Curse

A jinx is a status effect that Link suffers from in many games after he touches a specific type of Bubble or Fog. Once he touches one, he will not be able to draw his sword until the effect disappears.

Appearances
In The Legend of Zelda, merely touching a normal Bubble would incapacitate Link from using his sword. If Link were to come in contact with a Red Bubble, he would not be able to wield his sword until he either touches a Blue Bubble, drinks a potion, or gets healed with a fairy.

In Majora's Mask, Link is afflicted with a jinx when he makes contact with a Blue Bubble, causing his tunic to flash blue and forcing him to sheath his sword and be unable to draw it; however, the effect is temporary and will wear off after approximately 50 seconds. Link can also immediately remove the effect of a jinx by playing the Song of Storms. There are two ways to circumvent the effects of a jinx. Fierce Deity Link can still use his Fierce Deity Sword, and the Great Fairy's Sword can also be used while Link is jinxed (because it is used on a C-Button rather than the B-Button.)

In Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons, equipping a Whisp Ring will prevent the jinx from affecting Link.

In The Wind Waker, Link cannot use his sword or items if jinxed by a Blue Bubble or by Blue Fog. Purple smoke escapes from his body and he appears tired, but it does not hinder his movement in any way. The effect will wear off after 5 seconds, but can be removed by stepping in light.