The Wind Waker is a magical conductor's baton that is given to Link by the King of Red Lions when he reaches Dragon Roost Island. Long ago, it was used by the King of Hyrule to conduct the Sages when they played their song to call upon the gods.[3]
The Wind Waker is said to have the power to change the direction of the wind, as well as being able to call upon and borrow the power of the gods.[4] Link uses this to move around the Great Sea with much ease in The Wind Waker. It also has the power to open doors to ancient temples, awaken the sage within someone, allow him to travel in cyclones, take control of others and more.
According to an interview with Eiji Aonuma in the documentary Zelda no Video, the idea that eventually evolved into the Wind Waker initially started off as a theremin-like device.[5]
Songs
There is a total of six Wind Waker songs that can be learned throughout the course of the game.
By moving the Control Stick, songs can be conducted in 3/4, 4/4, or 6/4 time, with each time signature having two separate songs. The C-Stick is then used to play one of five notes: up, down, left, right, and center. Both the timbre and the pace of the played music vary according to the time, and each song can only be played while conducting in the appropiate time.
3/4 Time
Playing a song without moving the Control Stick to the left or right will allow songs to be played in 3/4 time.
Wind's Requiem: Up, Left, Right - Learned at the Wind Shrine on Dragon Roost Island. Arguably the most useful song in the game; allows Link to change the direction of the wind.
Song of Passing: Right, Left, Down - Learned from Tott on Windfall Island. Changes day to night and vice versa. The only optional song in the game.
4/4 Time
Songs are played in 4/4 time by holding the control stick to the left while playing the song.
Ballad of Gales: Down, Right, Left, Up - Learned from Cyclos after hitting him three times with arrows. Allows Link to warp via a cyclone to one of several islands on the Great Sea.
6/4 time is activated by holding the control stick to the right while playing.
Earth God's Lyric: Down, Down, Center, Right, Left, Center - Learned on Headstone Island. Is used with Medli to open the Earth Temple and several barriers within it.
Wind God's Aria: Up, Up, Down, Right, Left, Right - Learned on Gale Isle. Is used with Makar to open the Wind Temple and several barriers within it.
The following section is not part of the Zelda canon and should not be taken as such.
In Hyrule Warriors, the Wind Waker appears as the first tier of the BatonWeapon which can be used by Zelda. By using the Baton, Zelda is capable of attacking with gusts of wind, tornadoes, and lightning strikes. It is also capable of creating music and attacking enemies with the soundwaves generated. When performing her two strongest attacks, the "Song of Storms" and "Saria's Song" will play. The "Earth God's Lyric" and "Wind's Requiem" are also part of the move set.
↑That Wind Waker you hold was used long ago to conduct us sages when we played our song to call upon the gods. In those days, it was always the king who conducted for us... — Fado (The Wind Waker)