From Kakariko Village, head to the northern end and pass through the gate to enter the perilous Death Mountain Trail. This winding path will lead you upwards towards Goron City, the home of the Goron tribe. As you ascend the trail, you’ll encounter Red Tektites, small, red, spider-like creatures that jump aggressively. Keep them targeted and attack with your sword when they leap towards you. Follow the trail as it snakes its way up the mountainside.
Ascend Death Mountain Trail until you reach the entrance to Goron City. This city carved within the mountain is home to the Goron tribe. To progress, your immediate goal is to reach the Goron leader, Darunia, who resides on the bottom level of the city. The city is structured in tiers, so you can simply drop down to the lowest level to reach him quickly. You’ll find a large, closed door with a sign indicating it leads to the leader.
A nearby Goron will offer a clue on how to open it: stand on the carpet in front of the door and play Zelda’s Lullaby. This melody, known only to those connected to the Royal Family, will prompt Darunia to open the door.
Upon entering, you’ll find Darunia in a rather foul mood due to a shortage of rocks, their primary food source, caused by the blocked entrance to Dodongo’s Cavern. To cheer him up, take out your Ocarina and play Saria’s Song. This will lift his spirits, and he’ll start dancing enthusiastically. In return for your musical talent, Darunia will grant you the Goron’s Bracelet. This powerful item will allow you to lift Bomb Flowers, which is essential for your next objective. He’ll also task you with defeating the monsters within Dodongo’s Cavern to restore their food supply.
Acquiring Saria’s Song (if not already obtained): If you haven’t learned Saria’s Song yet, you can access the Lost Woods directly from Goron City. On the city’s second level, find the passage blocked by boulders. Use a lit Deku Stick from a nearby torch to light the Bomb Flowers adjacent to the boulders, clearing the path. Proceed through the tunnel to enter the Lost Woods.
Once in the Lost Woods, follow the path: right, left, right, left, center left to reach the Sacred Forest Meadow. After navigating the maze and defeating the Wolfos, meet Saria to learn Saria’s Song. Return to Goron City through the same shortcut and play Saria’s Song for Darunia to receive the Goron’s Bracelet.
With the Goron Bracelet in hand, it’s time to head towards Dodongo’s Cavern. Leave Goron City through the top exit, the same way you entered. Instead of heading back down the Death Mountain Trail, turn right from the entrance of Goron City. You’ll find a small overhang with a lone Goron standing next to a Bomb Flower. You can speak with him, but he doesn’t have anything particularly important to say. Pick up the Bomb Flower using the Goron Bracelet.
Now, aim straight ahead and toss the Bomb Flower over the ledge towards the large boulder situated below. If your throw is accurate, the explosion will shatter the boulder, finally revealing the entrance to Dodongo’s Cavern. It’s somewhat ironic that the Gorons, despite their immense strength, rely on a young Hylian boy and a Bomb Flower to clear this obstacle.
