Is The Legend of Zelda canon?

Is The Legend of Zelda Canon?

The Legend of Zelda series has been a beloved franchise for decades, with a rich history of games, characters, and storylines. But with so many games and spin-offs, it can be difficult to keep track of what is considered "canon" and what is not. In this article, we’ll explore the question of whether the Legend of Zelda series is canon and provide some insight into the inner workings of the franchise.

What is Canon?

Before we dive into the world of Zelda, let’s define what "canon" means. In the context of fiction, canon refers to the official, authoritative story or history of a particular series or franchise. This includes the original stories, characters, and events that have been created by the creators of the series. Non-canonical elements, on the other hand, are those that are not considered part of the official storyline and may be considered as alternate or parallel universes.

The Mainline Games: A Safe Bet

When it comes to the mainline Zelda games, it’s generally considered safe to assume that they are canon. The series has a long history of storytelling, with each game building upon the previous one to create a cohesive and engaging narrative. The mainline games, such as Ocarina of Time, Majora’s Mask, and Breath of the Wild, are widely recognized as part of the official Zelda canon.

The Spin-Offs: A Mixed Bag

When it comes to spin-offs, such as the handheld games or spin-off titles like Hyrule Warriors, the situation is more complex. While some spin-offs may be considered canon, others may not be. For example, the Oracle games are considered part of the official Zelda canon, while the spin-off game, The Legend of Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon, is not.

The Timeline: A Web of Confusion

One of the most challenging aspects of the Zelda canon is the timeline. With multiple games and spin-offs, it can be difficult to keep track of which events occur when and in what order. The franchise has attempted to provide some clarity with the official Zelda timeline, which attempts to connect the various games and storylines. However, even this timeline is subject to interpretation and debate.

The Official Word

In a 2013 interview, Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of the Zelda series, stated that the mainline games are the core of the franchise and that spin-offs are intended to provide additional gameplay experiences rather than alter the core story. This suggests that the mainline games are considered canon, while spin-offs may be considered non-canonical.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Legend of Zelda series is considered canon, with the mainline games being the core of the franchise. While spin-offs may be considered part of the official storyline, they are not necessarily canon. The timeline is a complex and debated topic, and even the official timeline is subject to interpretation. Ultimately, the Legend of Zelda series is a rich and engaging franchise that offers a wide range of storylines and gameplay experiences, making it a beloved favorite among gamers around the world.

Important Points

• The mainline games are considered canon
• Spin-offs may be considered part of the official storyline, but are not necessarily canon
• The timeline is a complex and debated topic
• The official Zelda timeline attempts to connect the various games and storylines
• Shigeru Miyamoto considers the mainline games to be the core of the franchise

Table: The Legend of Zelda Timeline

Note: The timeline is subject to interpretation and debate, and this table is intended to provide a general overview of the games and their storylines.