The Forest Training Center and the Kokiri Sword
The Great Deku Tree wants to see you, but first you should explore the village and see what help is available. If you've played any previous Zelda games, you have an idea of what's to come. The Great Deku Tree will introduce you to the vast series of dungeons and underground caverns you'll spend much of your time in as you play through the game. Before you go there, make sure you've equipped yourself with a sword and shield. If you don't have one or both of these items, Mido, the leader of the Kokiri, won't let you pass! Left of your treehouse is the Forest Training Center,. This obstacle course will teach you all of the attacks Link can produce at the start of the game. Read the signs and, and then practice the lessons that they teach. Of course, you'll need a sword first! Walk through the maze of fences to the mountainside. There's a small tunnel there called the "Hole of Z", a sign encourages you to enter. When the "Action Button" (The Blue button at the top of the screen) says enter, press the "A" button and Link will get down on his knees to crawl through the hole. The tall labyrinth on the other end has lots of tips on how to get around Hyrule safely. Put them to use to avoid being flattened by the giant boulder rolling around the aisles. Because it runs around a circular track, you can follow it safely to a little niche with a big treasure chest. Open it and claim your reward! The Kokiri Sword is one of the three you'll acquire on your journey. This one is small and light-perfect for a young boy! Equip it by pressing the Start Button and switching to the Equipment Subscreen. Move the cursor box to the sword and the "A" button. Link's portrait on the screen should now show him wielding the sword. Use the "B" button to draw and swing your sword. Areas in the Forest Training Center will teach you the various thrusts and attacks at your disposal, as well as the finer points of "Z-Targeting". Practice here until you feel comfortable or you have destroyed all the signs and bushes.

The Deku Shield and the Art of Finding Rupees
Now that you have a sword, you must find a shield before venturing off to the Deku Tree. A visit to the Kokiri Shop tells you that a Deku Shield will cost you 40 rupees. That may sound like a lot but it's easy to find that much. You can find rupees in long plots of grass, streams, and just lying out in the open! Here's a list of ways to find money.

1. Perform a variety of jumps and attacks the guy at the Training Center requested and you'll get a blue and green rupee!
2. Look for a blue and green rupee behind the "Hole of Z".
3. Jump on the three blocks across the pond and you'll become "happier" to add a blue rupee to your wallet.
4. Look next to the booth in the Kokiri Shop for a blue rupee.
5. Look in and around Mido's House for three blue rupees and a green on.
6. Walk across the bridge at the top of Saria's House to find a blue rupee.
7. Cut some grass and throw some rocks.

Once you've bought a Deku Shield, equip it, and head over to the pathway on the eastern side of the village. It's right next to the shop so you won't have to look far! There, the arrogant Mido blocks the road to the Deku Tree. He checks to see you have the appropriate items then waves you through. It's time to help the Great Deku Tree, are you ready? Carnivorous plants called Deku Babas guard the path to the Great Deku Tree. They'll hurt you if you get to close, but the reward for cutting them down is great! Use the "Z" button to lock on and draw your sword and attack them one by one. A Deku Stick will pop out from each one as a reward. You can use this item as a weapon, but it's more commonly used as a torch. Equip it to one of your "C Buttons" on the Select Item Subscreen. Because the Deku Babas are quick to regenerate, you can use them to practice your attack skills before entering the Great Deku Tree. If your injuries become to severe, run back to Saria's house and grab some recovery hearts. The Great Deku Tree has been cursed. It's up to you to enter the tree and battle the forces of evil.