Introduction
The Legend of Zelda series, created by Shigeru Miyamoto and developed by Nintendo, is one of the most beloved and enduring video game franchises in history. Set in the mystical land of Hyrule, the series follows the adventures of various incarnations of a hero named Link as he battles to save Princess Zelda and thwart the evil schemes of Ganon and other villains. The series is known for its intricate and branching timeline, which has evolved over numerous iterations. This guide provides a chronological overview of the main games in The Legend of Zelda timeline, integrating their stories into a cohesive narrative.
Disclaimer: This timeline only includes the main games in The Legend of Zelda series.
The Creation and the Timeline Split
The Creation
The world of The Legend of Zelda begins with the creation of the universe by the three Golden Goddesses: Din, Nayru, and Farore. They crafted the land of Hyrule and left behind the Triforce, a powerful relic divided into three parts: Power, Wisdom, and Courage. This sacred artifact becomes central to the series’ many conflicts and adventures throughout The Legend of Zelda timeline.
Era of the Goddess Hylia
Skyward Sword
In the earliest era of The Legend of Zelda timeline, the residents of Skyloft, a floating island above the clouds, live in peace. Among them are Link and Zelda. Their destinies unfold when Zelda is kidnapped by the demon lord Ghirahim, aiming to revive his master, Demise. Link, guided by Fi, the spirit of the Goddess Sword, descends to the surface world. He faces various trials to rescue Zelda and ultimately defeats Demise, who curses their descendants, setting the stage for future conflicts in The Legend of Zelda timeline.
Era of Chaos and the Era of Prosperity
The Minish Cap
Centuries later, Hyrule faces a new threat as the sorcerer Vaati turns Princess Zelda to stone. Link, with the help of Ezlo, a hat that transforms into a sentient being, seeks to restore the Picori Blade. He defeats Vaati and restores peace to the kingdom, continuing the story of The Legend of Zelda timeline.
Four Swords
Vaati returns, capturing Zelda once again. Link, using the Four Sword, splits into four versions of himself to combat Vaati and rescue Zelda. The collaboration of the four Links successfully seals Vaati, maintaining the balance in The Legend of Zelda timeline.
Era of the Hero of Time
Ocarina of Time
The young Link is called upon by the Great Deku Tree to stop Ganondorf, the Gerudo king, from obtaining the Triforce. Link travels through time, gathering the power of the Sages with the help of Navi, his fairy companion. He confronts Ganondorf, but the battle’s outcome creates three parallel timelines, resulting in a complex branching of The Legend of Zelda timeline.
Timeline Split
After the events of Ocarina of Time, the timeline splits into three branches: the Decline Timeline, the Child Timeline, and the Adult Timeline, each following different paths in The Legend of Zelda timeline.
The Decline Timeline
A Link to the Past
In a timeline where Link fails, Ganon rises to power. A new Link is called to retrieve the Triforce and defeat the wizard Agahnim, who is attempting to release Ganon from the Dark World. Link succeeds in restoring peace, marking a significant event in The Legend of Zelda timeline.
Link’s Awakening
After defeating Ganon, Link is shipwrecked on Koholint Island. To escape, he must awaken the Wind Fish by gathering eight instruments. The journey is revealed to be a dream of the Wind Fish, and Link’s success leads to his awakening, adding another chapter to The Legend of Zelda timeline.
Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons
Link is sent to the lands of Labrynna and Holodrum to rescue Din and Nayru from Veran and Onox, who serve Twinrova. Link’s efforts prevent Ganon’s resurrection and save both lands, further developing The Legend of Zelda timeline.
A Link Between Worlds
A dark sorcerer named Yuga merges Hyrule and Lorule, bringing forth a new crisis. Link, using the ability to merge into walls, navigates both worlds, defeats Yuga and Ganon, and restores balance, continuing the epic saga of The Legend of Zelda timeline.
Tri Force Heroes
In the kingdom of Hytopia, cursed fashion is the kingdom’s dilemma. Link, along with two other heroes, breaks the curse on Princess Styla, adding a unique adventure to The Legend of Zelda timeline.
The Legend of Zelda
In a ravaged Hyrule, Ganon has captured the Triforce of Power. Link gathers the pieces of the Triforce of Wisdom to rescue Princess Zelda and defeat Ganon, cementing his place in The Legend of Zelda timeline.
