Is Skyward Sword Still Canon After Tears of the Kingdom?
The Legend of Zelda series is known for its complex and often contradictory timeline. The latest installment, Tears of the Kingdom, has raised more questions than answers about the canonicity of previous games in the series. One of the most pressing questions is whether Skyward Sword, released in 2011, is still considered part of the official Zelda canon. In this article, we’ll delve into the topic and explore the implications of Tears of the Kingdom on the canonicity of Skyward Sword.
The History of Skyward Sword’s Canonicity
Skyward Sword was released for the Wii in 2011, and at the time, it was widely regarded as a standalone game that took place in a unique timeline. However, in 2013, Nintendo released a timeline diagram that seemed to suggest that Skyward Sword was connected to the other games in the series, particularly Ocarina of Time. This raised questions about the canonicity of Skyward Sword and its place in the larger Zelda timeline.
The Contradictions of Tears of the Kingdom
Tears of the Kingdom has introduced new contradictions to the Zelda timeline, making it even more complicated. The game’s storyline implies that the events of Skyward Sword did not occur as previously thought, and that the timeline has been rewritten. This has led many fans to question the canonicity of Skyward Sword and whether it still fits into the official Zelda timeline.
What Does Nintendo Say?
Nintendo has not explicitly stated whether Skyward Sword is still canon, but Eiji Aonuma, the creator of the Zelda series, has hinted that the game may not be as connected to the main timeline as previously thought. In an interview, Aonuma said that he wanted to create a character where anyone could relate to, and that’s why he made Link a silent protagonist. He also mentioned that the Zelda series has always been about exploring new possibilities, and that the timeline is meant to be a tool to tell different stories.
The Implications of Tears of the Kingdom on Skyward Sword’s Canonicity
If Skyward Sword is no longer considered part of the official Zelda canon, it raises several questions about the series’ overall timeline and the connections between games. Here are a few implications:
- Disconnection from the main timeline: If Skyward Sword is no longer canon, it would mean that the events of the game did not occur as previously thought, and that the timeline has been rewritten.
- New timeline possibilities: Tears of the Kingdom has opened up new possibilities for the Zelda timeline, allowing for new stories and characters to be introduced.
- Retconning: If Skyward Sword is no longer canon, it would be a significant retcon (retroactive continuity change) that would require adjustments to the game’s storyline and character development.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the canonicity of Skyward Sword after Tears of the Kingdom is uncertain. While Nintendo has not explicitly stated whether the game is still canon, the contradictions introduced by Tears of the Kingdom have raised questions about the game’s place in the official Zelda timeline. Ultimately, the canonicity of Skyward Sword will depend on how Nintendo chooses to move forward with the series, and whether they decide to integrate the game into the main timeline or create a new, separate timeline for it.
Timeline Table
Here is a table summarizing the events of Skyward Sword and Tears of the Kingdom:
| Game | Event | Canonicity |
|---|---|---|
| Skyward Sword | Introduced in 2011 | Uncertain |
| Tears of the Kingdom | Introduced in 2023 | Canon |
Final Thoughts
The Legend of Zelda series is known for its complex and often contradictory timeline, and Tears of the Kingdom has only added to the confusion. While Skyward Sword’s canonicity is uncertain, it’s clear that the game’s events have had a significant impact on the series’ overall timeline. As fans, we can only wait and see how Nintendo chooses to move forward with the series and how they will integrate Skyward Sword into the official Zelda canon.