Update: Full The Legend of Zelda timeline

Image by Kotaku

Over the past week I have been reporting on news about the book Hyrule Historia. First it was the announcement of a Zelda 25th Anniversary art book. Then it was revealed that this book could reveal a Zelda timeline. Next came the update with a translated portion of the timeline. Now I am proud to finally announce the full Zelda timeline as seen in Hyrule Historia. This book was released by Nintendo so it is safe to assume that this is their official timeline. All we are waiting on now is for one of the game creators to officially say the word. Until then this will be viewed by many fans as the unofficial official timeline.

Featured right is a photo created by Kotaku that illustrates the timeline. My only gripe about this photo is that it does not tell you what the game scenario is that causes the three splits at the end of the timeline. Yes, you read that right. The timeline does not split into two as everyone thought. It splits into three.

Here is the "official" timeline revealed in Hyrule Historia.

"Main Timeline
1. Skyward Sword
2. Minish Cap
3. Four Swords
4. Ocarina Of Time

Split 1: Link defeats Ganon – childhood branch
a) Majora’s Mask
b) Twilight Princess
c) Four Swords Adventures

Split 2: Link defeats Ganon – adult branch
a) Wind Waker
b) Phantom Hourglass
c) Spirit Tracks

Split 3: Link fails in Ocarina Of Time
a) A Link To The Past
b) Oracles
c) Link’s Awakening
d) The Legend Of Zelda
e) The Legend Of Zelda II"

We have all seen and read convincing timeline that explain the hows and whys perfectly. No splits. Two splits. However, for the moment we'll have to accept that Nintendo is saying that there are three splits. I will still always say that I liked that there was no timeline. That the creators said releasing a timeline would cause the 'legend' to loose some of its appeal and they liked that fans spent lots of time talking about the games and where they should fit. It was great and I feel that that is how it should have stayed.

I still need time to digest this timeline myself and see where everything is fitting but at first glance it does make sense. Looking at Split 3, you can look at it as Ganondorf defeats Link or that Link had turned down Zelda's request for help to stop Ganondorf in Ocarina of Time.The result of either scenario is the third split. I would personally side with the latter scenario. Link is still a child. It is fully reasonable for him to say no. Though it seems weird that in Split 3 the player is essentially losing the game. You died or refused to 'play the game'. Since when do we let Link fail? NEVER! Moving on, it makes perfect sense to end this split with Zelda II: The Adventure of Link. Simply put, the 'legend' is over and the focus of the game has shifted to Link's story.

So what do you think about this timeline? Do you agree and feel like jumping for joy? Or disagree and want to strap on your sword and shield and hunt some people down? Do you feel that there should be no timeline at all and Nintendo should have let the fans keep having fun debating over one of the greatest franchises they have created?

Source: My Nintendo News