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
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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.[1]
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.
A Link Between Worlds
In A Link Between Worlds, the hammer can be rented in Ravio's Shop and is the main tool for the Tower of Hera. It is useful in pounding the "laughing" platforms into the ground, in which if Link stands on it for long enough, the platform will spring back up and lift him into midair for a short time. The big ones take him to the next floor, which makes the hammer invaluable to progressing through the dungeon. If Link buys the hammer, he can upgrade it to the "Nice Hammer", which does more damage to enemies or even send a shock wave to stun them.
Magic Hammer
The Magic Hammer of A Link to the Past debuts hammers as a weapon. Despite their name, these hammers do not require magic power to use them.
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. Against most foes, it has the advantage of high damage, dealing as much damage as the Tempered Sword, but its reach is much shorter than that of the swords. Freezing enemies with the Ice Rod and then breaking them with this hammer instantly kills them and often yields a Magic Jar.
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 as much damage as the Master Sword, but 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.[2]
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.[3] 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.
Non-canon Appearances
Soulcalibur II
The Megaton Hammer from Ocarina of Time is one of Link's weapons in Soulcalibur II. Paired off with the Hylian Shield, the Megaton Hammer can be bought either in the Altair Shop or the Benetnasch Shop for 1200 Gold while playing the Weapon Master Mode. The Megaton Hammer has a short reach; however, this is countered with the fact that Link's offense increases to 135%.[4]
| Image | Cost | Attributes | In-game Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Megaton Hammer (SCII).png | An extremely heavy hammer. Learning to use it effectively could take some time, as its reach is somewhat short for a weapon. Its power and toughness, however, far exceed that of any normal sword. It's guaranteed to inspire awe. |
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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 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 word "megaton" was originally created to describe the explosive power, in tons of TNT, of a hydrogen bomb. The word is used here to refer to the hammer's immense power.
- The Skull Hammer in The Wind Waker was originally supposed to also be called simply a "hammer" since the skull-like appearance had not been added yet.[5] Its name was probably changed to later match its appearance.
- The Hammer in Phantom Hourglass cannot be used on stairs, likely due to the fact that the elevation is uneven.
Gallery
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Artwork of the Skull Hammer from The Wind Waker
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Artwork of a Hammer from A Link Between Worlds
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Ravio demonstrating the Hammer's use in A Link Between Worlds
References
- ↑ "It can break rocks and cut down trees on the landscape map." (Adventure of Link manual, pg. 46)
- ↑ "A long time ago there was an evil dragon named Volvagia living in this mountain. That dragon was very scary! He ate Gorons! Using a huge hammer, the hero of the Gorons... BOOOM! Destroyed it just like that. This is a myth from long ago, but it's true! I know, because my dad is a descendant of the hero!" — Link (Goron) (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ "I will go on ahead to try to seal up the evil dragon... I'm concerned, though, because I don't have the legendary hammer... But I have no choice." — Darunia (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ "Good offense, strong single strikes, but a short reach." — Sword description (Soulcalibur II)
- ↑ Zelda Chaos - The Wind Waker Beta Screenshots; retrieved Dec. 31, 2010
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InventoryBag ItemsQuest Status                                      |
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 Names in Other Regions 
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| Language | Name | Meaning | |
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EnglishUK | Magic Hammer Megaton Hammer Skull Hammer | |
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Japanese | Template:Japanese Template:Japanese |
Hammer Megaton Hammer |
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French | Marteau Magique Masse des Titans Masse |
Magic Hammer Sledgehammer of the Titans Sledgehammer |
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FrenchCA | Masse des titans  Marteau
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Sledgehammer of the titans Hammer |
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German | Hammer, Stahlhammer | |
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Italian | Martello Magico | Magic Hammer |
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Spanish | Martillo mágico Martillo |
Magic Hammer Hammer |
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SpanishLA | Martillo Megatón
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Megaton Hammer |