The best thing about songs from Ocarina of Time is the fact that they are so iconic. So many songs from this game can be heard in many subsequent titles, whether they appear as remixes or as brief references. These songs are perhaps the most recognizable tunes of the Zelda franchise. Even the most casual of Zelda fans have encountered versions of these melodies.
Many classic Zelda songs have even found their debut in Ocarinaof Time. In addition, many players learn the base notes to these songs by using the ocarina, making them feel personal. Regardless of how anyone first learned these songs, they are sure to have their listeners humming along.
The theme of the Forest Temple has a mysterious yet mystical feeling to it, which matches the temple itself extremely well. The Forest Temple feels like a once sacred place that was overtaken by both nature and Ganondorf’s evil forces. With such a gentle yet foreboding song, it is hard not to feel both at ease and on edge while exploring it.
With the disappearance of Link’s childhood friend, Saria, this song takes on a mournful quality. Link has lost his last connection to his youth, now that he has become an adult, and the somber tone of the Forest Temple’s theme captures that feeling entirely.
When Link first enters Castle Town, he is greeted with the joyful sounds of the Market. From a happy couple dancing to civilians skipping through the streets, the residents of Castle Town really amplify the joyful tune playing around them. Just like how grocery stores play music to entice the player into purchasing more items, the Market theme does the exact same thing. It lures Link into buying much-needed supplies or trying his hand at a couple of minigames to rob him of rupees.
In direct contrast to the Forest Temple, Kokiri Forest’s theme is incredibly upbeat and energetic. As one of the first songs that players hear, this theme really encourages players to dive headfirst into the mystical world of Hyrule.
This theme also has a child-like energy to it as well, bouncing all over the place with its high-pitched ocarina sounds. It is a perfect match for the village of forever children and their fairy companions, making it one of the most fun songs in Ocarina of Time’ssoundtrack.
The intimidating and mysterious Sheik has perhaps one of the least intimidating songs in Ocarina of Time. He appears surrounded by ethereal harp music each time Link encounters this stranger. In a way, it is almost as if Sheik’s theme is a form of comfort for Link. It lets Link knows he can trust Sheik. It might also foreshadow Sheik’s true identity as Princess Zelda.
Sheik’s harp itself even adds to this comfort when it can be found in Skyward Sword. The design of this harp is identical to the Goddess Harp that Zelda grants Skyward Sword’sLink.
The music that plays within the Great Fairy Fountains feels like one of the most fantastical pieces in the soundtrack. Its cascading notes reflect the cascading waterfalls that surround the fountains. Its melody is both uplifting and relaxing, making it the perfect backdrop as Link heals his wounds in the sacred water of the fountain.
As one of the most iconic tracks, the Great Fairy Fountain theme can be heard in a variety of other games, often appearing in a game’s opening menu. It is fitting that this healing theme plays as players select a file to play one of the best sources of escapism. After all, we play Zelda games to relax, so why should the games not open with an equally relaxing song?
Continuing with relaxing themes, Lon Lon Ranch is a serene little farm in the center of Hyrule Field with an equally peaceful theme. The gentle guitar (or banjo), accompanied by Malon’s sweet singing voice makes Lon Lon Ranch a welcoming little haven for Link on his journey. Not only that, but the melody of this theme allows Link to summon his lifelong companion, Epona. Who can blame Epona for only listening to people who play one of the sweetest songs in the Zelda series?
This song finds its home in subsequent games as well. No matter the era, Malon’s gentle melody will always soothe even the most stubborn of steeds.
It is hard to talk about Ocarina of Time’s music without mentioning “Zelda’s Lullaby.” Zelda’s theme radiates throughout the franchise with nearly every iteration of the princess. What makes this song so special is that not only is it one of the most iconic themes, but its origins in the game are sweet as well. “Zelda’s Lullaby” is just that: a lullaby for a sleepy princess.
Whenever “Zelda’s Lullaby” appears in the Zelda series now, it’s clear that Zelda is about to do something memorable, and it all started with Ocarina of Time.
The Lost Woods not only has an incredibly catchy tune, but it is also a useful tune. In order to find his way through the woods, Link must listen for this song, which is being played by his close friend, Saria. All throughout his young life, Link relied on Saria to guide him, so it’s fitting that her song is the guiding light through Lost Woods.
This theme is another song that finds its home in other games whenever a labyrinthine forest appears. Most notably, the Skull Kid in Twilight Princess uses this theme to guide Link to the Temple of Time, and the “Song of Healing” from Majora’s Mask features the main notes of the melody played backward.
This song is perhaps one of the most intense songs in the Ocarina of Time soundtrack for an admittedly small portion of the game. Despite this, the “Song of Storms” is a song that feels full of anger and frustration the faster it is played. Like the storms it represents, it begins slow but quickly crescendos into a powerful piece that feels like it could truly summon storms.
In addition, the “Song of Storms” represents one of the strangest paradoxes in the Zelda series. It catches Link in a time loop with the man inside the windmill, one where they continuously teach each other the same song. However, if any song had to be repeated over and over in a time loop, “Song of Storms” is truly the best option.
The Gerudo Valley’s theme is unlike any other song in the soundtrack. From strumming guitars to the fast-paced trumpets, this song makes Gerudo Valley home to one of the best themes in the entire game. It perfectly captures the excitement of the area, where Link must battle highly trained Gerudo warriors and save the captured carpenters who trespassed into their fortress. It is only natural that the strong women of the Gerudo deserve such an awesome theme as they defend their fortress.
Remixes of “Gerudo Valley” just add to the vigor of the song, including the remix heard in SuperSmash Bros. With added electric guitars and a faster tempo, “Gerudo Valley” proves to be one of the best songs to battle other Nintendo characters to while also simply being an incredible piece of music.
Percy Mohn
Practically raised on Zelda, Percy spends most of their spare time playing Zelda games over and over and over and- well you get the picture. When they are not playing Zelda games for once, they spend most of their time acting, both onstage and behind a DM screen in D&D. Percy is a columns and features writer.
by Percy Mohn on November 16, 2021
