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{{Character
{{Noncanon}}
 
  +
|name = Old Man
[[File:FoE Item Screen.png|thumb|''Link: The Faces of Evil'' item screen|250px]]
 
  +
|image = [[File:Old_Man.png|200px]]
The following are weapons and items that appear in {{FoE}}.
 
  +
|title = Old Man
  +
|race = [[Hylian]]
  +
|gender = Male
  +
|game = {{TLoZ}}<br>{{TAoL}}<br>{{OoA}}<br>{{OoS}}<br>{{FSA}}
  +
|other = ''[[The Shadow Prince]]''<br>[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (Comic)|''A Link to the Past'' comic]]
  +
|era = [[Zelda Timeline#The Era of Light and Dark|Era of Light and Dark]]<br>[[Zelda Timeline#The Era of Decline|Era of Decline]]<br>[[Zelda Timeline#The Era of Shadow|Era of Shadow]]|family = Daughter <small>({{Exp|in The Adventure of Link|Old Man from Rauru}})</small><br>Niece <small>({{Exp|in The Adventure of Link|Old Man from Ruto}})</small>
 
}}
  +
'''Old Man''' is a title given to several characters serving different functions throughout the {{series|The Legend of Zelda|''Zelda'' series}}.
   
  +
==Appearances==
{{OTOC}}
 
  +
===''The Legend of Zelda''===
 
[[File:OldManSprite.png|left]]
  +
In {{TLoZ}}, there are several Old Men across [[Hyrule]], each serving various needs, such as supplying [[Link]] with his first [[Sword]],<ref>{{Cite|IT'S DANGEROUS TO GO ALONE! TAKE THIS|Old Man|TLoZ}}</ref> or giving helpful advice regarding enemies such as the [[Dodongo]].<ref>{{Cite|DODONGO DISLIKES SMOKE|Old Man|TLoZ}}</ref> Many helpful items can be obtained from these old men, and a mini-game can be played with them called the [[Gambling|Money Making Game]].<ref>{{Cite|LET'S PLAY MONEY MAKING GAME|Old Man|TLoZ}}</ref> If he is found in dungeons and is stabbed, the [[Torch]]es around him will fire energy blasts at Link, similar to those of a [[Stone Statue]].
   
  +
Link can receive a [[Letter]] from the old man in a northeast cave of Hyrule.<ref>{{Cite|SHOW THIS TO THE OLD WOMAN|Old Man|TLoZ}}</ref> When Link shows the Letter to various [[Old Woman|Old Women]], they will sell him [[Potion#Water of Life|Life Potion]]s and [[Potion#Water of Life|2nd Potion]]s.<ref>{{Cite|BUY MEDICINE BEFORE YOU GO|Old Woman|TLoZ}}</ref>
==Inventory Items==
 
===Bell===
 
{{Main|Bell}}
 
[[File:Bell Icon CD-i.png|left]]
 
Received after defeating [[Goronu]]. Stops all flying enemies for a short period of time (about 8 seconds). Costs 5 [[Rupee|Rubies]] to use.
 
{{clear}}
 
{{Names
 
|en= Bell
 
|de= Glocke
 
|nl= Bel
 
}}
 
===Bombs===
 
{{Main|Bomb}}
 
[[File:Bomb Icon CD-i.png|left]]
 
Explosive weapon, used to kill enemies and destroy [[boulder]]s. They explode in all directions. Purchased at [[Morshu]]'s shop at 20 Rubies for 3. [[Link]] can carry up to 99 of them.
 
{{clear}}
 
{{Names
 
|en= Bombs
 
|fr= Bombe
 
|nl= Bomme
 
}}
 
===Book of Koridai===
 
[[File:Book of Koridai Icon CD-i.png|left]]
 
Projectile weapon that defeats [[Ganon]] instantly. It is found within the [[Shrine of Koridai]] after defeating [[Glutko]].
 
