Goddess's Harp
Games | ||
Location | ||
Uses | Accessing Sheikah Stones, Goddess Walls, and Silent Realms |
The Goddess's Harp is the primary musical instrument in Skyward Sword. It was once held by the goddess Hylia herself.[1] Zelda can be seen playing the harp early on in the quest, but Link acquires the harp himself after a scene at the Temple of Time. It is likely also used by Sheik in Ocarina of Time.
Ocarina of Time
The harp used by Sheik when playing duets with Link on his ocarina was the inspiration for the design of the Goddess's Harp.[2] It is possible that the two are the same one.[3] This suggests that the harp was passed down through the Royal Family of Hyrule to a future Princess Zelda.
Skyward Sword
The harp is an essential part to the plot of Skyward Sword. Zelda uses it at the beginning of the game during the Ceremony of the Goddess at the Statue of the Goddess.[4] Later, after completing the Lanayru Mining Facility, she is found in the Temple of Time, strumming the Ballad of the Goddess. When Ghirahim attacks, she bestows the harp upon Link and then quickly leaves with Impa through the Gate of Time.[5][6][7]
Link can take out the harp almost anywhere in the world and begin to strum. If he plays it in time with the music of the area, the harp will create an accompaniment to it. Additionally, Link can play a mini-game at the Lumpy Pumpkin where he accompanies Kina on the harp.[8] In order to earn money for his performance, he must keep in rhythm with her and the audience.[9]
In most cases, Link can reveal Goddess Walls and Gossip Stones if there are three Blessed Butterflies surrounding an area.[10] Playing any sort of chord on the harp will make one or the other appear.[11][12]
There are also five full songs available on the harp. However, Link can only play them during certain events, unlike in previous games such as Ocarina of Time where they could be played anywhere. All of the songs, excluding Ballad of the Goddess, are used to open a gate to the Silent Realm. Fi accompanies Link when he plays these songs by singing.
Songs
- Ballad of the Goddess: Opens a path to the Thunderhead and reveals the Gate of Time[13]
- Farore's Courage: Opens a portal to the Silent Realm in Faron Woods[14]
- Nayru's Wisdom: Opens a portal to the Silent Realm in Lanayru Desert[15]
- Din's Power: Opens a portal to the Silent Realm in Eldin Volcano[16]
- Song of the Hero: Opens a portal to the Silent Realm in Skyloft[17]
The Song of the Hero is obtained in four parts from Levias, Faron, Eldin, and Lanayru.[18]
Non-Canon Appearances
This section describes a subject that is or may be outside the core Zelda canon. |
Hyrule Warriors
The Goddess' Harp is the Level-1 version of Sheik's Harp weapon.
Legend Mode
Zelda is seen playing the Goddess's Harp in her dream at the beginning of Legend Mode. Sheik later appears using it in The Sheikah Tribesman.
Gallery
Icon of the Goddess's Harp in Skyward Sword
Key art of Zelda holding the Goddess's Harp in Skyward Sword
Sheik with the Goddess's Harp in Hyrule Warriors
References
- ↑ "The harp you hold is known as the Goddess's Harp. It is a divine instrument of the goddess who once watched over this land." — Impa, Skyward Sword.
- ↑ "The design is the same as the harp that Sheik has in Ocarina of Time." — Eiji Aonuma, Nintendo Power August 2011.
- ↑ "The harp in Skyward Sword looks a lot like Sheik's harp in Ocarina of Time. Could it be the same one...?", The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia.
- ↑ "Aren't they beautiful? Especially this instrument! They tell me it's just like the one the goddess was said to have in the legends. It sounds gorgeous too. I asked Father about it, and he says it's called a harp. And look at these clothes! I made this wrap myself, and we get to use it in today's ceremony! Between the harp and this outfit, I'm going to make a great goddess today! I got you up early this morning because I wanted you to be the first to see me like this, [Link]!" — Zelda, Skyward Sword.
- ↑ "[Link], here! You'll need this where you're going." — Zelda, Skyward Sword.
- ↑ "You got the Goddess's Harp! But there's no time to admire it!" — In-game description, Skyward Sword.
- ↑ "For reasons we do not fully understand, Zelda has been traveling all across the land. You were successful in meeting her at the Temple of Time, but our discourse was cut short by Ghirahim, who attempted to attack Zelda. During Ghirahim's attack, Zelda entrusted you with her harp and then ran from the area through a strange gate." — Fi, Skyward Sword.
- ↑ "Anyway, what can I do for you? If it's work you're after, I'm sure I can find something for you to do. Just for old times' sake! And, of course, I'll pay you for it this time. Want to make some money playing your harp for us? Or maybe you just want some soup?
- Play harp. :Soup. :I'm busy." — Pumm, Skyward Sword.
- ↑ "Customers will start waving their arms as Kina sings her song, so you can just follow them if you need a guide to the rhythm you should be playing. Pick a customer whose movements are easy for you to follow, and strum with them to stay on the right tempo.
Don't worry about the direction of your strumming. Just make sure you're not playing too fast or too slow, and use nice, big, sweeping motions to strum! When the customers stop moving, it's your chance to freestyle a little bit and play however you like!
It's all about playing to the rhythm! Got it?
- OK! :Huh?" — Pumm, Skyward Sword.
- ↑ "Ancient tomes mention these butterflies flapping around in packs by certain walls and statues!
Seems like these butterflies have some kind of sixth sense. They are detecting, uh...something! Want to hear more?
- Please! :Enough." — Gorko, Skyward Sword.
- ↑ "OK, bud, prepare to be amazed! I made a huge discovery while I was out doing my field research.
So get a load of this... Apparently, there are walls and statues that respond to beautiful tones!
Wild, right? Want to know more?
- Of course! :Nah..." — Gorko, Skyward Sword.
- ↑ "Butterflies tend to gather around Gossip Stones like myself. If you find a spot swarming with butterflies, play a tune of great beauty and a Gossip Stone might just pop out of the ground with a boing-oing!" — Gossip Stone, Skyward Sword.
- ↑ "This divine tune is meant to be played on a harp. It leads those chosen by the goddess to fulfill a great destiny." — In-game description, Skyward Sword.
- ↑ "This song opens the trial located in Faron Woods. Play it on your harp when you discover the entrance." — In-game description, Skyward Sword.
- ↑ "This song opens the trial located in Lanayru Desert. Play it on your harp when you discover the entrance." — In-game description, Skyward Sword.
- ↑ "This song opens the trial located on Eldin Volcano. Play it on your harp when you discover the entrance." — In-game description, Skyward Sword.
- ↑ "The song that leads you to the final trial. Play it on your harp when you find the entrance." — In-game description, Skyward Sword.
- ↑ "The goddess split this song into four parts. She entrusted one part to me and the other three to the dragons of the land. You must gather each of the parts of the Song of the Hero. Seek out the dragons, and convince them to teach you their parts. When they've taught you what they know, come to me and I will complete the song with my own voice! The dragons can be found at Faron Woods, Eldin Volcano, and Lanayru Desert. Go on, then. Find the dragons you now seek!" — Levias, Skyward Sword.