For terminology in other regions, see § Nomenclature below.
Features and Overview
Link's Awakening
The Mysterious Forest is a Forest located in the west area of Koholint Island. It is one of the first places Link visits during his adventure to wake the Wind Fish, and is the second area in which he meets the Owl. The Tail Key, which unlocks the entrance to the first Dungeon, Tail Cave, can be found here.
Tarin finding a Toadstool in the Mysterious Forest
As the name implies, the Mysterious Forest is known for being slightly mysterious,[2] possibly referring to the maze-like Looping Path. It has three entrances, the main one, located in the southwest, from Mabe Village. There is another in the northwest from Goponga Swamp, and a final one in northeast from Koholint Prairie. The Forest appears darker than most other areas in the game, suggesting that there is little lighting. This is most likely due to the many Trees in the area. It is implied that Mushrooms and Toadstools grow well in the Mysterious Forest, as Tarin came here looking for Toadstools,[4] and Syrup tells Link that he should look for Mushrooms in the Forest if he ever runs out of Magic Powder.[5] The Forest also contains two small Caves, one of which has two entrances connecting the eastern and northwestern areas. In order to navigate the Forest without being stuck in the Looping Path, Link must obtain the Magic Powder, and in order to fully explore it, he must obtain the Power Bracelet and Hookshot. There are several holes that can be Jumped over with the Roc's Feather, but these only serve as shortcuts and traps.
According to Old Man Ulrira, the Mysterious Forest is home to most of the Moblins that inhabit Koholint Island.[6] It is also home to many Zol, and several Keese can be found inside the cave connecting the eastern and northwestern areas. To the right of the entrance of the Forest is a Treasure Chest containing a Secret Seashell. However, Link cannot reach it initially as it is blocked off by a Rock that requires the Power Bracelet to move. Another Treasure Chest containing the Tail Key can be found in the very north of the Forest.
The Owl greeting Link in the Mysterious Woods
Link first travels to the Mysterious Forest after being instructed to do so by the Owl once he obtains his Sword at Toronbo Shores.[7] On the way, he can speak to Marin, who informs him that Tarin went into the Forest to look for Toadstools.[4] Upon arriving in the Forest, he is greeted by the Owl, who explains that Link may find it difficult to leave the island while the Wind Fish sleeps, and should enter Tail Cave using the Key that can be found in the Woods.[8] Upon Link's initial visit, the area where the Tail Key resides is inaccessible due to the Raccoon, who has cast an enchantement on the Forest, creating the Looping Path, which sends him to another part of the Forest if he tries to proceed without first sprinkling him with Magic Powder.[9] Link can travel through the cave connecting the eastern and northwestern areas of the Forest to find a Toadstool, which can be taken to the Witch who lives in Koholint Prairie, who will use it to make Magic Powder.[10] Link must return to the Mysterious Forest and use the Magic Powder on the Raccoon, which turns out to actually be Tarin, who was transformed after eating an unusual Toadstool.[11]
In the eastern area of the Forest is a tunnel that leads to the northwestern area, outside of which is a sign warning travelers about cracked floors.[12] Within the first room of this tunnel is a Treasure Chest containing 50 Rupees surrounded by several crystalline obstacles that can be shattered with the Sword. The second room only contains two Green Zols, while the third contains a Piece of Heart, although Link can Push the Rocks, it can only be obtained if Link has obtained the Power Bracelet from Bottle Grotto in order to Lift the skulls blocking the way. Just outside the northwestern exit of this tunnel, a Toadstool can be found, which can be taken to the Witch, who can use it to make Magic Powder.[10]
The Faerie Spring within the Mysterious Forest
In the very north of the Forest is another Cave that contains a large chasm. This can be traversed using the Hookshot, and leads Link to a Treasure Chest containing 50 Rupees. In the far east of the Forest is a Faerie Spring which is home to the first Great Fairy that Link can encounter in the game. Finally, one screen to the left of the Faerie Spring is a hidden staircase beneath a rock that requires the Power Bracelet to move. This leads to a cavern containing the Li'l Devil, who allows Link to carry more Magic Powder.[13]
In the west end of the Cave accessed through either the west or east of the Mysterious Forest, behind several Pushable Rocks and Skulls Requires the Power Bracelet
In the west end of the Cave accessed through either the west or east of the Mysterious Forest, behind several Pushable Rocks and Skulls Requires the Power Bracelet
The following section is not part of the Zelda canon and should not be taken as such.
Link in the Mysterious Forest
In the Link's Awakening manga by Ataru Cagiva, after Link recovers his Sword, the Owl appears and comments that he will be waiting for him in the Mysterious Forest. While on his way, Marin appears and tells Link that Tarin has not returned from the Forest. After arriving, Link finds that Tarin is been attacked by a Boarblin. After attacking it with a kick, the defeated Boarblin falls on a box, crushing it. Inside, they find the Tail Key. The Owl then appears, telling Link to use it to open Tail Cave.
Nomenclature
The Japanese name for the Mysterious Forest, ふしぎのもり (Fushigi no Mori), is phonetically identical to the Japanese name for the Woods of Mystery from Majora's Mask, 不思議の森 (Fushigi no Mori).
Names in Other Regions
Language
Names
Meanings
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
↑Good job! Use it on your enemies and see what happens. If you run out, go to the forest, pick some mushrooms, and I will make you more. — Syrup (Link's Awakening DX)
↑"BRRING! BRRING! Hello, this is Ulrira! Well, most moblins live in the Mysterious Forest, but some live in the caves of Tal Tal Heights. I hope that is what you wanted to know! CLICK!" — Grandpa Ulrira (Link's Awakening for Nintendo Switch)
↑Hoot!Hoot! So you are the lad who owns the sword... Now I understand why the monsters are starting to act so violently... A courageous lad has come to wake the Wind Fish... It is said that you cannot leave the island unless you wake the Wind Fish... You should now go north, to the Mysterious Forest. I will wait for you there! Hoot! — Owl (Link's Awakening DX)
↑Hoot! Ho, brave lad, on your quest to wake the dreamer! Welcome to the Mysterious Forest! Much of mystery you will find on this uncharted Koholint island! I'm afraid you may find it a trifle difficult to leave the island while the Wind Fish naps. ...By the by, have you ever visited the Tail Cave, which is south of the village? Go there with the key you find in this forest... The Wind Fish is watching... Hoot! — Owl (Link's Awakening for Nintendo Switch)
↑ 10.010.1Ahhh... It has the sleepy toadstool, it does! We'll mix it up something in a jiffy, we will! It's all ready, it is! Take care, as there's not much there! Why not try a bit in my hut? — Syrup (Link's Awakening for Nintendo Switch)
↑The last thing I kin remember was bitin' into a big, juicy toadstool... Then, I had the darndest dream... I was a raccoon! Yeah, sounds strange, but it sure was fun! — Tarin (Link's Awakening for Nintendo Switch)
![Gel[a]](/wiki/File:LANS_Gel_Model.png)
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