The Skull Mask in Ocarina of Time: A Detailed Guide
The Skull Mask in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is a unique and intriguing item obtained during the Happy Mask Shop Side Quest. Unlike some masks that serve purely cosmetic purposes, the Skull Mask has a practical use and is essential for a key item upgrade. While it doesn’t possess inherent magical powers like the Mask of Truth, it plays a vital role in Link’s adventure through Hyrule and offers unique interactions with NPCs and enemies. The mask itself is a stark white visage resembling a stylized skull, with hollow black eyes and a slight, unsettling grin, characteristic of its name. This article will provide a comprehensive exploration of the Skull Mask, its purpose, and related information.
Acquiring the Skull Mask
The Skull Mask is the second mask in the Happy Mask Shop’s sequence, following the Keaton Mask. To obtain it, you must first rent the Keaton Mask from the shop in Hyrule Market. Once rented, you need to sell the Keaton Mask to a guard near the entrance to Kakariko Village. This guard will then trade Link the Keaton Mask for 15 Rupees. Once completed, return to the Happy Mask Shop and the Skull Mask will then be available for rent.
The Trading Sequence
The Happy Mask Shop’s trading sequence is a central part of obtaining masks, including the Skull Mask. This sequence involves a series of trades and sales to various characters around Hyrule. Starting with the Keaton Mask, the quest sees Link selling specific masks to particular individuals, then returning to the Happy Mask Shop to rent the next available mask in line, and repeat the process. This sequence ultimately leads to the acquisition of the Mask of Truth. The Skull Mask is rented after selling the Keaton Mask, and sold as the next step in the sequence.
The Skull Mask’s Unique Effect
Unlike many other masks in the game, the Skull Mask has a distinctive effect beyond its appearance. When Link wears the mask, Keese and Guay will not attack him. These flying enemies will simply ignore Link, making areas where these creatures are present far easier to navigate. This gives the mask a functional gameplay benefit, rather than just being a cosmetic change. This effect, while not incredibly impactful, can make certain situations less challenging for a short while.
The Lost Woods and Deku Stick Upgrade
The most crucial use of the Skull Mask is in the Lost Woods. Specifically, it is required to obtain a Deku Stick capacity upgrade at the Forest Stage. When Link arrives at this location with the skull mask on, he is then able to approach the skull kid. The skull kid will have a special request. Playing Saria’s Song for the skull kid while wearing the mask prompts him to give link the desired upgrade to his Deku Stick storage capacity. It is only through this process that this upgrade can be obtained.
Selling the Skull Mask
After its useful period, the Skull Mask must be sold to progress the side quest further. The Skull Mask needs to be sold to the Skull Kid in the Lost Woods. This can be located by taking the first left turn when you enter the Lost Woods from Kokiri Forest. As noted above, if you play Saria’s Song after he requests it, you will receive a heart piece before selling him the mask. Once you give the Skull Kid the mask, you will then proceed through the mask quest to the next mask in line, the spooky mask.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does the Skull Mask have any special powers?
While the Skull Mask does not grant inherent magical powers like the Mask of Truth, it does have a practical benefit: When worn, Keese and Guay will not attack Link. This can be quite useful in certain areas of the game.
2. What is the purpose of the Happy Mask Shop trading sequence?
The Happy Mask Shop’s trading sequence is a side quest that involves Link renting and selling various masks to specific NPCs in Hyrule. It’s designed to introduce players to the many characters of the world, and ultimately culminates in obtaining the Mask of Truth.
3. Where do I find the Skull Kid in Ocarina of Time?
The Skull Kid to whom you must sell the Skull Mask can be found in the Lost Woods. Take the first left turn upon entering from Kokiri Forest. He’s in a small area with a tree stump.
4. How do I get the Deku Stick capacity upgrade?
The Deku Stick capacity upgrade is awarded by the Skull Kid in the Lost Woods. You must wear the Skull Mask and play Saria’s Song after he requests it to receive this reward.
5. Is the Skull Kid from Majora’s Mask the same one in Ocarina of Time?
Yes, the Skull Kid in Majora’s Mask is the same character Link encounters in Ocarina of Time. This is confirmed by the character himself in Majora’s Mask.
6. What is the difference between the Skull Mask and Majora’s Mask?
The Skull Mask is a unique mask for the Happy Mask Quest, while Majora’s Mask is a far more powerful and central item in its eponymous game. It possesses immense, corruptive magic and drives the plot of Majora’s Mask.
7. Does the Skull Mask prevent other enemies from attacking Link?
No, the effect of the Skull Mask is limited to Keese and Guay. Other enemies will still attack Link as normal.
8. What other masks are part of the Happy Mask trading sequence?
The Keaton Mask, the Spooky Mask, the Bunny Hood, the Goron Mask, and the Zora Mask are all masks that are part of this trading sequence, leading to the Mask of Truth.
9. Is the Skull Mask required to complete the game?
No, the Skull Mask is not required to complete the main story of Ocarina of Time. However, it is necessary to obtain the Deku Stick capacity upgrade, a significant advantage.
10. How do I initiate the Happy Mask Shop side quest?
The Happy Mask Shop side quest is initiated by visiting the shop in Hyrule Market and speaking with the shop owner. He will offer the first mask, the Keaton Mask.
11. Is there a time limit to sell the Skull Mask?
There is no specific time limit to sell the Skull Mask, you can sell it at your own pace during your adventure. However, it is necessary to sell it to progress the trading sequence to other masks.
12. What happens if I don’t sell the Skull Mask to the Skull Kid?
If you don’t sell the Skull Mask to the Skull Kid, you won’t be able to complete the trading sequence and obtain the Spooky Mask and other subsequent masks.
13. Can I wear other masks at the same time as the Skull Mask?
No, only one mask can be worn at a time. You must unequip one mask to equip another.
14. How much does the Skull Mask cost at the Happy Mask Shop?
The Skull Mask does not cost any Rupees. It is rented in exchange for selling the prior mask in the chain, the Keaton Mask.
15. Does the Skull Mask have any significance in other Zelda games?
The Skull Mask is unique to Ocarina of Time and does not appear in the same form in any other Zelda game. There are various other masks with similar designs, but they have different functions.
Conclusion
The Skull Mask in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is more than just a cosmetic item; it plays an important role in the Happy Mask Shop trading sequence, allowing access to the Deku Stick upgrade and introducing an element of strategy through its unique effect with Keese and Guay. By understanding its purpose and place in the game, players can fully enjoy the depth of Ocarina of Time’s side quests and fully experience everything that Hyrule has to offer.