The Song of Storms. Just hearing the name evokes images of torrential downpours, swirling winds, and a certain mischievous imp named Guru-Guru. This iconic melody, ingrained in the hearts of Legend of Zelda fans, isn’t just a catchy tune; it’s a powerful tool in many games, able to trigger specific events, solve puzzles, and even manipulate the environment itself. But how exactly do you acquire this potent piece of music? The answer, as with many things in Zelda, lies in a journey filled with quirky characters and memorable encounters. This guide will delve deep into the methods of obtaining the Song of Storms in various Legend of Zelda titles, offering a detailed walkthrough and essential tips for success.
Ocarina of Time: The Windmill and the Musical Imp
Without a doubt, the most iconic rendition of acquiring the Song of Storms is in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. The process involves a time-traveling paradox and a grumpy, green-clad organ grinder.
Meeting Guru-Guru: Kakariko Village’s Eccentric Resident
Your quest begins in Kakariko Village, specifically inside the Windmill. As a child, entering the Windmill will reveal a peculiar man relentlessly cranking the gears. This is Guru-Guru, a rather irritable musician with a burning grudge. He blames a young boy for teaching him a song that disrupted the windmill’s operations, and his resentment has fueled his endless cranking ever since. This is where your time-traveling antics come into play.
The Time-Traveling Paradox: Teaching and Learning
As a child, you can play any song for Guru-Guru, but nothing of significance will happen. However, travel seven years into the future as Adult Link. Return to the Windmill, and you’ll find Guru-Guru still cranking, though his mood hasn’t improved much. Now, equip your Ocarina and play him a song. If you play the Song of Storms, something extraordinary will occur.
Upon hearing the familiar tune, Guru-Guru erupts in anger and astonishment. He recognizes the melody instantly, exclaiming that you were the boy who taught it to him seven years ago! This creates a classic time-travel paradox: you learn the song from Guru-Guru as an adult, then travel back in time to teach it to him as a child, which then inspires him to keep playing it until you return as an adult. After this encounter, Guru-Guru will teach you the Song of Storms.
Utilizing the Song of Storms: Rain, Puzzles, and Secrets
With the Song of Storms in your repertoire, you can now trigger rain in various locations. This is crucial for solving puzzles, such as filling up dried-out wells or activating certain mechanisms. For example, the well in Kakariko Village can only be entered after draining the water using the Song of Storms in the windmill. Experiment with the song in different environments; you might be surprised by what it can unlock.
Majora’s Mask: Guru-Guru’s Troubled Travels
While the core melody remains the same, the method of obtaining the Song of Storms in Majora’s Mask differs significantly. Termina is a world facing imminent destruction, and its inhabitants are grappling with their own problems.
The Troupe Leader’s Distress: Seeking Musical Inspiration
In Majora’s Mask, Guru-Guru is the leader of the Rosa Sisters’ traveling troupe. However, his instrument, a precious music box, has been stolen by a mischievous dog. This theft has thrown the troupe into disarray, preventing them from performing. Your task is to recover the music box and restore harmony to their performances.
Anju’s Inn and the Curious Dog: Finding the Stolen Item
The dog can be found at the Stock Pot Inn in Clock Town. You’ll need to be strategic about your timing to catch it. The dog is most likely to appear around midnight on the first day. When you see the dog, use the Bremen Mask to entice it to follow you. Lead the dog back to Guru-Guru.
Restoring the Music: A Song of Gratitude
Upon reuniting Guru-Guru with his music box, he is overcome with gratitude. He then teaches you the Song of Storms as a token of his appreciation. This act not only rewards you with a powerful song but also helps restore a sense of normalcy to the troubled world of Termina.
The Power in Termina: Calming Seas and Solving Mysteries
In Termina, the Song of Storms has similar uses to Ocarina of Time. You can use it to calm stormy seas, such as those surrounding Great Bay, and to reveal hidden passages. The song’s utility is key to progressing through certain dungeons and side quests, underscoring its importance in Majora’s Mask.
Other Zelda Games: Echoes of the Storms
While Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask are the most prominent examples, the Song of Storms or variations of it have appeared in other Zelda titles, often with slightly different acquisition methods.
Oracle of Seasons/Ages: Dampé’s Dance
In Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages, a similar song, sometimes referred to as the “Dampé’s Dance,” is learned from Dampé, the gravedigger. While not exactly the same melody, its effects are similar, often used to reveal hidden passages or solve environment-based puzzles involving water or weather.
Minish Cap: Blasting to New Heights
In The Minish Cap, a similar song is taught through the fusion system. While not directly called the Song of Storms, it’s utilized for similar purposes – often involving creating openings or manipulating water flow.
General Tips for Mastering the Song of Storms
Regardless of the game, mastering the Song of Storms involves more than just learning the notes. Here are some general tips to help you maximize its utility:
- Experimentation is Key: Don’t be afraid to try the Song of Storms in various locations. Its effects might surprise you.
