Quest for the Gift of Time

Follow this guide to get the Rod of Seasons in The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages. Learn how to navigate Subrosia, master the dance mini-game, and brave the Tower of Winter.

Alright, so you've just finished the Gnarled Root Dungeon. As soon as you step outside, watch out! Maple the witch is gonna zoom by and crash into Link, scattering everyone's stuff. Quickly grab as much as you can, especially anything she drops – she might pop up again later, so keep an eye out.

Now, head south into Horon Village. Make your way to the very southeast corner where you'll find two little saplings. Talk to Sokra, the prophet; he'll wake up and tell you the four season spirits are calling for you. Once he's done, use your Ember Seeds to burn down those saplings. This opens the path to the Woods of Winter.

In the Eastern Suburbs, head up twice, then right. You'll meet Rosa, a Subrosian. She needs to get back to her village because a temple fell into her world nearby. The catch? You can't let her see you! Follow her through three screens, but be careful – she'll disappear for a second on the third screen, trying to trick you. Keep up, and once you reach the bushes, chop them down to reveal a vortex leading to Subrosia.

Welcome to Subrosia! Once you're through the vortex, head down the stairs on the left. Then, go left again, and down the next set of stairs. You're in the Subrosian Dance Hall. Find the Red Subrosian and tell him you're ready to dance. This is a 'Simon Says' style mini-game. He'll do a sequence of three moves: 'dah' (left), 'doo' (right), and 'dee' (pose/A button). Watch his moves carefully, then repeat the sequence to the rhythm. Nail it, and he'll reward you with the Boomerang!

Now, head back up towards the vortex. This time, take the stairs on the right to reach Subrosia Village.

Subrosia Village & The Temple of Seasons
Venture east from the village to find the Temple of Seasons. Head inside and go up. The Four Season Spirits will greet you, talking about how long they've waited. Keep going north to enter the temple proper. Walk through the water onto the podium, and you'll be gifted the Rod of Seasons! Pretty neat, huh?

Exit the temple, but don't head straight back. Instead, go southeast to the bluish Tower of Winter. Inside, use your new Boomerang to hit the switch. Cross the lava pit, then head up the stairs. You'll meet the Winter Spirit, who will bless the Rod of Seasons with the Power of Winter. Now, exit the tower and make your way back to the vortex to return to the overworld.

Back in the Woods of Winter, head right. Sokra will appear and tell you to use the Rod of Seasons while standing on a tree stump. Do it, and watch as the area transforms into Winter! Head roughly east until you find an ice shaft containing a Heart Piece. Grab it, then head north. You'll reach a house in a Summer Area. Go left, hop onto the tree stump, and change the season back to Winter. Head up the stairs on the right, over the snowdrift, and fall down the chimney. You're now in Holly's House. She's snowed in, so talk to her, and she'll give you the Shovel. Your job now is to clear the snow from in front of her house.

Once that's done, head back outside. Move the snow blocking the entrance. Go south until you reach the Heart Piece spot again, then go left. Change the season to Winter once more. Now, go left, then up. Clear away the snow to the right. Hit the tree near the owl statue to get some Mystery Seeds – these bring things to life, which might be useful later! Finally, go up, left, and enter the Snake's Remains.