- "Time passes, people move.... Like a rivers flow, it never ends... A childish mind will turn to noble ambition... Young love will become deep affection... The clear water's surface reflects growth... Now listen to the Serenade of Water to reflect upon yourself...."
- — Sheik
The "Serenade of Water" (水のセレナーデ Mizu no Serenāde?) is a song from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. This teleportation song transports Link to the large island at the center of Lake Hylia, which houses the Water Temple.
Link can play the "Serenade of Water" on the Ocarina of Time by playing A, Down-C, Right-C, Right-C, Left-C. In the 3DS remake of Ocarina of Time, the notes can be played with L, R, Y, Y, X. The actual pitches of the notes translate as follows: D, F, A, A, B.
Appearances[]
Spoiler warning: Plot or ending details follow.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time[]
On his quest to awaken the Sage of Water, Link returns to Zora's Domain only to find that it has frozen over. He makes his way to Zora's Fountain and enters the Ice Cavern found nearby. Inside the cavern, Link encounters a White Wolfos. After Link defeats the creature, a Treasure Chest containing the Iron Boots appears. Link takes the boots and Sheik appears, informing him that the Zora have been frozen beneath the ice due to a curse placed on the Water Temple, a place of Zora worship. To guide him to the Water Temple, Sheik teaches Link the "Serenade of Water" and promptly disappears.
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask[]
In Termina Field, near Snowhead, a music bar engraved in stone depicts multiple Ocarina songs from Ocarina of Time, including the "Serenade of Water". When the song is played correctly on the Ocarina, Link is awarded Rupees.
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess[]
A reinstrumentalized rendition of the "Serenade of Water" is heard when Link meets the ghost of Queen Rutela, suggesting that it could be considered her theme.
Spoiler warning: Spoilers end here.
Other appearances[]
Subseries warning: This article or section contains information on a subseries within the Legend of Zelda series and should be considered part of its own separate canon.
Hyrule Warriors[]
As part of her Harp moveset, when her Harp is imbued with Water Affinity (caused by performing a specific combo) and uses her Strong Attack she will play the Serenade of Water to surround herself with barrier of water that increases her defense.
Subseries warning: Subseries information ends here.
Non-canonical appearances[]
Non-canon warning: This article or section contains non-canonical information that is not considered to be an official part of the Legend of Zelda series and should not be considered part of the overall storyline.
Super Smash Bros. Brawl[]
The Serenade of Water can be heard in the "Song of Storms" medley track.
Non-canon warning: Non-canonical information ends here.
Etymology[]
A serenade is a piece of music composed in honor of a person or people. The word implies romance, and not only does Sheik reference romance before teaching Link the song, but Princess Ruto, Sage of the Temple to which this song warps, is fiancée to Link and numerous times expresses her affection for him.