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2. Dark World Theme
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
A top fan favourite in anyone’s books, the Dark World Theme from A Link to the Past is by far one of the most beloved tunes of all time— and rightly so. Apart from being a cracking march in its own right, it’s also one of the most iconic themes in the whole of A Link to the Past. It’s the first thing we hear after being transported to the Dark World by the evil wizard Agahnim, and it sticks with us every step of the way, spurring us on as we fight to rescue Zelda and the seven maidens from Ganon’s evil clutches. We may be stuck in a grotesque imitation of our homeland, but with this strong and powerful march pounding in our ears, there’s nothing to fear.
In many ways, it outclasses the original Light World Theme (and by extension, the main Zelda theme) by miles. It’s just so full of character, and if that pumping bassline doesn’t get your heart going then those 16-bit strings certainly will. It’s an epic piece of music in every sense of the word, and if you were lucky enough to get tickets for the 25th Anniversary Symphony Concert last year, just try telling me that this wasn’t your favourite moment. I don’t know about you, but this probably got the loudest cheer when it came to London, and that whole bar of rest at 5.42 just made the build-up to that crashing fanfare even more amazing and victorious. You feel on top of the world when you listen to the Dark World Theme, but with one more tune to go on this list, what could possibly sit more lofty than this…?
Great list! I don’t think I could pick 10, there’s just been so much great music in the Zelda series. Zelda 2’s warbly “instrumentation” (if you can call it that) bugged me when I was young, but I’ve come to appreciate it and it made me smile to see its main palace music on the list.
I’d love to hear a modern take on the original Zelda’s Level 9 music. Many previous dungeon themes have resurfaced in one way or another but unless I’m forgetting something, I can’t say I’ve heard that particular melody of dread and danger come up again.
Thanks! Ah, yes, Level 9. Man, that music’s creepy. It did, in fact, reappear in Four Swords Adventures in the Tower of Flames, but I know what you mean – it would be great to hear it used more often! :)
My 10 favorites in no particular order.
1. Main Hyrule field theme
2. Gerudo valley
3. Temple of time
4. Fairy fountain
5. 4 gods from majoras mask
6. Bolero of fire
7. Ballad of the goddesses.
8. Song of healing
9. Ganondorf thheme from Twilight Princess
10. Serenade of water.
All great tunes, Lukas! I was actually this close to including Queen Rutela’s Theme from Twilight Princess in the honourable mentions (a re-working of the Serenade of Water), but if I decided that if I included any more then I’d have a never-ending list!
I’m also a very big fan of Ganondorf’s Theme, especially the Twilight Princess version (that final battle music is just epic!), but it’s a close tie between that one and The Last Battle from Ocarina of Time when it comes to my top Ganon music!
Woah, I completely forgot about the Four Swords Adventures rendition! I think I played through that level exactly once… Thanks for the tip! :^)