The Legend of Zelda timeline is one of the famous game series. But it is a little bit complicated and mostly a confusing game series. Instead, it is also an exciting aspect of the game series. In this game series, the games remain set so that one game is related to the other. One game has a substantial impact on the other.
The game’s timeline was first published in Hyrule Historia in 2011. The book divides this game series into three crucial divisions. They include the Adult Timeline, the Child Timeline, and the Downfall Timeline.
Table of Contents
Description of the Three Timelines.
The Adult Timeline
The Adult Timeline comprises the events of Ocarina of Time. This timeline describes how Link faces defeat in the battle against Ganondorf; later, he remains hidden in the Sacred Realm for seven years. After seven years, when Link wakes up, he learns about Ganondorf conquering Hyrule, which has led Hyrule into the world of darkness.
Link saves Hyrule by defeating Ganondorf. Along the way, he meets Princess Zelda, who has become an adult. Afterward, they defeat Ganondorf and cover him away in the Twilight Realm.
The Adult Timeline comprises the following games.
- Ocarina of Time
- The Wind Waker
- Phantom Hourglass
- Spirit Tracks
- Tri Force Heroes
The Child Timeline
The Child Timeline also starts with the events of Ocarina of Time. Although Link defeats Ganondorf, Zelda sends Link back in time by using the Ocarina of Time in this timeline. Moreover, it forms a new timeline where Hyrule is saved by defeating Ganondorf.
Link is sent back in time as a child in this timeline. Then, he travels to the Temple of Lights and learns about the Ganondorf’s plans. He then warns about Ganondorf’s plans to Zelda. Afterward, Zelda takes the necessary steps to stop Ganondorf from conquering Hyrule.
The Child Timeline includes the following games:
- Ocarina of Time
- Majora’s Mask
- Twilight Princess
- Four Swords Adventures
The Downfall Timeline
The Downfall Timeline begins with the events of Ocarina of Time. However, in this timeline, Link is defeated by Ganondorf and killed. With Link gone, Zelda is unable to stop Ganondorf from conquering Hyrule.
The Downfall Timeline is the darkest and most tragic of the three timelines. It is a world where Ganondorf has triumphed, and Hyrule is in ruins.
The Downfall Timeline includes the following games:
- Ocarina of Time
- A Link to the Past
- Oracle of Ages
- Oracle of Seasons
- Link’s Awakening
- The Legend of Zelda
- Adventure of Link
- A Link Between Worlds
Breath of the Wild
The placement of Breath of the Wild on the timeline is a bit of a mystery. Nintendo has not officially confirmed where it fits, but evidence suggests it might remain set in any of the three timelines.
One theory is that Breath of the Wild remains set in the Adult Timeline long after the events of Spirit Tracks. It remains supported as it has several ruins from previous games in the Adult Timeline, such as the Temple of Time and Hyrule Castle.
Another theory is that Breath of the Wild remains set in the Downfall Timeline after the defeat of Ganondorf. It remains supported by the fact that the game has many references to the Downfall Timeline, which includes Twilight Realm and the Four Swords.
Overall, it is also probable that Breath of the Wild stays set in a separate timeline that is not directly related to the Adult or Downfall Timelines. It remains supported as the game comprises several unique elements, such as the Sheikah Slate and the Guardians.
Conclusion
The Legend of Zelda timeline is a challenging and charming game series. It is a world where history is cyclical, and the events of one game can have a ripple effect on the events of another.
While the placement of Breath of the Wild on the timeline is still a mystery, it is clear that the game is a culmination of all that has come before it. The game draws on elements from all three timelines, making it an exclusive and unforgettable experience.
In addition to the three primary timelines, many spin-off games do not fit neatly into them. These games include Hyrule Warriors, Hyrule Warriors Legends, and Cadence of Hyrule.
The Legend of Zelda timeline is rich and complex, and it is one of the things that makes the series so unique. It is a world where history constantly remains rewritten, and the future is always uncertain.
Review The Legend of Zelda Timeline – The Game Series.