Rod of Seasons

In Oracle of Seasons, the Rod of Seasons is a magical tool that is kept in the Temple of Seasons. After an unfortunate series of events, the Season Spirits in the Temple of Seasons give the rod to Link.

If the holder of this rod stands on a tree stump then swinging it will cause the seasons to change. To change the seasons, however, each Season Spirit must be visited to obtain each of the Season Powers. The Power of Winter is the first Season Power obtained, and allows the carrier, Link, to change the seasons to Winter. The Power of Summer is second, the Power of Spring is third, and the Power of Autumn is last.

These powers most likely come in the form of gems that appear on top of the rod, as Link's official artwork from this game shows him weilding the Rod with all the gems except the Autumn one.

Seasons
Oracle of Seasons incorporated all four seasons as a gameplay mechanic. Din, the actual Oracle of Seasons had been kidnapped by Onox, thus throwing the seasons into chaos. The Rod of Seasons can be used to control the seasons after being empowered by each of the four Season Spirits from the Temple of Seasons.

In Spring, three things happen:
 * Some ponds, lakes, and rivers flood from melting ice, raising the water level and covering brambles and other barriers, and allowing some waterways to be navigable without the flippers.
 * Flowers that were rock hard during the other seasons bloom in spring. Regular flowers can now be chopped down.
 * In some places, Baba Bud-like flowers bloom. These can be used to rocket Link into the air, granting him access to high ledges.

In Summer, two things happen:
 * Some ponds, lakes, and rivers dry up, allowing Link to explore the riverbed.
 * Vines grow in vertical crevices in walls. Link can climb these to access higher places.

In Autumn, two things happen:
 * Mushrooms that were rock hard during the other seasons are now ripe for picking when equipped with the Power Bracelet.
 * Leaves fall and cover holes in the ground. Link can walk over leaf-covered holes, but if he stands on one too long he will fall through.

In Winter, three things happen:
 * Some trees lose their leaves and become thinner, allowing Link to pass under them.
 * Some ponds, lakes, and rivers freeze over, allowing Link to walk over them.
 * Snowdrifts pile up in some places. They can act as a bridge between two places, or as a barrier, preventing Link from continuing.