Story & Lore

Welcome, brave adventurer, to the enigmatic world of Termina! Unlike the sprawling Hyrule, Majora's Mask plunges Link into a three-day cycle, a race against time to prevent the moon from crashing and obliterating everything. This section will guide you through the initial steps of understanding this dire predicament and setting you on the path to saving Termina.

The Lost Woods & The Skull Kid's Curse

Your journey begins in the familiar yet unsettling Lost Woods, a place often associated with mischief and transformation. Following the events of Ocarina of Time, Link is searching for a dear friend. This quest quickly takes a dark turn.

Initial Encounter & Transformation

1. Follow Epona: The game opens with Link riding Epona through the Lost Woods. Keep following the path until a sudden ambush occurs.
2. The Skull Kid's Theft: A mischievous creature known as the Skull Kid, accompanied by two fairies (Tatl and Tael), ambushes Link. He steals Link's Ocarina of Time and, more importantly, his horse, Epona.
3. Pursuit and Fall: Chase after the Skull Kid. This pursuit leads you into a mysterious, hollow tree trunk. You'll fall into a seemingly endless void.
4. The Curse of the Deku Scrub: Upon landing, the Skull Kid, now wearing the malevolent Majora's Mask, uses its power to transform Link into a Deku Scrub. This transformation is not merely cosmetic; it fundamentally alters Link's abilities and interactions with the world.

Meeting the Happy Mask Salesman

After your transformation, you'll find yourself in a strange, dimly lit room. This is where you encounter the enigmatic Happy Mask Salesman.

• The Salesman's Plea: The Happy Mask Salesman reveals he was robbed by the Skull Kid, who stole Majora's Mask from him. He explains the mask's immense, dangerous power and implores Link to retrieve it.
• The Condition for Reversal: He offers to turn Link back into his Hylian form, but only if Link can retrieve the Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask within three days. This introduces the core mechanic of the game: the three-day time limit.
• Acquiring the Deku Mask: The transformation into a Deku Scrub is permanent until you meet the Salesman's condition. The Deku Mask is automatically equipped, allowing you to utilize Deku Link's unique abilities.

Clock Town: The First Three Days

Your immediate objective is to navigate Clock Town, learn about your new form, and begin your quest to recover the Ocarina of Time. The clock is ticking!

Day 1: Understanding Your New Form

As Deku Link, your movement and interactions are significantly different. Familiarize yourself with these new mechanics.

• Deku Flower Flight: As Deku Link, you can use Deku Flowers to launch yourself into the air for short periods. This is crucial for reaching higher platforms.
• Deku Nut Attack: Your primary attack is spitting Deku Nuts. These can stun enemies or activate certain mechanisms.
• Burrowing: You can burrow into specific soft patches of ground, often leading to hidden areas or allowing you to avoid detection.
• Navigating Clock Town: Explore Clock Town. Talk to the residents to gather information about the impending doom and the Skull Kid's recent appearances. Pay attention to the clock at the bottom of the screen.
• The Great Fairy's Fountain: Head to North Clock Town. You'll find the Great Fairy's Fountain, but the Great Fairy herself is shattered. You'll need to find a stray fairy to restore her.
• Stray Fairy Location: Inside the Laundry Pool (West Clock Town, accessible from South Clock Town), you'll find a single Stray Fairy. Capture it in a bottle.
• Great Fairy's Gift: Return to the Great Fairy's Fountain in North Clock Town and release the Stray Fairy. The Great Fairy will be restored and, in gratitude, will grant you the Magic Meter and the ability to use magic as Deku Link. This is essential for using Deku Bubbles.

Day 2: The Observatory & The Moon's Tear

With your new magical abilities, you can progress further in Clock Town.

• Accessing the Observatory: In East Clock Town, you'll find a Deku Flower. Use your Deku Scrub abilities to launch yourself across to the platform leading to the Astral Observatory.
• Meeting the Astronomer: Speak with the Astronomer inside. He'll allow you to look through his telescope.
• Witnessing the Moon's Descent: Look through the telescope and focus on the moon. You'll see a dark tear fall from its eye.
• Collecting the Moon's Tear: Exit the Observatory and you'll find the Moon's Tear directly in front of the entrance. Pick it up. This item is crucial for the next step.

Day 3: The Clock Tower & The Ocarina of Time

The final day of the cycle is upon you. Time is running out to reclaim your Ocarina.

• The Business Scrub's Deal: In South Clock Town, you'll find a Business Scrub. He's blocking the entrance to the Clock Tower. Offer him the Moon's Tear. He will trade it for the Town Title Deed and allow you to use his Deku Flower.
• Reaching the Clock Tower Entrance: Use the Deku Flower the Business Scrub vacated to launch yourself onto the platform leading to the Clock Tower entrance.
• Confronting the Skull Kid: Wait until midnight on the final day. The Clock Tower will open. Enter and ascend to the top. You'll find the Skull Kid dancing triumphantly.
• Retrieving the Ocarina: As the Skull Kid revels, he drops the Ocarina of Time. Pick it up!
• The Song of Time: With the Ocarina in hand, you'll recall the Song of Time. Play this song immediately. This is the only way to reset the three-day cycle and prevent the moon from falling.

Playing the Song of Time will transport you back to the dawn of the first day, but you will retain all major items and masks you've collected. This cyclical nature is the heart of Majora's Mask, allowing you to explore, solve puzzles, and help the people of Termina without the permanent consequence of the moon's destruction. Remember, each cycle is an opportunity to learn, gather resources, and inch closer to defeating Majora's Mask!