Upon first meeting him in Ocarina of Time, Sheik is a very mysterious character. As players progress further in the game, the mystery remains as little else is added. Sheik seems like a pretty simple character. It’s only near the end of the game, with the revelation that Sheik is actually Princess Zelda in disguise, that more depth fills the character. Through their orchestral cover, The Marcus Hedges Trend Orchestra guides us down this path that begins with a simple mystery and ends with a profound, yet still mysterious, truth.
The track begins as it does in the game, with a string of notes plucked on a harp. The only other instrument is a simple bell that rings in time. It starts quietly and grows in intensity as the song continues. It’s as if Sheik is playing alone in front of us, just as he often does to Link, yet as the melody prepares to repeat, we find that the bell has called in reinforcements to reveal the mystery.
The melody slows for a brief second before returning with many more instruments, unveiling the full measure of who Sheik is. The harp continues its plucky way with the bell chiming in step, but the song is given more impact by the addition of violins, cellos, flutes, and a chorus. The additional instruments fill the space and lend an even greater sense of importance to the tune. The chorus imparts a spiritual feeling, almost as if the goddesses themselves are harmonizing after a period of discord. The deep resounding strings of the cellos seem to demand that we listen because this moment is important. Sheik stands revealed as not just a mysterious member of the Sheikah tribe, but the valiant princess in hiding who has planned and waited seven long years under the Demon King’s tyrannical rule, and now sees her time to strike back.
Through their cover of Sheik’s theme, The Marcus Hedges Trend Orchestra invites us all to bask in the fullness of Sheik. More than just a bandaged-wrapped mystery ninja, Sheik is the hidden hope of the Royal Family of Hyrule when the future has been twisted and all seems dark. The revelation of truth fills the land with hope just as the additional instruments fill out the song, encouraging both Hylians and humans to take heart. Things will get better.
