Hammer

Hammers are a reoccurring item in the Zelda series, and have appeared in several Zelda titles, usually with different names. They are only simply called 'hammer' in The Adventure of Link and in Phantom Hourglass.

Hammer
Sometimes this handy tool is simply referred to as a "Hammer". Its use has progressed from being a simple tool to an effective weapon. As the series matured, hammers have become more involved in interactive obstacles.

The Adventure of Link
In The Adventure of Link, the hammer is found within the maze-like Death Mountain region of western Hyrule. It is used to smash large Boulders that are occasionally found in Hyrule's overworld, often unblocking pathways and revealing new objects underneath. It can also be used to cut trees down in the Overworld screen.

Phantom Hourglass
In Phantom Hourglass, the hammer is the main tool of Mutoh's Temple, where it is very useful in defeating the temple's boss, Eox. As well as being used to pound at objects and enemies. It is one of the most powerful weapons in the game and arguably rivals if not exceeds the sword in terms of fighting enemies, although it can be difficult to control. The hammer is controlled by holding and gently moving the stylus pen on the DS screen, which will drag Ciela around as she shows where the hammer will land on, making it possible to pound on objects and enemies that are far away from Link. When held for a while longer, the hammer will grow into a gigantic size and will make a much stronger pound.

It can kill Stalfos in a single hit by shattering their bones to pieces, similar to the Ball and Chain from Twilight Princess. By using the hammer in conjunction with the Phantom Sword, it is possible to kill a Phantom without being seen by hiding in a Safe Zone and baiting the Phantom by slamming the hammer close to you.

There are also several spring boards in certain areas, which will fling Link into the air if he stands on it and pounds against it with his hammer.

Magic Hammer
Magic, seemingly in name only, as it consumes no magic to use. The Magic Hammer of A Link to the Past debuts hammers as a weapon.

A Link to the Past
In A Link to the Past, the Magic Hammer is found in the Palace of Darkness. It serves many purposes as both a tool and a weapon. In both dungeons and the overworld it can remove obstacles from Link's path, allowing him to pass into otherwise inaccessible areas. As a weapon it is useful in dispatching enemies such as Helmasaurs, and is essential in defeating Terrorpins in the Palace of Darkness. It is capable of shattering the faceplate of the enormous Helmasaur King and is also almost as effective as the sword in dealing with many foes. Freezing enemies with the Ice Rod and then breaking them with this hammer often yields in a Magic Jar item. In the Japanese version, it is humorously known as the "M.C. Hammer."

Four Swords Adventures
In Four Swords Adventures, a Magic Hammer is one of many familiar items Link has the option of picking up. It can smash stakes, stumps and several other obstacles. By holding the A button, Link can charge the hammer which, upon release, sends out a shock-wave which dazes enemies momentarily. Using the game's upgrade system, the L2 hammer can be made even more powerful, sending out much larger shock-waves. The Magic Hammer can also knock Force Gems from their hiding spot beneath the soil.

Even Shadow Link can be found using a hammer to interrupt the adventurers. Mostly sending them into unavoidable but harmless dazes.

Megaton Hammer
The Megaton Hammer is found in the Fire Temple in Ocarina of Time. It is needed to break certain boulders and smash in rusted switches. It can also be used to smash down blocks for access to new areas, as well as for the destruction of junk. It does considerable damage, though its slow speed compared to Link's swords makes it less than ideal as a main weapon. It can be used against certain enemies, such as Tektites, to flip them over and attack them. It is also required in the Fire Temple boss fight to smash in the head of the dragon Volvagia.

According to Goron legend, a mythic hero of the Gorons and an ancestor to Darunia, patriarch of the Gorons, used the hammer in battle against Volvagia himself. Wielding the powerful hammer, he was victorious and sealed the dragon in the fires of Death Mountain.

During the adventures of the Hero of Time, the evil Ganondorf unleashed Volvagia once again upon the Gorons as a warning to other races who would challenge his rule. Darunia bravely rushed to confront Volvagia personally and lamented to Link that he was concerned about not having the legendary hammer, but he would continue regardless. The Hammer is also effective in the final battle with Ganon for attacking his tail.

Skull Hammer
The Skull Hammer is found upon returning to the Forsaken Fortress and defeating Phantom Ganon in The Wind Waker. It is used for hitting switches and enemies. When used it causes shockwaves which can stun nearby enemies. It can also be swung sideways to knock enemies for six, and can be used as a shield. The Skull Hammer has some humorous effects when used on Miniblins. If Link hits a Miniblin with the vertical attack, it will flatten. If he hits with a horizontal attack, the Miniblin will fly a long distance in the air, and explode. If he hits the ground near a Miniblin, it will fly high in the air, and comes down after a few seconds, still alive.

This is the key to defeating the Helmaroc King. Link must use it to break apart the Helmaroc King's helmet before he can slash at its vulnerable head.

Trivia

 * The Megaton Hammer is an extremely effective weapon in the duel with Dark Link in the Water Temple. Link can still take some damage, but the battle becomes much faster this way and Link can score many more hits than when he only uses the Master Sword.
 * The Megaton Hammer is also a weapon Link can use in Soul Calibur II for the Nintendo GameCube. It has a short reach, but good offense.
 * The Megaton Hammer can be used to open a Secret Grotto instead of using a Bomb.
 * Using the Megaton Hammer on the ground close to a wall with a Skullwalltula on it will knock the spider off and kill it without hitting it directly.
 * The Skull Hammer in The Wind Waker was originally supposed to also be called simply a "hammer." It's name was probably changed to later match its appearance.