Ocarina Songs & Uses

Master the Ocarina songs and their uses in The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. Learn how this instrument aids Link's journey across the Great Sea.

While the Wind Waker itself is your primary tool for manipulating the winds and navigating the Great Sea, Link also possesses a magical Ocarina that, when played, can trigger various effects. Unlike previous Zelda titles where Ocarina songs were numerous and central to progression, in Wind Waker, the Ocarina is a more specialized instrument, primarily used for a few key functions. Mastering these songs is crucial for uncovering secrets, completing side quests, and even influencing the flow of time.

How to Play Ocarina Songs

To play an Ocarina song, first equip the Ocarina to one of your Y, X, or R buttons. Once equipped, press the corresponding button to bring the Ocarina to Link's lips. A musical staff will appear on screen, displaying the notes for the song you wish to play. Use the C-Stick (or directional buttons on the D-Pad for the HD remake) to input the notes. The game is quite forgiving with timing, so don't worry too much about perfect rhythm.

The Songs of the Ocarina

1. Song of Passing

• Notes: Up, Left, Down, Right (C-Stick directions)
• Location: You learn the Song of Passing from the King of Red Lions after completing the Dragon Roost Cavern and obtaining Din's Pearl. He will teach it to you automatically as part of the main story progression.
• Uses:
  • Changing Day to Night (and vice-versa): This is the primary function of the Song of Passing. Playing it will instantly shift the time of day. This is invaluable for completing time-sensitive side quests, accessing areas only available at certain times, or simply waiting for merchants to appear.
  • Specific Quest Requirements: Several side quests require you to be at a specific time of day. For example, the Ghost Ship appears only at night, and certain characters have different routines depending on whether it's day or night.
  • Strategic Advantage: Sometimes, enemies or environmental hazards are easier to deal with during a particular time of day. For instance, some Fokka Knights are less active at night.
• Walkthrough Tip: Keep the Song of Passing readily accessible on one of your item buttons. You'll find yourself using it frequently throughout your adventure, especially when exploring new islands or revisiting old ones for collectibles.

2. Command Melody

• Notes: Up, Left, Down (C-Stick directions)
• Location: The Command Melody is taught to you by the King of Red Lions after you complete the Tower of the Gods and obtain the Master Sword. This is a crucial story progression point.
• Uses:
  • Controlling Statues and Characters: This powerful song allows Link to temporarily take control of certain statues or even specific characters. When you play the Command Melody near a controllable entity, a glowing aura will appear around it, and you'll switch to controlling that entity directly.
  • Solving Dungeon Puzzles: The Command Melody is essential for solving many puzzles within the Earth Temple and Wind Temple. For example, you'll need to control Medli in the Earth Temple to reflect light beams and activate switches, and Makar in the Wind Temple to plant seeds and grow platforms.
  • Accessing Hidden Areas: By controlling certain statues or characters, you can move heavy objects, activate distant switches, or navigate through small passages that Link cannot fit through.
• Walkthrough Tip: When you encounter a puzzle that seems to require an extra pair of hands or a unique ability, remember the Command Melody. Look for statues or characters that seem out of place or have a distinct appearance, as these are often the ones you can control.

While only two songs are playable on the Ocarina in The Wind Waker, their utility is immense. Master these melodies, and you'll unlock new pathways, solve intricate puzzles, and truly command the world around you!