{{clear}}
 
   
  +
{{Hide
===Canteen===
 
  +
|header= Old Man's Advice
[[File:Canteen Icon CD-i.png||left]]
 
  +
|content=
[[File:Canteen (Empty) Icon CD-i.png|right]]
 
  +
<center>
Given by [[Characters in Link: The Faces of Evil#Hamsha|Hamsha]]. It is used to carry [[Water of Life]], the only healing item in the game. It will recover Link's [[Heart]]s. Once it is used, it becomes empty. The canteen can be filled back by [[Fairy|Fairies]] or the [[Characters in Link: The Faces of Evil#Frozen Woman|Frozen Woman]].
 
 
====Swords====
  +
The Old Man gives Link the [[Swords of The Legend of Zelda|three Swords]] available in the game, the [[Wooden Sword]], [[White Sword]], and the [[Magical Sword]].
   
  +
<gallery widths=256px heights="176px">
===Firestones===
 
[[File:Firestone Icon CD-i.png|left]]
+
File:TLoZ Wooden Sword Old Man.png|[[Wooden Sword]]
  +
File:TLoZ White Sword Old Man.png|[[White Sword]]
Ranged weapon, used to instantly kill ice based enemies or attack other enemies. Ppreads into 3 flames when thrown. Link can hold up to 99 of them.
 
  +
File:TLoZ Magical Sword Old Man.png|[[Magical Sword]]
{{clear}}
 
  +
</gallery>
   
===Lantern===
+
====Dungeon Quotes====
  +
These quotes are spoken when Link meets the Old Man in [[Dungeons in The Legend of Zelda|a Dungeon]].
{{Main|Lantern}}
 
[[File:Lantern Icon CD-i.png|left]]
 
Received from the old man inside [[Toyku Lighthouse]]. Used to light dark areas, but needs [[Lantern]] Oil in order to be lit.
 
{{clear}}
 
   
  +
<gallery widths=256px heights="176px">
===Lantern of Vision===
 
[[File:Lantern of Vision Icon CD-i.png|left]]
+
File:TLoZ Old Man Dungeon Quote 1.png|[[Eagle (Dungeon)|Eagle]]
  +
File:TLoZ Old Man Dungeon Quote 2.png|[[Moon (Dungeon)|Moon]]
Improved version of the Magic Lantern that has the ability to see invisible foes. It does not use any Lantern Oil.
 
  +
File:TLoZ Old Man Dungeon Quote 3.png|[[Manji]]
{{clear}}
 
  +
File:TLoZ Old Man Dungeon Quote 4.png|[[Snake (Dungeon)|Snake]]
  +
File:TLoZ Old Man Dungeon Quote 5.png|[[Lizard]] labyrinth
  +
File:TLoZ Old Man Dungeon Quote 6.png|[[Dragon (Dungeon)|Dragon]]
  +
File:Old Man Dungeon Quote 7.png|[[Demon (Dungeon)|Demon]]
  +
File:Old Man Dungeon Quote 8.png|[[Lion (Dungeon)|Lion]]
  +
</gallery>
   
===Magic Lantern===
+
====Overworld Quotes====
  +
Quotes spoken in random places such as caves around [[Hyrule]].
[[File:Magic Lantern Icon CD-i.png|left]]
 
Improved version of the Lantern that stays lit longer, reducing the need for Lantern Oil. Obtained from the [[Characters in Link: The Faces of Evil#Astronomer|Astronomer]] in the room after [[Harlequin]], once Link gives him the [[#Ice Crystal|Ice Crystal]].
 
{{clear}}
 
   
  +
<gallery widths=256px heights="176px">
===Power Glove===
 
  +
File:Old Man Misc. Quote 1.png
{{Main|Power Glove}}
 
[[File:Power Glove Icon CD-i.png|left]]
+
File:Old Man Misc. Quote 2.png
  +
File:Old Man Misc. Quote 3.png
Allows Link to destroy enemies and boulders that would normally require multiple Bombs. Costs 10 Rubies to use.
 
