Where is my sword?

OK. So, the sword was in my inventory the whole time. (Apparently, it was given to me somewhere near the start of the game. Maybe I missed the mention of the sword somewhere in the spew of dialogue?)

In any case, the sword was not actually equipped, even though it is clearly the only thing that could possibly be equipped.

Maybe this was my own simple oversight, but this seems uncharacteristic for this series, at least in the previous games developed by Nintendo EAD. (Capcom - what is up with this?)

AFTER SOME REFLECTION

Started a brand new Linked Game. There was no mention of a sword in any of the dialogue. (In contrast, at other times when the sword is given or found, verbose instructions are given for how to assign it to a button and use it.)

Verified that the sword is auto-equipped in the following situations:

• Link's Awakening
  • Shield is auto-equipped to button B when given by Tarin
  • Sword is auto-equipped to first unassigned button when found on the beach
• Oracle of Ages
  • Sword is auto-equipped to button B when given by Impa (regular game)
  • Shield is auto-equipped to button B when given by Impa (linked game)
  • Shield is auto-equipped to first unassigned button when purchased from a shop
• Oracle of Seasons
  • Sword is auto-equipped to button B when found in the Hero's Cave (regular game)
  • Shield is auto-equipped to first unassigned button when purchased from a shop