The Legend of Zelda (Theme)

"The Legend of Zelda (Theme)" has appeared in almost every mainline title in to date. It was first introduced in as the overworld theme, and evolved into the theme song for the entire series. It was written by Koji Kondo.
== Appearances ==
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The theme appears twice in the 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 Famicom version had slightly different music to that of the Nintendo Entertainment System.
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The only appearance of the theme is its often-used introduction, which plays at the beginning of the game's overworld music before transitioning into a new melody.
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 again uses the theme as the main overworld music, though only in the Light World. It also plays during the end credits.
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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.
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The full form of the theme is notably absent from . The only use of the theme 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 of the game, the theme appears in its full form in the end credits music.
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The theme returns in , where it appears in its full form as the game's Termina Field music.
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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 and the Oracle games. However, also contains a separate remix of the theme which plays on the overworld in the past. 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.
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The theme appears as the game's main title music. Another mix based off of 's title screen version serves as the game select screen's music when choosing between and .
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The theme makes several appearances in . The first of these is in the game's prologue, where it play as the prologue mentions the Hero of Time. Pieces of 's title screen version of the theme plays when Link 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, are also loosely based on the original theme.
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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.
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The theme again appears as the overworld music of the game. Parts of it are also included in the Cloud Tops music and the game's end credits theme.
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Throughout most of the game, the full theme does not appear. Notably, in the few times it does, it appears as a supporting melody line to the 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.
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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 Great Sea" is loosely based on the theme. "A Battle Across the World" contains a mixture of the Hyrule Field music from (which contains a single phrase from the theme) and theme. 
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The theme appears, in part, twice. 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.
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The theme does not appear for most of the game. 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.
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The theme is heard in full in the Overworld music (1 and 2) and in the Main Theme (Milk Bar). 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 Staff Roll.
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The theme is one of the songs that can come out of the music ball that Link can hit in the multiplayer lobby.
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The theme appears multiple times during the game, 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 Staff Roll and in the memory where Link rescues 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 is dying, the theme plays softly as Zelda holds Link 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.
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The theme appears multiple times during the game. Some appearances, like the one when riding a horse at night, are identical to Breath of the Wild. 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 ==
The piece 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 ==
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 theme song has appeared in all of the as background music for Zelda related stages and a victory theme for Link, Princess Zelda and Ganondorf.
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In , 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.
== See Also ==
*Recurring Music in The Legend of Zelda Series