The Legend of Zelda timeline existed even before Hyrule Historia came out.

Some feel when The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia came out in Dec. 2011, Nintendo "lazily" or "sloppily" put together a timeline, and they felt there was never a "real timeline", as if Nintendo only made Hyrule Historia to appease the fans who wanted an official timeline.

Some also believe each new game was just the same "legend" retold in different ways, and that most of the games never really had real connections to one another, believing it's all "just a legend".

With this post I aim to disprove these claims by showing with concrete evidence how Nintendo has almost always paid attention to the timeline, and how there is a fairly clear timeline of chronologically ordered events if you actually take the time to look at the history of the series.

I will first go through the series as the games released and show how, even before Hyrule Historia, you could define rather clearly where most games took place, and how it already lined up with the timeline presented in Hyrule Historia.

(I've sectioned this post into nine chapters, with the first chapter being by far the longest. If you want to take multiple reading sessions to finish the whole post, feel free to do so. Also, I used many images in this post, and some of them have text that may seem illegible, if this is this case you may need to click to enlarge. I have added links to give credit to the sources on these images. The ones without links were made from my own screenshots/photos of my copies of the games/books.)

CHAPTER 1. PRE-HYRULE HISTORIA:

The Legend of Zelda (LoZ). Feb. 21st, 1986:

This established the series. As such, there is no timeline it has to adhere to.

The backstory of LoZ as told in the manual.

Via LoZ in-game prologue.

Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (AoL). Jan. 14th, 1987:

This is a sequel to LoZ as described in the manual and featured the same Link and Impa, but a separate Zelda who had long ago been put asleep.

Via AoL manual page 6.

Via AoL in-game prologue.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (ALttP). Nov. 21st, 1991:

This takes place before LoZ and features a different Link than the one seen in LoZ/AoL, we know this from the game box and in-game context, which depicts the flourishing Hyrule Kingdom as opposed to it's broken "little" state in LoZ & AoL:

"when Hyrule was still a single kingdom". Back of Triforce of the Gods (ALttP Japanese title) SFC box. English text via Google Lens.

Back of US ALttP SNES box.

"It is said that long ago, when Hyrule was one country". Via AoL's manual page 6.

Via the Nintendo Player's Guide book for ALttP.

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (LA). Jun. 6th, 1993:

This is a sequel to ALttP, we know this from the manual where it described Link defeating Ganon and fulfilling the role of the "Legendary Hero" (this happens in ALttP), and in-game context: Link mistaking Marin for Zelda, Link's memories causing Nightmare to take on the forms of  Giant Gel/Zol, Agahnim, Moldorm, Ganon, and Lanmola from ALttP, etc.

Link's Awakening DX manual page 4.

Link's Awakening DX's Japanese website also describes it as a sequel to ALttP:

Japanese original (top) Google Translate (bottom). Via Links's Awakening DX Japanese website.

Zol/Gel (although not seen in ALttP, Zols can split into Gels as seen in LoZ), Agahnim, Moldorm, Ganon, and a Lanmola from ALttP (left) and their Shadow Nightmare counterparts seen in LA (right).

"battle the six Shadows from Link's past" Via the Nintendo Player's Guide book for LA pages 83-84

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (OoT). Nov. 21st, 1998:

This is a prequel to ALttP, we know this from interviews and in-game context: Seeing Ganondorf (human) turn into Ganon (beast) (ALttP states he used to be a man), the Sacred Realm (known as "Golden Land" in ALttP) being corrupted into the Evil Realm (known as "Dark World" in ALttP), the origin of the Seven Sages (who were mentioned in ALttP and are retroactively the basis for 5 of the towns' names in AoL), etc.

Ganondorf in his human (Gerudo) form before he became Ganon (beast form). Via the cutscene during talking to Zelda the first time in OoT.

Ganondorf is referred to as "King of Thieves" in OoT. This was set up in ALttP when he was called "boss of thieves" (and "King of Thieves" in its manual).

Ganondorf uses the Triforce of Power to transform into Ganon. Via the cutscene before fighting Ganon in OoT.

An NPC in ALttP tells how Ganon was a "man" before claiming the Triforce.

The following is an abridging of dialogue pertaining to Ganondorf entering the Sacred Realm, corrupting it into the Evil Realm, and his eventual sealing into the Sacred/Evil Realm by the Sages:

Via dialogue from Sheik/Zelda and Rauru near the end of OoT.

The names of five of the Sages from OoT come from town names in AoL (chronologically in-universe it's the opposite): Rauru, Ruto, Saria, Darunia, and Nabooru.

