This small item can be found anywhere throughout Holodrum, in shops, in the wake of defeated enemies, under bushes, grass, jars, almost anywhere. It replenishes one heart in Link’s life meter.

You’ll find 12 of these special items specially hidden throughout the land. One has no effect on its own, but collect four to gain an additional heart in your life meter (equal to one Heart Container) and completely refill your life to boot. Some are hidden in treasure chests, others are game prizes, and some can be bought. Collect all of them!

In a single game file, Link will be able to acquire a maximum of 14 Heart Containers. These hearts are your life energy, and every Heart Container you collect adds to Link’s maximum life capability. You automatically start the game file with the standard three. There is a Heart Container at the end of each of the eight dungeons after you defeat each boss. Finally, the last three are acquired via the 12 Pieces of Heart, four at a time equaling a single Heart Container. In a linked game, on the other hand, Link can maximize his life meter to 16 Heart Containers. Link starts a linked game with four (instead of the usual three) and will still find eight Heart Containers in the eight dungeons, as well as the other three through the 12 Pieces of Heart. Finally, the 16th Heart Container is acquired via the “Graveyard Secret.”

During the trading sequence, after you offer the Mushroom to Syrup at her Witch’s Hut in Sunken City, she will be able to make Magic Potion for you, which she sells at a whopping 300 Rupees. But this potion is highly useful in that you can use it to completely refill your life meter at any time. Moreover, if you run out of hearts before using the potion and Link dies, he will automatically be revived by the potion, with all hearts filling back up to the maximum! If you’d rather not shell out 300 Rupees every time you need a potion, sometimes Maple will drop one if you bump into her, and Magic Potion sometimes appear as the prize inside Gasha Nuts.

Rupees are the standard currency in Holodrum, just as they are in many other lands, such as Labrynna, Hyrule, etc. These jeweled coins can be found all over Holodrum, under bushes, grass, pots, in the wake of defeated enemies, buried in the ground, as game prizes, and so forth. Also note that sometimes by shoveling in certain areas (like Horon Village), you’ll sometimes find those lucrative Big Rupees just hiding underneath the dirt. Link can hold up to 999 Rupees at a time. Here are the Rupee denominations in Holodrum:

* Green Rupee = 1 Rupee
* Blue Rupee = 5 Rupees
* Red Rupee = 20 Rupees (?)
* Big Blue Rupee = 100 Rupees
* Big Red Rupee = 200 Rupees

Inside a treasure chest in each of the eight dungeons is a map of said dungeon, showing the layout of all the rooms on each floor, as well as showing your current location. This map will always be in lieu of the overworld map once you enter a dungeon. Also, rooms that you’ve already visited will be highlighted, and rooms you have yet to visit will be shown as darker in color.

Inside a treasure chest in each of the eight dungeons is a compass for the dungeon–which naturally is only useful after acquiring the Dungeon Map. On the map, the Compass will pinpoint the boss’ location as well as all unopened treasure chests. Moreover, the compass will make a chiming sound whenever you enter a room that has either a Small Key or Boss Key within it.

Littered throughout the dungeons of Holodrum are Small Keys, each one corresponding to a locked door within that particular dungeon. Usually, a Small Key must be won by overcoming some trial in the room, such as defeating all the enemies or solving a puzzle. Once you’ve used a Small Key to unlock a door, you can no longer use that key but must look for others to open further unlocked doors.

Inside each of the eight dungeons is a boss lair, closed off by a very large lock. The only way to open this lock is to use a special type of key, the Boss Key. Normally, a special trial is required to obtain the Boss Key in a dungeon, typically one more difficult than the normal Small Keys. Obtain the Big Key, and you will be able to infiltrate the boss chamber and challenge the might of the boss itself in your quest to obtain the Essences of Nature.

