The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time/The Beginning



Link’s quest begins in his birthplace, the quiet town of Kokiri Forest. You’re free to visit the Lost Woods to the north (although this probably isn’t such a good idea), but the other exit route will be blocked until you equip yourself with sword and shield to do the bidding of the Great Deku Tree that waits in the east side of the village.

The Deku Tree has summoned you, but you’re not going to get there without first doing a bit of legwork. If you head straight toward the Deku Tree (the giant one in the far east), as your friend Saria suggests, you’ll be stopped by your pesky rival, Mido, and told that you can’t proceed without first acquiring a sword and shield. The sword is hidden in the obstacle course in the southwestern part of town, but you’ll have to buy the shield.

Getting the Kokiri Sword
You can learn a lot of very valuable tips from the posted signs and the long-haired Kokiri boy in the obstacle course near Link’s house. But the real excitement is hidden deep inside the cliff wall. You’ll have to cross through the little hole at the end of the path of fences to find the real meat of the obstacle course.

Before you enter the circular part to the left, wait for the giant rock to roll past you, then run after it, stopping at the first alcove to pick up a blue Rupee, then continue on to the treasure chest. Hit it with the button to open it, and then grab your Kokiri Sword. Once you’ve equipped it, take a couple of shots at the signs and plants outside of the course, and take the opportunity to practice your various swings (there are major strategic differences between them) on the rock by the Kokiri. It’s a good idea to listen to this Kokiri and practice the techniques he teaches.

Deku Shield
Except for the Deku Shield, which you need to progress, this shop won’t sell you anything you need or want. All of the items are stuff you can get for free from pots and defeated enemies anyway.

The Deku Shield is easy to get: Just collect 40 Rupees and buy it from the shop. There are a variety of ways to get the money, but the easiest is to simply ransack the homes of your neighbors. Got a problem with Mido’s attitude? Open all four chests in his house and steal his 11 Rupees. The twins haven’t wronged you like Mido has, but don’t feel bad about stealing their six Rupees again and again, since they’ll regenerate the second you leave.

While you’re calling on your neighbors, don’t neglect Saria’s house. She’s not home, but you can get six infinitely-returning hearts here, whenever you need them. And don’t miss the tally of Link’s accomplishments on his own wall.

There’s a Gold Skulltula lurking behind the Know-It-All Brothers’ house, but you won’t be able to find it until night falls. And since time is frozen in Kokiri Forest, you’ll have to wait until you can leave town to get it.

There are many ways to get Rupees...

There are two exits from Kokiri Forest, one to the north and one to the west. Someone is blocking the west exit, which leads to Hyrule Field, but you’re free to head north to the Lost Woods whenever you wish. Of course, you have little reason to go there until after you’ve conquered the Deku Tree, so we’ll cover that later. For now, we recommend you just equip your sword and shield and head straight for the Great Deku Tree.