How many Zelda games are canon?

How Many Zelda Games Are Canon?

The Legend of Zelda series is renowned for its rich history and diverse cast of characters. With over 35 years of games, spin-offs, and adaptations, it can be challenging to keep track of what’s considered canon. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Zelda and explore which games are part of the official canon.

Mainline Games Are Canon

The mainline Zelda games are generally considered canon, including:

• The Legend of Zelda (1986)
• Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (1987)
• A Link to the Past (1991)
• Link’s Awakening (1993)
• Ocarina of Time (1998)
• Majora’s Mask (2000)
• Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages (2001)
• Four Swords and Four Swords Adventures (2002-2004)
• The Wind Waker (2002)
• The Minish Cap (2004)
• Twilight Princess (2006)
• Phantom Hourglass (2007)
• Spirit Tracks (2009)
• Skyward Sword (2011)
• A Link Between Worlds (2013)
• Tri Force Heroes (2015)
• Breath of the Wild (2017)

These games are considered the core series and are widely accepted as part of the Zelda canon.

Spin-Offs and Non-Canon Games

Spin-off games, such as Hyrule Warriors and Cadence of Hyrule, are not considered part of the mainline canon. These games often have unique storylines and characters that do not affect the overall narrative of the series.

• Hyrule Warriors (2014): A hack-and-slash game that combines characters from various Zelda games.
• Cadence of Hyrule (2019): A rhythm-based action game that is part of the Crypt of the NecroDancer series.

Other games, like the CD-i games and animated series, are not considered part of the Zelda canon.

• The Legend of Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon (1993): A CD-i game that is often regarded as non-canonical.
• The Legend of Zelda: Zelda’s Adventure (1994): Another CD-i game that is not considered part of the mainline canon.

Romantic Relationships in the Zelda Series

Zelda’s romantic feelings for Link have been a topic of discussion among fans. Ocarina of Time is the only game where Zelda shows overt romantic interest in Link.

• Ocarina of Time: Zelda’s feelings for Link are explicitly shown in the game, making it the only instance of romantic interest between the two characters.

Age and Maturity in the Zelda Series

Link and Zelda’s ages have been debated among fans. According to an old character reference guide, Zelda is 16 years old at the time of A Link to the Past.

• A Link to the Past: Zelda’s age is mentioned in the game’s instruction manual.

100% Completion in Zelda Games

Achieving 100% completion in Zelda games is a popular challenge among fans. This includes collecting all heart containers, upgrades, items, and collectibles.

• The Legend of Zelda series: 100% completion is a challenging and rewarding goal for many players.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the mainline Zelda games are generally considered canon, while spin-off games and non-canonical titles are not part of the main narrative. The series’ rich history and diverse cast of characters have contributed to its enduring popularity. By understanding what’s considered canon, fans can better appreciate the world of Zelda and its many adventures.

Table: Canon Zelda Games

Note: This table only includes the mainline Zelda games and does not include spin-off games or non-canonical titles.