Route to Gannon -- 1^st Quest 

Though there are many different ways to get to the showdown with Gannon, my recomendation to beginners is to follow this route provided below.  This is probably the quickest way to Gannon in the first quest that I know of.

If you get lost, refer to the Zelda Maps Page for reference.

1-1.  The Journey to the "Eagle" Labyrinth.
        1-1a.  Obtaining the Wooden Sword.
1-2.  Solving "Eagle" Labyrinth.
1-3.  The Journey to the "Moon" Labyrinth.
1-4.  Solving "Moon" Labyrinth.
1-5.  The Journey to the "Manji" Labyrinth.
        1-5a.  Obtaining the White Sword.
1-6.  Solving "Manji" Labyrinth.
1-7.  Beating "Snake".
        1-7a.  Getting the Stepladder.
        1-7b.  Getting the remaining free container hearts.
        1-7c.  Solving "Snake" Labyrinth.
1-8.  The Journey to the "Lizard" Labyrinth.
        1-8a.  Obtaining the Magical Sword.
        1-8b.  Obtaining the Power Bracelet.
1-9.  Solving "Lizard" Labyrinth.
        1-9a.  Acquiring 4 extra bombs.
        1-9b.  How to get the Whistle.
        1-9c.  How to destroy Digdogger.
1-10.  The Journey to the "Demon" Labyrinth.
1-11.  Solving "Demon" Labyrinth.
        1-11a.  Acquiring 4 extra bombs.
        1-11b.  How to get the Red Candle.
        1-13c.  How to find the secret passageway.
1-12.  The Journey to the "Dragon" Labyrinth.
1-13.  Solving "Dragon" Labyrinth.
1-14.  The Journey to the "Lion" Labyrinth.
1-15.  Solving "Lion" Labyrinth.
1-16.  Getting ready for Death Mountain.
1-17.  Solving "Skull" Labyrinth, a.k.a. "Death Mountain".
        1-17a.  How to get the Red Ring.
        1-17b.  How to get the Silver Arrow.
        1-17c.  How to destroy Gannon.