To talk about music in The Legend of Zelda is to have a trite discussion of how Koji Kondo is a genius and how the franchise’s soundtracks are among the best in video game history. Fortunately for you, I will not tire you with such a concept (maybe someday, who knows).
Instead, let’s focus today on the most iconic Zelda instruments. Historically, musical instruments have been very prevalent in Zelda games, and some are even named after these items. So, tune up your Zora guitars and prepare to blow some air into that ocarina you bought at that game convention a decade ago and still don’t know how to properly play it. Here is my totally subjective Top 5 Zelda instruments list.
5. Howling Stones
I’m technically breaking the rules of the list from the get-go, as the Howling Stones are more of an item that enables you to perform music rather than an instrument in itself. But hey, Link in his wolf form howling classic themes from Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask? You can call me nostalgic, but those howling moments were incredibly moving.
Additionally, the dynamic between Link and the Hero’s Spirit (the Hero of Time) is so well executed that it gives Link’s journey a whole new depth, fulfilling what his past self couldn’t and setting him free. That’s the power of music, baby!
4. Sheik’s Harp
While Sheik’s Harp is not an instrument you can actually play, the theme that emanates from it is capable of soothing you in the otherwise dreadful and sad place that Hyrule has become following your 7-year slumber in Ocarina of Time.
Not only that, but Sheik, aka Zelda in disguise (sorry, spoilers), is an excellent teacher (just like the Hero’s Spirit), making your travels around Hyrule much more efficient. Your Ocarina and her Harp complement each other perfectly, with both of their melodies blending perfectly while harmonizing or playing in canon.
3. Wind Waker
I probably won’t mention The Wind Waker in any lists I write for Zelda, since I didn’t really care for it at the time. Majora’s Mask might be my favorite game in the franchise, and going down a more lighthearted path was a bit of a downer for me. However, to say the game isn’t iconic would be an unforgivable sin.
That’s why the actual Wind Waker, a magical conductor’s baton that can change the direction of the wind and open up secrets, is a must in this Top 5. Although it is technically not an instrument, conducting requires a lot of musical skill and knowledge. For Link to be able to do that naturally... Well, let’s just say that studying music for 5 years now sounds really dumb.
2. Majora’s Mask Instruments
Since I’m pretty biased toward Majora’s Mask (again, it’s probably my favorite game in the franchise), I’ve decided to include all three instruments found in the game in a single spot on this list. Otherwise, this would become a “Top 3 Majora’s Mask Instruments,” and that could open a whole new can of worms.
Deku Pipes, Goron Drums, and Zora Guitar... what else can be said about them? While they are essentially the same instrument transformed via masks, they serve multiple purposes in the game. The most important of all? Healing the haunted souls across Termina.
They are simply gorgeous and play what is arguably the best OST in the franchise beautifully (here comes the backlash). Furthermore, to be able to play all at once for the Ballad of the Wind Fish is something that nothing can top.
Nothing... except for the other playable instrument in Majora’s Mask.
1. Ocarina of Time
Yeah, I know. The Ocarina of Time is simply too iconic for it to not be on the very first spot. This instrument can control time and acts as the key to the Master Sword in OoT, opening the way to a dystopian future and a very convoluted timeline that experts try to explain every time a new Zelda game is released.
It is also, alongside the Fairy Ocarina, my introduction to playable Zelda music, since OoT was the first Zelda game I ever played. Who knows, perhaps it is also the reason I became a musician!
As said above, music in Zelda is far beyond just another aspect of the series: it is a pillar that is intertwined with its lore, used as a tool to explore the world, and sometimes even dominate it. Zelda games cannot exist without their music, and there is no history in video games without Zelda musical instruments. Plain and simple.
