The Legend of Zelda has captivated players since its debut in the late 1980s. However, it wasn’t until 2011, with the release of the book Hyrule Historia, that Nintendo unveiled the first official timeline for the series. That same year saw the release of Skyward Sword, which was revealed to be the starting point of every adventure involving Link and Zelda. Set in a world of floating islands rather than Hyrule as we know it, the story follows the creation of the legendary Master Sword, a pivotal element in the lore.
Since then, Nintendo has continued to refine and expand upon this chronology, keeping fans intrigued and eager to see where each new installment fits into the intricate tapestry of Hyrule’s history.
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A Series with Diverging Paths
A turning point in the timeline occurs with Ocarina of Time, which splits the narrative into two main branches. The first branch unfolds when Link triumphs over Ganon, leading to two subsequent paths: one where Link returns to his childhood (Majora’s Mask, Twilight Princess) and another where he remains an adult hero (The Wind Waker, Phantom Hourglass). The second branch, however, takes a darker turn, depicting a timeline where Link is defeated. This alternate reality serves as the setting for games like A Link to the Past, Link’s Awakening, and A Link Between Worlds.
It is within this latter branch that The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, the latest installment, firmly places itself.
Echoes of Wisdom: Zelda Takes the Lead
According to Nintendo’s updated timeline, Echoes of Wisdom is the sixth entry in the “Defeated Hero” timeline. This era carries profound significance as it shifts the focus from Link, the Hero of Time, to Princess Zelda herself. In this game, Link has been captured by Ganon, leaving Zelda to rise as the savior of Hyrule. The story unfolds just before the Era of Decline, a period where Hyrule faces impending ruin. Remarkably, this positions Echoes of Wisdom as the direct precursor to the original The Legend of Zelda (1986) and its sequel The Adventure of Link (1987), creating a full-circle moment for the series.
Beyond the Timeline
Nintendo’s willingness to play with chronology demonstrates its commitment to creative freedom. For example, Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom exist in a separate timeline, untethered from the victorious or defeated outcomes of Ocarina of Time. As series producer Eiji Aonuma once stated, adhering too rigidly to the timeline risks “limiting the creativity and vision of the development team.”
This fluidity allows Nintendo to explore new storytelling possibilities while preserving the rich lore that has defined the franchise for decades.
A Fascination with Zelda Lore
For dedicated fans, the placement of each game within the timeline is more than a curiosity; it’s a ritual. The release of Echoes of Wisdom has sparked fresh discussions and theories, reaffirming the series’ ability to inspire both casual players and lore enthusiasts alike. As the newest entry bridges the gap between A Link Between Worlds and the iconic original games, it serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of The Legend of Zelda.
Where will the next adventure take us? Only time—and Nintendo—will tell
