The Mountain Town of Darunia

Upward Stab

Darunia is the only town in the game which we will visit twice (we don't have to, but I did simply to heal myself up and gain some experience in the forced encounters within the northwestern desert region of Hyrule).  The town doesn't seem like much, and has an interesting purple color to it, however, you learn two essential things here: first, the upward thrust.  Our second sword technique, this adds to the fact that Link's only weapon is the sword so it actually gives him some creative use over it.  With both directional stabs learned, Link's ability with the sword is far improved from when he first started the game and he is ready to take on anything.

Reflect

Of course in this town, there is also the magic spell.  To get this spell, you must first venture east, near to where the next palace is, in order to complete a side-quest there.  It seems that a lizardman has kidnapped a local child, and it is up to Link to rescue him as the local authorities are nowhere to be found.  And of course, no one cares that you are after the Triforce of Courage to save Zelda and you need this spell to advance in your quest, they are quite self-serving and take full advantage of Link's good nature and won't help him unless he helps them.  Interesting indeed.  Still, saving a child is quite a noble deed, though you don't get any thanks beyond the old woman who lets you enter the sage's home.  To make matters worse, Reflect is limited but is also necessary to defeat Carock, the boss of the next palace, who cannot be damaged by the sword but only by his own weapons (this little trick of wizard foes in Zelda is repeated many times after).  Once we've learned the technique and spell this town has to offer and interrogate all of the townspeople who know next to nothing about the triforce or our quest (they are just blissfully going on about their lives, what do they care if some fool in a green tunic and hat is risking life and limb for their freedom).