The "Hyrule Historia" timeline is a crucial component of the expansive "The Legend of Zelda" series lore. Published in 2011 by Nintendo and Dark Horse Books, "Hyrule Historia" offers fans an official chronology that attempts to piece together the convoluted timeline of the Zelda universe. While it provided much-needed clarity to the series' overarching narrative, it also sparked considerable controversy within the fan community.
While the "Hyrule Historia" timeline provided fans with valuable insights into the chronological order of events in "The Legend of Zelda" series, its canonical status and some of its placements remain points of contention among the fanbase. Nevertheless, it remains a fascinating and central aspect of the series, sparking ongoing discussions and deepening the appreciation of the rich, interconnected world of Hyrule.
The Three Timelines
The "Hyrule Historia" timeline divides the Zelda series into three separate but parallel timelines that branch from the pivotal event in "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time." These timelines are known as the Decline, Child, and Adult timelines.
Decline Timeline
This timeline follows the defeat of Link in "Ocarina of Time" by Ganon. As a result, Hyrule falls into a state of decline, leading to games such as "A Link to the Past," "Link's Awakening," and "A Link Between Worlds." It explores the consequences of Link's failure and the struggle to restore peace.
Child Timeline
In this timeline, Link is sent back to his original time following his victory over Ganon in "Ocarina of Time." It leads to games like "Majora's Mask," "Twilight Princess," and "Four Swords Adventures," where Link and Zelda continue their adventures in a world without Ganon's rule.
Adult Timeline
After Link defeats Ganon in "Ocarina of Time," he departs, and Princess Zelda sends him back to his childhood. This timeline features games like "The Wind Waker," "Phantom Hourglass," and "Spirit Tracks," where Hyrule is submerged beneath the Great Sea, and a new land emerges.
Controversies
Canonical Disagreements
One of the primary reasons for the controversy surrounding the "Hyrule Historia" timeline is the debate over its canonical status. Fans argue whether it should be considered as the definitive timeline or merely a reference guide created for fans. Some believe that the timeline was constructed retroactively to appease fans, rather than being a core component of the series' storytelling.
Timeline Placement
The placement of certain games within the timeline has also generated heated discussions. Games like "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" were initially deemed to be outside the established timelines due to their unique lore and setting, creating confusion among fans.
Complexity and Retcons
The complexity of the timeline and the series' frequent use of retcons (retroactive continuity changes) have frustrated some fans. These alterations to the lore sometimes seem contradictory and have led to debates regarding the consistency of the overall narrative.
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The Legend of the Goddesses and the hero
Creation
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The Creation of the Land and Sky
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Era of the Goddess Hylia
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Skyward Sword
The Ancient Battle and the Reincarnation of the Goddess Hylia
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Sky Era
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Era of Chaos
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The Sacred Realm Is Sealed
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Era of Prosperity
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The Establishment of Hyrule Kingdom
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Force Era
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The Minish Cap
The Rise of the Evil Vaati
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Four Swords
The Resurrection of Vaati
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Era of the Hero of Time
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Hyrulean Civil War
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Ocarina of Time
The Sacred Realm Becomes the Dark World
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The decline of hyrule and the last hero
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The Imprisoning War
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Era of the Light and Dark
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A Link to the Past
The Resurrection of Ganon
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Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons
The Resurrection of Ganon
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Golden Era
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Link's Awakening
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The Monarchs of Hyrule Use The Triforce
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Era of Decline
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The Tragedy of Princess Zelda I
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The Legend of Zelda
The Resurrection of Ganon
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The Adventure of Link
The Resurrection of Ganon Is Prevented
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The twilight realm and the legacy of the hero
Era of the Light and Dark
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Majora's Mask
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The Demon Thief, Ganondorf, Is Executed
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Twilight Era
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Twilight Princess
The Shadow Invasion
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Shadow Era
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Four Swords Adventures
The Reincarnation of Ganondorf
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The hero of winds and a new world
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Ganondorf is Resurrected
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Era without a Hero
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Hyrule is Sealed and Then Flooded
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Era of the Great Sea
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The Wind Waker
Ganondorf is Resurrected
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Phantom Hourglass
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Era of the Great Voyage
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New Continent Discovered
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A New Hyrule Kingdom Is Founded
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Era of Hyrule's Rebirth
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Spirit Tracks
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