This is the sword with which Link starts his quest in Holodrum–you find it in the Hero’s Cave on the Western Coast, right outside Horon Village. (Note that in a linked game, Link starts with this sword automatically.) This is going to be your standard attack weapon, killing weaker enemies with a single hit but requiring multiple slashes against stronger enemies. Moreover, if you hold down the B button, Link will charge his sword, and once it’s charged, you can release the button for a spin attack, which is twice as powerful as a regular sword swipe. This sword is also useful for cutting shrubbery and grabbing small items that might be otherwise out of reach.

This sword is obtained as the prize at the end of the trading sequence deep in the Lost Woods, but can’t be claimed until near the end of the game. It is an upgraded version of the Wooden Sword and deals almost twice as much damage, bringing enemies down with less hits. More than just cutting bushes and grass, this sword can also slice through signs and pots, and when Link is at full health, this sword will shoot out beams.

This sword can only be obtained in a linked game from Farore, using the “Clockshop Secret.” This legendary blade is even more powerful than the Noble Sword, retaining all of the previous sword’s qualities while also cutting down enemies in even fewer hits. Note that with this sword, it’s not even necessary to power up for a spin attack against Onox or Ganon; a simple slash of this sword will suffice to damage them.

This sword can only be obtained in a linked game from Farore, using the “Biggoron Secret.” This giant blade is so heavy that Link must carry it with both hands, therefore it takes both A and B item slots, rendering it unusable with a secondary item. This sword has wide reach, though, but swings very slowly. Moreover, it is not much more powerful than the Master Sword, so use at your own discretion.

This is Link’s starting shield and must be bought for 30 Rupees from the shop in Horon Village. Alternatively, there are Business Scrubs throughout Holodrum who will sell Link this type of shield but generally at a higher price. In this game, as is typical of handheld Zelda games, the shield must be used manually by pressing the button to pull it in front of Link. Use the shield to block projectiles and other attacks, as well as flip over certain enemies that charge at you. If this shield ends up eaten by a Like-Like, you’ll have to purchase a new one.

Obtaining this shield is a much more involved process than the previous one. To get it, you must obtain the Blue Ore and Red Ore in Subrosia, then take them to the furnace to fuse them together into the Hard Ore. Now go to the Subrosian Smithy southwest of the Subrosian Dance Hall, and when prompted, answer “Do whatever,” and the master smithy will make you an Iron Shield out of your Hard Ore. This shield is stronger than its predecessor, able to block more kinds of attacks (e.g. the fireballs from River Zoras).

This shield can only be obtained in a linked game from Farore, using the “Smith Secret.” The most powerful shield in the game, it can block lasers and almost any projectile thrown at you in the game–well worth the effort to get.

This is the signature item of the game, the instrument through which Link attempts to restore order to the seasons that have been thrown into chaos by General Onox. Early in the game, on your first visit to the Temple of Seasons in Subrosia, Link will be granted this rod. As you progress through the game, you’ll be able to reach the four different wings of this temple, gaining the power of a new season each time. To summon a new season, find a tree stump in the overworld of Holodrum, hop onto it, and wave the rod. Note that it is only possible to change seasons on a tree stump, and the seasons will always change in the order of winter, summer, spring, and finally autumn. Different seasons have differents on the environment, as follows:

* Winter is the first season over which Link gains control. Snow banks are built up, bridging gaps that were previously not traversible. Most water freezes over, allowing Link to walk (or slide) across, and trees lose their thick growth, allowing passage through narrow tree-lined areas.
* Summer is the second season over which Link gains control. Lakebeds try up, allowing passage on dry ground, while vines grow on cliff walls, enabling Link to climb to otherwise unreachable places.
* Spring is the third season over which Link gains control. When this happens, rock flowers soften, allowing Link to cut them down and gain access to new areas. Deku flowers bloom as well, which will shoot Link upward to new heights. It is also only in spring that certain waters will flow into rapids, overflowing cumbersome vines that otherwise block the way.
* Autumn is the fourth and final season over which Link gains control. During this season, many pits are covered with leaves (allowing passage if one is quick enough to cross them without falling in), and mushrooms soften to the point of being able to be plucked up with the Power Bracelet equipped.

