Daily Debate: What Is Your Favorite Musical Motif In Zelda?

The music in The Legend of Zelda series has always been a large part of the appeal of the franchise. From the very beginning, Koji Kondo’s masterpiece of a main theme has made an appearance in every major title in some form or another. With seventeen games now under Nintendo’s belt, you can bet there are countless other themes that we love to hear that have come back in newer Zelda titles.

For me, one of the best things about playing the newest Zelda game is picking out my favorite tunes and seeing how they have been reworked into the new game’s score. Some of the best examples of this is “Fairy Fountain”, making it’s first appearance as the “Game Over” and “Ending” theme in the original NES title, “Kakariko Village” and “Zelda’s Lullaby”, which both come from A Link to the Past, and “Saria’s Song”, a tune that makes its debut in Ocarina of Time. These themes are all reworked in several of the subsequent games in a variety of compelling ways.

Unfortunately for me, my favorite Zelda game, Link’s Awakening, does not get a lot of musical recognition. As such, my personal favorite tune, “Ballad of the Wind Fish,” does not get much reprisal. This beautiful piece has scarcely reappeared, getting a jingly rendition in Tri Force Heroes, a fleeting quote in Hyrule Warriors, and only a mention by name in Majora’s Mask. Still, that three-bar phrase always brings me joy whenever I hear it crop up.

What is your favourite recurring motif in the Zelda franchise? Which ones do you think need more love? Let us know in the comments!