Dungeon

Template:Location Dungeons appear in every single Zelda game in one form or another. Usually going through a dungeon follows a specific pattern: obtain a Map, Compass, and a Boss Key/Big Key in that order, obtaining small keys and a main dungeon item(s) along the way, then defeat a boss using said item, completing the said dungeon. Completing dungeons require puzzle solving and combat. The following is an outline of what dungeons are like in different games.

The Legend of Zelda

The Legend of Zelda had 9 dungeons in total. All of the dungeons had a lot of rectangle shaped rooms usually filled with enemies, and they all had a compass, a map, and one or more items. They each had a boss, although some of the bosses were recycled.

Level 1: The Eagle

Main article: Level 1: The Eagle

Level 2: The Moon

Main article: Level 2: The Moon

Level 3: The Manji

Main article: Level 3: The Manji

Level 4: The Snake

Main article: Level 4: The Snake

Level 5: The Lizard

Main article: Level 5: The Lizard

Level 6: The Dragon

Main article: Level 6: The Dragon

Level 7: The Demon

Main article: Level 7: The Demon

Level 8: The Lion

Main article: Level 8: The Lion

Level 9: Death Mountain

Main article: Level 9: Death Mountain

Zelda II: The Adventure of Link

In The Adventure of Link the entirety of the dungeons were side-scrollers. Unlike the Legend of Zelda, this game's small key's were specific to each dungeon. There were no compasses or maps and bosses were rarely recycled. These dungeons also had no Big Keys/Boss Keys. There were a very small amount of mini-bosses in this game. Seven dungeons were in The Adventure of Link.

Parapa Palace

Main article: Parapa Palace

Midoro Palace

Main article: Midoro Palace

Island Palace

Main article: Island Palace

Maze Palace

Main article: Maze Palace

Ocean Palace

Main article: Ocean Palace

Hidden Palace

Main article: Hidden Palace

Great Palace

Main article: Great Palace

A Link to the Past

At this time dungeons started to be more linear. In A Link to the Past each dungeon had a specific item which would be used to defeat the boss and get to the next dungeon. Each dungeon also had a Map, Compass, and a Big Key. All keys were specific to each dungeon. There were no side-scrolling segments at all. There were fourteen(?) dungeons in A Link to the Past.

Hyrule Castle

Main article: Hyrule Castle (A Link to the Past)

Eastern Palace

Main article: Eastern Palace

Desert Palace

Main article: Desert Palace

Tower of Hera

Main article: Tower of Hera

Dark Palace

Main article: Dark Palace

Swamp Palace

Main article: Swamp Palace

Skull Woods

Main article: Skull Woods

Gargoyle's Domain

Main article: Gargoyle's Domain

Ice Palace

Main article: Ice Palace

Misery Mire

Main article: Misery Mire

Turtle Rock

Main article: Turtle Rock (A Link to the Past)

Ganon's Tower

Main article: Ganon's Tower (A Link to the Past)

Link's Awakening

Link's Awakening brought back some side-scrolling to get to different parts of a dungeon, but most gameplay was still played with an overhead view. The Map, Compass and Big Key were back (called a Nightmare's Key in Link's Awakening); the compass had an added feature of beeping whenever a key was in a room Link entered. All keys were specific to their dungeon. Mini-bosses were present, also the bosses (Nightmares) and the mini-bosses were given more personality in this game. In Link's Awakening, there were eight main dungeons

Tail Cave

Main article: Tail Cave

Bottle Grotto

Main article: Bottle Grotto

Key Cavern

Main article: Key Cavern

Angler's Tunnel

Main article: Angler's Tunnel

Catfish's Maw

Main article: Catfish's Maw

Face Shrine

Main article: Face Shrine

Eagle's Tower

Main article: Eagle's Tower

Turtle Rock

Main article: Turtle Rock (Link's Awakening)

Wind Fish's Egg

Main article: Wind Fish's Egg

Color Dungeon

Main article: Color Dungeon

Ocarina of Time

As Zelda switched to a 3D perspective of course dungeons shifted to 3D perspective. Ocarina of Time's dungeons are varied and feature very unique puzzles. The Map, Compass, and Boss Key were included, and also an item that was usually required to defeat the boss. Again, keys were specific to each dungeon. There were nine(?) dungeons in Ocarina of Time.

Inside the Deku Tree

Main article: Inside the Deku Tree

Inside the Deku Tree is the first dungeon in Ocarina of Time. Being the first dungeon, it is obviously very simple and quick. It is entered after the Great Deku Tree told Link about Ganondorf. Link enters as a test to prove he is worthy of being a hero. The boss is Queen Gohma and defeating her rewards Link with a Heart Container. Upon defeating her, The Deku Tree rewards Link with Kokiri's Emerald.

Dodongo's Cavern

Main article: Dodongo's Cavern

Dodongo's Cavern is the second dungeon in Ocarina of Time. It is more difficult and a bit longer than Inside the Deku Tree, but can still be considered a training dungeon. It is entered after Darunia gives Link the Goron's Bracelet. Link enters to prove to Darunia that he can save them from the Dodongos inhabiting it. The boss is King Dodongo and defeating him rewards Link with another Heart Container. Upon defeating him, Darunia rewards Link with the Goron's Ruby.

