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"The Legend of Zelda (Theme)", also known as the Zelda theme, is a musical score of The Legend of Zelda series composed by Koji Kondo. One of the most well-known scores in the video game industry by Nintendo, it is the main theme of the franchise. It first appears in the 1986 Famicom Disk System/Nintendo Entertainment System title The Legend of Zelda, where it is heard on the title screen and overworld. The theme has since reappeared in most later installments of the long-running series.
Much like the Mario franchise's Ground Theme (its main theme) from Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda Theme was a revolutionary hit like the original NES game itself, and is often referenced in popular culture. It is so famous in the world that even people who never played any of the Zelda games immediately recognize the music.
The Legend of Zelda (FDS original)
Appearances[]
The Legend of Zelda[]
The theme appears twice in the original game. One version is used as the music for the game's title screen and subsequent prologue. Another version is prominently featured as the game's overworld theme. The title screen for the Japanese Famicom Disk System version had slightly different music to that of the international Nintendo Entertainment System release, due to the add-on exclusively having an extra sound channel and making itself more advanced.
The Adventure of Link[]
The only appearance of the theme in The Adventure of Link is its often-used introduction, which plays at the beginning of the game's overworld music before transitioning into a new melody.
A Link to the Past[]
A Link to the Past again uses the theme as the main overworld music, though only in the Light World (Hyrule). It also plays during the end credits.
Link's Awakening[]
In Link's Awakening, the theme first appears subtly during the intro sequence, then fully as the title screen music, with another version playing on the file select screen. If "ZELDA" is typed as the name during this screen, a samba-style version is played. Another version of the theme is used as the overworld music, which begins playing after Link reclaims his sword on Toronbo Shores. In this version of the theme, the second part is replaced with a new melody. Parts of the theme also appear in the game's music for Tal Tal Heights.
Ocarina of Time[]
The full form of the iconic theme is notably absent in Ocarina of Time. The only use of it is a single phrase repeated twice in the Hyrule Field music. Outside of this, it does not play at any point in the game. Because of the cameo-like nature of its appearance, some fans do not count this as a true appearance. However, in the Ocarina of Time 3D remake of the game, the theme appears in its full form in the end credits music.
Majora's Mask[]
The theme returns in Majora's Mask, where it appears in its full form as the game's Termina Field music, but noticeably becomes darker at the end.
Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons[]
Due to the similar sound capabilities of the Game Boy and Game Boy Color systems, the same title screen, file select, and overworld tracks are played in both Link's Awakening and the Oracle games. However, Oracle of Ages also contains a separate remix of the theme which plays on the overworld in the past, which Seasons lacks. The two Oracle games also feature the theme in both their standard ending and Linked Game ending music as well as the the Game Over screen.
Four Swords[]
In Four Swords, the theme appears as the game's main title music. Another mix based off of The Legend of Zelda's title screen version serves as the game select screen's music when choosing between A Link to the Past and Four Swords in the Game Boy Advance remake of the original A Link to the Past released on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System.
The Wind Waker[]
The theme makes several appearances in The Wind Waker. The first of these is in the game's prologue, where it play as the prologue mentions the Hero of Time. Pieces of The Legend of Zelda's title screen version of the theme plays when Link enters Hyrule Castle for the first time, returns to the Tower of the Gods with the completed Triforce of Courage, and during the epilogue cutscene after the credits. Parts of the game's overworld theme, which plays while Link is on the Great Sea, including the corrupt version by Ganondorf's storm, are also loosely based on the original theme.
Four Swords Adventures[]
In Four Swords Adventures, a calmer, more subdued version of the theme serves as the title screen music for the game. A more conventional take on the theme plays during certain overworld segments of gameplay. Parts of the theme also appear in the game's end credits music.
The Minish Cap[]
The theme again appears as the overworld music of The Minish Cap. Parts of it are also included in the Cloud Tops music and the game's end credits theme.
Twilight Princess[]
Throughout most of Twilight Princess, the full theme does not appear. Notably, in the few times it does, it appears as a supporting melody line to the game's main theme. A very small part from the start of theme appears in "Courage", "Save Ilia", "Hyrule Field Theme", "Title Screen Intro Sequence", "Master Sword", "Thundering Herd", and "Hero Chosen by the Gods . The theme does not appear in its full form until the end credits music.