The Adventure of Link
Link faces a new threat as Ganon’s followers seek to revive him. He must obtain the Triforce of Courage and prevent their plan, ensuring peace in The Legend of Zelda timeline.
The Child Timeline
Majora’s Mask
Following his adventure in Ocarina of Time, Link searches for Navi and finds himself in Termina, a parallel world. He faces the Skull Kid, possessed by Majora’s Mask, who is causing the moon to crash into the world. Link uses time manipulation to save Termina, adding a dark and mysterious tale to The Legend of Zelda timeline.
Twilight Princess
In a darker Hyrule, Link transforms into a wolf and teams up with Midna, the Twilight Princess, to stop Zant and Ganondorf from plunging Hyrule into darkness. Their combined efforts restore light to the kingdom, a significant turning point in The Legend of Zelda timeline.
Four Swords Adventures
Link once again uses the Four Sword to combat the combined threat of Vaati and Ganon, securing peace for Hyrule once more, continuing the hero’s journey in The Legend of Zelda timeline.
The Adult Timeline
The Wind Waker
In a world where Hyrule is submerged, a new Link sets out to rescue his sister Aryll from the Helmaroc King. He teams up with Tetra, a pirate who is later revealed to be Princess Zelda. Together, they confront Ganondorf and restore peace to the Great Sea, a defining adventure in The Legend of Zelda timeline.
Phantom Hourglass
Continuing their journey, Link and Tetra encounter the evil spirit Bellum. Link must navigate the Ocean King’s realm, battling Bellum to rescue Tetra and restore peace, adding another layer to The Legend of Zelda timeline.
Spirit Tracks
In the New Hyrule Kingdom, Link and Zelda must prevent the resurrection of Malladus, the demon king. Using the Spirit Tracks, they thwart his plans and protect the kingdom, marking another crucial event in The Legend of Zelda timeline.
Era of the Wilds
Breath of the Wild
After a century-long slumber, Link awakens to find Hyrule devastated by Calamity Ganon. With the guidance of Princess Zelda and the help of the four Champions’ spirits, Link reclaims the Divine Beasts, defeats Ganon, and begins the restoration of Hyrule, a monumental chapter in The Legend of Zelda timeline.
Tears of the Kingdom
Shortly after, Link and Zelda uncover ancient secrets of Hyrule, facing the resurgent threat of Ganondorf. Their journey delves into Hyrule’s past, exploring new lands and unearthing forgotten lore, ensuring the kingdom’s future and further enriching The Legend of Zelda timeline.
Conclusion
This integrated story of The Legend of Zelda series weaves together the rich tapestry of Hyrule’s history, its heroes, and their eternal struggle against the forces of evil. From the creation of the world to the latest battles against ancient evils, the saga of The Legend of Zelda timeline captivates generations of players with its timeless adventures. Each game adds a new chapter to this epic tale, ensuring that The Legend of Zelda timeline remains a beloved and enduring part of gaming history.
FAQ
Q: How does The Legend of Zelda timeline work?
A: The Legend of Zelda timeline is a complex and branching sequence of events that spans multiple eras and parallel worlds. It begins with the creation of the world by the Golden Goddesses and splits into three main branches after the events of Ocarina of Time, resulting in the Decline Timeline, the Child Timeline, and the Adult Timeline.
Q: Why are there different timelines in The Legend of Zelda?
A: The different timelines in The Legend of Zelda were created to explain the various outcomes of key events, particularly the ending of Ocarina of Time. Depending on Link’s actions, the timeline splits into three branches, each leading to different future adventures and conflicts.
Q: Which game is the first in The Legend of Zelda timeline?
A: Skyward Sword is the first game in The Legend of Zelda timeline. It details the origins of key elements in the series, such as the Master Sword and the eternal struggle between Link, Zelda, and the forces of evil.
Q: How does Breath of the Wild fit into The Legend of Zelda timeline?
A: Breath of the Wild is set in the Era of the Wilds, at the end of The Legend of Zelda timeline. It follows Link’s awakening after a century-long slumber and his quest to defeat Calamity Ganon and restore Hyrule. Its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, continues this story.