  +
File:Old Man Misc. Quote 4.png
{{clear}}
 
  +
File:Old Man Misc. Quote 5.png
  +
File:Old Man Misc. Quote 6.png
  +
</gallery>
  +
</center>
 
}}
   
  +
===''The Adventure of Link''===
===Rope===
 
  +
[[File:Old Man (The Adventure of Link).gif‎|left|30px]]
{{Main|Rope (Object)}}
 
  +
In {{TAoL}}, also known as '''Wise Man''', one Old Man resides in each town.<ref name=WiseOldMan>{{Cite|EACH TOWN HAS A WISE MAN. LEARN FROM HIM.|Old Man's Daughter in Rauru|TAoL}}</ref> They teach Link useful [[Magic of The Adventure of Link|Magic]] once he has achieved the necessary prerequisites.<ref>{{Cite|IN PARAPA DESERT USE THIS MAGIC TO SURVIVE|Old Man in Rauru|TAoL}}</ref> These magical abilities are usually required for access to the next area that Link must travel to.
[[File:Rope Icon CD-i.png|left]]
 
Used to climb to higher ledges. Purchased at Morshu's shop at 10 Rubies for 3. Disappears after use. Link can carry up to 99 of them.
 
 
{{clear}}
 
{{clear}}
  +
[[File:TriforceKeeper.gif|left|30px]]In the [[Great Palace]], a dwarven Old Man keeps the [[Triforce#Triforce of Courage|Triforce of Courage]]. When Link enters the chamber of the Triforce, the Old Man stands atop a pillar and summons [[Dark Link|Shadow Link]] out of Link's body. When Link defeats his dark counterpart, the dwarven Old Man hands him the Triforce of Courage.
 
===Snowballs===
 
[[File:Snowball Icon CD-i.png|left]]
 
Ranged weapon, used to instantly kill fire based enemies. Link can hold up to 99 of them.
 
 
{{clear}}
 
{{clear}}
   
===Water of Life===
+
===''Oracle of Seasons''===
 
[[File:Old Man OOX.png|left]]
{{Main|Water of Life}}
 
  +
[[File:Golden Old Man.png|right|The gold-robed Old Man in ''Oracle of Seasons'']]
[[File:Water of Life CD-i.gif|left]]
 
  +
In {{OoS}}, Old Men appear in caves that Link finds using by using the [[Shovel]] or burning trees using [[Mystical Seeds#Ember Seeds|Ember Seed]]s. Some bribe Link not to tell anybody about their secret caves by giving him a large sum of approximately 300 [[Rupee]]s. Others will thank Link, and charge him a large sum of money in order to repair their doors.
Used to restore all of Link's Hearts.
 
   
  +
There are three special Old Men in Holodrum who differ from the rest. The first (and only required one) lives in a house in [[Holodrum Plain]], accessible after getting the [[Flippers]]. At first, the Old Man will only mutter to himself about someone he is waiting for.<ref>{{Cite|Soil, time, sun, rain, warmth... I await one who knows many essences...|Old Man|OoS}}</ref> After getting the first five [[Essences of Nature]], Link must visit and speak to him once more to receive the [[Jewels|Round Jewel]].
===Winged Helmet===
 
[[File:Winged Helmet Icon CD-i.png|left]]
 
Allows Link to jump higher up and longer distances. Obtained by defeating [[Militron (Boss)|Militron]]. Costs 5 Rubies to use.
 
   
  +
The second is a gold-robed Old Man living in a cave on the bottom of the river just below the [[Gnarled Root Dungeon]], only accessible in Summer. At first, he will simply instruct Link to find and slay all four [[Golden Monsters]]; once Link has done so, he will reward him with the [[Red Ring]].
==Equipment==
 
===Sword===
 
{{Main|Sword}}
 
[[File:Sword Icon CD-i.png|left]]
 
Link's main weapon used to kill enemies and grab items. He starts with it.
 