You obtain this highly valuable item in the first level of the game, Gnarled Root Dungeon. In this bag you hold your various Mystical Seeds, of which there are five kinds: Ember Seeds, Mystery Seeds, Scent Seeds, Gale Seeds, and Pegasus Seeds. For now, you can only sprinkle those seeds, whereas later in the game you’ll be able to shoot them with the Slingshot. At first, you will only be able to carry 20 seeds. To upgrade your satchel to a capacity of 50 seeds, purchase the Member’s Card at Subrosia Market, and use that Member’s Card at the shop in Horon Village to access the ultra-expensive secret shop, where you’ll find the larger seed satchel for 300 Rupees. To upgrade your capacity even further to 99 seeds requires you to be playing a linked game and to use the “Deku Secret.”

These seeds come with the Seed Satchel that you find in the basement of Gnarled Root Dungeon. These are seeds that burn with fire when opened and are useful for burning small sapling trees, signs, bushes, etc. More usefully, these seeds light torches. They can also be used to damage enemies, including turning a Gibdos into jumping a jumping Stalfos! Hit your target up close, or with a Slingshot burn from a distance. You can replenish these seeds anywhere, but mystical trees only bear Ember Seeds in winter.

If you look carefully, you’ll find these seeds on a mysterious tree southeast of Snake’s Remains–use your sword to cut them free from the tree. Their primary use is to sprinkle on owl statues and receive clues (similarly to Link’s Awakening). Whether sprinkling or shooting, they have a randomized effect on most enemies, including creating effects from other seeds, such as burning or blowing away in a whirlwind. These seeds are also necessary against certain dungeon guardians. You can replenish these seeds anywhere, but mystical trees only bear Mystery Seeds in summer.

You first find these seeds on a tree in North Horon, northwest of Blaino’s Gym. Put one of these on the ground to attract certain enemies, grouping them together as an easier attack strategy or luring them into a trap. With the Slingshot, these seeds should be your default ammo of choice as they have little other use (they also destroy Pokeys with a single hit). You can replenish these seeds anywhere, but mystical trees only bear Scent Seeds in spring.

You will first find these very useful seeds in the Spool Swamp area, southwest of the entrance to Tarm Ruins. Sprinkle the Pegasus Seeds on yourself, and your speed will be temporarily increased, allowing you to dash around at great speeds–very useful in some timed situations as well as in some boss battles. Moreover, combining Pegasus Seeds with Roc’s Feather/Cape will allow you to jump farther–two spaces with Roc’s Feather and a whopping seven spaces with Roc’s Cape! In Slingshot form, you can fire these seeds at enemies to stop them dead in their tracks. You can replenish these seeds anywhere, but mystical trees only bear Pegasus Seeds in autumn.

You will first encounter these kinds of seeds in Sunken City. With the Slingshot, you can shoot these seeds at enemies to blow them off the screen in a whirlwind. Sprinkle them on yourself to whisk yourself away to another mystical seed-bearing tree in Holodrum–a great warp device. Here are the places where you can transport yourself in this way, as well as which type of seed grows on the tree where you wind up at each place:

* Horon Village (Ember Seeds)
* Woods of Winter (Mystery Seeds)
* North Horon (Scent Seeds)
* Spool Swamp (Pegasus Seeds)
* Sunken City (Gale Seeds)
* Tarm Ruins (Gale Seeds)

Successful completion of the Subrosian Dance will net you the Boomerang as your reward. This long-distance weapon doesn’t have much range (about half the screen), but it comes right back to you every time. This item stuns most enemies and will even destroy very weak ones (like Keese). Moreover, if a Rupee or other item is too far out of reach even for your sword, you can use your Boomerang to grab items from a distance.

You’ll find this very valuable item in the treasure chest inside Ancient Ruins. It has longer range than the other Boomerang, is more apt to damage enemies, and most importantly can be steered by using the directional pad once you throw it off. This technique will become very valuable for solving various puzzles and battling certain bosses. Master using this item well!

