The Legend of Zelda (Theme)

"The Legend of Zelda (Theme)" has appeared in almost every Zelda game 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
The Legend of Zelda main theme appears in as the overworld theme, and in the credit sequences of  and. Parts of it appeared in the music of Hyrule Field in.

"The Legend of Zelda" can be heard during the true ending of.

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.

The Legend of Zelda theme song has appeared in all of the Super Smash Bros. games as background music for Zelda related stages and a victory theme for Link, Princess Zelda and Ganondorf.

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.