In addition to being one of the most important games to release on the NES, The Legend of Zelda has one of the most iconic overworld maps of all time. The original version of Hyrule that players find themselves wandering through in the original Legend of Zelda is the stuff of, well, legend, with players relying on making their own graph paper maps to mark secrets, points of interest, or dungeon locations in an era long before the Internet gave everyone instantaneous access to the layout of the game’s entire world. Even to this day, there are players who have all of The Legend of Zelda‘s most important map locations committed to memory, although the ability to access this information online renders that kind of memorization unnecessary.
Rather than look at every single location on the game’s (for the time) impressively large map, this list will identify where players can find all of the secret Heart Containers, the locations of dungeons, the resting places of Link’s weapon upgrades, and all of Hyrule’s shops and their inventories. Additionally, if players need to have an item or upgrade before being able to access these locations, the guide will reference the necessary items and equipment players must have. These are the important map locations in The Legend of Zelda, and players hoping to restore the Triforce and save Princess Zelda should take note.
The Legend of Zelda – Map of Hyrule
Wooden Sword
Although it’s technically missable, most players will immediately and intuitively head into the cave at the outset of The Legend of Zelda‘s adventure. Within this cave, the old hermit will instruct Link to take the sword he presents, speaking the iconic line “It’s dangerous to go alone! Take this”. With the Wooden Sword in tow (often referred to simply as “The Sword”), players are ready to start their adventure within Hryule proper. Players can also easily return to this location at any time, as its location lies at the bottom of Hyrule, right in the middle of the map. The starting point of one of gaming’s greatest adventures.
White Sword
Link can obtain the White Sword after acquiring at least 5 Heart Containers, meaning its advisable to put in the effort to uncover some of the secret Heart Containers early on and get this more powerful weapon before even attempting the first dungeon. Once Link has 5 hearts, head to the northern side of Lake Hylia and continue due north, walking along the river and avoiding the falling boulders from Death Mountain. The ladder after the waterfall leads to a small pond with one blue Lynel guarding a cave, and within this cave is the old man who will give Link the White Sword.
Magical Sword
Similar to the White Sword, players will need a total of 12 Heart Containers before they can receive the game’s most powerful weapon: the Magical Sword. The earliest that players will have 12 hearts is after completing Dungeons 3 and 4, as they’ll need both of the treasures from those locations (the Raft and the Ladder, respectively) to acquire the 5 additional secret Heart Containers around Hyrule for a total of 12. To reach the location of the Magic Sword, head through the Lost Woods (completing the maze by heading North, West, South, West) and then through the graveyard. In the northeastern quadrant of the graveyard, the Magical Sword lies underneath the second headstone from the right in the middle row.
Letter
The Letter unlocks the ability for Link to purchase Red or Blue Potions from the potion sellers dotting the Hyrule landscape, making it an essential pickup. To find the Letter, head all the way east until Link reaches the ocean, and then follow the coastline north. Stick to the edge of the water and follow it around, eventually coming to a screen with two ladders. Taking the ladder on the right will lead to the cave where a hermit will present Link with the Letter.
Power Bracelet
Unlike most other Zelda games, The Legend of Zelda‘s version of the Power Bracelet (later the Gauntlets) doesn’t do much other than make teleportation staircases available for fast travel. Still, if players want to complete The Legend of Zelda with having obtained all the items, it’s necessary to grab this piece of equipment for Link. once players have the Ladder, head north around Dungeon 1, staying close to the edge of the water. Follow the river north and cross it to the west using the Ladder, then head south using the first natural ladder Link comes across. This area has rows of Armos Knights slumbering peacefully, and awakening the fifth from the left in the top row reveals the Power Bracelet.
Shop South of Lake Hylia
Players can reach the first shop in The Legend of Zelda by heading north one screen from the starting point and then west. Inside the cave on the north wall is the first shop in the game, and it carries the following items: Large Shield, Small Key, and Candle (Blue). It’s recommended to kill enemies in the area until Link has at least 60 Rupees to buy the Candle, as he can use it to quickly get one of the nearby secret Heart Containers.
Shop East of Lake Hylia
Continuing to head toward Lake Hylia from the starting point and sticking to the edge of the water will eventually reveal a copse of trees. With the Candle in Link’s possession, burn the tree on the northwest corner closest to the water, revealing a staircase underneath. This shop sells the Large Shield, Food, and a Recovery Heart, though none of these items are immediately necessary during the early game. Keep this location in mind later for a reasonable price on the food Link will need to complete Dungeon 7.
Shop South of Desert
Heading past Dungeon 1 and venturing into the desert will eventually lead players to a screen with green walls and several blue Tektites. The cave on the northern wall of this screen holds a shop, and it’s a great place to purchase inexpensive Bombs should players happen to find themselves running low. In addition to carrying Bombs, the shop also sells Arrows and the Large Shield.