{{clear}}
 
   
  +
The last one can be found in a hidden underground cavern behind the [[Clock Shop]] after beating a non-Linked game. This Old Man asks for a [[Secret]], and if this secret is retrieved from a linked {{OoA}} game and given to him, he will upgrade Link's [[Noble Sword]] to the [[Master Sword#Oracle games|Master Sword]] (or his [[Wooden Sword]] to the Noble Sword, if applicable).
===Power Sword===
 
[[File:Power Sword Icon CD-i.png|left]]
 
Upgraded version of the Sword. It is given to Link by [[Characters in Link: The Faces of Evil#Anutu|Anutu]] at [[Crater Cove]]. Shoots fast, long ranged [[Sword Beam]]s when Link's Hearts are full.
 
{{clear}}
 
   
  +
In a [[Linked Game|linked version]] of the game, another Old Man can be found inside the [[Hero's Cave]].
===Fire Sword===
 
[[File:Fire Sword Icon CD-i.png|left]]
 
Strongest version of the [[#Sword|Sword]] made with the [[#Fire Diamond|Fire Diamond]]. Shoots Sword Beams regardless of how many Hearts Link has.
 
{{clear}}
 
   
===Shield===
+
===''Oracle of Ages''===
  +
Only one Old Man cave is present in ''Oracle of Ages'' and is found in [[Rolling Ridge|Rolling Ridge Base]]. In the past it is inhabited by a generous Old Man, who would give Link 200 Rupees. On the opposite, the Old Man inhabiting it in the present would charge him 50 Rupees to repair the door.
{{Main|Shield}}
 
[[File:Link's Shield Icon CD-i.png|left]]
 
Link's primary defense used to block ranged attacks whenever Link is not moving. He starts with it.
 
{{clear}}
 
 
===Reflecting Shield===
 
[[File:Reflecting Shield Icon CD-i.png|left]]
 
Link’s Shield enhanced with the [[#Crystal of Reflection|Crystal of Reflection]]. It reflects enemy attacks back at them. Required for defeating [[Lupay]].
 
 
==Trading Items==
 
===Crystal of Reflection===
 
[[File:Crystal of Reflection Icon CD-i.png|left]]
 
Also called "Treasure of Death," the Crystal of Reflection can only be obtained by defeating [[Goronu (Boss)|Goronu]] at the [[Fortress Centrum]]. If taken to the [[Characters in Link: The Faces of Evil#Ice Queen|Ice Queen]] in the [[Serigon Caves]], she will add it to Link's [[#Shield|Shield]], upgrading it into the [[#Reflecting Shield|Reflecting Shield]].
 
   
===Crystal of Vision===
+
===''Four Swords Adventures''===
[[File:Crystal of Vision Icon CD-i.png]]
+
[[File:Old man ghost FSA.png|left]]
  +
Old Men return in {{FSA}}, as [[Spirit]]s who will assist the four [[Links]] by giving them hints in form of bizarre remarks. One appears in the [[Cave of No Return]], jealous over Link for having friends, something he himself never had. He informs them that they can make it over the chasm by throwing themselves over.<ref>{{Cite|Urrk urrrk... You...have friends... I'm jealous... If you have friends, you can toss 'em across chasms... I never had any friends. You're a lucky guy...|Old Man spirit|FSA}}</ref> However, it is not a given that they'll give the four Links any hints or usable information, as sometime they will just give bizarre remarks, such as the old man found at the [[The Swamp|graveyard]].<ref>{{Cite|I came to visit my departed wife's grave. Then she showed up, saying she came to visit MY grave... I wish someone would tell me which one of us is the ghost and which isn't!|Old Man spirit|FSA}}</ref>
Obtained after defeating [[Lupay (Boss)|Lupay]]. This crystal can be taken to [[Gwonam]] in [[Hermit Flat]] so he may add it to Link's [[#Lantern|Lantern]] in order to create the [[#Lantern of Vision|Lantern of Vision]].
 
 
{{clear}}
 
{{clear}}
   
  +
==Non-canon Appearances==
===Fire Diamond===
 
  +
{{noncanon|start}}
[[File:Fire Diamond Icon CD-i.png|left]]
 
  +
===''The Shadow Prince''===
Found in [[Firestone Lake]]. [[Characters in Link: The Faces of Evil#Kulvan|Kulvan]] from [[Shipwreck Cliff]] will use the diamond on Link's [[#Sword|Sword]] to make it into the [[#Fire Sword|Fire Sword]].
 
