What Game Starts the Zelda Timeline?
The Legend of Zelda series is renowned for its complex and convoluted timeline, which has been a topic of debate among fans for decades. With numerous games, each with its own unique story and events, it can be challenging to determine which game serves as the starting point for the Zelda timeline. In this article, we will delve into the history of the Zelda series and explore the various theories and answers to this question.
The Early Years
The first game in the Zelda series, The Legend of Zelda (1986), introduced players to the world of Hyrule and the legendary hero, Link. The game’s story is relatively simple, with Link setting out to rescue Princess Zelda from the clutches of the evil Ganon. However, the game’s ending sets the stage for the events of the next game in the series, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (1987).
The Timeline Takes Shape
While The Legend of Zelda and Zelda II: The Adventure of Link are often considered the first two games in the series, they do not necessarily form a direct chronological sequence. The events of Zelda II take place many years after the events of the first game, and the game’s story is more focused on Link’s journey to awaken Zelda from her slumber.
The next game in the series, A Link to the Past (1991), is often considered the starting point for the Zelda timeline. This game introduces the concept of the Triforce, a powerful artifact that is central to the series’ mythology. The game’s story follows Link as he attempts to save Hyrule from the evil Ganon, who has kidnapped Zelda and is attempting to use the Triforce to gain ultimate power.
The Split in the Timeline
Ocarina of Time (1998) is widely considered one of the greatest games of all time, and its impact on the Zelda series cannot be overstated. The game’s story follows Link as he travels through time to prevent Ganondorf from obtaining the Triforce of Power. However, the game’s ending sets the stage for a split in the timeline, with two possible outcomes depending on the player’s actions.
The first outcome, known as the Child Timeline, sees Link failing to prevent Ganondorf from obtaining the Triforce of Power, leading to a dark and desolate future for Hyrule. The second outcome, known as the Adult Timeline, sees Link successfully preventing Ganondorf’s plan, leading to a brighter and more hopeful future for Hyrule.
Theories and Debates
The split in the timeline has led to numerous theories and debates among fans about which game serves as the starting point for the Zelda timeline. Some argue that Ocarina of Time is the starting point, as it sets the stage for the events of the next game in the series, Majora’s Mask (2000). Others argue that Majora’s Mask is the starting point, as it takes place in a separate timeline from Ocarina of Time.
The Official Timeline
In 2011, Nintendo published the Hyrule Historia, a comprehensive guide to the Zelda series. The book provides a detailed timeline of the series, which shows that Skyward Sword (2011) is the starting point for the Zelda timeline. According to the book, Skyward Sword takes place in a time before the events of Ocarina of Time, and sets the stage for the events of the next game in the series, The Wind Waker (2002).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the question of which game starts the Zelda timeline is a complex and debated topic among fans. While The Legend of Zelda and Zelda II: The Adventure of Link are often considered the first two games in the series, A Link to the Past is often considered the starting point for the Zelda timeline. The split in the timeline, introduced in Ocarina of Time, has led to numerous theories and debates among fans. However, according to the official Hyrule Historia, Skyward Sword is the starting point for the Zelda timeline.
Timeline Summary
Here is a summary of the Zelda timeline, including the games that are widely considered to be part of the main timeline:
- Skyward Sword (2011)
- The Wind Waker (2002)
- Twilight Princess (2006)
- Ocarina of Time (1998)
- A Link to the Past (1991)
- The Legend of Zelda (1986)
Note: This summary is based on the official Hyrule Historia and may not reflect all possible interpretations of the Zelda timeline.