Hidden Shop East of Dungeon 2
Entering the desert and continuing to head East without any deviation will lead players arrive to the eastern coast of Hyrule, and heading south through the first opening in the rock available leads to the general vicinity of Dungeon 2. Before heading to Dungeon 2, there is a screen with several blue Moblins and a pattern of trees. With the Candle, burn the southeastern-most tree standing alone to reveal a hidden staircase. This secret shop carries the Large Shield at a reasonable price, as well as Food and a Recovery Heart.
Shop Guarded by Moblins
Heading south one screen from the hidden shop above and then east will lead to a green alcove with several blue Moblins. The opening in the northern wall of this screen houses a shop that carries the Candle, the Large Shield, and a Small Key, though the shop above has the Large Shield for a much more reasonable price.
Shop on the Eastern Coast
Heading east until reaching the coast, regardless of latitude, will eventually present an impass for Link in the form of an ocean. Following the coastline and the edge of the ocean north or south will also eventually see players come across a rock outcropping with a cave. This cave is yet another one of Hyrule’s shops, and this particular one carries the Large Shield, Bombs, and Arrows. If players haven’t gotten the secret Heart Container just south of here, its smart to go ahead and stock up on Bombs while at this location.
Shop in the Foothills of Death Mountain
Players will need the Ladder to get to this shop, meaning its inaccessible until after completing Dungeon 4. Along with having a great price on the Large Shield, this is one of the shops that also carries the Food for 100 Rupees and a Recovery Heart. To reach this location, head around Lake Hylia from Dungeon 1, following the edge of the water. As soon as Link comes to the river, cross it using the Ladder instead of heading north. Heading west one screen will reveal the opening to the shop.
Shop Guarded by Armos Knights
In the same area where Link finds the Power Bracelet (west of Death Mountain, heading across the river) is yet another shop with some fair prices. This particular merchant carries the Large Shield, Bombs, and Arrows, though the Large Shield is available nearby for a lower price.
Shop Guarded by Lynels
Heading north from the rows of Armos Knights guarding the Power Bracelet will lead back to Death Mountain, and if Link continues to head west he’ll eventually come to a clearing of dead trees with several deadly blue Lynels. There are two caves here on the northern wall, with the right cave leading to 30 Rupees and the left cave containing another shop. This shop makes the danger to get there worthwhile by having a low price on both the Large Shield and the Food, though these items can also be purchased at much less-dangerous locations for the same price.
Shop West of Lake Hylia
Staying on the southern edge of Lake Hylia and following the water around leads players arrive to the western coast of the Lake and reveal another cave. Inside this cave is a shop selling the Large Shield, Bombs, and Arrows, all for the same prices as the other shops with this same selection. However, heading north from here one screen leads to one of the most important locations in the game…
Hidden Shop West of Lake Hylia
Just north of the shop on the western coast of Lake Hylia is a platoon of 6 Armos Knights. Awakening and defeating the middle knight in the top row reveals a staircase leading to a hidden shop, which not only sells the Blue Ring but also has Food for the lowest price in all of Hyrule. Save up Rupees and come here as early as possible for the Blue Ring to get its defense bonus, but come back before Dungeon 7 and grab the Food for its lowest possible price of 60 Rupees.
Dungeon 1 – The Eagle
Players can access the first dungeon in The Legend of Zelda just a few short screens away from where the game begins, though a little preparation beforehand goes a long way. From the starting point where Link acquires the sword, head north and then west until arriving at the edge of Lake Hylia. Following the edge of the water north will eventually see players come to a long bridge over the water, which leads to the forest containing Dungeon 1 – The Eagle. Prior to attempting this dungeon, it’s possible to stock up on Rupees and get the Candle, the Blue Ring, several additional Heart Containers, and the White Sword.
Dungeon 2 – The Moon
Players will come across the second dungeon by heading north from Dungeon 1 and east through the desert. Heading east without any deviation from this path will see Link eventually arrive at the eastern coast, and heading south from here will lead to the green rock cliffs hiding the entrance to Dungeon 2. After exiting the desert, head south two screens through the Moblin-infested woods, then west and up the blue ladder to reach Dungeon 2.
Dungeon 3 – The Manji
After heading west from the game’s starting point and reaching the river flowing south from Lake Hylia, crossing the bridge and continuing to head west will eventually see players arrive in the Lost Woods. After entering the Lost Woods, head south and then east to discover the entrance to Dungeon 3 – The Manji. Dungeon 3 is where Link will acquire the Raft, which is necessary to get one of the 5 secret Heart Containers hidden around Hyrule, as well as for accessing Dungeon 4.