  +
[[File:Old Man (comic).png|thumb|right|100px|The Old Man in the ''A Link to the Past'' comic]]
{{clear}}
 
  +
In ''[[The Shadow Prince]]'', Link can encounter mysterious Old Man if he chooses to take the [[Town of Ruto]] detour instead of going through the [[Midoro Swamp]] as he tries to reach the [[Water Town of Saria]]. Just as he is about to arrive to Ruto, he bumps into an Old Man, who gives the young hero a key.<ref>{{cite book|quote=An old man with a long cane suddenly appears in the road in front of them. 'Just a humble townsman,' the man says. 'And a friend to you.' [...] The man shuffles forward, waving his cane. 'That's right, young fella!' He smiles, showing a row of crooked, yellow teeth. Then he reaches into his cloak and pulls out something that glimmers like gold. [...] The man places it in Link's hand.|book=The Shadow Prince| publisher=Mammoth| page= 69, 70}}</ref> The old man goes on to say that he shouldn't go through Ruto on his way to Saria since there is a traffic jam, and the old man disappears before Link can ask any questions.<ref>{{cite book|quote='A key!' he says with a wink. 'A key, that's what she is! Listen, take my advice and don't go through Ruto on your way to Saria. Terrible traffic jam in there.' Before Link can ask any more questions, the man turns and disappears into the tall grass by the roadside.|book=The Shadow Prince|publisher=Mammoth|page=70}}</ref>
{{Names
 
|en= Fire Diamond
 
|fr= Diamant Chauffè
 
|nl= Vuurdiamant
 
}}
 
===Grapple Berries===
 
[[File:Grapple Berries Icon CD-i.png|left]]
 
Grapple Berries (pronounced {{IPA|ˈɡɹæpəl}} {{Respell|GRA|pəl}})<ref>{{Cite|Bring some Grapple Berries. I'll show you a good one.|Old Witch|FoE}}</ref> are found in the [[Firestone Lake]] and are given to the [[Characters in Link: The Faces of Evil#Old Witch|Old Witch]] on top of [[Spearfish Falls]]. The berries are used to create the [[#Power Glove|Power Glove]].
 
{{clear}}
 
   
===Ice Crystal===
+
===''A Link to the Past'' comic===
  +
In the [[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (Comic)|''A Link to the Past'' comic]], an Old Man lives in the [[Sanctuary (A Link to the Past)|Sanctuary]], replacing the [[Loyal Sage]] from the game; however, he has a short role in the comic and only appears in the first chapter. [[Princess Zelda]], after being rescued, suggests to Link that they go to the Sanctuary and see the old man living there so that he may help them with their next move.<ref>{{cite book|quote=We must escape and make our way to the Sanctuary!! The Old Man there will help us|book=A Link to the Past|publisher=Nintendo Power|page=13}}</ref> Upon reaching the Sanctuary, the Old Man explains the consequences of Agahnim's plan: if Agahnim succeeds in opening the way to the [[Dark World]] and breaking Ganon's seal, the King of Thieves would gather his army against Hyrule.<ref>{{cite book|quote= Yes...and were he successful, the master of evil would marshal his forces against this world again!|book=A Link to the Past|publisher=Nintendo Power|page=14}}</ref> He then warns Link that he should not underestimate Agahnim if he is going to fight against him, since he can sense that an evil force is guiding the wizard's actions.<ref>{{cite book|quote=Link? If you are going to battle the wizard Agahnim, do not underestimate him! I sense a powerful evil force is guiding his actions...|book=A Link to the Past|publisher=Nintendo Power|page15}}</ref> The Old Man is last seen in the comic after Princess Zelda is kidnapped by Agahnim in the Sanctuary. He tells Link to not worry about him and find the Master Sword since he is the only one who can defeat the evil wizard.<ref>{{cite book|quote=Don't worry about me! Find the Master Sword! Link--it's up to you alone!|book=A Link to the Past|publisher=Nintendo Power|page=16}}</ref>
[[File:Ice Crystal Icon CD-i.png|left]]
 
 
{{Clear}}
Found in the [[Serigon Caves]], if given to the Astronomer at the [[Harlequin Bazaar]] and he will add it to Link's [[#Lantern|Lantern]] to create the [[#Magic Lantern|Magic Lantern]].
 
