Epona's Song
"Epona's Song" is a recurring Song in The Legend of Zelda series.[1] It is used to call Epona. It is mentioned in Ocarina of Time that "Epona's Song" was composed by Malon's mother.[2]
Overview
The full version of Epona's Song is in binary form, with 16 bars in both the A section and B section for a total of 32 bars with a 4-bar intro. The entire piece consists of 4-bar phrase lengths, is played with a slight eighth-note swing, and is in 3/4 time. It should be noted that this is the only piece in the whole game the uses a swing eighth-note rhythm. Even more unusual is the fact that the vocal part does not follow the swing rhythm and instead plays it straight, a technique commonly used to create rhythmic clash and a little bit of tension.
Harmonically, the A section is based in D Major, although the tonic basis is fairly ambiguous until the 8th bar which gives a V7 chord (A7) going into I (D). The B section is based in F Major with great harmonic variety, ultimately ending in another A7 which provides a smooth turnaround into the A section again.[3]
Ocarina of Time
In Ocarina of Time, "Epona's Song" can be learned from Malon, Epona's owner, in Lon Lon Ranch when Link is a child.[4] Initially, Link can play this on his Ocarina to tame Epona and beck her to come. After the horse is won from Ingo at Lon Lon Ranch, playing the song as an adult allows Link to call Epona and ride her. Whenever this song is played, Epona travels to wherever Link is in Hyrule Field, Lake Hylia, Gerudo Fortress, and some other outdoor areas.
If Link has an Empty Bottle, "Epona's Song" can also be played around cows to earn Milk.[5]
Malon can be heard singing this song in Hyrule Castle as a child or at night at Lon Lon Ranch as an adult,[6] depending on how much the game has progressed.
Majora's Mask
"Epona's Song" can also be played on Link's Ocarina to call Epona in Majora's Mask, but only after Link first finds her in a pen at Romani's Ranch. Once again, it is only effective in areas Epona can reach, such as Termina Field or certain portions of Great Bay Coast. "Epona's Song" is taught by Romani after Link agrees to help her save the ranch from the Ghosts.[7]
The Minish Cap
"Epona's Song" makes a cameo appearance in The Minish Cap. Every time Link speaks with Malon, this melody will play.
Twilight Princess
"Epona's Song" appears again in Twilight Princess. Rather than playing a musical instrument, Link must blow into a piece of Horseshoe Grass to perform the song and call Epona. Later on, the portable Horse Call allows this song to be played anywhere, instead of just where certain patches of grass can be found.
While in Wolf form, Link can howl the song to summon Epona whenever he is near a patch of Horseshoe Grass. However, he can only ride Epona while in human form.
Ilia's theme is also a rearranged "Epona's Song".
Breath of the Wild
Epona's song can be heard by various stables when Kass is at the stable. Kass will play Epona's song and at the Foothill Stable he will state that their are many theories as to this song's origins, though according to his teacher the Sheikah court poet who served the Royal Family of Hyrule before the Great Calamity, it is the song the ancient hero calls upon his horse.[8]
Epona's song will also be played at the fountain of Malanya in F major.
Other Appearances
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
"Epona's Song" is part of the "Ocarina of Time Medley" in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, and it appears alongside other familiar melodies such as the "Song of Storms", "Zelda's Lullaby", "Saria's Song", and the "Song of Time".
Hyrule Warriors
"Epona's Song" makes a cameo appearance in Hyrule Warriors. Whenever Link completes certain stages, a cutscene depicting Epona riding will play and Link will race to catch up with her and subsequently ride her. In the following screens, "Epona's Song" will play instead of the standard post-battle theme.
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U
"Epona's Song" appears as part of the "Ocarina of Time Medley" track in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
"Epona's Song" is featured as part of the "Ocarina of Time Medley" track in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Trivia
- The "Wind's Requiem" from The Wind Waker uses the same arrow directions to play the song as Epona's Song does.
- A vocal version, arranged to sound like traditional country music, of this is sung by Emiko Shiratori, and available in the Ocarina of Time Re-Arranged Album. The vocal version of the song was also sung in the Mario and Zelda Big Band Live Show, which was also released on soundtrack.
- In Twilight Princess, a remixed version of the song can be heard while calming Epona down in Kakariko Village.
Nomenclature
 Names in Other Regions 
| |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Language | Name | Meaning | |
 |
Japanese | エポナの歌 (Epona no Uta) | Same as English. |
 |
FrenchEU | Chant d'Épona | Epona's Chant |
 |
German | Eponas Lied | Same as English. |
 |
Italian | Canzone di Epona | |
 |
SpanishEU | Canción de Epona | Same as English. |
See Also
References
- ↑ Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 96 (OoT | MM)
- ↑ "My mother composed this song. Isn't it nice? Let's sing together." — Malon (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ Template:Cite web
- ↑ "My mother composed this song. Isn't it nice? Let's sing together." — Malon (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ "Moooooooooo! What a nice song... It reminds me of the pasture... That song makes me feel so good, I can produce a lot of milk!" — Cow (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ "Please keep it secret from Mr. Ingo that I sing this song..." — Malon (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ "The horse seems to like this song." — Romani (Majora's Mask)
- ↑ "Ah, we meet again! How are you holding up? In case you were wondering about the song I perform at the stables, there are many theories about its origin. But according to my teacher, it was a song performed by the ancient hero to call his horse companion. If you ever feel like hearing it, feel free to drop by. Anyway, time to get back to it..." — Kass (Breath of the Wild)