This item is the dungeon prize of Snake’s Remains. Use this bracelet to lift pots in dungeons, rocks in the overworld, and mushrooms in autumn. It gives you pushing power that you didn’t have before as well. You can also use these liftable objects to throw at enemies for an attack, and in some cases you’ll even have to lift a few enemies themselves.

You obtain this valuable item in Poison Moth’s Lair. Continuing the tradition from Link’s Awakening, Link can jump with this feather. Use it to clear gaps that are a single space wide, jump over enemies and/or projectiles, as well as to gain enough height to combat airborne enemies (like certain types of Keese). Coupled with a Pegasus Seed, Link will be able to jump two spaces.

One of the most valuable items in the game, and it is found in Explorer’s Crypt. Now when you jump, hold down the jump button, and Link will glide, keeping him airborne for a longer distance. Specifically, Link can now clear three spaces with this cape. Pair this with Pegasus Seeds, and Link is able to soar over a staggering seven spaces.

On one of Link’s journeys to Subrosia, coming from Mt. Cucco, he will be accosted by two Subrosians, who will rob him of his Roc’s Feather and give instead Fool’s Ore. This type of ore has no value even in Subrosia. Link can use it as a weapon, slamming it into the ground. Wisely, however, he jettisons it once he retrieves Roc’s Feather again from the patch in the ground into which the Subrosian thieves bury it after Link silently trails them without being noticed.

Obtain this enhancement to your Seed Satchel in Dancing Dragon Dungeon. Now instead of merely sprinkling your Mystical Seeds, you can shoot them as well–very useful against enemies and for puzzles. All seeds have a common purse, whether used from the satchel or in a slingshot. Different seeds have different effects: Ember Seeds burn, Mystery Seeds have random effects, Scent Seeds inflict damage, Pegasus Seeds stun, and Gale Seeds blow targets away. Replenish your seeds as you usually would.

This is a very useful upgrade and is found in Sword & Shield Maze toward the end of the game. Its function is the same as the regular Slingshot except it shoots seeds in three different directions at once. And even though you’re firing three seeds at a time, you’re still only using up one at a time–three for the price of one! This is indispensible for certain puzzles, and now various enemies and bosses have become easier too with this weapon in hand.

One of the most unique items in the game–nay, the entire series. You find it in Unicorn’s Cave where it immediately becomes useful. For magnetic orbs, either pull them toward you or push them away. For magnetic stakes in the ground, pull yourself toward them or push yourself away–most useful for crossing otherwise uncrossable gaps. Always remember that opposites attract, but two likes repel each other. Press the item button once to change polarity, whereas to use it, you’ll want to hold the button down. If your glove is to set to N, all N objects will repel, but all S objects will attract. If your glove is set to S, all N objects will attract while all S objects will repel. It’s a bit confusing to get used to, but it’s not too bad to master and very useful once you do.

You obtain this item early in the game from Holly, a resident of the Woods of Winter, after you go down the chimney in her house making her think that you’re Santa Claus. Use the shovel to dig through snow clumps as well as to dig up most parts of the ground, such as grass, soft dirt, etc. Shoveling is a good way to uncover Rupees, and if you’re especially fortunate, you may just dig up a Large Rupee!

To obtain these, you must first pass the Master Diver’s test and obtain the Master’s Plaque, returning it to Master Diver in order to claim your prize. Now the deep waters are available to you! Use the directional pad to maneuver Link around in the water. Press A repeatedly to swim faster and B to dive for a brief while. Diving is good for ducking under enemy attacks and obstacles. And if you dive in the right place, you may just uncover an underwater passage!

The first set of Bombs that you receive will be in a treasure chest in Gnarled Root Dungeon. After that you will be able to buy them from shops and find them from defeated enemies, under bushes, pots, etc. Bombs are useful for blowing entryways into weak walls (look for telltale cracks) as well as some patches of floor (again, look for signs of weakness). Certain enemies can be fought by using Bombs, and it is the weapon of choice against certain dungeon guardians. Take out a Bomb by pressing the button, then press it again to lay it down in front of you. Or you can take out a Bomb, then press the button again as Link is walking to make him throw it for a distance. It will explode after a preset period of time; don’t get hit by the explosion, or Link will take damage! At first, you can only carry 10 Bombs at a time. For a larger Bomb Bag, head over to Subrosia Market and purchase it for 10 Bombs and 50 Ore Chunks to be able to carry 30 Bombs max (apparently the Bombs you trade away are restocked). The largest Bomb Bag will enable you to carry 50 Bombs but is only available in a linked game by using the “Pirate Secret.”