{{clear}}
+
{{noncanon|end}}
{{Names
 
|en= Ice Crystal
 
|nl= Ijskristal
 
}}
 
===Necklace===
 
[[File:Necklace Icon CD-i.png|left]]
 
The Necklace belongs to [[Characters in Link: The Faces of Evil#Hamsha|Hamsha]] of [[Toyku Lighthouse]], but was stolen by [[Gleeok]]. It can be found near the top of [[Spearfish Falls]] after defeating the Gleeok. Once Link returns it to the Hamsha, she comments that it belonged to her husband (who is now a monster), and gives Link the [[#Canteen|Canteen]].
 
{{Names
 
|en= Necklace
 
|fr= Collier
 
|nl= Ketting
 
}}
 
==Other Items==
 
===Key===
 
{{Main|Key}}
 
[[File:Small Key CD-i.gif|left]]
 
Opens locked doors found around [[Koridai]], usually doors that are nearby. Some are sitting in the open, others are in the possession of enemies.
 
   
  +
==Other Similar Old Men==
===Lantern Oil===
 
  +
*[[Sahasrahla]], [[Aginah]], and the [[Lost Old Man]] – in {{ALttP}}.
{{Main|Lantern Oil}}
 
  +
*[[Ulrira]] – in {{LA}}.
[[File:Lantern Oil Icon CD-i.png|left]]
 
  +
*[[Professor Shikashi|Old Man in Kakariko Village‎]] – in {{OoT}}.
Canister of oil used to light the lantern. Link can hold up to 99 of them. Purchased at Morshu's shop at 5 Rubies for 3.
 
  +
*[[Lake Scientist]] – in ''Ocarina of Time'' and {{MM}}.
  +
*[[Old Man Ho Ho]] – in {{TWW}}.
  +
*[[Sturgeon]] – in ''The Wind Waker'' and {{TMC}}.
  +
*[[Gramps]] – in {{ALBW}}
   
===Life Heart===
+
==Trivia==
  +
*The Old Men share many similarities with the [[Sage|Wise Men]] from ''A Link to the Past''. In ''The Adventure of Link'', the daughter of the Old Man Link meets in [[Rauru (Town)|Rauru]] calls them "Wise Men".<ref name=WiseOldMan/> Also in ''The Adventure of Link'', there are nine Old Men: one in each of the eight towns and one keeping the Triforce of Courage in the Great Palace.
{{Main|Heart Container}}
 
  +
*In ''The Legend of Zelda'', [[Link]] was originally going to have a choice between taking the Wooden Sword or the [[Boomerang]].<ref>{{cite manual|quote= |game=LOZ |page=41 }}</ref>
[[File:Life Heart Icon CD-i.png|left]]
 
Link begins the game with 3 Life Hearts. Three more Hearts can be obtained from the Fairies at [[Spearfish Falls]], by defeating [[Goronu]], and by rescuing the Smith's Daughter at [[Shipwreck Cliff]].
 
   
===Rubies===
+
==See Also==
  +
* [[Old Woman]]
{{Main|Rupee}}
 
[[File:Ruby Icon CD-i.png|left]]
 
Rubies are the currency used in Koridai. Red Rubies are worth 1, Green Rubies are worth 5, and Blue Rubies are worth 10.
 
{{clear}}
 
   
===Triforce Map===
+
==Gallery==
  +
<gallery>
[[File:Triforce Map CD-i.gif|left]]
 
  +
File:OldManLoZArt.png|Old Man artwork from a Japanese Strategy Guide
Each area has two Triforce Maps, with the exception of [[Ganon's Lair]]. They are found at the beginning and end of each area. The latter typically opens up a new area of the overworld.
 