Here are quotes from the writers of OoT stating it's a prequel to ALttP:

Satoru Takizawa: "This time, the story really wasn't an original. We were dealing with the "The Imprisoning War of the Seven Sages" from the SNES edition Zelda. To give that game a little "secret" recognition, I thought that keeping the "pigness" in Ganon would be the correct course. So we made him a beast "with the feeling of a pig."

Toru Osawa: "Though in this game Zelda is now included in the Seven Sages, the other six have the names of the town names from the Disk System edition "The Adventure of Link. In the SNES edition game, the story "Long ago, there was a war called the Imprisoning War" was passed along. A name in the Imprisoning War era is the name of a Town later."

OoT introduced the first (and one of the only) real retcons in the series, as while still being a prequel to ALttP, OoT did retcon some things established in ALttP's manual, namely the way Ganondorf entered the Sacred Realm, obtained the Triforce, and his subsequent sealing into the Evil Realm (Dark World) via the Sages. Even with this retcon, though nothing too major, a couple details still don't line up perfectly with ALttP. I'll explain this later.

Right now you can follow a linear timeline of the series that looks like this:

OoT-ALttP-LA-LoZ-AoL

Going forward it's important to note OoT's ending is split between two visible timelines when Zelda uses her powers as a Sage and the Ocarina of Time to send Link back in time to his childhood.

One timeline follows child Link where he will, with his future knowledge, warn the Royal Family about Ganondorf's plot. This is called the Child Timeline (CT).

The other timeline follows after when the adult Zelda sent Link back in time where the Kingdom of Hyrule celebrates Ganondorf's defeat. This is called the Adult Timeline (AT).

"the road between times will be closed..." Via the final cutscene of OoT.

Zelda sends Link back in time (top) which causes two timelines to exist. The Kingdom of Hyrule celebrate Ganondorf's defeat and the Sages watch over Hyrule (left). Link, back to his childhood, returns the Master Sword, watches Navi leave him, and goes to talk to Zelda about Ganondorf (right).

The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (MM). Apr. 27th, 2000:

This is a sequel to OoT (taking place on the CT), we know this from the manual and in-game context: the opening text of the game, Skull Kid recognizing Link (whom he played with in OoT), Link remembering the Song of Storms which was learned in OoT, etc.

A retelling of OoT. Via MM opening text.

The Skull Kid recognizes Link. Via MM opening cutscene.

Via learning Song of Storms in Ikana Valley Graveyard.

MM's manual:

"Several months after saving Princess Zelda and saving the land of Hyrule" Via MM English manual page 6.

The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages & The Legend of Zelda Oracle of Seasons (OoA/OoS). Feb. 27th, 2001:

While there is nothing explicit in-game stating where these would fall in the timeline, there are a few hints, one being Ganon is dead which means this could only either be after ALttP or AoL (they are the only places in the timeline so far where Ganon is dead). Another hint is the Triforce is whole (not split apart) in the beginning of the game and inside Hyrule Castle (again, only ALttP or AoL could fit). Them taking place after ALttP seems most viable.

The phrase "A NEW CHAPTER" implies the continuation of a pre-existing story. Via OoS manual page 4.

However, promotional material would state their timeline placements.

64Dream Magazine (later known as Nintendo Dream Magazine) issue #41 states the games are a sequel to The Triforce of the Gods (Japanese name of ALttP):

Via 64Dream Magazine issue #41 page 106. Japanese original (top) and Google Translate (bottom).

This means that ALttP, LA, and OoA/OoS all feature the same incarnation of Link.

The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords (FS). Dec. 2nd, 2002:

While there is nothing explicit in-game about its timeline placement, Eiji Aonuma said where it went in an interview with Game Informer in 2004:

Aonuma: "The GBA Four Swords Zelda is what we’re thinking as the oldest tale in the Zelda timeline."

This would place FS before OoT.

FS introduces the Four Sword and the Wind Sorcerer Vaati.

Via ALttP/FS (GBA) manual pages 30-31.

Alongside FS, Nintendo packaged a remake of ALttP on the same GBA cartridge.

This remake had some alterations to its backstory which differed from the original SNES version. The altered backstory lines up better with OoT.

One change is the removal of the story of Ganondorf entering the Golden Land (Sacred Realm) with his band of thieves as the means of him obtaining the Triforce. This omission allows for OoT's re-written story of Ganondorf, and how he entered the Sacred Realm (Golden Land) to fit much better with ALttP.

Original backstory of how Ganondorf entered the Golden Land. Via ALttP (SNES) manual page 5.