This very special and rare item is likewise only available in a linked game from Farore by utilizing the “Subrosian Secret.” These bomb-like devices are in the shape of rodents and will run along the floor and even up walls before exploding after a while. If enemies are nearby, it will even home in on one and go after it! Unfortunately, Bombchus are at a premium in Holodrum; you can only buy them from the Witch’s Hut in Sunken City for a very steep 20 Rupees per single Bombchu.

Link will use this flute to summon one of three animal helpers in this game: Ricky, Dimitri, or Moosh. How you obtain this flute determines which kind of flute it becomes and thus which animal will be your guide for the rest of the game. Please note that once you’ve obtained an animal as your aid, it is impossible to switch back for the remainder of this particular game file.

Ricky the kangaroo is Link’s “default” partner in Holodrum. To obtain his flute, simply continue on with your main quest, and when you come upon Ricky and give him the aid he needs, he’ll impart to you his flute and make himself your companion for the rest of the quest. Use the flute to summon him, and if you’re in an area where he can reach you, he’ll come. Ricky is good for punching enemies with his boxing gloves, and he can even let loose a charged punch that releases a shockwave, hitting enemies from a distance. He also hops over holes in the ground; simply go up to a gap and Ricky will jump over it automatically.

To gain Dimitri the aquatic dinosaur as your companion, you must win at the Subrosian Dance Hall (after winning the Boomerang, that is). The prizes are randomized, so keep at it if you want Dimitri. This friendly red reptile is great for water travel, able to swim across deep waters and combat enemies (by eating them) at the same time.

To gain Moosh the flying bear as your companion, you must purchase it from the shop in Horon Village. This big blue bear has wings that enable him to hover over relatively long distances. When you jump with him, you must repeatedly press the A button to get the most air-time out of Moosh since he gradually glides downward toward the ground. To attack enemies, jump into the air, then press B to smash back down to the ground, crushing any enemies underneath and damaging any nearby enemies with a circular shockwave surround the place of impact.

First, buy the Member’s Card from the Subrosian Market. Next go to the shop in Horon Village and show this card to the merchant, who will let you pass into the (very expensive) secret shop. There you can buy this Treasure Map for 200 Rupees, which shows you the location of all four Jewels in Holodrum, which you will need to open the way forward to Tarm Ruins. See the Jewels section below.

Four special jewels are needed if Link is to open the way to Tarm Ruins. Upon obtaining all four, go to the large gate at the entrance of Tarm Ruins and walk up to each specially shaped slot and Link will insert the jewel of that shape automatically. Once all four are in, the gate opens and the quest continues. But how to find these four mysterious jewels?

* Circle: In Holodrum Plain in the possession of an old sage is where this jewel is located. From Gnarled Root Dungeon, swim south of there to arrive at a land mass reachable only by water. Inside is the old man who will grant you the jewel.
* Square: From Poison Moth’s Lair, summon winter and continue south. One screen south of the entrance to Subrosia, go east and fight some Pincers. After digging through the snow, bomb the weak wall to open up a cave, inside which you will find your jewel.
* Triangle: From Dancing Dragon Dungeon, hop into the water and swim to the northeast corner, then dive. You’ll be taken a side-scrolling underwater area. Make it through to the end of this aquatic cave to find another jewel.
* X: Go south of Hero’s Cave into the water by the shore. Use your Slingshot to light the torches with an Ember Seed, which will create a dock leading further south. Go down a screen to find yourself on a small, mysterious island–completely with a question mark. Sprinkle the question mark with a Mysterious Seed to summon forth a Moldorm. Defeat it! Once you do, a treasure chest appears with this final jewel inside.

