I will tell you right now that Phantom Hourglass is a fantastic game. It manages to pack the spirit of WindWaker into a teeny DS package, and it's a worthy sequel. Also, Linebeck is the best character forever.
As always, a decrepit old man teaches you how to use a sword in the beginning of the game. It seems a bit redundant at this point, though, but I don't suppose decrepit old people have anything better to do than harass children.
Cel-Link and Roy are locked in a fierce battle to claim the title of Most Horrible Gremlin.