18 Years Later, the Greatest Quote From the Best Game of All Time Still Hits Hard

Unless you've been living inside a rock all this time, you know that there is a very high-profile remake of what is widely considered to be the best video game of all time: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. The game, which originally came out in 1998, has become a proper institution in the medium, garnering even more praise in the decades since. Now, it is celebrated as a milestone in fantasy, and the remake is among the most anticipated titles of 2026.

A large reason why Ocarina of Time is so beloved is the writing. The game features a simple yet perfectly constructed narrative that greatly benefits from 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 Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time tells the story of young Link, a boy from the Kokiri Forest who is summoned by the dying Great Deku Tree to meet Princess Zelda of Hyrule. She believes the king of the Gerudo tribe, Ganondorf, is seeking the Triforce, a mythical relic that grants its wielder godlike powers. Zelda sends Link to retrieve the three Spiritual Stones to enter the Sacred Realm and claim the Triforce before Ganondorf. He obeys and succeeds, but upon claiming the Master Sword in the Sacred Realm, he's overpowered by Ganondorf, who claims the Triforce.

Seven years later, Link awakens, now an adult and capable of wielding the Master Sword, and must do everything he can to save Hyrule from Ganondorf, who has since taken over. Because his heart was unbalanced, the Triforce split into three, with each main character receiving a portion: Ganondorf received the Triforce of Power, Zelda the Triforce of Wisdom, and Link the Triforce of Courage. Thus, Link begins his heroic journey, receiving help along the way from the mysterious Sheik and guided by the fairy Navi. His task is to awaken the seven sages, who have the power to imprison Ganondorf in the Sacred Realm. Link can use the powerful Ocarina of Time to play melodies, manipulate time, open sealed paths, and warp across the map of the now-darkened Hyrule.

What Is the Best Quote in 'The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time'?

Considering it is the best game of all time, Ocarina of Time has plenty of memorable and insightful quotes, many of which have become iconic in their own right. Indeed, lines 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 rightfully iconic and outright unforgettable, as they should be. The game is full of such gems, many of which have an undeniably poetic and melancholy quality to them.

However, one quote has always resonated more strongly. It's spoken by Sheik, the secret identity of Princess Zelda and one of Link's most valuable partners in this game, not to mention one of Nintendo's most iconic heroes. Upon meeting Sheik in the Ice Cavern, she delivers this valuable piece of wisdom to the now-adult Link: "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 proceeds to teach Link the Serenade of Water to access the Water Temple.

Why Is This Quote Still Powerful?

This quote is particularly great because it pretty much sums up the entire thesis of the game. Ocarina of Time is a classic coming-of-age story, a tale about a young boy forced to become a man (literally) to face the hardship ahead. Link's path follows a typical hero's journey, guided by wise counselors on his way to defeat a great evil that has sent the land into deep darkness. His road to maturity is one of struggle and discovery, not only of himself but also of the world around him. At the end of the journey, he saves Hyrule, but he also saves himself, having changed for good.

Symbolically, the quote also captures one of the game's key mechanics. Link can travel between past and present by placing the Master Sword in its pedestal, revisiting his childhood while navigating adulthood. As stated, the flow of time cannot be stopped, but it can be navigated. Indeed, even in the magical land of Hyrule, time is something to be understood and appreciated; rather than fighting against it, one must befriend it. Reconciling its passing and the fact that it's moving in the same direction is key to making the most of both the game and one's life in the real world.

Finally, there's something profoundly melancholy about the line. Sheik alludes to the process of maturity, where our once idealized view of things transforms into something deeper but irreparably less innocent and overall more realistic. Childhood bliss and innocence give way to adult knowledge and confidence. The process of growing older is inherently tragic, considering all we leave behind. Yet, there's beauty in growing up and becoming more certain of the world around us, more capable in our abilities, and ultimately (ideally) more realized.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is full of great tidbits of wisdom like this one, but this line has always resonated the strongest among fans. Many of us played the game as children, and revisiting the remake now as adults will bring all sorts of nostalgic feelings. It might make us long for those childhood days when getting to the next temple was our biggest concern. However, it should also help us realize how far we've come, and more importantly, how far we still have to go. Not many video games can claim to have such a profound impact on their audience, which only makes Ocarina of Time that much more meaningful.