You get this box at the very beginning of the game simply by going into Vasu’s ring shop in Horon Village when you first get there. This important piece of equipment will enable Link to hold one Magical Ring at a time. Go to Vasu, who holds all your rings, and get one of your rings from him to put in your box. Then you must go to the sub-screen and equip the ring (you’ll know that you have it equipped when the ring will have an “E” over it) in order for it to have its effects on you.

If you can reach the cave immediately southeast of Biggoron, you’ll find a red Goron who helpfully grants Link this upgraded Ring Box! Now you can store up to three Magical Rings at once. Remember, however, that Link still can only have one ring equipped at a time.

The final Ring Box upgrade is available only in a linked game from Farore, using the “Ruul Secret.” This box can contain up to five rings at a time and will prove to be highly useful for all sorts of situations toward the end of a game. Even with this upgrade, though, Link remains able to have only a single ring equipped at a time.

These special seeds can be found all over Holodrum: in treasure chests, from certain citizens of the land, as game prizes, and other places. Use these seeds to plant in any of 16 soft soil locations in the game. Over time, the seed will grow into a full-blown tree with a Gasha Nut on it. Cut open the Gasha Nut for an item! The quality of the item, however, depends on your performance in the game after planting the seed. The more enemies you kill, the more items you obtain, the further you go in your quest, then the more likely you will be to obtain higher quality items, like 200 Rupees or even a Piece of Heart–rather than a Fairy or Recovery Hearts.

Once you obtain the Wooden Sword at the start of the game, the Maku Tree will give you this important key to begin your quest for the Essences of Nature. Use this key to open the way forward into Gnarled Root Dungeon, the first dungeon of the game.

Enter the house of the Floodgate Keeper at Spool Swamp. Hit the switch inside to drain the water, revealing the Floodgate Key. Use it to allow water to pass through the area, opening the way to Subrosia and the Power of Summer, and ultimately thereby to Poison Moth’s Lair.

In Mt. Cucco, in the northeast of Holodrum, use Moosh’s hovering ability to soar over the many holes and reach the Dragon Key in the corner. Use this key to drain a waterfall, revealing the entrance to Dancing Dragon Dungeon.

You can buy this from the Subrosian Market for a pretty cheap price. This allows you to gain access to the prestigious secret shop, which is attached to the shop in Horon Village. Normally the merchant will prevent you from going in, but once he sees you with this card, he lets you pass through. Inside, you’ll find a Treasure Map for 200 Rupees, an upgraded Seed Satchel for 300 Rupees, a Gasha Seed for 300 Rupees, and after all those are cleared out, there will be another Gasha Seed, this one for 500 Rupees.

Once you befriend Dimitri in Sunken City, swim to the northeast of the aquatic town and go up inside the righthand waterfall you find there. After speaking with the Master Diver inside, he’ll give you a test to prove your worth. Exit and now enter the lefthand waterfall, dismounting off Dimitri once you reach dry ground within. Move the statues around until they’re in a square formation, then use your spin attack to hit all four at once with your sword. This opens the way to a treasure chest containing the Master’s Plaque. Now return to the Master Diver and show it to him, and he will reward you with Zora’s Flippers.

In North Horon you’ll find a house with boxing gloves curiously jutting out of the roof–this is Blaino’s Gym. Go inside and challenge the boxer, and if you win the fight, he’ll give you Ricky’s Gloves–which naturally belong to Ricky the Kangaroo, not Blaino. Soon, once you meet up with Ricky on your quest, give these to him, and he’ll aid you on your journey to Spool Swamp.

When you enter Subrosia on your quest to obtain the Power of Summer, you’re going to need Rosa’s help. And to do that, you’re going to have to coax her into “dating” you. Go to the southern coast and dig around in the sand with your Shovel until you find the Star-Shaped Ore. Now proceed to the Subrosia Market and trade it for the Ribbon that’s on sale there.

