I wasn’t the biggest fan of Yunobo at first. He’s introduced as a fumbling coward and doesn’t seem to change during the events of Breath of the Wild. Then, when Age of Calamity’s DLC mission in Kakariko Village came out, Yunobo started to really grow on me. After defeating the Yiga Clan, he tells Daruk he doesn’t feel like a real champion yet. It’s made clear just how much Link inspired him to become brave, even if he didn’t show much character growth in his debut game. Yunobo then goes on to prove his courage in Tears of the Kingdom, where he dives into the Death Mountain Chasm even before Link does. Despite seeing this incredibly bold action, I continued to underestimate him. So, when Yunobo finally earned a musical theme after all the years of buildup, I never expected to be so blown away.
The piece opens softly, as you’d expect from someone so timid. A lonely flute melody shows Yunobo doubting his worth at first, but an entire orchestra starts to build as he accepts his role as the Sage of Fire with confidence. When the climax hits, it’s a grandiose statement of Goron pride. The piano, brass, and strings each take turns with a bombastic melody. It continues to grow by using thicker chords and powerful drums, each repetition stronger than the last. The flute comes back for the next section, this time supported by layers upon layers of strings. This particular motif appears a few times before this moment, but never felt truly resolved before. Discovering his crucial role gives Yunobo the strength of spirit he needed in order to become the best version of himself. Then again, the outro repeats this motif awkwardly on a mute trumpet, as if to remind us that even heroes can be goofballs.
Considering the fact that his role model symbolizes the courage of all Hyrule, Yunobo’s self-doubt makes a lot of sense. He set his goal astronomically high. While he’s still not quite at Link’s level, he is undoubtedly a brave warrior even if he doesn’t see it himself. Many of us have dreams that seem unreachable, but it’s important to take little steps forward whenever we can. If Yunobo can do it, then I believe each and every one of us has what it takes to become a champion of the future.
