Goddess's Harp
| Goddess's Harp | |
|---|---|
| Type | Musical Instrument |
| Owner | Zelda |
| Debut | The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time |
The Goddess's Harp is a harp (technically a liar) that was featured as the musical instrument for The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. It is the same harp that Zelda used as Sheik in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
Information[edit]
The Goddess's Harp is a divine instrument that belonged to the goddess Hylia before she gave up her mortal body to be reborn as Zelda.
Skyward Sword[edit]
The harp was kept in Skyloft, where it was used as an instrument in the regular Wing Ceremonies by someone playing the role of the goddess. One year, Zelda played the goddess, seemingly through coincidence, and she performed the Ballad of the Goddess with the harp. Zelda still had the harp when she arrived at the surface and presumably used it at several points to help in her journey with Impa. When they met Link again at the Temple of Time, Zelda tossed the harp to Link so that he could use it to find her.
The Goddess's Harp proved invaluable for the next stage of Link's quest. At the Sealed Temple, Impa's older self taught Link how to play the harp and how to play the Ballad of the Goddess. He learned more songs relating to the three Goddesses at the Isle of the Songs which he used to advance his quest to strengthen the Master Sword. Playing these songs opened up Trial Gates leading to individual Silent Realms. The final song that Link learned was the Song of the Hero, which he learned in four parts from the three dragons and Levias. This song opened up the last Trial Gate in Skyloft, the completion of which opened the way to the Triforce. Link seemed to keep the harp at the end of the game and was seen playing it while Zelda sang along.
Link could also use the harp for other minor and optional tasks. Playing any notes on the Goddess's Harp could make Gossip Stones and Goddess Walls appear, as they were set up to help a chosen hero. Additionally, as part of the sidequest in which Link repaid the Lumpy Pumpkin for breaking their chandelier, Link was required to accompany Kina's singing by playing the harp and had to accurately match the rhythm. If Link succeeded, this would finish the repaying of his debt, and he could optionally perform the duet again on other nights for money.
Ocarina of Time[edit]
Presumably, the Goddess's Harp became an heirloom of Hyrule's Royal Family. It wound up in the possession of Princess Zelda. She only used it after growing up and while disguised as Sheik. Sheik taught various songs to Link by playing them on the harp.
Trivia[edit]
- Sheik was also depicted playing the harp in the opening cinematic for Super Smash Bros. Melee.
- The connection between the harp in the two games was emphasized in the marketing. Sheik's harp was featured in the logo for Ocarina of Time 3D, and Eiji Aonuma commented on the harps sharing the same design.