I am very confused

[marbeltoast]

This game is, as far as my first hour reveals, impossible to understand.
I have a sword, an hourglass, a laser pointer on the end of a stick, another, separate stick, and a shield.
I am poking my head in and around the tiny, confusing map. I have come across multiple dead ends. I keep dying over and over and over again (honestly it seems like a faster alternative to walking at this point).
The guidebook the game gives you is obtuse on purpose, which makes me feel a fool even asking for help as it's clearly a core element of this game that the player be constantly bewildered, lost, and desperately struggling to find any path forward whatsoever, but I also did pay 24 bucks for this and it would be a shame to shelf it forever after only one hour.

SO
all that said:
1. Where do I go?
2. What do I do?
3. What the hell is going on?
4. Is there a way for me to not die all the time?

[marbeltoast]

Update: I am now beneath the well. Pro tip: hug the left wall and just keep walking if you ever get stuck. It can reveal all manner of shortcuts

[marbeltoast]

Update: beat the seige engine, learned how to do fox pose

[WonderSparks]

I'm glad you're figuring your way through it, it's a marvellous game but it can indeed be a bit tricky to sort out what you're doing on your first run.
Just keep at it, and I'm sure you'll be fine! And don't be afraid to ask questions or seek external guidance--preferably not from a guide that might spoil things without warning--if you end up banging your head against a brick wall, 'cuz there's at least a few of us who're willing to help out~

[marbeltoast]

Thank you! I just found the hookshot and now I shall go a-backtracking!

[F2P]

There is a spoiler-free walkthrough in guides where you could check in case you got stuck. There is no shame in searching for help online!

[Sarthalion]

Seems you solved your problem in 30 min, hehe, reading what you type though, seems there are multiple paths. You have an hour glass i don't have that and it sounds like I have done more than you. I have wandered to the "quarry" and monetary, but pretty sure I am not supposed to be here and haven't figured out where to go yet otherwise.