Lava

Lava is a recurring obstacle in the Legend of Zelda series. A body of molten rock, if Link falls into it he suffers damage and usually returns to the last entrance he came through. However, in some cases, he might die instantly depending on the game. Also, enemies may lurk within lava pits, or be pushed in and destroyed. Lava is associated with fire-themed dungeons and locations.

Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
Lava pits are found in places where Ras thrive. If Link falls into one, he dies instantly.

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
Lava pits are found exclusively in Turtle Rock, the last dungeon of the game. Both the mini-boss, Fire Cephalopod, and the boss, Hot Head, reside within a room that has a massive pool of lava in the center, making the fight more difficult.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Lava pits are prevalent in Dodongo's Cavern, Death Mountain Crater, Fire Temple and the fire room of Ganon's Castle. Ganon's Castle itself is floating above a large lava pit, and cannot be breached until Link gains all Medallions to create a bridge. Should Link fall into one, he returns to the entrance and suffers damage, similar to falling into a bottomless pit. However, during his fights with King Dodongo and Volvagia, where there are lava pits and pools in the rooms, Link will simply suffer damage if he touches the lava, rather than returning to the start of the room. The lava within these rooms harden and cool upon the bosses' defeat.

The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
Lava pits are found in the basement of Snowhead Temple and in Stone Tower Temple. In the latter temple, since the tower can be turned upside down, the lava will drip from the ceiling, causing damage if it strikes on such occasions. While Link will suffer the same if he falls into it, if he is in Goron form, he is immune to the lava and can walk into pools of it without any damage or repercussions.

The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages
There are lava pits found within Skull Dungeon. There is also the Lava Juice.

The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons
The entire world of Subrosia is filled with many lava pits, as well as the dungeon found there, the Sword & Shield Maze. While Link suffers damage if he falls into it, the Subrosians seem to be immune to such effects. In fact, they can bathe within the lava as though it is water. In fact, there is a Lava Lake found within the city. Also, there is a Lava Soup.

The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords
In Death Mountain, lava pits are found.

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
Lava pits are found in Dragon Roost Cavern, the center room and the room that represents Dragon Roost Cavern of Ganon's Tower, and several grottos. If Link falls into one, he will bounce up from being burned, and then return to the start of the room. The exception is when fighting Gohma, in which Link will simply bounce out of the lava after suffering damage. Interestingly, if he falls in to it right after Gohma is defeated, he will keep bouncing until Gohma's death sequence is finished. Link can throw Water Pots or shoot Ice Arrows into the lava to create temporary platforms to stand on, and needs to do so over geysers of lava in order to reach higher floors.

Lava pits also house Fire Keese, Red Bubbles and Magtails.

The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures
Lava pits are found in the last stage of Death Mountain: Tower of Flames.

The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
The Cave of Flames is where lava pits are located. Also, during the battle with the dungeon's boss, Gleerok, it will sink into the lava to hide from Link, and swamp the area with lava to temporary reduce Link's mobility space. Link can use the Cane of Pacci to flip over rocks to create platforms to walk over lava pits.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
Lava pits are found within the Goron Mines. If Link falls into it while wearing the Zora Armor, he dies immediately, unless he has a fairy in a bottle.

The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
Lava pits are found within the Temple of Fire. In this game, if Link falls into a lava pit, he suffers damage and returns to the last point before entering the lava area.

The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks
Lava pits are found within the Fire Temple and several floors of the Tower of Spirits. While Link suffers damage and returns to the last point before entering the lava area, Phantoms are immune to it and even walk through pools. With this, Princess Zelda, while possessing a Phantom, can carry Link over pits of lava.