  +
File:TriforceKeeper.png|The Triforce Keeper
  +
File:OOS OldManCave.png|The secret home of Old Men
  +
</gallery>
   
 
{{Ref}}
 
{{Ref}}
   
 
{{Names
{{ItemNav}}
 
  +
|ja= {{Japanese|ジイサン|Jīsan}} {{ExpGame|LoZ}}<br>{{Japanese|マジシャン|Majishan}} {{ExpGame|AoL}}
 
  +
|jaM= Old Man<br>Magician
[[Category:Items]]
 
 
|es=
  +
|esM=
  +
|esS=
  +
|esSM=
  +
|esL=
  +
|esLM=
 
|fr=
  +
|frM=
  +
|frF= Vieil Homme
  +
|frFM=Old Man
  +
|frC=
  +
|frCM=
  +
|de= {{de|Alter Mann}}
  +
|deM= Old Man
  +
|it=
  +
|itM=
  +
|ko=
  +
|koM= }}
 
[[Category:Hylians]]
  +
[[Category:Hyruleans]]
  +
[[Category:Characters in The Legend of Zelda]]
  +
[[Category:Characters in The Adventure of Link]]

Revision as of 08:40, 9 November 2015

Template:Character Old Man is a title given to several characters serving different functions throughout the Template:Series.

Appearances

The Legend of Zelda

In The Legend of Zelda, there are several Old Men across Hyrule, each serving various needs, such as supplying Link with his first Sword,[1] or giving helpful advice regarding enemies such as the Dodongo.[2] Many helpful items can be obtained from these old men, and a mini-game can be played with them called the Money Making Game.[3] If he is found in dungeons and is stabbed, the Torches around him will fire energy blasts at Link, similar to those of a Stone Statue.

Link can receive a Letter from the old man in a northeast cave of Hyrule.[4] When Link shows the Letter to various Old Women, they will sell him Life Potions and 2nd Potions.[5]

Old Man's Advice

The Adventure of Link

In The Adventure of Link, also known as Wise Man, one Old Man resides in each town.[6] They teach Link useful Magic once he has achieved the necessary prerequisites.[7] These magical abilities are usually required for access to the next area that Link must travel to.

In the Great Palace, a dwarven Old Man keeps the Triforce of Courage. When Link enters the chamber of the Triforce, the Old Man stands atop a pillar and summons Shadow Link out of Link's body. When Link defeats his dark counterpart, the dwarven Old Man hands him the Triforce of Courage.

Oracle of Seasons

The gold-robed Old Man in Oracle of Seasons

In Oracle of Seasons, Old Men appear in caves that Link finds using by using the Shovel or burning trees using Ember Seeds. Some bribe Link not to tell anybody about their secret caves by giving him a large sum of approximately 300 Rupees. Others will thank Link, and charge him a large sum of money in order to repair their doors.

There are three special Old Men in Holodrum who differ from the rest. The first (and only required one) lives in a house in Holodrum Plain, accessible after getting the Flippers. At first, the Old Man will only mutter to himself about someone he is waiting for.[8] After getting the first five Essences of Nature, Link must visit and speak to him once more to receive the Round Jewel.

The second is a gold-robed Old Man living in a cave on the bottom of the river just below the Gnarled Root Dungeon, only accessible in Summer. At first, he will simply instruct Link to find and slay all four Golden Monsters; once Link has done so, he will reward him with the Red Ring.

The last one can be found in a hidden underground cavern behind the Clock Shop after beating a non-Linked game. This Old Man asks for a Secret, and if this secret is retrieved from a linked Oracle of Ages game and given to him, he will upgrade Link's Noble Sword to the Master Sword (or his Wooden Sword to the Noble Sword, if applicable).

In a linked version of the game, another Old Man can be found inside the Hero's Cave.

Oracle of Ages

Only one Old Man cave is present in Oracle of Ages and is found in Rolling Ridge Base. In the past it is inhabited by a generous Old Man, who would give Link 200 Rupees. On the opposite, the Old Man inhabiting it in the present would charge him 50 Rupees to repair the door.

