Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that a highly anticipated remake of what many consider the greatest video game ever made is on the horizon. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, originally released in 1998, has become a cornerstone of gaming, earning even more acclaim over the decades. Now, it's celebrated as a milestone in fantasy, and the remake is among the most eagerly awaited titles of 2026.
A big reason Ocarina of Time is so beloved is its writing. The game features a simple yet perfectly constructed narrative, enriched by some of the most poetic and thought-provoking dialogue in 20th-century gaming. One quote, in particular, has stood the test of time and now stands as one of the most hauntingly beautiful in the medium, further cementing why this triumph of gaming towers above all others.
What Is The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time About?
The story follows young Link, a boy from Kokiri Forest, who is summoned by the dying Great Deku Tree to meet Princess Zelda of Hyrule. She believes Ganondorf, king of the Gerudo tribe, is seeking the Triforce, a mythical relic that grants godlike powers. Zelda sends Link to retrieve the three Spiritual Stones to enter the Sacred Realm and claim the Triforce before Ganondorf. He succeeds, but upon drawing the Master Sword, he's overpowered by Ganondorf, who claims the Triforce.
Seven years later, Link awakens as an adult, now able to wield the Master Sword, and must save Hyrule from Ganondorf's tyranny. Because his heart was unbalanced, the Triforce split into three: Ganondorf received Power, Zelda Wisdom, and Link Courage. Link's journey involves awakening the seven sages, who can imprison Ganondorf in the Sacred Realm. With the Ocarina of Time, he can manipulate time, open sealed paths, and warp across the darkened Hyrule.
What Is the Best Quote in Ocarina of Time?
Considering it's the best game of all time, Ocarina of Time is packed with memorable lines. Quotes like "They say that there's no medicine that can cure a fool" and "The flow of time is always cruel. Its speed seems different for each person, but no one can change it" are iconic. But one quote has always resonated more deeply. It's spoken by Sheik, the secret identity of Princess Zelda, when Link meets her in the Ice Cavern:
"Time passes, people move. Like a river's 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."
She then teaches Link the Serenade of Water, a melody that grants access to the Water Temple.
Why Is This Quote Still Powerful?
This quote is powerful because it encapsulates the game's core theme. Ocarina of Time is a classic coming-of-age story, about a boy forced to become a man to face overwhelming hardship. Link's path follows the hero's journey, guided by wise mentors, as he confronts a great evil that has plunged the land into darkness. His road to maturity is one of struggle and self-discovery, and by saving Hyrule, he also saves himself.
Symbolically, the quote mirrors the game's central mechanic: Link can travel between past and present by placing the Master Sword in its pedestal. Time cannot be stopped, but it can be navigated. In Hyrule, time is something to be understood and appreciated, not fought against. Reconciling its passage is key to making the most of both the game and life itself.
There's also a profound melancholy in Sheik's words. She alludes to the process of maturity, where our once-idealized view of the world transforms into something deeper but less innocent. Childhood bliss gives way to adult knowledge and confidence. Growing older is inherently tragic, as we leave behind our youth, yet there's beauty in becoming more capable and realized.
For those who want to revisit this masterpiece, the upcoming remake has already earned near-perfect scores, proving that its legacy endures. And if you're a fan of timeless quotes, you might also enjoy ranking the most memorable Picard quotes from Star Trek. For more on the greatest in entertainment, check out our list of action movies with the highest human stakes.
