The 15 Most Awesome References in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

7. Musical Accompaniment

Perhaps the best place to start to explain all of the musical references in Breath of the Wild is to look at our excellent breakdown of some of the game’s best tracks. In particular, let’s pull out and expand upon the Hyrule Castle theme, which is itself one giant reference. However, the game packs in multiple other references just to make sure you get how epic this is supposed to be.

As you go inside and out, you’ll hear snatches of very ominous organ. That’s a nod to Ocarina of Time, where Ganondorf was actually playing the organ when you reached the top of the castle. (Please feel free to imagine that he’s literally providing the soundtrack for you the next time you play.) Zelda’s Theme/Lullaby, originally from A Link to the Past, also makes its presence known. Finally, you’ll hear snatches of the legendary (pun fully intended) Overworld Theme of the original game, which is now basically the theme of the series. In the Hyrule Castle theme this time around, it’s basically Link’s theme. Taking it that way, you then have Link, Zelda, and Ganon, the central three characters since the very beginning, the three who are reincarnated again and again, all represented in one track.

However, the references don’t stop there. The Rito Village’s theme includes parts of Dragon Roost Island’s theme from The Wind Waker, which was their home island. The stable theme includes a remixed version of Lon Lon Ranch from Ocarina as well.