Unlocking Melodies: How Link Acquires the Ocarina in the Legend of Zelda Series
Link’s journey throughout the Legend of Zelda series is often punctuated by the acquisition and masterful use of the Ocarina, a magical instrument that becomes intrinsically linked to his destiny. The method by which Link obtains the Ocarina varies drastically from game to game, each reflecting the unique circumstances and challenges he faces. In Ocarina of Time, he receives the Fairy Ocarina from Saria as he leaves Kokiri Forest. Later, he’s entrusted with the Ocarina of Time itself by Princess Zelda, a pivotal moment that sets the stage for his time-traveling adventure. In Link’s Awakening, however, it’s a completely different story. Link must venture into the Dream Shrine, bravely navigate the perilous landscape, and claim his Ocarina. The path to obtaining this iconic instrument is as diverse as the incarnations of Link himself.
Ocarinas Across Hyrule: A Detailed Look
The story of how Link gets the Ocarina differs greatly depending on the game you are playing.
Ocarina of Time: A Tale of Two Ocarinas
In the seminal title, Ocarina of Time, Link actually obtains two ocarinas. The first, the Fairy Ocarina, is a gift from his childhood friend, Saria, as he departs Kokiri Forest. This ocarina serves as an introduction to the musical mechanics of the game. This is only used until he gets the Ocarina of Time from Princess Zelda. After confronting Zelda back in Link’s home timeline, she presents him with her Ocarina of Time. It’s a symbol of hope and a key to unlocking the Temple of Time and drawing the Master Sword. This second ocarina, much more powerful, allows him to manipulate time and teleport across Hyrule, becoming an indispensable tool in his quest to defeat Ganondorf.
Link’s Awakening: A Dream within a Dream
Link’s Awakening takes a different approach. The Ocarina isn’t gifted; it’s earned. Located within the Dream Shrine in Mabe Village, players must first clear heavy stones blocking its entrance. Inside, after taking a nap, Link must use the Pegasus Boots to dash through enemies and open chests to finally acquire the Ocarina. This acquisition enables Link to learn and play specific songs, each with its own unique effect, like Manbo’s Mambo, Frog’s Song of Soul, and the essential Ballad of the Wind Fish.
Other Games: Variations on a Theme
While the Ocarina plays a central role in Ocarina of Time and Link’s Awakening, its significance varies across other Zelda titles. In some, it might be replaced by another musical instrument, or the method of acquisition might be different, reflecting the unique story and gameplay mechanics of each game. Link’s possession of the Ocarina highlights the themes of destiny, courage, and the power of music prevalent throughout the Legend of Zelda franchise. Regardless of how he obtains it, the Ocarina becomes an integral part of Link’s arsenal, enabling him to navigate challenges, solve puzzles, and ultimately save Hyrule. These games offer valuable insights into problem-solving and narrative engagement, topics explored further by organizations like the Games Learning Society. You can learn more about the intersection of games and education at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Link and his Ocarina.
1. What is the significance of the Ocarina of Time in the game of the same name?
The Ocarina of Time is a key item in the game of the same name, serving as both a plot device and a gameplay mechanic. It allows Link to open the Door of Time in the Temple of Time, drawing the Master Sword and traveling seven years into the future. It also allows him to learn and play songs that teleport him to different locations, and manipulate weather and other environmental factors.
2. Who gives Link the Ocarina of Time?
Princess Zelda gives Link the Ocarina of Time after realizing the impending danger posed by Ganondorf. She entrusts him with it as a symbol of hope and a means to protect the Triforce.
3. What happens to the Fairy Ocarina after Link obtains the Ocarina of Time?
The Fairy Ocarina becomes obsolete after Link obtains the Ocarina of Time. It’s no longer needed for gameplay purposes.
4. Is the Ocarina in Link’s Awakening a dream?
While the events of Link’s Awakening take place in a dream world, the Ocarina is a real object within that dream. Acquiring and using it is essential to completing the game. At the game’s conclusion, it turns out that Link’s time of the island was a figment of his imagination, all dreamt up while floating out in the ocean.
5. What songs can Link learn in Link’s Awakening?
In Link’s Awakening, Link can learn three songs: Manbo’s Mambo, Frog’s Song of Soul, and Ballad of the Wind Fish.
6. What are the origins of Zelda’s name?
Zelda’s name comes from American novelist, socialite and painter Zelda Fitzgerald. Miyamoto thought the name sounded “pleasant and significant”.
7. Is Link a Hylian or a Kokiri?
In Ocarina of Time, Link is initially raised as a Kokiri but is revealed to be a Hylian who was brought to Kokiri Forest as an infant. Link and Zelda are Hylian in several games.
8. What is the Ocarina of Time believed to be made of?
It is implied in Hyrule Historia that the Ocarina of Time may be made of the same time-bending material as Timeshift Stones.
9. Does Link ever talk in the Zelda games?
Aside from certain interjections, Link has never been fully voiced throughout the entirety of the Zelda series.
10. Why is Link so quiet?
With so much at stake, and so many eyes upon him, he feels it necessary to stay strong and to silently bear any burden. For him, it has caused him to stop outwardly expressing his thoughts and feelings.
11. Does Link have any siblings?
Yes, Link has a sister named Aryll, who appears in The Wind Waker.
12. What happens to the Kokiri?
Over time, the Kokiri evolved in order to fly over the Great Sea. The final form of their evolution were the Koroks, who maintain the Kokiri’s childish nature.
13. Is Link dead in Majora’s Mask?
There is no definitive proof, but some fans believe that the events of Majora’s Mask are linked to Link’s struggle with loss and potentially his death, though this is largely speculative.
14. What is Link’s full name?
It is an ongoing gag spanning multiple games over at Nintendo HQ, where they jokingly give characters silly full names.
15. Are Link and Zelda romantically involved?
In actuality, they almost never end up together or strike up a romantic relationship. Most of the time, Link and Zelda maintain a strictly platonic relationship, with even a few instances of them simply having a professional one.