Legend of Zelda Timeline Unveiled: The Endless Cycle of Heroes

The official Legend of Zelda timeline, long shrouded in secrecy and reserved for the eyes of Nintendo's internal team, was finally unveiled as part of the series' 25th anniversary celebration, along with the release of the Hyrule Historia compendium. This revelation laid bare the intricate history of the franchise, offering fans a comprehensive look at how each game in The Legend of Zelda is interconnected, particularly regarding its iconic characters.

In The Legend of Zelda series, every game introduces its unique incarnation of the main heroes and the eternal nemesis. Skyward Sword, positioned as the first game chronologically, uncovers the curse inflicted by the Demon King Demise, dooming Link, Zelda, and Demise to an unending cycle of rebirth and conflict. Thus, regardless of whether they appear as the Hero of Time, the Hero of Legend, or simply as "Link", these green-clad champions are fated to be reborn repeatedly to thwart those who seek to corrupt the Triforce.

Skyward Sword

The original Link, the first legendary hero in the timeline, hails from Skyward Sword. This Link, an aspiring knight and Skyloft resident, embarks on a daring rescue mission for Zelda and confronts Ghirahim and Demise in epic battles. He ultimately saves the land that will become Hyrule but falls victim to the curse that binds him to an endless cycle, with Demise's reappearance as Ganon in subsequent incarnations.

The Minish Cap

The Kingdom of Hyrule, established shortly after the events of Skyward Sword, marks the "Era of Prosperity". The Minish, or Picori, are honored annually for saving fledgling Hyrule. When the malevolent sorcerer Vaati threatens to steal the Picori Blade, turning Princess Zelda to stone in the process, a young hero named Link emerges to wield the legendary sword and thwart Vaati's ambitions.

Four Swords

Decades later, Vaati returns and kidnaps Hyrule's young maidens, aiming to imprison Princess Zelda once more. A new hero named Link takes up the legendary Four Sword, allowing him to split into four identical versions. These Links unite to vanquish Vaati and restore peace, subsequently returning the Four Sword to its resting place.

Ocarina of Time

Following the events of Four Swords, a fragile peace descends into conflict between Hyrule and the Gerudo. A young refugee, bearing an infant child, enters Kokiri Forest, where the Great Deku Tree raises the child as one of its own. This child, Link, learns of his destiny as the Hero of Legend and embarks on a time-traveling quest to thwart Ganon's pursuit of the Triforce, thus shaping the events that branch out into multiple games.

The Hero is Defeated - A Link to the Past, Oracle of Ages & Seasons, and Link's Awakening

While most Zelda games feature distinct versions of Link, Zelda, and Ganon, the "Hero is Defeated" timeline showcases the same Link across multiple adventures. This Link initially appears in A Link to the Past, goes on further quests in Holodrum and Labrynna (Oracle of Ages/Seasons), and embarks on an adventure in Koholint Island (Link's Awakening).

A Link Between Worlds and Tri Force Heroes

A LinkBetween Worlds takes place in the same Hyrule as A Link to the Past but features new incarnations of Link and Zelda. The hero from A Link Between Worlds subsequently stars in Tri Force Heroes.

The Legend of Zelda and Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link

The first two games in the series feature the same Link across different periods, though not the same Princess Zelda. The original Link from The Legend of Zelda embarks on a quest to rescue Princess Zelda, while in Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link, an older Link attempts to awaken the slumbering Princess Zelda I.

The Hero is Triumphant (Child Link) - Majora's Mask

In the timeline where Link prevails against Ganon in Ocarina of Time, two potential realities emerge. In one, Link returns to being a child and informs Princess Zelda of Ganondorf's nefarious intentions. He then embarks on a journey to Termina, facing a dire fate that awaits its residents.

Twilight Princess

In this timeline, Zelda anticipates Ganondorf's malevolence and attempts to execute him, leading to his imprisonment in the Twilight Realm. Centuries later, a young boy named Link inadvertently enters this realm, where he discovers his role as the Hero of Legend and aims to thwart Ganondorf.

Four Swords Adventures

Centuries after Ganondorf's defeat in Twilight Princess, the evil Demon King is resurrected, reviving Vaati as well. A new Princess Zelda enlists the help of a young hero named Link, who wields the Four Sword once more to halt Vaati's resurgence.

The Hero is Triumphant (Adult Link) - The Wind Waker/Phantom Hourglass

In the timeline where Link succeeds in thwarting Ganon, Hyrule experiences peace before ultimately succumbing to internal strife. Link reawakens after centuries of slumber, embarking on a quest across the Great Sea with Princess Zelda to confront Ganon and establish a new Kingdom of Hyrule.

Spirit Tracks

One hundred years after the establishment of the new Hyrule, a reincarnated Princess Zelda calls upon a young engineer named Link to investigate mysterious occurrences at the Tower of Spirits. Donning the green tunic of the Hero, Link embarks on a mission to stop Demon King Malladus from seizing control of the kingdom.

The Age of Calamity - Breath of the Wild & Tears of the Kingdom

Regardless of the branching timelines originating from Ocarina of Time's conclusion, the official Zelda timeline culminates in the Age of Calamity. This era features a young knight, Link, tasked with protecting Princess Zelda and aiding the Champions in combating Calamity Ganon. After Ganon's corruption of the Divine Beasts and the Champions, Zelda places Link in a restorative slumber and conceals the Master Sword. One hundred years later, Link awakens to confront Ganon in the adventure known as Breath of the Wild, a role he reprises in Tears of the Kingdom.