What Happens If You Say No to the Deku Tree? A Deep Dive into Ocarina of Time’s Early Choices
In the hallowed halls of video game history, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time stands as a monumental achievement. Its innovative gameplay, compelling story, and richly detailed world have captivated players for generations. One seemingly simple choice at the very beginning of the game—saying “no” to the Great Deku Tree—can spark curiosity. So, what does happen if you choose this path of defiance?
The immediate consequence is quite straightforward: the game won’t let you proceed. While the game offers you the illusion of choice, refusing the Great Deku Tree’s request to break his curse ultimately results in him reiterating his plea. He essentially says something along the lines of, “Link, you must break the curse! I need your help.” The dialogue loops until you agree to undertake the quest.
Essentially, it’s a narrative roadblock designed to ensure you, the player, engage with the primary storyline. The game is structured in such a way that progressing requires completing the Deku Tree’s dungeon. Think of it as a gentle nudge, rather than a hard wall. You can explore Kokiri Forest, talk to the other Kokiri, and even venture briefly into the Lost Woods, but you won’t find any meaningful progress until you accept your role. The game prevents you from leaving Kokiri Forest until the first task is completed.
This is not a bug or oversight, but a deliberate design choice. Ocarina of Time, while offering a sense of freedom and exploration, is still a story-driven game with a specific arc the developers intended players to experience. Allowing players to completely bypass the initial quest would potentially break the game’s narrative flow and prevent them from acquiring crucial early-game items and knowledge.
Once you complete the Deku Tree and get the Kokiri Emerald, the game fully opens up and the real adventure begins.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Deku Tree
Here are some frequently asked questions to delve deeper into the mysteries surrounding the Great Deku Tree and his role in the game:
Can you enter the Deku Tree as an adult in Ocarina of Time?
No, the Great Deku Tree is accessible only as a child in Ocarina of Time. Once you become an adult, you cannot re-enter the Deku Tree dungeon. This design element encourages you to fully explore and complete the dungeon as child Link, understanding its significance to the story. After beating the Forest Temple, you gain the ability to freely switch between adult and child, but you cannot re-enter the Deku Tree as an Adult.
Why did Ganondorf curse the Deku Tree?
Ganondorf cursed the Deku Tree because he sought the Kokiri’s Emerald, one of the Spiritual Stones needed to access the Sacred Realm and claim the Triforce. The Deku Tree refused to hand over the emerald, leading Ganondorf to inflict a deadly curse upon him.
Is the Great Deku Tree a god?
The Great Deku Tree is often considered a guardian deity or a spiritual figure in the Legend of Zelda series. He is deeply respected by the Kokiri, who view him as their protector and guide. While not a god in the traditional sense, he holds a significant position of power and wisdom within the game’s lore. Exploring the significance of the Deku Tree can deepen one’s understanding of game narrative and character roles, topics explored further at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Can you go inside the Deku Tree in Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes, you can go inside the Deku Tree in Tears of the Kingdom. This is a key area in the game where you can cleanse him of Gloom.
Who is the first boss in the Deku Tree?
Queen Gohma is the first boss you encounter inside the Great Deku Tree in Ocarina of Time. Defeating her is essential to progressing the game’s storyline.
How do you get rid of the web in the Deku Tree?
To get rid of webs in the Deku Tree, you need to use a Deku Stick. Light the Deku Stick on fire using a torch or a lit brazier, and then carefully walk towards the web to burn it away. Be cautious, as Deku Sticks burn out quickly.
Why did the Kokiri become Koroks?
In The Wind Waker, the Kokiri evolved into Koroks due to the flooding of Hyrule. They needed the ability to fly across the Great Sea, and their new form allowed them to do so. This evolution maintains their childish and playful nature.
Does the Deku Tree come back to life?
While the original Great Deku Tree in Ocarina of Time cannot be saved from Ganondorf’s curse, other Deku Trees appear in later games. The concept of the Deku Tree is often reborn or reincarnated, carrying on the legacy of the original. In the adult timeline, the Deku Sprout grew up and the Kokiri became Koroks.
Are Dekus evil in Zelda?
Not all Dekus are evil. In Oracle of Seasons, for example, many Deku Scrubs are Business Scrubs who trade with Link. They sell various items, such as Mystical Seeds and Shields. Only certain hostile Deku Scrubs pose a threat.
Why is Ganon a bad guy?
Ganon, or Ganondorf, is often portrayed as the embodiment of evil due to his insatiable lust for power and his relentless pursuit of the Triforce. He is often seen as the reincarnation of the demon king Demise.
Is Ganon truly evil?
Ganondorf’s motivations and morality are complex. While often portrayed as pure evil, some interpretations explore the possibility of a tragic figure driven by a desire to protect his people. However, he is often seen as evil by most.
What does “Deku” mean in “The Deku Tree”?
In Japanese, “Deku” (木偶) translates to “wooden figure,” “puppet,” or “blockhead.” In the context of the Deku Tree, it implies a sense of rootedness and connection to the natural world.
Is there anything on top of the Deku Tree?
In Tears of the Kingdom there is Walton, a Korok that resides at the top of the Deku Tree in Korok Forest. He offers quests that involve assisting him with various tasks.
How many Deku Sticks can you hold?
You can increase the maximum number of Deku Sticks you can hold in your inventory up to 30. Upgrades can be bought from Business Scrubs.
Is Link a Kokiri or a Hylian?
Link is a Hylian who was raised among the Kokiri in Kokiri Forest. He was brought there as a baby under dire circumstances, making him an outsider despite his upbringing.
Why do people hurt Koroks?
Some players admit to attacking Koroks in the Legend of Zelda games. They do so as an expression of frustration and a desire to add humor to their gameplay experience.
What do Koroks say?
They main home is in Korok Forest, but they are apparent all over the map, needing Link to find them all so they can go back home to their Forest. When Link finds a korok, it pretty much keeps the same exact dialogue, which is “yahaha, you found me!” However, that changes within the forest walls.
Is Deku Chinese or Japanese?
The character Izuku Midoriya, also known by his hero name Deku, is Japanese.
Why is Deku called Deku?
The term “Deku” is meant to be a Japanese abbreviation of the word “Dekunobou.” It roughly translates to “good for nothing,” which perfectly describes how Bakugo views Midoriya.
What happened to the Deku Sprout?
In the Downfall Timeline, the Kokiri Forest was probably destroyed by Ganon. In the adult timeline, the Deku Sprout grew up and the Kokiri became Koroks. But in the Child Timeline, the Deku Tree is dead, there is no Deku Sprout, and the Kokiri have all disappeared…
How do you beat Deku Tree Gloom?
Locate the Gloom Hands, but don’t make too much noise or get too close. Climb onto a ledge (if possible) and take out a bow with ZR-button. While holding down ZR, press up on the directional pad, and scroll with R-stick to a Bomb Flower or Fire Fruit. Aim for the Gloom Hands; attack the eyes to deal critical damage.
What happened to the Deku Tree in Tears of the Kingdom?
Upon entering the Korok Forest for the first time, Link will find that the giant, talking tree is unable to speak due to Ganondorf’s Gloom. Once he enters the tree, he’ll find that there’s a deep, dark chasm infected with the substance, and he’ll need to fight some Gloom Hands and Phantom Ganon in order to clear it.
Exploring the nuances of these questions and answers reveals the depth and complexity of the Legend of Zelda universe, showcasing how even seemingly minor elements can have a significant impact on the overall player experience.