Master Sword
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The Master Sword is a fictional sword from Nintendo's epic Legend of Zelda video game series. It was first introduced in the game The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. It traditionally rests in sacrosanct locations indigenous to Hyrule, such as the "Temple of Time" or the "Lost Woods". The exact role of the Master Sword varies from game to game. In general, it acts as a weapon for the chief protagonist and Hero of Time, Link.
The sword also doubles as a key to the Sacred Realm. While it impedes evil's ability to act, its seal is not inviolable. A Link to the Past, Ocarina of Time, and The Wind Waker all begin just as Ganon is finding a way around the sword. In the latter two, drawing the sword from its pedestal releases the seal completely, allowing evil to act. However, it also anoints the Hero of Time, and with the "Sword of Evil's Bane" in hand, he is ultimately able to defeat Ganon.
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Role Throughout the Series
The Legend of Zelda
The most powerful sword of the original adventure was known as the Magical Sword. It is unknown if it is the Master Sword under a different name or if it inspired the Master Sword. It does, however appear as a weapon in Soul Calibur 2, along with the Master Sword.
The Adventure of Link
The sword Link wielded was never named in-game, although the instruction manual referred to it as a "magical sword."
A Link to the Past
The sword that was destined to slay Ganon was sealed in a pedestal deep within the Lost Woods. This pedestal would only relinquish the Master Sword to one who had shown true courage. After gathering the Emblems of Courage, Wisdom and Power, Link was able to draw the blade and use it to fight the forces of darkness. When Link's health was full, the sword allowed Link to shoot waves of magic energy from it. The Dwarven Smithies eventually work on it, making it the Tempered Sword, and the Fat Fairy, when it is thrown into her Fairy Fountain, will turn it into the Golden Sword.
Kodai no Sekiban
After defeating all eight of Ganon's evil dungeon masters, the hero was finally ready to draw the sacred blade from its shrine in the Lost Woods where Link had left it. When the hero's health was full, the sword allowed the hero to shoot waves of magic energy from it.
Link's Awakening
When Link awakens on Koholint Island, he finds that his sword was washed up on the beach close to where he was found. However this was not the Master Sword. Once Link has collected all the Secret Seashells he can visit the Seashell Mansion, where the Master Sword appears through a portal. As with other games, while wielding the Master Sword, if Link is at full health, the sword will fire a sword beam when swung.
Ocarina of Time
The Spiritual Stones - the Kokiri's Emerald, the Goron's Ruby, and the Zora's Sapphire - along with the Ocarina of Time and Song of Time were the keys to the Door of Time and the Master Sword. The sword served both as a key to the Golden Land that controlled the flow of time, allowing link to travel between present and future, and as a key to lock the King of Evil, Ganon in exile. Only the Biggoron's Sword is stronger, but that must be wielded with both hands, and thus cannot be used with a shield. This is the first time the Master Sword appears and is used in Hyrule since this game takes place before all other Zelda titles.
Oracle of Ages and Seasons
In a password-linked game, players were able to obtain the Master Sword. It was the Level-3 sword of the game, second only to the Biggoron's Sword in attacking power. However, the Biggoron's Sword required two hands to wield, disallowing the use of other items while it was equipped. The Master Sword was also the only weapon capable of damaging Ganon without charging a spin-attack.
Soul Calibur II
In Soul Calibur II, the Master Sword is Link's basic and most balanced weapon and companion to the Hylian Shield. (This game is considered by some to be a part of a unified Zelda story line.) The magical sword from the original Zelda is also available as a weapon.
Super Smash Brothers series
In Super Smash Brothers and Super Smash Bros. Melee Link's appearance is similar to his appearance in Ocarina of Time, and his weapon appears to be the Master Sword. In Melee, "Young Link" is also available as a playable character with the appearance and sword of Link from Majora's Mask.
Another thing to note, that in the Master Sword's Trophy description, the Master Sword is listed as first appearing in Ocarina of Time. This is not true(but the fan speculation is that the Ocarina of Time is the first story of the Hylian Timeline), however - the first time we see the Master Sword is A Link to the Past.
The Wind Waker
After Link has proven his worth, the gods open the way to the Castle of Hyrule, now located deep beneath the sea. When he first arrives there, the entire castle is frozen in time, a whole army of enemies locked in one moment during an attack on the castle. The Master Sword is located in a hidden chamber in the basement of the castle and when it is removed, this army is unleashed. However, the sword is unpowered and unable to defeat Ganon. Thus, a major part of the quest in Wind Waker involves "restoring the power of the Master Sword" by returning sages to the temples in order to pray for the Master Sword and the Hero who wields it. When the two temples are completed, the Master Sword returns to its full power and enables Link to break the barrier between the castle and the path to Ganon's lair, the final dungeon of the game.
Twilight Princess
"Missing in action"
The Master Sword is NOT seen in the following games: Majora's Mask, Four Swords, Four Swords Adventures, and The Minish Cap. The latter three games instead feature the aptly named Four Sword.