The timeline of the Zelda series has proven to be both a source of countless theories and boundless interest but is also the culprit behind multitudes of migraines. While some people find the never-ending tale of reincarnated heroes and princesses to be bothersome, I think it’s fascinating. The idea that every Link and Zelda is bound and blessed by those that came before is so cool because no matter what happens, they are bolstered by ancestors from centuries past who have navigated the dark times and successfully made it to the other side. In his composition “Hero of the Wild”, musician Rush Garcia captures this ancestral cycle by utilizing a variety of songs from all throughout the Zelda series, ultimately leading listeners into the “Breath of the Wild Theme” with a surprisingly familiar melody.
I love the melody that marks the beginning of this medley because it reminds me of one of my favorite television shows of all time: Avatar: The Last Airbender. The tempo of this melody calls to mind the fast and furious battles of that animated epic. As it plays, listeners can easily imagine Link thrusting, parrying, and spin-attacking his way through a hoard of Moblins or Stalfos. Each beat of the drums that often accompany this melody mirrors the strikes of the Hylian hero.
As the composition continues, Rush Garcia utilizes a mixture of Zelda songs ranging from the “Main Theme” to “The Fairy Fountain” to “Zelda’s Lullaby” to evoke a feeling of past heroes. Depending on the listener’s experience with the franchise, each new song recalls past adventures they played through. It evokes the feeling of being a part of a grand tapestry of heroic tales. All of this builds to a climactic moment at the three-minute mark.
Three minutes into the song, the persistent beats and the masterful musical tour of past songs come to a sudden halt, and for a few seconds, there’s little to no music. Then, a familiar melody plays: the jingle of a puzzle being solved. Now, years of playing Zelda has taught us all that when that little ditty plays, something good is going to happen. Items are going to appear! Secrets will be revealed! It’s interesting, then, that what Rush Garcia holds aloft from his musical treasure chest is his version of the “Breath of the Wild Main Theme.” It gives it a sense of value and importance. From its use of single, deep drum beats to the same quick Airbender-like theme, Rush Garcia’s version of this iconic song demonstrates his clear love not just for the franchise as a whole, but for Breath of the Wild in particular. He’s definitely found his treasure.
Songs that encompass the entirety of the Zelda series always make me smile because they are like a musical scrapbook calling me to reminisce on past adventures. For a minute, I am the hero reincarnated, looking from life to life at all the trials I’ve endured and the triumphs I’ve earned. Rush Garcia’s masterpiece takes me on a journey through my own timeline and ends with a song that brings me into the present, while also promising more journeys to come.
