To truly comprehend the nature of the Wind Fish, one most likely needs to undertake a thorough analysis of all the machinations of its imagination, for the island of Koholint and all its inhabitants, good and evil, are products of the deity’s dreaming mind. Alas, such an exploration exceeds the bounds of this exposition. Rather, let us turn to the Wind Fish itself and leave the people and places created in its mind for another time.
We learn much of the Wind Fish through interactions with the residents of Koholint (who are, again, apparitions of the Wind Fish’s mind). Clues of the true nature of the Wind Fish are scattered for the intrepid explorer to discover. We learn that the Wind Fish is a powerful deity who can control the wind, but has succumbed to an indefinite slumber inside the enormous egg atop Mt. Tamaranch looming over the island and its denizens. Only by gathering the eight Instruments of the Sirens can Link awaken the Wind Fish and bring an end to the Nightmares that plague the deity’s dreams. We further learn through a mysterious beaming owl statue that the Wind Fish’s name is misleading, as it is neither wind nor fish.
The Wind Fish even has its own ballad, which may come off with a narcissistic flair seeing as the tune is essentially a dedication to oneself. However, when one accounts for the lyrics accompanying the haunting melody, the ballad further conveys a sense of longing and preparation for drastic change.
Eventually, our hero, Link, discovers ancient inscriptions detailing the true nature of the Wind Fish. The corporeal form of the Wind Fish is revealed to be that of a whale, decorated in a fashion befitting of a supreme being. The writings further divulge the fate of Koholint should the hero succeed in his quest. With the salvation of the Wind Fish comes an end to the island and its inhabitants, for all of it is a dream inside the mind of the Wind Fish itself. This harsh truth is reiterated by the Nightmares faced, who fear not only for their own destruction but for that of all of Koholint.
Despite dire warnings, our hero perseveres, defeating the Nightmares and gathering the Instruments of the Sirens. With all the necessities in hand, Link heads to Mt. Tamaranch, uses the instruments to perform the “Ballad of the Wind Fish,” and enters the egg to complete his quest. Emerging victorious from the epic final Nightmare encounter, the stage is set for the spectacular reveal of the sleeping divinity.
The Wind Fish does not disappoint. Taking the form of a bejeweled, bright, multi-colored whale, donning minuscule wings whose flight mechanics are even more incomprehensible than bumblebees, the levitating leviathan is a sight to behold, rivaling the most spectacular fever dreams or psychedelic voyages. Speaking with a proper olde English flair, the Wind Fish confirms the truth of Koholint. The awakening will spur the annihilation of Koholint and its peoples, but such is its doom. Wisely proclaiming “But, verily, it be the nature of dreams to end!“, the Wind Fish calls on Link to awaken, bring an end to Koholint and the dream, and return to the real world. Upon so doing, Link comes to consciousness on the remains of his vessel floating in the sea and witnesses the Wind Fish fly off with a flock of seagulls, left alone to contemplate the meaning of the events.
There is much more to say of the Wind Fish, but, verily, as with dreams, it be the nature of articles to end. Though the deity flies on, we are left to ponder the grand ideals that the experience has raised. Among these are the blurring lines of reality, impermanence of life, consistency of change, and the necessity to progress forward despite the potentially painful consequences, lest we become trapped in place and susceptible to the negativity of our internal demons. From hence and unto where the Wind Fish flies remain unknown, the impact of his awakening unmistakable and everlasting.
