The Legend of Zelda: Untangling the Three Timelines

Retro Jimmy
1 day ago
3 min read

The Legend of Zelda series features one of gaming's most complex and debated timelines. Following the events of Ocarina of Time, the timeline splits into three distinct branches, each leading to different futures. Let's explore how these games connect and what each timeline branch represents.

The Split: Ocarina of Time's Critical Moment

Ocarina of Time (1998) serves as the pivotal point in the Zelda chronology. When Link defeats Ganon, three different outcomes create three divergent timelines:

The Downfall Timeline (Link is defeated)
The Child Timeline (Link returns to his childhood and warns of Ganon)
The Adult Timeline (The future where adult Link defeated Ganon)

The Downfall Timeline: A Dark Future

In this timeline, Link fails to defeat Ganon, leading to the darkest sequence of events:

A Link to the Past
- The Seven Sages seal Ganon in the Sacred Realm
- Sets up the classic 2D Zelda formula
Link's Awakening
- Following his victory in A Link to the Past
- Takes place on Koholint Island, a dream world
Oracle of Ages/Seasons
- Parallel adventures across different lands
- Connected via password system
The Legend of Zelda (NES)
- Hyrule in decline
- Princess Zelda splits the Triforce
The Adventure of Link
- The last game chronologically in this timeline
- Features an older Link seeking to wake another Princess Zelda

The Child Timeline: Preventing Disaster

When young Link returns to warn of Ganondorf's plans:

Majora's Mask
- Direct sequel to young Link's story
- Takes place in parallel world of Termina
Twilight Princess
- Generations later
- Ganondorf's execution and the Twilight Realm
Four Swords Adventures
- A new Ganondorf reborn
- Multiple Links collaborate

The Adult Timeline: A World Without Link

In the future where adult Link defeated Ganon:

The Wind Waker
- Hyrule flooded
- New hero must prove himself worthy
Phantom Hourglass
- Direct sequel to Wind Waker
- Ocean-based adventure
Spirit Tracks
- New continent, New Hyrule
- Takes place 100 years after Phantom Hourglass

The Latest Entries: Expanding the Timeline

Recent games have added new complexity:

Breath of the Wild

Set thousands of years after all three timelines
Possibly a point of convergence
References to all previous timelines

Skyward Sword

Chronologically first in all timelines
Origins of Master Sword and Demise's curse
Establishes cycle of reincarnation

Tears of the Kingdom

Direct sequel to Breath of the Wild
Expands on ancient history
Explores the relationship between surface and sky

Key Timeline Themes

Recurring Elements

The cycle of reincarnation
The Triforce's influence
Ganon/Ganondorf's persistence
Different incarnations of Link and Zelda

Timeline Characteristics

Downfall: Most traditional Zelda experiences
Child: Darker, more mature themes
Adult: Focus on hope and new beginnings

Understanding the Connections

Common Threads

Sacred Realm's importance
Master Sword's role
Royal Family's bloodline
Legendary hero's spirit

Timeline Markers

Architecture styles
Technological advancement
Cultural references
Geographic changes

Conclusion: A Living Timeline

The Zelda timeline continues to evolve with each new entry. Rather than viewing it as a rigid structure, it's better understood as a mythological framework that allows for multiple interpretations and retellings of its core themes. Each branch explores different aspects of the eternal struggle between good and evil, courage and power, wisdom and force.

The complexity of the timeline serves the series well, allowing for creative freedom while maintaining connections to the rich lore that fans have come to love. Whether you're following the flood waters of the Adult Timeline, the darker turn of the Child Timeline, or the classic adventures of the Downfall Timeline, each branch offers its own unique perspective on the Legend of Zelda.