Trading Quest

A Trading Sequence is a sidequest present in most games from The Legend of Zelda series. By trading a long list of items, the player will eventually be rewarded with a useful item such as a better sword, new tools or even numerous Heart Pieces. However, due to their status as sidequests, they are not necessary to complete the game, except in the case of Link's Awakening (but even then, it must only be partially completed).

By tradition, a trading sequence may begin in an inhabited town. As Link tries to help one of the characters in there, he may receive an item that becomes useful for someone else; when Link gives the newer item to the right character, he receives in turn another item that is destined to yet another character; a trade sequence takes form when this process is repeated continuosly, thus resulting into a long string of exchanges that ultimately lead to a powerful item. For natural reasons, the traded items generally have one-time uses, and therefore one-time appearances. There are some exceptions, though, as the items can be obtained again for secondary uses (see below for more details).

Trade Sequences
{| !|Trading Sequence !|Number of Items !|Notes !|Rewards
 * Link's Awakening Trading Sequence
 * 13
 * This trading sequence is unique in that it's partially mandatory to beat the game; however, completing it is still up to the player. It's also the longest trading sequence in the series so far.
 * Magnifying Lens, which can be used to find the Boomerang
 * Mask Trading Sequence
 * 8
 * This trading sequence is unique in that only the half of the involved masks have to (and can) be sold. The other masks are available for free eventually.
 * Mask of Truth, Goron Mask, Zora Mask, Gerudo Mask
 * Ocarina of Time Trading Sequence
 * 10
 * Like the Mask Trading Sequence, this one takes place in Ocarina of Time, making it the only game to have more than one.
 * Biggoron's Sword
 * Majora's Mask Trading Sequence
 * 5
 * This is the only Trading Sequence that can be restarted entirely anytime.
 * 5 Pieces of Heart & 200 Rupees
 * Oracle of Ages Trading Sequence
 * 12
 * This trading sequence is nearly identical to that of Oracle of Seasons, since in both quests the reward is the same, as is the number of items involved.
 * Noble Sword/Master Sword
 * Oracle of Seasons Trading Sequence
 * 12
 * This trading sequence is nearly identical to that of Oracle of Ages, since in both quests the reward is the same, as is the number of items involved.
 * Noble Sword/Master Sword
 * Island Trading Sequence
 * 13
 * The items in the trading sequence respawn, since they're always on sale as soon as Link fulfills the Merchant's Oath with each souvenir traded.
 * 2 Pieces of Heart and Magic Armor
 * Phantom Hourglass Trading Sequence
 * 5
 * The Mermaid Sidequest must be completed before attempting this trading sequence.
 * Swordsman's Scroll, with which Link can learn the Spin Attack
 * 13
 * The items in the trading sequence respawn, since they're always on sale as soon as Link fulfills the Merchant's Oath with each souvenir traded.
 * 2 Pieces of Heart and Magic Armor
 * Phantom Hourglass Trading Sequence
 * 5
 * The Mermaid Sidequest must be completed before attempting this trading sequence.
 * Swordsman's Scroll, with which Link can learn the Spin Attack
 * Swordsman's Scroll, with which Link can learn the Spin Attack