The ALttP remake's manual completely omitted the story of Ganondorf entering the Golden Land, as OoT now tells this story. Via ALttP/FS (GBA) manual pages 14-15.

With this remake Nintendo of America (NoA) would take this opportunity to correct some of the mistranslations of the original as stated in multiple Camp Hyrule interviews:

TSA: "A Link to the Past sufferred a bunch of changes from it's Japanese counterpart, Triforce of the Gods. One example is the Japanese manual says the Master Sword was forged before the Imprisoning War, where in the US version it says during the Imprisoning War. Which version is usually more accurate for the games and manuals and why are such big discrepancies made?"

NOA_BILL: "Uh-oh! Zelda fanatic on the loose! We actually went back and introduced some consistencies to the LttP text on Game Boy Advance."

NOA_BILL: "We've been trying to do a better job of unifying terminology and ensuring that all the appropriate references are retained in the US version, like references to the Knights of Hyrule, the imprisoning war, etc..."

Also added in this remake was a connection to OoA/OoS where the Witch's assistant has been replaced with Maple from OoA/OoS:

Original Witch's assistant (SNES) (left) was replaced with Maple (GBA) (right) who originated from OoA/OoS. Via inside the Magic Shop in ALttP (SNES/GBA).

Maple introduces herself. Via OoS.

Comparison of Maple from OoA/OoS (left) and Maple from ALttP (GBA) (right).

The Legend of Zelda The Wind Waker (WW). Dec. 13th, 2002:

This is a sequel to OoT (on the AT). We know this due to interviews and in-game context: The prologue describes the Hero of Time's success at defeating Ganondorf and how Ganondorf then breaks the seal the Sages placed on him at the end of OoT, the King of the Red Lions recounting part of the Hero of Time's story, the paintings of the Seven Sages in Hyrule Castle, etc.

Via WW manual page 6.

Via the cutscene after leaving Hyrule Castle the second time.

Stained glass paintings of the Sages from OoT in Hyrule Castle (top) via WW. Artwork of the Sages from OoT (bottom) via The Legend of Zelda: Arts and Artifacts.

In a 2002 Game Pro interview Aonuma describes OoT's split timeline:

Aonuma: "Ocarina of Time basically has two endings of sorts; one has Link as a child and the other has him as an adult. This game, The Wind Waker, takes place a hundred years after the adult Link defeats Ganon at the end of Ocarina."

The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures (FSA). Mar. 18th, 2004:

This is a sequel to FS, we know this from the manual and in-game context: The description of Vaati's plot from FS, the use of Vaati's Palace from FS, etc

Via FSA manual pages 12-13.

"When he last tried to conquer Hyrule". Via the cutscene after completing the Eastern Temple in FSA. 

Vaati's palace of winds as seen in FS. Via dialogue after completing the Death Mountain level in & Map screen in FS.

With FS being established as the first story in the series, and FSA being a sequel to FS, you may would think FSA is set before OoT, however that's not the case.

We know this due to the Ganon in FSA being described as "the ancient demon reborn", meaning there was a Ganon that was killed sometime in the past and this is a Ganon who is reborn.

Via the final boss cutscene.

We also hear in FSA that some of the Gerudo knew this Ganondorf since he was a child and witnessed his upbringing.

Via dialogue with a Gerudo NPC in the "Desert of Doubt" stage.

This puts FSA after FS, but also some time after OoT. However it cannot be on the AT, due to WW continuing that timeline where Hyrule was flooded, and Hyrule is not flooded in FSA. I'll come back to this later.

(Note: Some had questioned NoA's translation of Zelda's quote, feeling it was in reference to the trident itself being the "ancient demon reborn" and not Ganon, however to my understanding NoA's translation was correct. Hyrule Historia would later affirm NoA's translation, so I feel confident they were correct with FSA)

The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap (MC). Nov. 4th, 2004:

This is a prequel to FS, we know this from in-game context: The forging of the Picori Blade into the Four Sword, the origin of Vaati, etc.

The Picori Blade of legend is broken by Vaati, then reforged into the White Sword.

The White Sword is then enhanced into the Four Sword.

Ezlo states he and Vaati are Minish (Picori).

Vaati's various transformations throughout MC. After putting on Ezlo's Mage Cap, Vaati the Picori transforms into a sorcerer. After that, Vaati steals some of the Light Force from Zelda and continues to transform until his final form, Vaati's Wrath, which resembles his Wind Mage form from FS and FSA.

Vaati as the Wind Mage in FS (top) and FSA (bottom).

