- "I don't recall, but I think you need the eight Essences of Time hidden in Labrynna to beat Veran! The essences hold the power to see the truth, and they hold my memory! You won't beat Veran if you can't see the truth!"
- — Maku Tree
The Essences of Time (時空のことわり Jikū no Kotowari?, Essences of Time-Space) are quest items in The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages.
Spoiler warning: Plot or ending details follow.
The Essences of Time, eight in all, are sacred items that contain the very essence of the various aspects of time. When the Sorceress Veran uses her evil magic to take control of Nayru, the Oracle of Ages, and thus gains the ability to control time, Link is sent to retrieve the Essences from their hiding places in the eight dungeons of Labrynna. As Link retrieves more Essences, the Maku Tree gradually regains her memories, which she has lost as a result if Veran's disruption of the flow of time. When all eight are gathered, the Maku Tree produces a Maku Seed that allows Link to break the dark seal on the Black Tower and enter it. 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[]
Eternal Spirit[]
- "Even after life ends, it speaks across time to the heart."
- — In-game description
The Eternal Spirit, the first Essence of Time, is found in the Spirit's Grave.
Ancient Wood[]
- "It whispers only truth to closed ears from out of the stillness."
- — In-game description
The Ancient Wood, the second Essence of Time, is found in the Wing Dungeon.
Echoing Howl[]
- "It echoes far across the plains to speak to insolent hearts."
- — In-game description
The Echoing Howl, the third Essence of Time, is found in the Moonlit Grotto.
Burning Flame[]
- "It reignites wavering hearts with a hero's burning passion."
- — In-game description
The Burning Flame, the fourth Essence of Time, is found in the Skull Dungeon.
Sacred Soil[]
- "All that lies sleeping in the bosom of the earth will know the nourishing warmth of the Sacred Soil."
- — In-game description
The Sacred Soil, the fifth Essence of Time, is found in the Crown Dungeon.
Bereft Peak[]
- "It is a proud, lonely spirit that remains stalwart, even in trying times."
- — In-game description
The Bereft Peak, the sixth Essence of Time, is found in the Mermaid's Cave.
Rolling Sea[]
- "The mystical song of the sea roars into a crashing wave that sweeps heroes out into adventure."
- — In-game description
The Rolling Sea, the seventh Essence of Time, is found in Jabu-Jabu's Belly.
Falling Star[]
- "The eternal light of this heavenly body acts as guide to the other essences."
- — In-game description
The Falling Star, the eighth and final Essence of Time, is found in the Ancient Tomb.
Spoiler warning: Spoilers end here.