If you’ve ever tried to make sense of the timeline in The Legend of Zelda series, you’ve probably found yourself more confused than a newbie trying to solve the infamous Water Temple puzzle. You’re not alone, my fellow Hylian adventurer! The timeline of the Zelda series is a complex web of parallel universes, time travel, and more twists than a Sheikah Tower climb. So grab your Master Sword, don your Hylian Shield, and let’s dive into the wild, wacky, and wonderful world of Zelda’s timeline. And yes, there will be Korok Seeds.
The Birth of a Legend: Where It All Began
The Legend of Zelda timeline is so convoluted that it’s split into not one, not two, but three separate branches. It all starts with the legendary Ocarina of Time—a game that introduced us to time travel, a teenage Link, and Ganondorf’s epic evil laugh. Depending on how you play, you might end up in one of three timelines: the Hero is Defeated timeline, the Child timeline, or the Adult timeline.
Sound confusing? Imagine explaining it to a Bokoblin.
Hero is Defeated Timeline: Game Over, Man!
In this timeline, Link doesn’t exactly save the day—oops. Ganon wins, and Hyrule goes into a bit of a meltdown. This branch leads to some of the darker and more twisted games in the series, like A Link to the Past, Oracle of Ages, Oracle of Seasons, and Link’s Awakening. It’s like the timeline equivalent of a Moblin party gone wrong.
Ever wondered why Link has to keep collecting those Pieces of Heart? It’s because in this timeline, he’s probably going to need them—stat.
Here’s where things get spicy: A Link to the Past introduces us to parallel worlds, Oracle of Ages lets you manipulate time (again), and Oracle of Seasons turns Link into a seasonal fashionista. Meanwhile, Link’s Awakening is just a giant dream sequence because why not?
Child Timeline: Back to the Past, Samurai Link
In the Child timeline, Link gets sent back to his younger days, but with all the wisdom of an experienced adventurer. This timeline brings us gems like Majora’s Mask—aka “How Many Times Can We Destroy Clock Town Before Breakfast?”—and Twilight Princess, where Link gets to turn into a wolf. Because why not?
Oh, and let’s not forget Four Swords Adventures, where Link teams up with, well, himself. The Four Swords game is like a Zelda fanfic where the author got a little too carried away with the cloning machine.
Remember Majora’s Mask? It’s the game where you have to save the world from a moon with a creepy face while juggling masks, time travel, and Skull Kid’s issues. It’s basically Link’s version of a midlife crisis, but with more masks and less sports cars.
Twilight Princess brings us to a darker, more mature Hyrule, where Link turns into Wolf Link and partners with Midna, the sassiest companion since Navi. With the Mirror Shield in hand and the Light Arrows ready, it’s time to take on Zant, Ganon, and a bunch of Darknuts.
Adult Timeline: Sailing the Seas of Hyrule’s Future
In the Adult timeline, Zelda sends Link back to his childhood, but the adult version of Hyrule continues on without him. This is where we get The Wind Waker, Phantom Hourglass, and Spirit Tracks—games where Link ditches Epona for a talking boat and then, because that’s not quirky enough, a train. Yes, Link drives a train. Hyrule might be a mess, but at least the public transportation is improving.
Ever tried shield surfing in Breath of the Wild? Imagine trying that on Spirit Tracks’ train. Now that’s a speedrun challenge worth attempting.
In The Wind Waker, Hyrule is submerged, and Link becomes the ultimate sailor. With his trusty Wind Waker baton, he controls the winds, battles Moblins, and sails across the Great Sea to defeat Ganon (again). Phantom Hourglass follows with more sea adventures and introduces the Temple of the Ocean King, which is basically a giant game of hide and seek with time limits. And let’s not forget Spirit Tracks, where Link becomes the conductor of the Hyrule Express. All aboard!
Breath of the Wild: Where Does It Fit?
Ah, the million-rupee question: where does Breath of the Wild fit into this mind-boggling timeline? Nintendo has kept us guessing, and honestly, it seems like they’ve tossed the timeline out the window and decided to go with “it’s just awesome, okay?” With open-world exploration, cooking, climbing, and more Korok Seeds than you can shake a Deku Stick at, Breath of the Wild is the game that brought the series into the modern era—timeline placement be darned.
In Breath of the Wild, you explore Hyrule in ways never before possible. From shield surfing down Death Mountain to gliding across Hyrule Field with your Paraglider, the game is a feast for Zelda fans. Want to cook up a hearty meal? Grab some Hylian ingredients and experiment with recipes. Need to solve a Shrine puzzle? Get ready to use your Sheikah Slate and every brain cell you’ve got. And the best part? You can even tackle Guardians, the glitchiest robots in video game history.
A Side Quest Worth Taking: Understanding Hyrule’s Geography
The world of Hyrule is vast and varied, with locations that are as iconic as the games themselves. From the bustling streets of Kakariko Village to the mysterious Lost Woods, and from the scorching peaks of Death Mountain to the serene waters of Lake Hylia, each region has its own unique charm.
In Breath of the Wild, you’ll visit Rito Village, nestled high in the mountains, and Tarrey Town, a place you literally build from the ground up. There’s also the Akkala Region, home to the terrifying Lynels, and Eventide Island, where you’re stripped of all your gear and left to survive on your wits alone. And who could forget Hyrule Castle, the final showdown with Calamity Ganon, or the peaceful Hateno Village, where you can buy a house and settle down after saving the world?
Enemies and Bosses: From Moblins to Moldugas
No Zelda adventure would be complete without facing off against a host of enemies and bosses. From the classic Gohma and King Dodongo to the fearsome Blight Ganons in Breath of the Wild, each foe presents a unique challenge.
Remember your first encounter with a Lynel? It’s like meeting a Moblin on steroids. And don’t even get me started on the Moldugas in the Gerudo Desert—those things are like the sandworms from Dune, but with more attitude. Then there’s the Calamity Ganon, who’s basically the final boss in almost every timeline, proving that no matter where or when you are, Ganon is always up to no good.
Collectibles: Because Who Doesn’t Love a Good Treasure Hunt?
Collecting items is half the fun in any Zelda game. Whether it’s Korok Seeds, Heart Containers, or the elusive Pieces of Heart, there’s always something to find. And let’s not forget the iconic Triforce, which has been at the center of Link’s quest since the very beginning.
In Breath of the Wild, you’ll be scouring the land for Spirit Orbs, Fairy Fountains, and those ever-important Rupees. You can even collect Great Fairies, who are both helpful and slightly terrifying. And if you’re lucky, you might stumble upon a Golden Skulltula or two.
The Real Hero: You, the Player
At the end of the day, the true hero of Zelda’s timeline is you, the player. You’re the one who’s braved the dungeons, solved the puzzles, and collected every last Triforce piece. Whether you’re saving Hyrule in the Hero is Defeated timeline, reliving your youth in the Child timeline, or sailing the seas in the Adult timeline, you’ve earned your place in the pantheon of Zelda geeks.
So next time someone asks you to explain the Zelda timeline, just hand them a Sheikah Slate and tell them to start climbing. Because let’s face it—exploring Zelda’s timeline is more confusing than a Water Temple puzzle, but infinitely more fun.