The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remains one of the most iconic and beloved video games of all time, not only for its gameplay and story, but also for the magical role that music plays throughout the game. The ocarina itself serves as a vital tool for solving puzzles, triggering events, summoning characters, and even manipulating time and weather. Each song learned by Link adds another layer of depth to the adventure and is remembered fondly by players. The melodies are short, memorable, and hold various powers that shape the player’s journey in Hyrule.
Overview of the Ocarina and Its Songs
In Ocarina of Time, Link uses two ocarinas: the Fairy Ocarina and the Ocarina of Time. As the game progresses, Link learns multiple songs that are critical to progression and exploration. These songs are divided into categories based on their function: teleportation, manipulation, character interaction, and time/weather control. Below is a detailed guide to all the Ocarina of Time songs and their purposes.
Teleportation Songs
These songs allow Link to quickly travel across the vast land of Hyrule, taking him to various temples and important locations. They are essential for saving time and accessing areas after acquiring specific items or completing certain story arcs.
Minuet of Forest
- Location: Sacred Forest Meadow
- Warp Destination: Forest Temple
- Description: Taught by Sheik, this song helps Link reach the Forest Temple once he becomes an adult.
Bolero of Fire
- Location: Death Mountain Crater
- Warp Destination: Fire Temple
- Description: A passionate and intense tune that transports Link directly to the Fire Temple.
Serenade of Water
- Location: Lake Hylia
- Warp Destination: Water Temple
- Description: A calm and flowing melody that helps Link reach the Water Temple with ease.
Nocturne of Shadow
- Location: Kakariko Village Graveyard
- Warp Destination: Shadow Temple
- Description: A mysterious song that allows Link to enter the Shadow Temple.
Requiem of Spirit
- Location: Desert Colossus
- Warp Destination: Spirit Temple
- Description: A haunting melody that plays a major role in the time-travel sequence of the game.
Prelude of Light
- Location: Temple of Time
- Warp Destination: Temple of Time
- Description: Taught by Sheik, this song is essential for switching between young and adult Link.
Melodies Tied to the Story
These songs are used during cutscenes or to advance the plot. Some also serve to call upon certain characters or unlock new areas. They hold emotional weight and are often tied to character development.
Zelda’s Lullaby
- Learned From: Impa
- Use: Recognized by royal family members and used to trigger hidden mechanisms
- Description: This gentle melody signifies Link’s connection to Princess Zelda and is required to access various sacred spots in Hyrule.
Epona’s Song
- Learned From: Malon at Lon Lon Ranch
- Use: Summons Epona the horse, once Link is an adult
- Description: A cheerful tune that helps Link travel across large areas quickly on horseback.
Saria’s Song
- Learned From: Saria in the Sacred Forest Meadow
- Use: Used to communicate with Saria and cheer up Darunia
- Description: This bouncy melody builds emotional bonds and triggers character interactions.
Song of Time
- Learned From: Zelda’s letter and the Temple of Time
- Use: Opens the Door of Time and manipulates blue time blocks
- Description: A core song that controls time and is crucial to the game’s plot.
Song of Storms
- Learned From: The Windmill Man in Kakariko Village
- Use: Causes rain and affects windmills and certain grottos
- Description: This energetic tune connects young and adult Link’s timelines in a loop.
Sun’s Song
- Found In: Royal Family Tomb
- Use: Changes night to day and stuns undead enemies
- Description: A soothing melody that gives Link control over the day-night cycle.
Hidden Functions and Secrets
Many of the ocarina songs in Ocarina of Time have hidden or lesser-known functions. For example, playing the Song of Storms near certain locations will open hidden grottoes. Using the Sun’s Song can also freeze ReDeads and Gibdos in place, giving Link a chance to escape or attack. Even Epona’s Song, aside from summoning Epona, can be used to calm cows and receive milk in a bottle when near them.
These additional uses encourage exploration and experimentation. Players are rewarded for trying songs in different environments or during various in-game conditions, creating a more immersive and interactive experience.
Learning and Memorizing the Songs
Each ocarina song is made up of a combination of notes played on the N64 controller (or equivalent buttons in later ports). The game provides a visual aid for players learning each melody, but with time, players begin to remember each tune instinctively.
The simple six-note format makes them easy to learn and hard to forget. This design choice ensures that the music becomes an integral part of the gameplay rather than just background ambiance.
Musical Legacy
The soundtrack and ocarina songs from Ocarina of Time have left a long-lasting impression on gamers and musicians alike. Many of these melodies have been covered, remixed, and performed by fans and orchestras around the world. Songs like Zelda’s Lullaby and Song of Storms are instantly recognizable even to people who haven’t played the game.
This enduring popularity speaks to the emotional connection players feel through the music. The ocarina isn’t just a gameplay tool it’s a storytelling device that enhances the fantasy world of Hyrule in unforgettable ways.
All the ocarina songs in Ocarina of Time serve a meaningful purpose. Whether it’s fast travel with teleportation melodies, character interaction with personal themes, or gameplay mechanics like changing time and weather, each tune plays a vital role in the player’s journey. The way music intertwines with exploration and storytelling is one of the key reasons why this game remains so beloved decades after its release. Learning and playing these songs is more than a mechanic it’s a magical experience that defines The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.