While the intermittent bits of piano that play in Breath of the Wild’s overworld provide simple atmospheric background noise, the fuller and more complete pieces of music in the game range from catchy to mystical, from epic to calming. One particular example that comes to mind is the music from the various stables across Hyrule, which falls into the latter category. As soon as you hear that gentle guitar, delicate drumming, and fluttering flute, it puts your tired explorer’s soul at complete ease.
This beautiful tune truly does make you feel like you’ve found somewhere unaffected by the outside world. It surrounds itself in nothing but serenity. When you stop for a rest here, the fears and dangers of Hyrule are put to rest. Instead, the tale of a traveler, the blankets of a cozy bed, and the welcome of a merchant become your warm world. It’s like you’ve found your home.
I think a cover of this song could quite quickly disrupt its delicate tone if done incorrectly. Different instruments could change it from calm to boisterous, making it a piece you’re less likely to pleasantly fall asleep to and one that is instead an intrusion. However, the cover I found by Samantha Ballard and Kate Lovelymomo effortlessly recreates the melody and ensures its original tranquility is undisturbed.
Samantha replaces the guitar and drums with a harmonic harp, while Kate fills in the role of the flute with the comforting sounds of an oboe. Both of them play their respective instruments beautifully. It shouldn’t come as a surprise to me that the harp fits this piece effectively — after all, Zelda music has made use of the harp before, with the Great Fairy Fountains being a prime example. I can’t say that I think the harp beats the original sound of the guitar, though, as it’s almost too elegant for something as rural as the stables scattered across Hyrule.
It’s still a wonderful replication, however, and both of the lovely musicians emanate pure serenity while playing their parts. I could easily find myself falling asleep to it under the moon and stars before I return to my journey across Hyrule at the dawn of a new morning.
