Level 9: Death Mountain is the final and most challenging dungeon in the game, leading to the confrontation with the ultimate antagonist, Ganon. The dungeon features a complex layout with multiple paths, and obtaining the Silver Arrow within is crucial for victory.
Getting to the Dungeon
From the start screen, go right one screen, up five screens, left one screen, up two screens, and left two screens. Bomb the rock on the left to reveal the entrance to Death Mountain. It is highly recommended to have a full Red Potion before entering this perilous dungeon.
Path 1: With the Magical Key
If you acquired the Magical Key in Level 8, the path through Death Mountain is somewhat streamlined. Head up one screen from the entrance. Since you possess the complete Triforce of Wisdom, the Old Man in this room will allow you to pass. Go left one screen. Bomb the north wall and go through. You will encounter a Lanmola, a giant worm-like enemy. You can either defeat it or simply push the left block and go down the stairs. Navigate through the underground tunnel. Defeat the Like-Likes in the next room and use the Magical Key (or a regular key if you haven’t found the Magical Key) on the right door. In the following room, you can either avoid the enemies or bomb the south wall to obtain the Compass.
Otherwise, go right one screen. Go down and bomb the south wall. Defeat all the Wizzrobes in this room to get the Compass (if you didn’t get it earlier). Go back up two screens and through the right door. Avoid the Patra, a multi-winged bat-like enemy, and go down one screen. Defeat all the Gels in this room and bomb the right wall. You will encounter a second Patra here. Defeating it will grant you the Dungeon Map (optional). Bomb the north wall. Run to the north wall in the next room and bomb it. Defeat all the Wizzrobes, push the left block, and go down the steps. In the underground passage, grab the Red Ring.
This powerful item significantly reduces the damage Link takes. Go back up and then down two screens to the Patra room. Backtrack left and up to the first Patra room you encountered. Go through the locked north door (using the Magical Key). Bomb the left wall. Defeat the Wizzrobes, push the left block, and go down the stairs. Proceed through the underground passage. Defeat or ignore the Zols and go left through the locked door (again, using the Magical Key). Defeat the Keese in the next room (optional) and go left one screen. Defeat the Patra and push the left block to reveal the stairs.
Go down. Navigate through the underground passage. Avoid the enemies in the next room and bomb the north wall. Defeat all the Wizzrobes, push the middle right block, and go down the stairs. In this underground passage, pick up the Silver Arrow. This is the only weapon capable of defeating Ganon. Go back up one screen. Defeat the Wizzrobes to reach the stairs and go through the tunnel back to the Patra room. Go up one screen.
Defeat or avoid the Like-Likes and go up one screen. Avoid the Like-Likes and Blade Traps in the next room and go up one screen. Bomb the left wall. Defeat all the Wizzrobes, push the left block. Wait for the Blade Trap to move and quickly run to the revealed staircase. Go down. Navigate through the underground passage. Avoid the enemies and bomb the left wall. Defeat all the enemies in the next room and push the left block to reach the staircase. Go down. Proceed through the underground passage. Finally, defeat the last Patra you encounter and go through the opened door.
Path 2: Without the Magical Key
If you do not have the Magical Key, the path through Death Mountain involves more key hunting and detours. The initial steps to the Old Man are the same. After passing him, go up one screen instead of left. Defeat all the enemies in this room to obtain a key. Bomb the left wall and proceed as in the “With Magical Key” path, using the keys you find along the way to open locked doors. This path involves additional rooms and enemy encounters to acquire the necessary keys.
10.4 Prince Darkness, Ganon
Upon entering the final chamber, the room will darken. Ganon, the Prince of Darkness, will appear and begin shooting fireballs. To defeat him, you must first hit him four times with your sword until he turns brown. Once he changes color, quickly use the Silver Arrow to strike him. This will defeat Ganon and allow you to obtain the Triforce of Power.
10.5 Ending
After defeating Ganon, slash at the fire in the room and approach Princess Zelda to witness the game’s ending.
Death Mountain is a culmination of all the challenges and skills learned throughout the game. It requires careful navigation, strategic use of items, and precise timing to defeat the final boss and rescue Princess Zelda. The existence of two paths through the dungeon emphasizes the value of the Magical Key obtained in Level 8.
Conclusion
The journey through Hyrule, from the initial acquisition of basic tools to the perilous ascent of Death Mountain and the final confrontation with Ganon, is a testament to the enduring appeal of The Legend of Zelda on NES. The game’s intricate overworld, challenging dungeons, memorable characters, and satisfying sense of progression have cemented its status as a true classic. Defeating Ganon and rescuing Princess Zelda marks the triumphant conclusion of this epic adventure. For players seeking an even greater challenge, the game offers a “Second Quest,” unlocked after the first completion, which features remixed dungeons and a new overworld layout, providing countless more hours of exploration and adventure.