You can sequence break the game and not ever soft lock it. You probably missed a puzzle or something. Check the manual for clues.

If you haven't done so already, I suggest you start taking notes while playing the game. You'll need to keep track of what you have to come back to a place for.

There is no locking yourself out of anything in this game. Everything is a very intentional design. Look closer, try everything.

Edit: Explore when you get stuck. Sometimes the way forward isn't obvious.

No, I think you're all good. That part scared me too.

Remember to check the instruction manual for clues.

Tunic is such a great game. I don't think you've messed anything up — the game is just a bit convoluted in its puzzles and clues. Have fun!

I heard this game is a bit cryptic. You have to spend some time on the clues.

The other comment said everything that needs to be. Just note that the west bell may look close but the way to it is anything but short compared to the east bell. Keep exploring and be careful of spoilers on internet

I stalled out on this game. It's cool but got boring really quickly after an hour or two.

I don't remember there being any textual dialog in the game except for a few portions of the manual, so I'm not sure what you mean with the central temple. Its main activation comes from both towers, and as someone said, the first simply requires a short trip through a forest and beating a large guard; but the second requires a VERY long path.