Zelda’s music is closely associated with the instruments used to play them throughout the series. Musical instruments have been important to the franchise as far back as the original The Legend of Zelda with its Recorder, but it only became a central aspect of the series with the titular item in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. From that point forward, an overarching theme was set in stone: Music’s ability to help and heal people.
Zelda Music Crosses Cultural Boundaries
When Link arrives on the menacing Death Mountain in Ocarina of Time, the Goron leader Darunia gives him an unfriendly welcome. Because this rock man is dealing with a food crisis affecting all of his people, he understandably believes he has no time to hear out a mere child. Traveling back to the forest and learning a song from Link’s best friend, Saria, results in a way to break Darunia’s rugged exterior. The Goron comically breaks into a cheerful dance the moment he hears Link play Saria’s Song. Darunia’s mountain home is far removed from the forest, yet a song from a completely different society makes him feel enough joy for his problems to melt away.
Throughout Ocarina of Time, Saria’s Song is used as a mark of proof that Link knows Saria. The only character unrelated to Saria who reacts to the song is Darunia. A message is being communicated that music’s emotion transcends differences in culture. There are other examples throughout the series reflecting this as well. For example, a sidequest in Majora’s Mask uses instruments from four different races to perform a song composed by the Zora race that long ago inspired a human named Gorman to become a performer.
The Introspective Influence of Zelda Music
Gorman’s quest is not only about how a different culture inspired him. This character is the leader of an entertainment troupe but is currently having a hard time, as his planned show was canceled. Because of his depression, he spends his time drunk at the local bar. When Link completes the sidequest and plays the song at the bar, Gorman is reminded of why the world of show business appealed to him in the first place. His nostalgic memory brought on by the song allows him to reflect on where he is now and why it is worthwhile to press on.
A similar event occurs in the once-thriving but now undead-ridden Kingdom of Ikana. A now ghostly composer for the royal family, Sharp, was cursed to haunt Ikana after making a deal with a demon to save his country. Link is told this by Flat, Sharp’s equally spectral brother who remains at his own grave and laments Sharp’s decision. Flat composed the Song of Storms, a magical melody that summons a rainstorm. The rain, he says, represents his sorrow, while the thunder represents his anger. By playing the song for Sharp, the curse is washed away and Sharp reflects on his decision.
By understanding his brother’s emotions, Sharp can move on and pass on, realizing that trying to revive a dead kingdom is a fool’s errand. This theme of acceptance is common in Majora’s Mask. Other characters who have died but still have unfinished business in the mortal world are allowed to rest in peace when Link plays the Song of Healing for them. This calms their souls and allows Link to carry on their goals.
The Immortal Memory of Zelda Music
The Ocarina songs from Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask impact far more than their own respective stories. In The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, these songs can be found throughout the game in the form of howling stones- Artifacts carved to play specific tunes when the wind blows through them. Twilight Princess takes place around 100 years after Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask, but their music remains. At one point Saria’s Song is even necessary for entering the forest, as its original purpose of proving a relation to Saria holds.
Zelda music plays a much greater role in their games than one might expect. It has touched the hearts of many characters and encouraged them to improve their lives. This could also be said for the Zelda fanbase, who have a huge amount of reverence for the music. With countless remixes and covers, the Zelda music can be said to be just as lasting and impactful in our world as it is in Hyrule.
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