Phantom Hourglass[]
In Phantom Hourglass, the main motif can be heard in full in "The Hero of the Winds -- The Storyteller's Memories". Short phrase is found towards the end of "Off to the Seas! - The Storyteller's Memories". It is also loosely heard in "The Virtue of a Hero". The theme plays when Tetra boards the Ghost Ship. As with The Wind Waker, "The Great Sea" is loosely based on the theme. "A Battle Across the World" contains a mixture of the Hyrule Field music from Ocarina of Time (which contains a single phrase from the theme) and The Legend of Zelda theme.
Spirit Tracks[]
The theme appears, in part, twice in Spirit Tracks. The beginning of The Legend of Zelda title sequence is heard during the introduction to the final battle, and a single phrase of the theme is used several times in the game's end credits music.
Skyward Sword[]
The theme does not appear for most of Skyward Sword. The first use of the theme is in the Song of the Hero, the beginning of which resembles part of the theme. It appears in its full form in the game's credits theme, and the main phrase appears in the game's closing scenes, both before and after the credits.
A Link Between Worlds[]
The theme is heard in full in the Overworld music (1 and 2) and in the Main Theme (Milk Bar) for A Link Between Worlds. A remix can be heard in Beginning Field. A similar phrase to the theme can also be heard during a mini-game. Finally, it is heard during the credits.
Tri Force Heroes[]
In Tri Force Heroes, the theme is one of the songs that can come out of the music ball that Link can hit in the multiplayer lobby.
Breath of the Wild[]
The theme appears multiple times in Breath of the Wild. However, almost exclusively the first half is heard in all of its appearances. An organ and choral version appears in Impa's retelling of what happened ten thousands years prior to the game. An orchestral version briefly is heard during the melody that plays outside of Hyrule Castle. A soft piano remix plays in the opening of the credits and in the memory where Link rescues Princess Zelda from the Yiga Clan. A slowed down version of it played by a violin is heard when riding a horse at night. After helping Kass complete his song in The Champions' Ballad, he plays the theme on his accordion. A part of it is also present in Kass' full theme. In Link's last memory, where Zelda's power awaken and Link himself is dying, the theme plays softly as Zelda holds the hero in her arms. After Link recalls his final memory, an emotional version of the theme is played on piano. Lastly, a flute and orchestral variation is heard during the true ending cutscene of the game.
Tears of the Kingdom[]
The theme appears multiple times in Tears of the Kingdom. Some appearances, like the one when riding a Horse at night, are identical to the game's prequel. An orchestral composition of the theme played with strings, brass and choir plays during the "The Imprisoning War" memory while King Rauru seals Ganondorf in the Imprisoning Chamber and tells him of Link.
Elements[]
As The Legend of Zelda in general is based on the Middle Ages (medieval Europe), the music score is in march tempo. In most versions, it begins with a slower, pensive version of the main theme, accompanied by ascending sets of three tones. This transitions into a faster marching beat and then introduces the full theme by repeating the first measure of the full theme twice. The full theme is composed of three statements, which then transition into a higher-pitched, melodic climax. The climax repeats three times, descending in pitch and changing key each time, until a quick set of beats returns the music to the original full theme. There is often an echo after each statement. With more sophisticated instrumentation, the piece usually uses an extensive brass section.
Other Appearances[]
Super Smash Bros.[]
The Legend of Zelda theme song has appeared in all of the Super Smash Bros. series as background music for Zelda related stages and a victory theme for Link, Princess Zelda and Ganondorf.
SoulCalibur II[]
In SoulCalibur II, this theme serves as the background music for the Cathedral stage, which is considered to be Link's stage.
Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival[]
An orchestral arrangement of "The Legend of Zelda" appears in Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival.[1]
Trivia[]
- The main theme of The Legend of Zelda series is one of a few recurring music well-known in the franchise. The Fairy Fountain theme heard since A Link to the Past, for example, is a common staple for the File Selection screen in some games. Others include Princess Zelda and Ganon's themes.
- Despite Link does not technically have a recurring theme song in the series unlike some other characters, it is highly suggested from certain games and other media that The Legend of Zelda Theme is for himself, as he, obviously, is the franchise's main protagonist and mascot.
- Koji Kondo has cited the English rock band Deep Purple as a strong influence for him to create the Zelda theme, specifically the 1969 hit song "April". In the first half of this song, notable similarities to the original The Legend of Zelda's title screen are heard and even have a nearly identical sample of its dungeon theme. The second half of April is also believed to be a basis for the Hyrule Castle theme.