Ice Rod

The Ice Rod is an optional weapon appearing exclusively in A Link to the Past. It is very similar to another weapon that appeared in the same game, the Fire Rod. This blue rod however, harnesses the power of ice and fires balls of freezing frost when used.

The Ice Rod was acquired by Link in a blocked cave to the east of Lake Hylia, thus required Link to use a Bomb to gain access. When used as a weapon, the Ice Rod can permanently freeze foes in a block of ice but can also instantly defeat some other enemies. Another object, the Ether Medallion, has a very similar effect to this. Unlike the Fire Rod which can be used as both a weapon and to light unreachable torches, the Ice Rod can only function as a strong weapon.

Like the Fire Rod, the Ice Rod also uses up energy from the Magic Meter, thus Link can only use this item a few times before needing to replenish his magic energy. Fortunately, a frozen enemy that is smashed with the Magic Hammer will often leave behind a magic refill.

The Ice Rod is particularly effective against the Lanmolas boss, as one shot can dish out enough damage as four normal sword swings.

Trivia
Because bombs can be purchased very early in the game, Link can get this legendary weapon even before entering the first dungeon.