The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening is a classic game in the Zelda franchise, originally released for the Game Boy in 1993. It takes place on the mysterious Koholint Island, where Link washes ashore after his ship is caught in a storm. One of the main objectives in Link’s Awakening is to collect the eight instruments of the Sirens and awaken the Wind Fish, which will allow Link to leave the island. The Bird Key is one of those eight instruments. It allows Link to access Eagle’s Tower, the seventh dungeon in the game. Finding the Bird Key is a pivotal moment in Link’s quest to escape Koholint Island.
Where to Find the Bird Key
The Bird Key is found in the sixth dungeon, called Catfish’s Maw. This dungeon is located in the bay area on the southern coast of Koholint Island. Specifically, the Bird Key is obtained by defeating the boss of Catfish’s Maw, a giant angler fish named Angler Fish. Once Angler Fish is defeated, Link will find the Bird Key in the next room along with a Heart Container.
So in summary, the steps to getting the Bird Key are:
- Enter Catfish’s Maw dungeon in the bay area of southern Koholint Island
- Make your way through the dungeon and defeat the enemies and puzzles along the way
- Defeat the boss Angler Fish at the end of the dungeon
- Enter the next room to find the Bird Key and Heart Container
Once Link picks up the Bird Key, he can then use it to open the entrance to Eagle’s Tower, which is located in the northern mountains region of Koholint Island.
Uses of the Bird Key
The main use of the Bird Key is to unlock access to Eagle’s Tower, the seventh dungeon. When Link approaches the tower, there is a large bird-shaped lock on the entrance. By using the Bird Key on this lock, the door opens allowing Link to enter. Clearing Eagle’s Tower is required to obtain the seventh instrument needed to wake the Wind Fish. So the Bird Key provides critical progression in Link’s overall quest.
Aside from unlocking Eagle’s Tower, the Bird Key has some other minor uses and effects:
- If Link drops the Bird Key in the Trendy Game shop, the owner will give him 50 Rupees for returning it
- The Bird Key takes up one slot in Link’s inventory
- It can be equipped to one of Link’s buttons to use on command
- It sells for 100 Rupees at the shop (a decent value for an optional collectible)
But the main purpose is to open the way to the seventh dungeon and get one step closer to waking the Wind Fish. It is a required acquisition if the player wishes to make progress and complete the game.
Appearance of the Bird Key
The Bird Key is shaped like the side profile of a bird, with a long beak as the key portion. The bird head is golden yellow, styled in the form of an eagle or other large bird of prey. When not in use, Link holds the key with the bird head upright above his hand.
When using it on the Eagle’s Tower lock, Link insert the beak into the keyhole right side up. The lock itself is in the shape of the full front view of a bird with huge wings spanning the door. So the Bird Key matches and fits the overall bird theme of the dungeon it unlocks.
The Bird Key is one of the more ornate and symbolic of the instruments Link collects in Link’s Awakening. The bird shape connects to the soaring eagles that are present around Eagle’s Tower, and gives a majestic feeling related to sky and air. It also looks quite valuable due to being made of gold, fitting for a mystical quest item.
Significance of the Bird Key in Link’s Awakening
Obtaining the Bird Key represents a major milestone in Link’s Awakening and is pivotal to the overall quest in several ways:
- It grants access to the seventh dungeon, allowing further progression through the game
- Collecting it requires defeating the boss of the sixth dungeon, marking the player being over halfway through the dungeons
- The bird imagery ties into broader sky/wind themes connected to the Wind Fish
- It is one of the eight instruments needed to wake the Wind Fish, putting Link one step closer to his goal
- It exemplifies the unusual nature of Koholint Island as the bird lock seems out of place
So in many ways, acquiring the Bird Key signals Link is making substantial advancement in unraveling the mysteries of Koholint Island and achieving his ultimate destiny. It is a memorable milestone that every player will recall on their journey through this classic Zelda adventure.
Conclusion
The Bird Key in Link’s Awakening plays an integral role in Link’s quest to wake the Wind Fish and escape Koholint Island. It is found in the sixth dungeon Catfish’s Maw, and unlocks access to the seventh dungeon, Eagle’s Tower. With its ornate bird shape and golden color, the Bird Key exemplifies the unusual nature of the Koholint Island world. Obtaining it marks a major progression point for players as Link comes closer to his goal of waking the Wind Fish. For any fan of the Legend of Zelda series, the Bird Key is an iconic item that symbolizes Link overcoming challenges and unraveling mysteries on his heroic adventure.
Dungeon | Instrument | Use |
---|---|---|
Tail Cave | Full Moon Cello | Reveals owl statues |
Bottle Grotto | Conch Horn | Reveals more owl statues |
Key Cavern | Sea Lily’s Bell | Reveals owl statues |
Angler’s Tunnel | Surf Harp | Reveals owl statues |
Catfish’s Maw | Bird Key | Unlocks Eagle’s Tower |
Eagle’s Tower | Organ of Evening Calm | Reveals owl statues |
Turtle Rock | Thunder Drum | Reveals owl statues |
The Wind Fish’s Egg | Wind Marimba | Wakes the Wind Fish |
The Instruments in Detail
Full Moon Cello
The Full Moon Cello is the first instrument obtained by Link in Tail Cave, the first dungeon. It resembles a cello made from wood with a carving of a crescent moon on the front. When played, its soothing music reveals owl statues scattered across Koholint Island.
Conch Horn
This large conch shell horn is found in Bottle Grotto after defeating the dungeon’s boss, Genie. It summons a tropical melody that reveals more hidden owl statues for Link to access.
Sea Lily’s Bell
Obtained in Key Cavern, this delicate bell is made from a beautiful white sea lily flower. It produces a ringing chime that allows Link to find additional owl statues when played.
Surf Harp
The Surf Harp resembles a golden harp and fits with the water theme of the Angler’s Tunnel dungeon. Playing its serene harp music helps expose additional owl statues across the island.
Organ of Evening Calm
This mini pipe organ is found in Eagle’s Tower and plays peaceful nighttime music when operated. As with the other instruments, it reveals owl statues when played.
Thunder Drum
Discovered in Turtle Rock, the Thunder Drum is a timpani drum made from turtle shell. Its deep booming tones help Link find the remaining hidden owl statues.
Wind Marimba
The final instrument is the Wind Marimba located in The Wind Fish’s Egg. Made from colorful glass bars, it plays the “Ballad of the Wind Fish” to ultimately wake the Wind Fish.