-Celestian Equestria, where Equestria consisted of scattered settlements. The main character, Zarril, is a brash young prince from the city of Hoofshire. His father, Rendara, had built the Hoofshire Keep when the prince was just a foal. He travels down into the Terra Valley, seeking adventure and answers as to why the forest is so mysteriously evil while the rest of the valley is untouched beauty.