Majora’s Mask was clearly a much darker game than Ocarina of Time, but due to time restraints, a lot of material was recycled from its predecessor, including its music. While I personally love Ocarina of Time’s soundtrack and view it in only the highest regards, some of the songs I felt were out of touch with Majora’s eerier locations or scenarios. One, in particular, is the “Lost Woods.”
Don’t get me wrong, I love the “Lost Woods” theme. It’s one of my all-time favorites! However, to me, the happy-go-lucky tune never seemed to fit in with the spooky, poison-filled Southern Swamp prior to visiting the Woods of Mystery. That’s where Theophany comes in.
Theophany has dedicated an entire album to recreating music from Majora’s Mask into an orchestrated experience. Among these tracks is a reimagining of the “Woods of Mystery” theme that better suits the unsettling tones of Majora’s Mask. They’ve taken the tune that was once so chipper and transformed it into one of urgency and dread.
There’s an introduction to this piece, which I’ve always interpreted as a lost Skull Kid alone in the woods, scared and alone until two fairies reach out to him. Then it begins. The fun and mischief that he creates. The familiar tune of “Saria’s Song” begins to pound, accompanied by minor notes and a multitude of woodwinds and marimbas.
With just a few changes of instruments, the addition of minor chords, and some alterations of the original melody, the song is changed entirely. It’s incredible how Theophany could reimagine the piece in such a way! While Nintendo clearly had certain (and understandable) priorities in mind while under their limitations of time, the game now has dedicated fans to recreate these beloved melodies and make them truer to the darker tones of this truly incredible game.
Be sure to check out the rest of our articles from Majora’s Month, our month-long celebration of Majora’s Mask’s 20th anniversary!