Four Swords Adventures

Old Men return in Four Swords Adventures, as Spirits who will assist the four Links by giving them hints in form of bizarre remarks. One appears in the Cave of No Return, jealous over Link for having friends, something he himself never had. He informs them that they can make it over the chasm by throwing themselves over.[9] However, it is not a given that they'll give the four Links any hints or usable information, as sometime they will just give bizarre remarks, such as the old man found at the graveyard.[10]

Non-canon Appearances

The Shadow Prince

Old Man (comic)

The Old Man in the A Link to the Past comic

In The Shadow Prince, Link can encounter mysterious Old Man if he chooses to take the Town of Ruto detour instead of going through the Midoro Swamp as he tries to reach the Water Town of Saria. Just as he is about to arrive to Ruto, he bumps into an Old Man, who gives the young hero a key.[11] The old man goes on to say that he shouldn't go through Ruto on his way to Saria since there is a traffic jam, and the old man disappears before Link can ask any questions.[12]

A Link to the Past comic

In the A Link to the Past comic, an Old Man lives in the Sanctuary, replacing the Loyal Sage from the game; however, he has a short role in the comic and only appears in the first chapter. Princess Zelda, after being rescued, suggests to Link that they go to the Sanctuary and see the old man living there so that he may help them with their next move.[13] Upon reaching the Sanctuary, the Old Man explains the consequences of Agahnim's plan: if Agahnim succeeds in opening the way to the Dark World and breaking Ganon's seal, the King of Thieves would gather his army against Hyrule.[14] He then warns Link that he should not underestimate Agahnim if he is going to fight against him, since he can sense that an evil force is guiding the wizard's actions.[15] The Old Man is last seen in the comic after Princess Zelda is kidnapped by Agahnim in the Sanctuary. He tells Link to not worry about him and find the Master Sword since he is the only one who can defeat the evil wizard.[16]

Other Similar Old Men

Trivia

  • The Old Men share many similarities with the Wise Men from A Link to the Past. In The Adventure of Link, the daughter of the Old Man Link meets in Rauru calls them "Wise Men".[6] Also in The Adventure of Link, there are nine Old Men: one in each of the eight towns and one keeping the Triforce of Courage in the Great Palace.
  • In The Legend of Zelda, Link was originally going to have a choice between taking the Wooden Sword or the Boomerang.[17]

See Also

Gallery

References

  1. "IT'S DANGEROUS TO GO ALONE! TAKE THIS" — Old Man (The Legend of Zelda)
  2. "DODONGO DISLIKES SMOKE" — Old Man (The Legend of Zelda)
  3. "LET'S PLAY MONEY MAKING GAME" — Old Man (The Legend of Zelda)
  4. "SHOW THIS TO THE OLD WOMAN" — Old Man (The Legend of Zelda)
  5. "BUY MEDICINE BEFORE YOU GO" — Old Woman (The Legend of Zelda)
  6. 6.0 6.1 "EACH TOWN HAS A WISE MAN. LEARN FROM HIM." — Old Man's Daughter in Rauru (The Adventure of Link)
  7. "IN PARAPA DESERT USE THIS MAGIC TO SURVIVE" — Old Man in Rauru (The Adventure of Link)
  8. "Soil, time, sun, rain, warmth... I await one who knows many essences..." — Old Man (Oracle of Seasons)
  9. "Urrk urrrk... You...have friends... I'm jealous... If you have friends, you can toss 'em across chasms... I never had any friends. You're a lucky guy..." — Old Man spirit (Four Swords Adventures)
  10. "I came to visit my departed wife's grave. Then she showed up, saying she came to visit MY grave... I wish someone would tell me which one of us is the ghost and which isn't!" — Old Man spirit (Four Swords Adventures)
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  17. LOZ manual, pg. 41
TMC Forest Minish Artwork Names in Other Regions TMC Jabber Nut Sprite
Language Name Meaning
Japan Japanese Template:Japanese Template:ExpGame
Template:Japanese Template:ExpGame
Old Man
Magician
French Republic FrenchEU Vieil Homme Old Man
Federal Republic of Germany German Alter Mann Old Man