- Listen to Clues: NPCs often provide hints about where and when to use the song. Pay attention to their dialogue.
- Observe Your Surroundings: Look for environmental cues that might indicate a need for rain or a change in the weather.
- Timing is Everything: In some cases, the effectiveness of the Song of Storms may depend on the time of day or specific events.
- Consider the Context: Each Zelda game has its own unique mechanics. The Song of Storms might interact with these mechanics in unexpected ways.
The Enduring Legacy of a Musical Masterpiece
The Song of Storms is more than just a piece of music; it’s a symbol of the ingenuity and creativity that defines the Legend of Zelda series. Its presence in multiple games, with varying methods of acquisition, underscores its importance to the franchise. Whether you’re a seasoned Zelda veteran or a newcomer to the series, unlocking the power of the Song of Storms is a rewarding experience that will enhance your adventure and allow you to truly harness the forces of nature. So, pick up your Ocarina, seek out the troubled musician, and prepare to unleash the storm!
What are the main benefits of learning to play Song of Storms?
Song of Storms offers significant advantages within the games where it appears. Primarily, it controls the weather, changing sunny days to rain and summoning lightning. This is often crucial for solving puzzles, accessing hidden areas that require rain, or defeating specific enemies vulnerable to lightning strikes. The song’s versatility makes it an essential tool for progression and exploration.
Beyond gameplay advantages, learning Song of Storms enhances the overall gaming experience. It provides a sense of control over the environment and deepens immersion within the game world. The satisfaction of manipulating the weather and seeing the immediate impact on the landscape is a rewarding aspect of mastering this iconic melody.
In which games can you learn and use the Song of Storms?
Song of Storms is most famously learned and used in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Link learns the song from Guru-Guru, the music box man, in the Windmill in Kakariko Village after traveling back in time. This iconic iteration allows for immediate weather manipulation.
The song also appears in The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask, where its purpose is similar. While the method of obtaining the song differs slightly, it still fulfills the function of altering weather patterns and unlocking specific in-game events tied to rainfall or storms. Its presence in both titles cements its importance to the Zelda franchise.
What are the steps to learn the Song of Storms in Ocarina of Time?
To learn Song of Storms in Ocarina of Time, you must first progress through the game until you can time travel between the adult and child timelines. Then, as a child, travel to Kakariko Village and enter the Windmill. Play any song for Guru-Guru, the music box man, causing him to become agitated and teach you the Song of Storms.
Once you have learned the song, you can use it in various locations. Playing it near certain objects or in specific areas will trigger rainfall or summon storms, often revealing secrets or solving puzzles. The song’s effect is usually immediate and noticeable, altering the game world around you.
Besides summoning rain, what other uses does Song of Storms have?
While primarily known for its weather-altering abilities, Song of Storms can also activate certain mechanisms or trigger events within specific games. These can include draining wells, activating ancient technology, or revealing hidden entrances that only become accessible under stormy conditions. Its utility extends beyond simply changing the weather.
Furthermore, the song can be used in some instances to elicit a reaction from non-player characters (NPCs). Some NPCs may have specific dialogue or actions triggered by hearing the Song of Storms, leading to unique interactions or uncovering clues related to the game’s storyline or side quests.
Are there any specific locations where Song of Storms is more effective?
Yes, in some games, Song of Storms is more effective or has unique effects in certain locations. For example, playing the song near dried-up wells can replenish them with water, revealing hidden areas or items. Similarly, specific areas might react more intensely to the song, triggering special events or boss battles.
Experimentation is key to discovering all the uses of Song of Storms. Players should try using the song in different environments and near various objects to uncover its full potential. Paying attention to visual cues and NPC reactions can also provide hints about where the song might have a hidden purpose.
Is it possible to miss learning the Song of Storms in the games where it appears?
It is generally difficult to completely miss learning the Song of Storms in the games where it’s available, as it’s often tied to mandatory or highly significant side quests. However, neglecting certain areas or sequences could delay learning the song. It’s advisable to explore thoroughly and complete available quests to ensure you acquire it.
While missing the song outright is unlikely, neglecting to learn it can significantly impede progress in certain areas. Many puzzles and secrets are specifically designed around the song’s abilities, making it a crucial tool for game completion. Prioritizing exploration and quest completion will guarantee you learn this important melody.
Does the Song of Storms have any significance outside of the Zelda games?
While primarily associated with the Legend of Zelda series, the Song of Storms has gained a significant cultural impact outside of the gaming world. Its memorable melody and association with weather manipulation have made it a popular subject for remixes, parodies, and other creative interpretations. It’s a recognizable tune even among those unfamiliar with the games.
The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its captivating composition and its integral role in creating memorable gaming experiences. Its influence extends beyond direct references, often serving as inspiration for musical arrangements and atmospheric elements in various media. This highlights its broader impact on popular culture.