Dungeon 4 – The Snake
Early on in The Legend of Zelda players will come across a green dock on the southern edge of Lake Hylia. After getting the Raft in Dungeon 3, this dock now serves a purpose as a launching point for the Raft, carrying Link to the entrance of Dungeon 4 – The Snake. Like Dungeon 3, Dungeon 4 contains another important traversal item for Link in the Ladder, which is necessary to reach several other important locations on The Legend of Zelda map.
Dungeon 5 – The Lizard
Following the same directions players need to reach the White Sword, head through the hills surrounding Death Mountain until Link reaches the waterfall. Instead of heading north on the ladder to reach the location of the White Sword, head east to an empty screen with a cluster of rocks (this area is The Lost Hills). Take the northern lader up four times to come to the entrance of Dungeon 5. The treasure of this dungeon is the Flute, which Link will need to access the entrance to Dungeon 7.
Dungeon 6 – The Dragon
Just east of the graveyard where players can acquire the Magical Sword (provided they have enough Heart Containers) is the entrance to Dungeon 6. From the graveyard, find the eastern exit and then head north up the blue ladder to reach the dungeon’s entrance.
Dungeon 7 – The Demon
If players head west from the starting location on The Legend of Zelda map and into the Lost Woods, they’ll eventually come to one of the game’s two Fairy Fountains on the northern edge of the woods. Heading west one screen from the Fairy Fountain in the Lost Woods and then north through the opening will see Link arrive at another pond. Play the Flute here to drain the water and reveal a staircase underneath that leads into Dungeon 7. Remember to head to the secret shop west of Lake Hylia before heading here to get the most inexpensive Food, which players will need to complete the dungeon.
Dungeon 8 – The Lion
The quickest way to reach the final regular dungeon before descending upon Death Mountain is to head back to The Legend of Zelda‘s starting point and then go north one screen, followed by heading east until Link reaches the forest. Within the maze-like corridors of the forest stands a lone tree that Link can burn with the Candle to reveal the entrance to Dungeon 8. After clearing Dungeon 8, players are finally ready to confront Ganon inside of his Death Mountain fortress.
Dungeon 9 – Death Mountain
As players might expect, the entrance to Ganon’s Death Mountain fortress is at the northern-most section of the Death Mountain area on The Legend of Zelda map. Head around Lake Hylia, following the edge of the water until Link arrives at the river and the foothills of Death Mountain (you’ll know you’re there from the falling boulders). Cross the river using the Ladder and take the first ladder north you come to, arriving in a gorge with plenty of Lynels patrolling. Head west until arriving at a formation consisting of two large rocks, and bomb the bottom-right corner of the left rock to reveal the entrance to Death Mountain.
Potion/Heart Container 1
After starting the game and killing a few enemies to earn some Rupees, buy the Candle from the first accessible shop. Head around Lake Hylia, following the edge of the water due east and north. Link will eventually come to a screen with Leevers popping in and out of the ground and a copse of trees nearby. From this screen, head left while making sure to count the trees. Burn the eighth tree from the right using the Candle to reveal a hidden staircase, and descend it to claim the first secret Heart Container.
Potion/Heart Container 2
From the starting point, head east until Link arrives at the screen above. With a Bomb in his possession, have Link destroy the second square of rock just to the left of the clearing to reveal a secret cave. Head into the cave to claim the second secret Heart Container.
Potion/Heart Container 3
After clearing Dungeon 3, head all the way east until reaching the coastline of Hyrule. Head north along the coast until Link arrives at yet another dock, and from here step out onto the water to have the Raft carry Link to a secret location. Enter the building here to claim the third secret Heart Container.
Potion/Heart Container 4
At the very eastern edge of the desert but prior to reaching the coastline is a large rock formation. Bombing the bottom-right corner of this rock will reveal a secret cave, which Link can enter to claim the fourth secret Heart Container.
Heart Container 5
The final secret Heart Containers Link can obtain will require use of the Ladder, and it is also located on the eastern coast of Hyrule. Head all the way east until reaching the water, then start heading north along the coastline. There will be two docks in the water with one space between them, just enough to use the Ladder to bridge the gap and reach the visible Heart Container.
Fairy Fountain North of Lost Woods
Like other games in the series, The Legend of Zelda map houses Fairy Fountains that Link can visit to restore his health. The easiest of these to access is the one in the Lost Woods, which simply requires Link to head west from the game’s starting point and then stick to the northern side of the woods. The first opening players come to will lead to a clearing with the Fairy Fountain.
Fairy Fountain in the Southwest Desert
The second Fairy Fountain in The Legend of Zelda is on the southwestern edge of the desert and also relatively easy to access. Head north along the eastern edge of Lake Hylia and then head east into the desert. The first chance Link gets, have him head south until he reaches the forest, and then west at the first chance he gets. Heading north from this screen will lead to the other Fairy Fountain to restore his health.