Cleansing the Swamp
The Southern Swamp is the first major region Link must explore in his quest to prevent Termina's moon from falling. This area is plagued by a toxic miasma, and cleansing it is your immediate priority. This section will guide you through navigating the swamp, obtaining the crucial Deku Mask, infiltrating the Deku Palace, and ultimately conquering Woodfall Temple to restore balance to the region.
1. Obtaining the Deku Mask and Learning the Song of Healing
Your journey to cleanse the swamp begins with a pivotal transformation. Upon arriving in Termina, Link is cursed into a Deku Scrub form. To regain his Hylian form and gain the ability to transform back into a Deku Scrub at will, you must obtain the Deku Mask.
- Initial Transformation: After the Skull Kid curses Link and steals his Ocarina, Link is transformed into a Deku Scrub.
- Reclaiming the Ocarina: Follow the Skull Kid to the Clock Tower. After the cutscene, you will retrieve your Ocarina of Time from the Happy Mask Salesman.
- Learning the Song of Healing: The Happy Mask Salesman will then teach Link the Song of Healing (C-Left, C-Right, C-Down, C-Left, C-Right, C-Down). This melody is crucial for lifting curses and pacifying troubled spirits.
- Receiving the Deku Mask: Immediately after learning the Song of Healing, the Happy Mask Salesman will instruct Link to play it. Playing the Song of Healing at this moment will lift the Deku Scrub curse from Link, transforming him back into his Hylian form and granting him the Deku Mask. This mask allows Link to transform into a Deku Scrub at any time.
Common Pitfall: Many players mistakenly believe the Deku Butler's Son grants the Deku Mask or teaches the Song of Healing. The Song of Healing is taught by the Happy Mask Salesman, and playing it for him is how you obtain the Deku Mask.
2. Navigating the Southern Swamp and Reaching the Deku Palace
With the Deku Mask in hand, you can now fully explore the Southern Swamp. Your next objective is to reach the Deku Palace to investigate the source of the swamp's pollution.
- Entering the Swamp: From Clock Town, exit south. You'll find yourself in the Southern Swamp.
- Locating the Deku Butler's Son: As you venture into the swamp, keep an eye out for a large, hollow tree stump near the entrance to the Deku Palace. This is the petrified form of the Deku Butler's Son. While you cannot interact with him yet, remember his location for a later side quest.
- Reaching the Deku Palace: As a Deku Scrub, utilize your unique abilities:
- Deku Flowers: Use Deku Flowers to launch yourself across gaps and over obstacles. Many paths in the swamp require this.
- Water Hopping: As a Deku Scrub, you can skip across the surface of water for a limited time. Be careful not to sink!
3. Infiltrating the Deku Palace and Freeing the Monkey
The Deku Palace is a hostile environment for Link, especially in his Hylian form. You'll need to use your Deku Scrub abilities to navigate it stealthily.
- Entering the Palace: Approach the Deku Palace entrance. The guards will not allow Hylian Link to pass. Transform into Deku Link and they will let you through.
- Navigating the Palace Gardens: Inside, you'll find a maze-like garden patrolled by Deku Guards.
- Stealth is Key: If a guard spots you, they will throw you out of the palace, forcing you to re-enter.
- Deku Flowers: Use the Deku Flowers strategically to fly over the guards' patrol routes and reach higher ledges.
- Path to the Monkey: Follow the path through the gardens, avoiding the guards. Your goal is to reach the inner chamber where a Monkey is being held captive.
- Freeing the Monkey: Once you reach the Monkey's cell, you'll witness the Deku King interrogating the Monkey. After the cutscene, speak to the Monkey. He will tell you about the monster in Woodfall Temple and ask for your help. He then offers to guide you to the temple's entrance.
4. Reaching Woodfall Temple
With the Monkey's assistance, the path to Woodfall Temple becomes clear.
- Monkey's Guidance: The Monkey will lead you out of the Deku Palace and across a series of platforms and Deku Flowers that were previously inaccessible.
- Entering Woodfall: Follow the Monkey diligently. He will eventually lead you to the entrance of Woodfall Temple, a large, tree-like structure shrouded in the swamp's poison.
5. Cleansing the Swamp: Woodfall Temple and Odolwa
The true cleansing of the swamp culminates in Woodfall Temple. You must navigate its puzzles, defeat its boss, and then perform a sacred ritual.
- Woodfall Temple Navigation:
- Dungeon Item: Your primary goal within the temple is to acquire the Hero's Bow, which is essential for solving many of the temple's puzzles and defeating the boss.
- Puzzles: The temple features various puzzles involving Deku Link's abilities (flying, water hopping), lighting torches, and using the newly acquired Hero's Bow.
- Mini-Boss: You will encounter a Gekko as a mini-boss. Defeating it will grant you the Bow.
- Boss Battle: Odolwa
- Location: The boss chamber is located at the deepest part of Woodfall Temple.
- Strategy:
- Deku Link's Spin Attack: As Deku Link, use your spin attack to damage Odolwa's legs when he is vulnerable.
- Arrows: Use the Hero's Bow to shoot arrows at Odolwa's eye when he is dizzy or preparing certain attacks.
- Bombs: Bombs can also be effective, especially when Odolwa is stunned.
- Deku Flowers: Utilize the Deku Flowers in the arena to gain height and avoid his ground attacks, or to drop Deku Nuts on his head.
- Rewards: Upon defeating Odolwa, you will receive a Heart Container and the first of the four Giant's Remains.
- Playing the Oath to Order:
- The Ritual: After defeating Odolwa and collecting the Heart Container, a portal will appear. Step into it.
- The Giants: You will be transported to a mystical realm where you will meet one of the Four Giants.
- Learning the Oath: The Giant will teach you the Oath to Order (C-Right, C-Down, C-Up, C-Right, C-Down, C-Up). This is a sacred song that summons the Giants.
- Cleansing Complete: Playing the Oath to Order after defeating the temple boss is the final step in cleansing the Southern Swamp. The toxic waters will recede, the air will clear, and the Deku Palace will return to normal.
