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"Zelda's Lullaby",(OoT | OoT3D)[1] also known as the Melody of the Royal Family,(OoT | OoT3D)[2] and "Zelda's Lullaby:OT",(HW)[citation needed] is a recurring song in The Legend of Zelda series. Since its debut in A Link to the Past, it usually serves as background music whenever Princess Zelda appears and is thus considered to be her theme song. It appears as a playable melody in Ocarina of Time and Twilight Princess.

Locations and Uses[]

A Link to the Past[]

"Zelda's Lullaby" plays in the background when Link meets Princess Zelda for the first time and whenever Link rescues one of the Seven Maidens.

Ocarina of Time[]

OoT3D Zelda's Lullaby Icon

"Zelda's Lullaby" is taught by Impa after initially meeting Princess Zelda at her courtyard. It is a sacred song with mysterious powers passed down by the Royal Family for generations, and it also served as a lullaby for the young Princess Zelda.[3] "Zelda's Lullaby" plays a major role in solving numerous puzzles in the game, such as raising water levels in the Water Temple, entering Zora's Domain, and opening other hidden passages. The mark that usually signals the need to play "Zelda's Lullaby" is a Triforce symbol, as seen when opening the Royal Family's Tomb and changing the water levels in the Water Temple.

According to Impa, only members of the Royal Family are allowed to learn "Zelda's Lullaby"; as such, playing this tune helps prove Link's connection to the Royal Family.[4] After Ganon has been defeated and Link and Princess Zelda are talking in the sky, the princess sends the young hero back to his original time by playing "Zelda's Lullaby" on the Ocarina of Time, further demonstrating the melody's mysterious powers.

Majora's Mask[]

"Zelda's Lullaby" can be heard as background music during the flashback scene where Princess Zelda gives Link the Ocarina of Time. In the northern part of Termina Field, "Zelda's Lullaby"'s notes sometimes appear on the wall where Link can play a song for Rupees.

The Wind Waker[]

"Zelda's Lullaby" is played in when Tetra is revealed to be Princess Zelda. Furthermore, it is heard during the staff credits as part of the ending theme. A darker rendition of the theme was also heard when Ganondorf discovers Tetra's true identity on Forsaken Fortress before transitioning to Ganondorf's leitmotif.

Four Swords Adventures[]

"Zelda's Lullaby" plays after Link rescues Princess Zelda from Temple of Ice. It also makes an appearance during the final scene and credits. Unlike A Link to the Past, song that plays after rescuing each of the Seven Maidens is a different one, although it seems to be loosely based on slowed down version on "Zelda's Lullaby".

The Minish Cap[]

"Zelda's Lullaby" occasionally plays when Princess Zelda and Link go to the Picori Festival. It also appears when Zelda first visits Link's house and during the ending credits.

Twilight Princess[]

Upon first entering the Sacred Grove, Wolf Link must howl the lullaby in order to make the Skull Kid appear. Once Link defeats him, the Skull Kid will open the way to the inside of the grove. He must howl it again after he reaches the inner part of the forest to activate the guardian statues and solve their puzzle to access the path to the Master Sword.

Zelda's theme is also heard on both occasions that Wolf Link meets Zelda inside her chamber in Hyrule Castle, and it's played once again when Princess Zelda receives the Light Arrows from the Light Spirits and asks Link for his help. A distorted version of "Zelda's Lullaby" can be heard when battling against Puppet Zelda.

Phantom Hourglass[]

A darker version of "Zelda's Lullaby" is played when Tetra pleads for Link's help as she gets swallowed by the Ghost Ship. The normal tune is later heard after Tetra returns to normal inside Linebeck's ship.

Spirit Tracks[]

"Zelda's Lullaby" is heavily featured as background music whenever Princess Zelda is on screen.

Skyward Sword[]

"Zelda's Lullaby" is played just before Zelda goes into her slumber. This could be the reason the song is called Zelda's "Lullaby". Additionally, the main theme for this game, "Ballad of the Goddess", is a slightly modified version of "Zelda's Lullaby" being played backwards.

A Link Between Worlds[]

"Zelda's Lullaby" first plays when Link meets Zelda in Hyrule Castle to warn her that Yuga has transformed Seres and the Captain of the Guard into paintings. A darker version is later played when she is transformed into a painting herself. During the final battle, a piece of it is played when Zelda gives Link the Light Arrows, and finally, Zelda's Lullaby is one of the songs that can be played at the Milk Bar in Kakariko Village.

Tri Force Heroes[]

"Zelda's Lullaby" is one of the many tunes the Lucky Lobby Ball will play when hit with the Sword.

Breath of the Wild[]

A slowed down version of "Zelda's Lullaby" plays while riding a Horse on the field in Breath of the Wild. The motif is also frequently referenced in other tracks relevant to Princess Zelda, such as "A King's Request", "Link's Memories: Slumbering Power", "Link's Memories: Zelda's Awakening", "Do You Remember?", and the interior portion of "Hyrule Castle".

Other Appearances[]

Super Smash Bros. Brawl[]

"Zelda's Lullaby" is heard at the beginning of the "Ocarina of Time Medley", and it appears alongside other familiar melodies such as the "Song of Storms", "Epona's Song", "Saria's Song", and the "Song of Time".

Hyrule Warriors[]

"Zelda's Lullaby:OT" can be heard on the battle results screen. "Zelda's Lullaby" can also be heard as part of "Main Theme:1st", which plays on the Adventure Mode screen and in the Adventure, Master Quest, and Rewards Maps.

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U[]

"Zelda's Lullaby" appears at the beginning of the "Ocarina of Time Medley" in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U and "The Legend of Zelda Medley" track in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate[]

"Zelda's Lullaby" appears as part of the "Ocarina of Time Medley" and "The Legend of Zelda Medley" tracks in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity[]

"Zelda's Lullaby" is played by Terrako on multiple occasions, and is shown to be used as an actual lullaby for Princess Zelda.

Nomenclature[]

TMC Forest Minish Artwork Names in other regions TMC Jabber Nut Sprite
LanguageNameMeaning
JapanJapaneseゼルダの子守歌 (Zeruda no Komoriuta) (OoT)[5]Same as English.
This table was generated using translation pages.
To request an addition, please contact a staff member with a reference.

Gallery[]

References

  1. Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 96 (OoT)
  2. "Hoo hoo! Looks like you've gotten bigger and stronger already, Link! Just ahead lies Zora's Domain. The Zoras serve Hyrule's Royal Family by protecting this water source. Their door will not open for anyone except those who have some connection with the Royal Family. Let them hear the melody of the Royal Family! Hooo hoo hoooot!" — Kaepora Gaebora (Ocarina of Time 3D)
  3. "This is an ancient melody passed down by the Royal Family. I have played this song for Princess Zelda as a lullaby ever since she was a baby... There is mysterious power in these notes." — Impa (Ocarina of Time)
  4. "The song I just taught you has some mysterious power. Only Royal Family members are allowed to learn this song. Remember, it will help to prove your connection with the Royal Family." — Impa (Ocarina of Time)
  5. Nintendo Official Guidebook—The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Shogakukan) pg. 154
Major SongsWarping SongsOther SongsInstrumentsOcarina SongsHarp SongsWind Waker SongsSpirit Flute Songs
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