

The "Nocturne of Shadow" (闇のノクターン Yami no Nokutān?, Nocturne of Darkness) is a song from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. When played, this teleportation song transports Link to the Triforce Pedestal in the enclosed area at the back of the Kakariko Graveyard, in front of the entrance to the Shadow Temple. This teleportation song is the only way Link can enter this dungeon. This is the only song that transports link to an otherwise inaccessible area.

Link can play the "Nocturne of Shadow" on the Ocarina of Time by playing Left-C, Right-C, Right-C, A, Left-C, Right-C, Down-C. In the 3DS remake of Ocarina of Time, the notes can be played with X, Y, Y, L, X, Y, R. The actual pitches of the notes translate as follows: B, A, A, D, B, A, F.


Spoiler warning: Plot or ending details follow.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Nocturne Of Shadow

Sheik teaching Link the "Nocturne of Shadow"

On his quest to awaken the Sage of Shadow, Link travels to Kakariko Village to search for clues. However, as he arrives, he notices that the town is burning, and hastens to the town center, where he finds Sheik. Suddenly, from within the Well of Three Features emerges an evil purple and black energy. As it approaches Link, he attempts to battle it with his sword, but is overwhelmed by the power of the evil energy and is knocked unconscious. When he awakens, Sheik reveals that the evil is in fact an enemy named Bongo Bongo, who was sealed at the Bottom of the Well, and has now successfully broken its seal and retreated to the Shadow Temple. Link is taught the "Nocturne of Shadow", which leads to the Shadow Temple. Unlike with every other song in the game, with which the in-game text reads "You Played the (song name)", the "You" is removed, leaving only "Played the Nocturne of Shadow."

The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask

In Termina Field, near Snowhead, a music bar engraved in stone randomly depicts a number of melodies, including several warp songs from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, such as the "Nocturne of Shadow". When the song is played correctly on the Ocarina, Link is awarded Rupees.

Spoiler warning: Spoilers end here.

Other appearances


Hyrule Warriors

As part of her Harp moveset, when her Harp is imbued with Darkness Affinity (caused by performing a specific combo) and uses her Strong Attack she will play Nocturne of Shadow to create a black hole on the ground that pulls in enemies and damages them.

Subseries warning: Subseries information ends here.


A Nocturne (French for "nocturnal") is typically the term used for a musical composition that is inspired by, or evocative of, the night, which is appropriate considering the name and nature of the Shadow Temple.

See also