Inside Jabu-Jabu's Belly

Main article: Inside Jabu-Jabu's Belly

Inside Jabu-Jabu's Belly is the third dungeon in Ocarina of Time. It is the first dungeon in the game that is somewhat of a challenge, and is the also the first to feature a Mini-Boss (Big Octo). It is entered after King Zora reads the letter from Ruto explaining that she had been swallowed by Lord Jabu-Jabu. Link enters to save Ruto from what could be a terrible fate. The boss is Barinade and as always, defeating him/her grants Link a Heart Container. Upon defeating the boss, Ruto will give link Zora's Sapphire as an engagement ring since he saved her.

Forest Temple

Main article: Forest Temple (Ocarina of Time)

The Forest Temple is the first temple in Ocarina of Time, as while as the fourth dungeon overall, and first entered in the future. Being a temple rather than the three previous mini dungeons, it is rather long and difficult. It is entered after Sheik teaches him the Minuet of Forest in the Lost Woods. Link entered it because he heard Saria had gone inside. The boss is Phantom Ganon, the ghost created by Ganondorf himself, and defeating him will, as usual, grant Link a Heart Container. Upon defeating him, Saria will meet Link in the Chamber of the Sages, revealing that she is the Sage of Forest, and give him the Forest Medallion.

Fire Temple

Main article: Fire Temple (Ocarina of Time)

The Fire Temple is the second of the Adult dungeons, and fifth dungeon overall. Unlike the Forest Temple, the Fire Temple has a miniboss: Flare Dancer. It is entered after Link learns about Volvagia and the missing Gorons, and after Sheik teaches him the Bolero of Fire within Death Mountain Crater. Link enters to save Darunia and the rest of the Gorons from the dragon, who is also the boss of the dungeon. As always, killing him grants Link a Heart Container. Upon killing Volvagia, Link will meet Darunia (who is the sage of fire) to recieve the Fire Medallion.

Water Temple

Main article: Water Temple

The infamous Water Temple is the third adult dungeon, and also the sixth overall. This temple is widely regarded as the hardest dungeon in the game, do to it's immense size, and the need to change the water level so often. It is entered after completing the mini-dungeon The Ice Cavern and getting the Iron Boots. Link enters it in order to defeat Morpha and save the Zoras who are frozen under ice. This dungeon also features one of the most memorable mini-boss battles in Zelda history: Dark Link. Morpha is the boss, defeating whom grants you another Heart Container. Upon defeating him/her, Ruto will emerge as the Sage of Water, and give Link the Water Medallion.

Shadow Temple

Main article: Shadow Temple

The Shadow Temple is the fourth adult dungeon, and the seventh overall. It is highly regarded as the creepiest dungeon in Zelda history due to all the references to the living dead (ie: All the ReDeads, Stalfos, and even the miniboss Dead Hand). It is entered after finding the Lens of Truth from the Bottom of the Well. After completing the Water Temple, Link returns to Kakariko Village to find that it is in flames, and Sheik is suspiciously standing in front of the well. Bongo Bongo will be released, and will travel to the Shadow Temple, where Impa had gone to try to seal it again. Link enters it to save Impa and the rest of the villagers from Bongo Bongo. Upon defeating it and getting a Heart Container, Impa will give Link the Shadow Medallion.

Spirit Temple

Main article: Spirit Temple

The Spirit Temple is the fifth adult dungeon, and the eighth overall. It is quite unique in the way that in order to explore it completely, Link must return in the past. When he does, he will find Nabooru, who will tell him to find the Silver Gauntlets. Upon finding them, he will see her being attacked by Twinrova, Ganondorf's surrogate mothers. After returning in the future, Link will find the Mirror Shield and use it to defeat Twinrova. Upon doing so, Nabooru will awaken as the Sage of Spirit and give Link the Spirit Medallion.

Ganon's Castle

Main article: Ganon's Castle

What was originally the peaceful Hyrule Castle has been attacked by Ganondorf and turned into Ganon's Castle, the ninth and final dungeon in the game. After the six sages created a rainbow bridge Link can enter this rather frightening looking castle. Inside, there are six barriers that must be destroyed by the Sages, each corresponding to that sage's element (Ex. Shadow, Fire, Light). Once all this is done, Link can climb the long, winding staircase to Ganondorf's lair where Zelda is being held captive. With all three parts of the Triforce in the same room, they can be united, which is what Link fights Ganondorf for. After winning, Ganondorf will use the last of his power to collapse the castle, at which time Link and Zelda must try to escape. Upon doing so, Ganondorf will use the power of the Triforce of Power

Majora's Mask

[Insert Information]

Oracle of Ages

[Insert Information]

Oracle of Seasons

[Insert Information]

Four Swords

[Insert Information]

The Wind Waker

[Insert Information]

Four Swords Adventures

[Insert Information]

The Minish Cap

[Insert Information]

Twilight Princess

[Insert Information]

Phantom Hourglass

[Insert Information]

Spirit Tracks

[Insert Information]

Skyward Sword

[Insert Information]