The Master Sword also appeared in the 1993
Super NES release
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. This was the sword's first appearance in the release order of
Zelda games and, some theorize, it's last in terms on the overall
Zelda timeline. The Master Sword was placed long ago in a special small monument in the
Lost Woods (think
Excalibur/
Sword in the Stone here). Legend had it that
The Hero would come one day, claim the three pendants (Pendants of Courage, Strength, and Wisdom) from the three palaces in
Hyrule, and then use those pendants to pull the sword free from its resting place. After
Link retrieved the sword he used it to destroy the barrier of evil energy that was protecting
Agahnim's tower in
Hyrule Castle. The legendary sword could not harm the wizard directly, but it was capable of reflecting the energy blasts that
Agahnim fired back at him. Later in the game
Link found ways to increase the power of the sword: the two blacksmiths in
Kakariko Village put it in the forge, and the fat fairy in the Great Pyramid upgraded it with magic to become golden. One of the Master Sword's key features is that it can fire a blast of energy when
Link's energy meter is full. At the end of the game
Link returned the sword to the
Lost Woods were it slept... forever!
In 2002 Nintendo and Capcom released a pair of Zelda games for the Game Boy Color: The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons and The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages. The Master Sword appeared in each of these games, but in order to earn it was necessary to own both games. Here's how it works: Link begins with the Wooden Sword. Later in the game (either one, they both work the same) the sword can be upgraded to the Noble Sword. Now, after completing the game Link will be given a special password for use in the other game. During the second game Link will meet someone with a special message for Link to take back to the first game. By doing so Link is issued a challenge and completing that challenge awards him with the Master Sword. Link can then take the sword back to the other game with the aid of another password. Like in its earlier incarnation the sword can fire a blast of energy with Link's energy meter is full. Usage of the sword is considered a reward to gamers who have purchased both of the games. It can deal more damage than either the Wooden Sword or the Noble Sword.
During the events of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker Link manages to climb to the top of the Tower of the Gods and complete the tasks set before him. His reward? Access to Hyrule Castle, hidden away deep beneath the sea. Hidden in the castle is the Master Sword itself; the very same one as seen in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. However, the sword is now over 100 years old and it's blade has gone dull. By removing the sword from its resting place Link has released the evil Ganon's magical powers, but if Link can restore the sword to its former glory, he just might be able to save the world.
The Master Sword is an important part of Zelda lore. I'd be surprised if we've seen the last of it.