- "You'll need the eight Essences of Nature that lie sleeping in Holodrum. Gathering all eight is the only option. The essences possess the sacred power of nature, with which you can break the shadow barrier and save Din."
- — Maku Tree
The Essences of Nature (大地のことわり Daichi no Kotowari?, Essences of Earth) are quest items in The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons.
Spoiler warning: Plot or ending details follow.
The Essences of Nature, eight in all, are sacred items that contain the very essence of the various aspects of nature and growth. When General Onox imprisons Din, the Oracle of Seasons, and throws the seasons of the land of Holodrum into chaos, Link is sent to seek the Essences of Nature hidden in eight dungeons. As Link retrieves more Essences, the Maku Tree is gradually able to recover the strength he had lost as a result of Onox's disruption of nature. When Link retrieves all eight Essences, the Maku Tree is restored to his former strength, and is able to produce a Maku Seed, which is needed to break the seal barring Link from Onox's Castle. The gradual growth of the Maku Tree as the Essences are collected also allows Link to access additional chambers and items in the tree as the game progresses.
Essences[]
Fertile Soil[]
- "Seeds scattered across bountiful lands are nourished in this Fertile Soil!"
- — In-game description
The Fertile Soil, the first Essence of Nature, is found in the Gnarled Root Dungeon.
Gift of Time[]
- "Seeds sprout as seasons change with the Gift of Time!"
- — In-game description
The Gift of Time, the second Essence of Nature, is found in Snake's Remains.
Bright Sun[]
- "Young shoots grow quickly under the warm rays of the Bright Sun!"
- — In-game description
The Bright Sun, the third Essence of Nature, is found in the Poison Moth's Lair.
Soothing Rain[]
- "Bathed in drops of Soothing Rain, shoots grow into saplings!"
- — In-game description
The Soothing Rain, the fourth Essence of Nature, is found in the Dancing Dragon Dungeon.
Nurturing Warmth[]
- "Balmy days build strong saplings with their Nurturing Warmth!"
- — In-game description
The Nurturing Warmth, the fifth Essence of Nature, is found in Unicorn's Cave.
Blowing Wind[]
- "Sweet fruit is born when pollen is carried by the Blowing Wind!"
- — In-game description
The Blowing Wind, the sixth Essence of Nature, is found in the Ancient Ruins.
Seed of Life[]
- "Life begins anew when birds carry this, the Seed of Life, to new lands!"
- — In-game description
The Seed of Life, the seventh Essence of Nature, is found in the Explorer's Crypt.
Changing Seasons[]
- "Scattered seeds sprout in spring, grow in summer, bear fruit in fall and sleep through winter. It is an endless cycle of life...the Changing Seasons!"
- — In-game description
The Changing Seasons, the eighth and final Essence of Nature, is found in the Sword & Shield Maze.
Spoiler warning: Spoilers end here.