The top 5 musically talented Links

Link, the courageous hero of The Legend of Zelda series, is known for his bravery in saving Hyrule from evil. However, beyond his sword skills and heroic deeds, Link has also showcased remarkable musical talent throughout the series. From playing magical instruments to conducting, Link’s musical abilities add depth to his character and enhance the storytelling of the games. Join us as we explore the top five musically talented incarnations of Link in The Legend of Zelda series.

Side note: Wouldn’t it be cool to see these Links in a band together?!

5. The Hero of the Sky

In Skyward Sword, Link plays Zelda’s Goddess Harp to solve certain puzzles and progress through the story. His proficiency with the harp allows him to access hidden areas and communicate with celestial beings, showcasing his musical talent and connection to the divine. The way Link plays the Harp is relatively simple compared to other games: mainly he has to strum the instrument at the right tempo for Fi to sing various melodies like the Ballad of the Goddess. There’s even a side quest that revolves around playing the Harp for an audience at the Lumpy Pumpkin in a duet with Kina.

While Link himself may not be portrayed as inherently musically talented, the game emphasizes the importance of music in its world and uses it as a central gameplay and narrative element. To be fair, because of the finicky nature of motion controls, keeping up with the tempo of these songs are tricky and require patience and persistence. With Fi, and her skills in singing and dancing, the duo can hold their own in any battle of the bands competition.

4. The Hero of Winds

In The Wind Waker, Link uses the Wind Waker baton to conduct melodies that manipulate the direction of the wind, control characters, change the time of day, and more! This musical instrument is central to the game’s mechanics, and Link’s proficiency with it reflects his musical skill. Especially when conducting the Sages of Earth and Wind. His use of the Wind Waker to conduct the Sages’ requiems highlights his role as a conductor of destiny, using music to shape the course of his adventure. Music plays a significant role in the culture of The Wind Waker’s Great Sea. The various islands and characters have their own musical motifs and traditions, and Link’s ability to understand and utilize these elements further emphasizes his musical talent.

3. Hero of Legends (A Link to the Past, Links Awakening, Oracle of Ages/Oracle of Seasons)

At first glance this Link may not seem to have a diverse background in music, but you might be surprised! In A Link to the Past, Link plays a flute to call a bird to warp to different locations. In Oracle of Ages, he plays the Harp of Ages. He uses the Tune of Echo’s, Currents, and Ages to warp between the past and present of Labrynna. In Link’s Awakening he plays an ocarina and learns multiple songs. But an argument can be made that he also plays the Eight Instruments of the Sirens to awaken the Wind Fish. Music plays a vital role in Oracle of Ages and Link’s Awakening, and Link being able to play over a half a dozen instruments makes the Hero of Legends a musical prodigy. If anything, he at least knows how to play woodwinds!

2. Hero of Time (Ocarina of Time, Majora’s Mask, Twilight Princess)

In Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask, Link’s main instrument is the Ocarina of Time. Across both games he learns about two dozen songs! In Majora’s Mask he also learns to play the Deku pipes, Goron bongos, and Zora guitar. As the Hero’s Shade in Twilight Princess, he teaches his descendant seven songs through howling in his golden wolf form. Link’s ability to play these songs reflects his special role as the hero chosen by the Triforce to save Hyrule. His musical talent is a manifestation of his heroic nature and his unique bond with the world around him. His musical abilities are not just a skill, but a key aspect of his identity as the legendary Hero of Time.

1. Cadence of Hyrule Link (Hero of Rhythm as we like to call him)

Similar to Link’s Awakening, in Cadence of Hyrule, you have to collect magical instruments to access the final area. Again, an argument can be made that Link plays all of these instruments, but that is not the main reason he is number one on this list. The entire game revolves around music, its unique gameplay mechanic, which combines rhythm-based movement and combat with traditional Legend of Zelda exploration and puzzle-solving.

In Cadence of Hyrule, Link must move and attack to the beat of the music, making rhythm an integral part of the gameplay. This musical element is tied to the game’s story and world, where music plays a crucial role in maintaining balance and order. Link’s musical talents are a reflection of his role as the hero chosen to restore harmony to the land (pun intended). This level of musical aptitude is a unique trait that sets him apart from other iterations of Link, making him a truly exceptional hero of Hyrule.