Food
The Bait is an obtainable item in the original Legend of Zelda. It can be bought at shops around Hyrule, and the price will vary between 60 Rupees and 100 Rupees. All of the shops that sell Bait are run by the Merchant.
Uses
The Bait has two uses, and only one is required to complete the game.
Goriya
The Bait's main use is to feed a hungry Goriya that will not move to let Link through in the seventh dungeon in The Legend of Zelda. He simply stands there and grumbles at Link.[1] By feeding the Goriya the Bait, it will get out of Link's way, allowing him to continue further into the Dungeon.
Distracting Enemies
Link can use the Bait to distract enemies. By placing it down on a screen full of enemies, they will all be interested by the Bait, and immediately forget about Link and go to the Bait. Link can then use this opportunity to either run away to the next screen, or use it as an easy chance to kill all the enemies. The choice is up to the player.