Zelda Timeline Gets Even More ComplexTotK and BotW Events Deemed Independent of Previous Entries

Since its debut in 1987, The Legend of Zelda series has depicted the hero Link combating evil across multiple chronologies. These chronologies, however, in the recent disclosure reported by news site Vooks, indicated that events in both BotW and TotK are similarly unconnected to prior entries.

Beginning with The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword leading to Ocarina of Time, the chronology was shown to diverge after the events of the latter game. The broader Zelda franchise chronology splits into two branches: the "Hero is Defeated" chronology, encompassing titles like A Link to the Past; and the "Hero is Triumphant" chronology branching into the "Child" chronology, which includes the titles Majora’s Mask, Twilight Princess, and Four Swords Adventures; and the "Adult" chronology, featuring The Wind Waker and Phantom Hourglass.

The Zelda franchise’s chronology has always been debated among fans, with its multiple branches and intricate history. Interestingly, in the book The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Creating a Champion, it's suggested that Hyrule’s cyclical history could obscure the distinction between history and legend, further complicating the placement of these stories. As stated in the book: "Hyrule’s recurring periods of prosperity and decline have made it impossible to tell which legends are historical fact and which are mere fairy tale."