This is Rosa’s ribbon that she lost in the magma seed and which is also your key to enlisting her aid. Dig up the Star-Shaped Ore and use it to barter for the Ribbon at Subrosia Market. Now with Ribbon in hand, go down to Rosa the Subrosian clad in yellow on the coast. Give her the Ribbon, and she will accompany you. Her primary usefulness is in unlocking doors that were previously locked for you.

Once you gain the Power of Spring in Subrosia, return to Mt. Cucco in the overworld and summon spring. Now find the Flying Cucco north of Moosh and lift it, using it fly to the very high ledge above. Now go through the cave to the north, and when you emerge, you should find yourself at a palm tree with a banana growing on it. Cut it loose to acquire the Spring Banana. Give it to Moosh to enlist his aid in reaching the Dragon Key and ultimately Dancing Dragon Dungeon.

Navigate Lava Lake in Subrosia, jumping from island to island whilst dodging the Fire Pokeys, and at the east end you’ll find something sticking out of the ground. Pluck it out with the Power Bracelet to gain a Bomb Flower! Now report to the Temple of Seasons, specifically to the northeast section of the complex, and hop the lava stream with Roc’s Feather. Once you find the Subrosians, give the one to the north your Bomb Flower, and he will blow the way forward, granting you access to the Power of Autumn.

When you enter the ship sunken in Samasa Desert, you’ll find a skeleton missing his skull. Go to the northeast corner of the desert to find his skull and pick it up with the Power Bracelet. Now, with the skull in hand, return to the entrance of the desert and from there go one screen north, and his teeth should start chattering when you reach the quicksand there. Sink into the pit to find the Rusty Bell! Unfortunately, it’s not useful yet–not until you get it polished.

Take the Rusty Bell back to the piratian captain in Subrosia (get there via the sunken ship in the desert), but he won’t accept it. You must get it refined at the Subrosian Smithy to the northeast of here. Once you get there, answer “Do it!” and the Master Smithy will polish it, turning it into the Pirate’s Bell! Now with this piece at last, give it to the captain, and he puts the finishing touches on his pirate ship, and Link sets sail with the piratians. They don’t make it far, but at least they get the ship to create a bridge, granting Link access to the southwestern portion of Holodrum.

Southwest of the Subrosian Furnace is a cave with a treasure chest on top of it. Use the Magnetic Glove to repel yourself across the pit and then enter the cave. When you come out on the top of it, open the chest to gain Red Ore. Red Ore is only useful when mixed with Blue Ore to make Hard Ore–which you will need to strengthen your shield.

In the far west of Subrosia, just northwest of the thieves’ house, is a forested area with pits and a magnetic stake or two. Hop the first gap leading over there, then use the Magnetic Glove to pull yourself across and open the chest for Blue Ore. Blue Ore is only useful when mixed with Red Ore to make Hard Ore–which you will need to strengthen your shield.

After you have obtained both the Red Ore and Blue Ore, it’s time to pay a visit to the Great Furnace in eastern Subrosia. Speak to the leader and give him both pieces of ore. After a rather unique ritual, your ore pieces will be melded together as Hard Ore when they give it back to you. Now you must take it to the Subrosian Smithy, answer “Do whatever,” and the Master Smithy will turn your Hard Ore into the Iron Shield!

The eight Essences of Nature are Link’s keys to unlocking the way to Onox’s Castle and challenging the dark general and saving Holodrum; each Essence is hidden deep within eight dungeons scattered across the land. The Essences that you find, in order, are Fertile Soil, Gift of Time, Bright Sun, Soothing Rain, Nurturing Warmth, Blowing Wind, Seed of Life, and Changing Seasons.

With all eight Essences brought together, the power of the Maku Tree in Horon Village is restored, and he encapsulates this power in the mighty Maku Seed, which he imparts to Link after all eight Essences are claimed. With the power of the Maku Seed, Link is at last able to penetrate the darkness surrounding Onox’s Castle and go inside to challenge the dark general on his throne, with the fate of Holodrum in the balance.