The music of the Zelda series has entranced players for years, being both incredibly hummable and deeply moving. No matter what you’re going through, hearing a familiar Zelda theme can lift your mood as you recall your journey through Hyrule. In the same way, there are many times when music has a dramatic effect on the moods of Link and the characters in his world. He and Marin enjoy accompanying each other in a rendition of the “Ballad of the Wind Fish,” and Link and Sheik are both caught up in the mystery and magic of many of Ocarina of Time’s melodies as they play the ocarina and harp respectively.
While Breath of the Wild’s Link never touches an ocarina, the track “Champion Medley” from Nintendo’s 2018 Japan-exclusive concert perfectly captures the emotional journey of Link as he slowly remembers some of his closest friends from one hundred years ago.
As its name implies, this track spotlights the musical themes of each of the Champions from Breath of the Wild. It gracefully shifts from Champion to Champion, but the true beauty comes from the way that it weaves the differing parts of each Champion’s personality together.
Mipha’s track starts out very soft and gentle before a blast of horns and drums transitions it into the theme of the resilient Zora princess we see resolved to do what’s best for her people and the kingdom of Hyrule, despite the very real possibility that doing so may mean leaving loved ones like Sidon behind.
Daruk’s section sounds like a militaristic opening worthy of the strongest of Gorons before a horn reminds us that for all his strength, even the mighty Daruk can be brought down by the gentlest canine.
Urbosa’s theme oozes mystery and royalty from its first notes, but these are quickly followed by some deep strings that invite the listener in and reminds them of how kind and motherly she can be. The moment is then shattered by drums and horns as Urbosa is forced to use her righteous fury to confront the dangers that plague her people and friends.
Revali’s theme is where the song gently weeps as it hints at the deep feelings of inadequacy that Revali hides. There is a brief pause, and then the gentle hum of strings explodes into a boisterous and bold movement that recalls his miraculous feats and arrogant attitude at the archery range.
By the end of the song, we find ourselves having made the same journey Link did in Breath of the Wild. He started with little to no memory of his friends, but by the end of his quest, Link saw the Champions in the fullness of all the contradictory parts of their personalities. That’s why the choice to end with the melancholy notes that play when Link remembers taking a picture together following the knighting ceremony is perfect. He has gone from not remembering his friends at all to remembering them perhaps too deeply as he looks fondly but sadly at the picture he keeps in his house in Hateno Village. Just as he can look at the photo and remember, we can listen to this song and recall the tale of service and sacrifice of the Champions.
