Return to childhood, drain Kakariko's well and retrieve the Lens of Truth without unnecessary key detours.
Witness Kakariko's shadow
Visit Kakariko as an adult after completing the Forest, Fire and Water Temples. Watch the scene in the village and learn the Nocturne of Shadow from Sheik. If you have not learned the Song of Storms, visit the windmill musician now and show him the Ocarina.
Return as a child
Travel to the Temple of Time and place the Master Sword in its pedestal. Return to Kakariko's windmill as child Link and play the Song of Storms for the musician. The mechanism speeds up and drains the well outside.
Enter the hidden chamber
Climb down the dry well and crawl through the narrow opening. Descend the ladder, defeat the Skulltula and walk through the apparently solid wall behind it. The dungeon uses false walls and floors, so move deliberately.
Drain the inner channels
Follow the shallow channel around the outer edge of the main chamber, avoiding the suspicious center. At the far end, find the large stone face pouring water and play Zelda's Lullaby on its Triforce mark. The channels drain.
Follow the newly exposed tunnel
Return toward the entrance of the main chamber. Drop into the drained pit just inside the false wall and crawl through its small tunnel. Defeat the Skulltula, climb the vines or ladder and enter Dead Hand's room.
Defeat Dead Hand
Allow a floor hand to grab Link so the main creature emerges. Move the control stick and press buttons to break free. When Dead Hand lowers its head toward you, strike its head with the sword, then retreat from its bite. Repeat the sequence until the chest appears.
Take the Lens of Truth
Open the large chest for the Lens of Truth. Equip and activate it to distinguish real openings from illusions. Its use consumes magic, so switch it off when the room is understood.
Prepare for the Shadow Temple
Retrace the crawlspace and entrance ladder to leave. Return to the Temple of Time and become adult Link. Refill magic, bring Din's Fire and play the Nocturne of Shadow to reach the high graveyard entrance.
Ready for the next horizon?
Check steps as you go, or mark this entire chapter complete when you finish it in the game.
Notes from the archive.
- This main-story route goes directly to the Lens. The well's other chests, three Small Keys and Gold Skulltulas are optional for reaching that item.
- The Lens reveals a route; it does not create a floor where none exists. Keep watching Link's actual footing.
Walkthrough references
This independent route covers the original Nintendo 64 main story. Consult the credited guides for alternate paths and additional collectibles.
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