Part of the beauty of Breath of the Wild is that everyone’s journey is different. Completing the shrines on the Great Plateau is required in order to obtain the Sheikah Slate ruins needed to progress in the quest, but the path is up to you afterward. Those who are confident in their prowess can rush toward Hyrule Castle and the confrontation with Calamity Ganon, while those who prefer to take their time can wander through the land, delving into the depths of the Korok Forest and helping establish Tarrey Town. It’s this second, extended journey that is celebrated in the track “Breath of the Wild Medley – The Land of Hyrule.”
The medley starts with the familiar notes of “Epona’s Theme” as it’s heard from Breath of the Wild’s stables. The melody may stir your memories. You may remember meeting Kass for the first time at one of the myriad stables as he played this tune. Perhaps Beedle with his many wares comes to mind, or the first horse you tamed and registered. No matter the remembrance, the melody doesn’t allow you to linger. It urges you on, perhaps with an equine companion, toward a new destination.
Kakariko Village, the home of the exiled Sheikah tribe, is next. The arrangement here sounds more distinctly Japanese than many tracks in other Zelda games. The mixture of simple drums and flutes punctuated by the ringing of bells exemplifies both the mystery of the Sheikah and the tragedy of what happened to them, as well as the simple, agricultural life they have committed themselves to after leaving technology behind.
Having left Kakariko Village, quick piano notes of Breath of the Wild’s “Riding Theme – Day” greet you and your mount. The quick cords of the piano keys momentarily mirror the pounding of your horse’s hooves before it slows into a playful canter as your steed whinnies and reminds you to pat its side and reassure it that your journey isn’t over yet.
Ah, Hateno Village. For many players, this is the place Link calls home. It’s only appropriate then that the warmth of this track invites you to get cozy, and the sound of a rattling instrument can be heard, much like the memories of the dye shop, Bolson, and that accursed statue.
Just as Link can’t rest for long, the song doesn’t allow us to rest in Hateno before it slowly fades into the notes of the Korok Forest theme. Here, the tune reminds us of reclaiming the Master Sword and discoursing with Koroks in their home rather than abroad. The high, extended notes of the wind instrument whispers of Link’s commission though. He must continue on. He can’t stop here. Zelda is still waiting for him.
The piano returns as Link rides his horse to the next destination, but this time “Zelda’s Lullaby” is sprinkled in as well, accompanying him on his journey through the night. Depending on the amount of time the player has spent searching for his memories, Link may even find himself reminiscing on his time with the princess.
The listener’s last stop is one that, more than any other, can be a song they’ve never encountered before. For those who haven’t completed the sidequest to help Hudson construct Tarrey Town, this song will be a mystery. The simple, singsong melody resembles the town’s bare-bones beginnings before building to greater and greater heights as representatives of the other races in the game bring their instruments and contribute to both the town and the song. As the song comes to a close, it swells in triumph before ending quietly. The track and Link’s journey for the day is done.
