Curse

A jinx is a status effect that Link suffers from in many games after he touches a specific type of Bubble. 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. 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.