Hidden away in secret grottoes and echoing caverns across Hyrule lie the shimmering sanctuaries of the Great Fairies. These benevolent, powerful beings offer vital aid to the Hero of Time on his quest. Don’t mistake these for the smaller, restorative fairies found fluttering about – the Great Fairies are immense, ethereal figures who bestow game-changing gifts upon those worthy enough to seek them out and awaken them.
Summoning the Power:
Finding a Great Fairy Fountain is only the first step. To call forth the Great Fairy herself, you must stand upon the sacred Triforce symbol within her fountain and play Zelda’s Lullaby on your Ocarina. The familiar, soothing notes will resonate with the magic of the place, summoning the Great Fairy from her slumber in a cascade of light and (often) a cacophony of giggles.
Locations and Rewards:
Each Great Fairy Fountain offers a unique and essential boon. Seeking them all out is crucial for surviving the dangers Hyrule throws your way. Here’s where to find them and what blessings they grant:
Hyrule Castle (Child Link):
Location: At the end of the dead-end road near the Hyrule Castle gates (before you climb the vines). Look for a boulder blocking a small opening.
Access: Blow up the boulder with a Bomb.
Reward: Din’s Fire! Unleash a powerful dome of fire around Link, great for lighting torches and clearing out groups of weaker enemies.
Death Mountain Summit (Child or Adult Link):
Location: Near the entrance to the Death Mountain Crater, to the right before you enter Goron City from the summit. Look for another suspicious boulder blocking a cave.
Access: Use a Bomb or the Megaton Hammer (as Adult Link) to destroy the boulder.
Reward: Magic Meter Upgrade. This Great Fairy doubles the capacity of your Magic Meter, letting you cast more spells and use magic arrows more freely.
Death Mountain Crater (Adult Link):
Location: Inside the fiery Death Mountain Crater. Requires the Goron Tunic. Head across the broken bridge (using the Longshot or Hover Boots) and enter the cave on the left side wall.
Access: Play Zelda’s Lullaby on the Triforce pedestal.
Reward: Enhanced Defense. This blessing halves the amount of damage Link takes from enemy attacks. You’ll know it’s active by the white outline around your heart icons. Invaluable for tough bosses and late-game areas!
Zora’s Domain (Behind King Zora – Child or Adult Link):
Location: Behind Jabu-Jabu’s shrine (or where it used to be) in Zora’s Fountain. Look for a patch of land against the cliff wall.
Access: Requires Bombs. Blast open the entrance hidden in the cliff face.
Reward: Farore’s Wind. One of three powerful magic spells. Farore’s Wind allows you to create a warp point within a dungeon. You can cast it once to set the point, and again later (within the same dungeon) to instantly return to that exact spot. Perfect for navigating complex labyrinths or making a quick exit and return.
Desert Colossus (Adult Link):
Location: Near the entrance to the Spirit Temple. Look for a crack between two palm trees along the rock wall.
Access: Use a Bomb to reveal the hidden cave entrance.
Reward: Nayru’s Love. The second powerful spell. Casting Nayru’s Love envelops Link in a shimmering blue barrier, making him temporarily invincible to damage (though knockback still applies). It consumes magic while active but can be a lifesaver in desperate situations.
Ganon’s Castle Grounds (Adult Link):
Location: Outside the ruins of Ganon’s Castle (where Hyrule Castle once stood). Look for a massive, gray pillar that seems out of place.
How to Access: You need the Golden Gauntlets (found inside Ganon’s Castle) to lift this colossal stone obstruction.
Reward: Double Defense! Damage taken is halved! This is arguably the most powerful upgrade, significantly increasing your survivability, especially during tough boss fights. The visual cue is a white outline around your hearts.
Why Seek Them Out?
Ignoring the Great Fairies means tackling Hyrule’s challenges severely underpowered. The Magic Meter unlocks a whole new dimension of gameplay, the defensive buff drastically increases survivability, and the three spells offer unique strategic advantages for combat and exploration.
So keep your Ocarina ready and listen for the tell-tale magical chime that signals a Great Fairy’s presence nearby. Unlocking their power is key to becoming the true Hero of Time!