Lantern

The Lantern has had various different incarnations in its history, with its first muse in the SNES title Link to the Past. The Lantern's main uses include bringing light to dark places and igniting torches to solve puzzles. The item took a back seat in the major console titles, with a larger emphasis taken on Fire Arrows, used to create light or do damage to enemies. The Lantern finally debuted in full 3D glory in Twilight Princess. The lantern (or an equivalent item) has been included more often than not in the 2D iterations of the series, most recently in The Minish Cap.

A Link to the Past
The Lantern is likely the first item Link will find during his quest in Link to the Past, as it located in a chest inside Link's house when the adventure first begins. The lantern is used to light torches in the dungeons, bringing light to the dark labyrinths. It can also be used to burn bushes, revealing what might lie beneath the shrubbery. Using the Lantern consumes Magic Power, so Link must use it sparingly if his magic reserves are running low.

Four Swords Adventures
Instead of "Lantern", this item is specifically called the Lamp in Four Swords Adventures. This item is not a part of Link's permanent inventory. The lamp appears in stages which would require the use of it for completion. As in previous and following titles, the lamp is primarily used as a light source within a small radius of Link. It can also be used to set fires to torches, grass, wooden stumps, and some enemies. The lamp also is a potent weapon against Jalhalla. Link needs no consumable fuel to operate this lamp.

The Minish Cap
The Flame Lantern is a simple lantern received by Link in the Temple of Droplets in The Minish Cap. The Flame Lantern lights up a moderate area around Link. It is also used to melt ice and light lamps. The Flame Lantern is essential in the battle against the dungeon's boss, the Big Octorok.

Twilight Princess
Early during his quest in Twilight Princess, Link can obtain a lantern from Coro in Faron Woods. The man gives Link the lantern as part of a business plan to boost sales of his main product: Lantern Oil. The lantern's purpose remains virtually unchanged from previous incarnations, as it is still mainly used as a light source and to ignite torches as part of puzzles. However, the lantern can now be hung from Link's belt while lit, allowing the hero full use of his hands, while still providing him a source of light. If Link brandishes the lantern while there are Poison Mites nearby, the flame will keep the annoying vermin at bay, preventing them from impeding his progress.

Unlike previous Zelda games, where lanterns used magic power to fuel themselves, the lantern in Twilight Princess is fueled by lantern oil, which can be purchased at various shops or found in dungeons. Link can also substitute yellow Chu Jelly, obtained from yellow Chus, to fuel his lantern. Link can store extra fuel for his lantern in an Empty Bottle.