- "You got a Deku Shield! Switch to the Equipment Subscreen and select the shield. Press (A) to equip it. Press (R) to crouch and defend. If you press (R) while (Z) Targeting, you can move while defending."
- — In-game description
The Deku Shield is an item from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. It is the first shield available in the game and is obtained from the shop in Kokiri Forest for 40 Rupees. Link must obtain and equip a Deku Shield as well as the Kokiri Sword before Mido will allow him access to the grove of the Great Deku Tree. The shield can only be equipped while Link is a child. If Link speaks with one of the two Kokiri girls hiding in the shop when he is an adult, she will tell him that Deku Shields are for children.
The Deku Shield is made of tough, hard wood and offers good protection. Because of its composition, however, it burns easily if it comes into contact with fire. If Link loses his shield, he can purchase a new one or find one in various Treasure Chests throughout Hyrule. These are often placed in areas where there is a risk of the shield being destroyed, such as the semi-volcanic Dodongo's Cavern, or around areas where fiery enemies like the Fire Keese roam.
The red emblem carved on the Deku Shield is the symbol of the Kokiri, and is in the same shape as the gold trimming of the Kokiri's Emerald.
Non-canonical appearances[]
Non-canon warning: This article or section contains non-canonical information that is not considered to be an official part of the Legend of Zelda series and should not be considered part of the overall storyline.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time manga[]
After Link and Mido defeat Queen Gohma, Link uses the Kokiri Sword to carve a Deku Shield from the bark of the Great Deku Tree. The shield is later set ablaze and rendered useless when Link battles a Stalfos in Hyrule Castle.
Super Smash Bros. Melee[]
Young Link uses the Deku Shield to block projectiles. It can be used while standing or crouching. Unlike its counterpart in Ocarina of Time, it does not burn away if it comes in contact with fire-based attacks.
Hyrule Warriors[]
The Deku Shield appears when Lana is using her spear weapon both when she blocks and when she uses her Focus Spirit Attack. During her Focus Spirit Attack, Lana wields it along with her spear while riding on a Deku Tree Sprout.
Non-canon warning: Non-canonical information ends here.