From the beginning, The Legend of Zelda has often been associated with medieval times. Though not a traditional, armorclad knight, Link fought insidious, armored Darknuts and his own fireball-spitting dragons in the form of Gleeoks and Aquamentus. As six-year-old Matt sat criss-cross applesauce in the living room at a distance from the television that his parents swore would make his eyes go bad, he wasn’t just playing a game. He was a hero on an epic, fantasy adventure. In this track titled The Legend of Zelda Theme (Medieval Cover), musician Middle Ages has taken this iconic piece of music and transformed it from the simple beeps and boops of the 80s into an epic heroic theme worthy of the most chivalrous and knightly of 8-bit heroes.
The song begins with the sound of a low wind blowing. It creates an almost creepy opening, warning of danger rising. Thankfully, the welcoming main melody of the song plays simultaneously on some chimes, reminding listeners that all will be right. The chimes are followed by the sound of blaring horns as they trumpet out the theme. It calls to mind the horns that would echo in a castle as a member of the royal family or the kingdom’s hero is announced. Link has arrived, and the realm has nothing to fear.
A drumming accompanies much of the melody. Its five beat rhythm is a constant companion, creating a feeling of marching. Even in the face of a Gibdo horde, Link will not fall back. His little pixelated legs keep marching towards danger.
As brave as the young hero is, evil continues to rise to meet his every step. Throughout the song, deep bells ring and are given space to echo. Each one seems to warn of a challenge: a new enemy spawned or a puzzle to be solved.
Towards the end of the song, the lighter strings of a lute or guitar are replaced by a deeper stringed instrument. It imparts a feeling of weariness, but it’s not somber. It feels like that triumphant feeling you have after a tough workout or accomplishing an intimidating task. You’re worn out, but at the same time, you smile because you just did something that seemed impossible.
Link has claimed the scattered piece of the Triforce of Wisdom, vanquished Gannon, and freed Zelda. It has been A LOT, but I’m sure his pixelated face is smiling at a daring adventure completed. Or is it? The low wind that began the musical journey returns, signaling a sequel adventure or maybe just a second quest.
Through the use of instruments that sound as if they came from a time long ago, Middle Ages transports listeners to the world of Hyrule that our minds imagined back in 1986. This is the song our brains played as we memorized maps, gazed at amazing art, puzzled out cryptic hints in our well-worn instruction books. It’s the tune that accompanied us as we lived through an adventure that may appear simple today but was revolutionary at the time. Through a staggering display of talent, Middle Ages has created a nostalgic feast for our ears. Huzzah to Middle Ages!
