Few moments in life are more satisfying or surreal than escaping reality through the medium of restful respite. Tranquil slumber wields the power to whisk the dreamer to faraway lands and relive former memories. At times, these quiescent visions are so picturesque that they must certainly be real. Even in the midst of such bliss, we know. We always know. This harmonious interlude cannot last forever. Eventually, we must all return to reality.
Such is the dichotomy of Link’s existence in The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening. With each passing step, the hero inches closer not only to his rescue but also to his demise. For while his desire is to escape from Koholint Island, Link also wishes to spend just one more moment with Marin.
As Link collects each Instrument of the Sirens, echoes of the Ballad of the Wind Fish can be heard in the distance from Mabe Village. While Marin is an illusory symbol of kindness and hope, her favorite song is a gentle but constant reminder that none of Link’s endeavors are real. In the end, the hero must eventually employ the same melody and leave behind his newfound friend.
The instruments and technique that Mewmore employs for his rendition of Ballad of the Windfish impeccably represents the slumberer’s predicament. The gentle flow of the keyboard during the opening verse is the ideal symbol of entering a perfect rest.
But as the chorus transitions to the second verse, Mewmore adds percussion and wind instruments. With the entrance of each new instrument, the listener is immediately consumed with imaginations of a dreamer fighting for just one more moment of sleep.
Mewmore finishes the remix in the same place that he started: a delicately flowing keyboard. The metaphorical conclusion is a perfect portrayal of re-entering the waking world. Reality has the same initial feeling of tranquility; however, we gradually begin to comprehend the truth. Despite the immersion, none of our experiences were real.
Link awakes on the wreckage of his damaged ship and stares at the horizon in solemn disarray. Marin is gone. Koholint Island is gone. It was all just a dream. But as the hero is on the brink of dismay, he begins to hear faint echoes of Marin’s favorite song. Sorrow swiftly transitions into a gleeful smile because Link already knows: His time with Marin was real and will live on in his memories. Who are we to say otherwise?
