Known for its bizarre story and eccentric cast of characters, Link’s Awakening remains one of the most peculiar entries in the Zelda series. The entire narrative unfolds on the mysterious Koholint Island, which turns out to be nothing more than the dream world of a mythical creature called the Wind Fish. While this realization can be rather jarring, what is even more unusual is that the shipwrecked hero takes a nap in the dream world. Yes, that is correct. During his visit to the Dream Shrine, Link channels his inner Leonardo DiCaprio from the movie Inception and performs a dream within a dream. In hindsight, the Dream Shrine sequence is charming yet uncanny, but the music that accompanies this strange event is also eerie and unusual.
Referred to as The Second Narrator on YouTube, composer Jeremiah Sun specializes in orchestral renditions of video game music. While his channel offers a wide variety of cover songs, Jeremiah’s channel is filled with a treasure trove of Zelda tracks. In fact, this talented musician composed and released the entire Link’s Awakening original soundtrack on SoundCloud.
Each composition expands upon the original, but perhaps none of Jeremiah’s work is more pronounced than his rendition of the “Dream Shrine” theme.
With its use of high-pitched percussion instruments, the opening notes of The Second Narrator’s “Dream Shrine” composition immediately capture the audience’s attention. The pendulum-like tones of the triangle create an ambiance of hesitant curiosity until abruptly interrupted by the boisterous allegro tones of multiple wind instruments. This entire sequence is symbolic of Link entering the Dream Shrine and falling fast asleep on the mysterious bed.
As the song transitions into the first verse, the pace is noticeably faster than the original, and Jeremiah replaces the marimba with a piano for the background accompaniment. This selection creates a clearer distinction between the melody and the harmony, which adds emotional depth to the piece.
As Link approaches the pedestal to claim the Ocarina, Jeremiah adds yet another twist to the “Dream Shrine” theme with a subtle violin outro. These few bars of stringed notes almost create an atmosphere of a victorious impression as Link secures an item that will surely aid in his quest. With a newfound treasure in hand, the music slowly fades as the hero awakens from the dream within a dream.
Although the internet is filled with talented composers of video game soundtracks, Jeremiah’s work is truly unique. Please be sure to listen to his Link’s Awakening album on SoundCloud and check out some of the other video game covers on The Second Narrator YouTube channel. Enjoy!
