The top 10 songs in The Wind Waker

Perhaps one of the most imaginative games in the Legend of Zelda series, The Wind Waker sports a soundtrack that is fun and upbeat while also evoking the epic thrill of a seafaring adventure. From character theme songs that encapsulate the cast’s personality to awesome boss music that gets your heart pounding, The Wind Waker creates remarkable storytelling with its music.

The world of Hyrule comes alive with each new song introduced, making it difficult to pick favorites. With such an amazing soundtrack, it is no wonder that so many of its songs are beloved by Legend of Zelda fans so many years after its release.

10. Ceremony in the Woods

After rescuing Makar from the Forbidden Woods, Link is rewarded with a chance to hear the beautiful song of the Koroks. Makar performs an epic violin solo, and he is accompanied by his cute Korok friends and their singing. Even Link dances along to Makar’s music.

This song is cute and short, just like the Koroks performing it. Not only is Makar’s song an uplifting little tune, but it is also helpful. After listening to the song, the Great Deku Tree sprout seeds for the other Koroks to plant around the Great Sea. The “Ceremony in the Woods” promotes planting more trees and spreading good vibes.

9. Mini-boss theme

Honestly, this theme should be a boss theme all on its own. The hard-hitting beat and the high-pitched flute tell Link that the foe he is fighting is stronger than any of the other enemies he has faced up to this point. He might even get a cool item out of the deal, should he prevail.

It is not often that mini-bosses get such exciting music, but it truly highlights their danger when they do. When Link hears the steady build-up of this theme, he better get ready for a deadly foe.

8. Aryll’s theme

Aryll’s theme song appears at several points in the game, making it one of the more iconic songs to come out of The Wind Waker. Much of the first half of the game is Link’s quest to find and save his little sister. So, it makes sense that one of the most memorable character themes belongs to Aryll.

Her theme is perfect for Aryll’s characterization too. It is gentle and calm while also carefree and light, just like her. And it is always such a relief to hear her theme once she is finally rescued by her hero and big brother.

7. Sage Fado

Fado’s theme and Laruto’s theme are not much different from each other in terms of melody, but the instruments and vibe change between the two. While Laruto’s theme is somber and vocal, Fado’s theme is a little more upbeat yet mysterious. The steady drumbeat coupled with the flute is reminiscent of the music that could be heard in Kokiri Forest in Ocarina of Time.

While both themes are great, Fado’s theme is a little more interesting and really feels like it shows his personality. It also carries the echoes of the Kokiri’s music, which is long gone at this point in the story.

6. The Fairy Queen

The Fairies in The Wind Waker are like no other, including their rather odd Fairy Queen. The Fairy Queen’s theme song is a twist on the typical Fairy Fountain theme, adding on mechanical sounds like clocks ticking and little springs. In a way, she almost feels robotic with these little sounds included in the song.

A strange and mysterious character like the Fairy Queen deserves a song that matches all her weirdness and majesty. This song is a perfect blend of the elegant and iconic original Fairy Fountain theme while also adding enough of a personalized touch to the enigma that is the Fairy Queen.

5. Title Theme

The first song we hear in The Wind Waker is one of the most iconic. It is a cheerful tune, inviting players to adventure. Once again, flutes are prominent in this song and accompanied by some string instruments and a gentle beat.

Since this song is one of the first impressions of The Wind Waker, it is important that it be catchy and draw the players into the game. In addition, the melody can be heard multiple times throughout the game. It is a prevalent piece and one of the quintessential The Wind Waker songs.

4. The Great Sea

Since The Wind Waker focuses primarily on sailing, the theme of the Great Sea needs to be exciting and epic. It certainly does not disappoint. This song underscores the Hero of Winds as he sails on the noble King of Red Lions, and the theme of the Great Sea truly captures that heroic image in music.

It is a song that you can listen to for hours. After all, much of your adventure will take place on the open seas, so you will be hearing this song for the majority of the game.

3. Farewell Hyrule King

In the midst of all the cheerful and upbeat music, there are songs that pull at the heartstrings. As the King of Hyrule wishes for the kingdom’s destruction, he says goodbye to Link and Zelda. The Hyrule Castle theme heard in the older games plays in this scene. This version starts out slow and somber though, as the king decides to perish with his kingdom.  

It is a bittersweet song. The piano music is slow at first before building into an almost regal swell, befitting of the last king of Hyrule. But the King’s goodbye also holds a bit of hope for the future as he sends Link and Zelda to create a new Hyrule.

2. Dragon Roost Island

Dragon Roost Island sports a unique theme that is rightfully one of the most popular Legend of Zelda songs. With fast guitar music, an energetic flute, and even sounds that seem to come from castanets, Dragon Roost Island’s theme is unforgettable. It makes you want to stop and stay on the island so you can listen to it for hours.

This theme later makes an appearance in the Super Smash Bros. series with a remix that only enhances its awesome rhythm, with a quicker tempo and even some electric guitars.

1. Molgera Battle

The boss room is quiet until drums begin to play rapidly and bells start tolling. The iconic flute that is heard in so many The Wind Waker songs now foretells Link’s doom as the fearsome Molgera emerges from the sand. This theme is almost desperate, adding a sense of anxiety as Link faces off against a truly terrifying enemy.

However, Molgera’s theme also adds an awesome underscore to an already fun boss fight. This is a case where the music actively makes a fight better and way more dramatic, sealing itself as one of the best songs from The Wind Waker‘s soundtrack.