MC would now be the earliest game in the series timeline, predating FS.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (TP). Nov. 19th, 2006:

This is a sequel to OoT/MM on the CT. We know this from interviews and in-game context: the Hero's Spirit being heavily implied to be the Hero of Time (Link of OoT) and that the Link of TP is a descendant of him, Impaz says she was named after the person who founded the Hidden Village (Old Kakariko) as it was Impa who founded Kakariko Village in OoT, the Fisherman from OoT being pictured in and spoken of as having lived in a past era, etc.

The tunic Link wears in TP is described as being the clothes a previous hero wore (implied to be the Hero of Time of OoT).

(The following is an abridged form of the Hero's Spirit's dialogue focusing on the most relevant pieces that hint he's the Hero of Time and ancestor of the Link of TP):

The Hero's Spirit states the Link of TP is of his bloodline, and that he himself was a previous hero. Via the "Hidden Skill" cutscenes throughout TP.

Several songs the Hero's Spirit requires Link to play in Wolf form at the Howling Stones are from OoT and MM, songs the Hero of Time learned in those two games.

List of Howling Stones and their corresponding songs. Screenshot via the Zelda wiki.

The Hero's Spirit's scabbard is practically identical to the Master Sword's scabbard, implying he once used that sword, further implying he was a previous Link (the Hero of Time).

The models of Hero's Spirit's scabbard (left) and the Master Sword's scabbard (right) from TP.

In-game comparison of the two scabbards. Via the "Hidden Skill: Mortal Draw" cutscenes.

Impaz says her name comes from the one who built the village long ago. Via the cutscene after saving the Hidden Village in TP.

The Impa from OoT, Impaz' namesake, was born and raised in Kakariko Village and was the one who opened it to the common people as well as the one who hired carpenters to expand the village. Via OoT.

Signs in the Hidden Village (top) in TP read: "Welcome to Old Kakarico" in the Hylian alphabet seen in TP. A broken sign outside of Kakariko Village (bottom) in TP reads "Kakarico" (the use of "Kakarico" instead of "Kakariko" seems to be due to transliteration and not an attempt to change the name, meaning the canon name is still "Kakariko").

The Hylian alphabet used in TP. Via The Legend of Zelda: Encyclopedia.

Hena states the Fisherman lived in a past era, as well as suggesting she's related to him. Via Hena's dialogue when examining the Fisherman's photo at Hena's Fishing Hole in TP.

The Fisherman at Lake Hylia, who had a habit of scratching himself. Via OoT.

After examining the Fisherman's photo Hena will begin to scratch her back while striking a very similar pose as the Fisherman's counterpart from MM, which furthers their connection.

In a 2007 interview with Nintendo Dream, Aonuma describes the split timeline again:

Aonuma: "The Wind Waker is parallel. In Ocarina of Time, Link flew seven years in time, he beat Ganon and went back to being a kid, remember? Twilight Princess takes place in the world of Ocarina of Time, a hundred and something years after the peace returned to kid Link’s time. In the last scene of Ocarina of Time, kids Link and Zelda have a little talk, and as a consequence of that talk, their relationship with Ganon takes a whole new direction. In the middle of this game [Twilight Princess], there's a scene showing Ganon's execution. It was decided that Ganon be executed because he'd do something outrageous if they left him be. That scene takes place several years after Ocarina of Time. Ganon was sent to another world and now he wants to obtain the power..."

The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass (PH). Jun. 23rd, 2007:

This is a sequel to TWW, we know this from when Niko recounts the events of TWW, Tetra not wanting to be called "Zelda" stating "Tetra" worked just fine before, etc.

Niko tells the events of WW. Via opening cutscene of PH.

Tetra tells Mako not to call her Zelda. Via opening cutscene of PH.

In another 2007 Nintendo Dream interview Hidemaro Fujibayashi, sub-director of PH, suggests Aryll (Link's sister in WW) stayed on Outset Island after the events of WW:

Nintendo Dream: "Link's sister doesn't appear in this game, does she?"

Fujibayashi: "No, she doesn't. She probably stayed home in The Wind Waker's Outset Island."

"the sequel to the Legend of Zelda The Wind Waker begins!". Via the game ad included with Super Smash Bros. Brawl.

The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks (ST). Dec. 7, 2009:

This is a sequel to WW/PH, we know this from interviews and in-game context: Niko from WW/PH is now an old man and says Link looks like someone he used to know (Link from WW), the existence of Linebeck III (his grandfather was in PH), Zelda praying to her ancestor (Tetra of WW), etc.

Niko in ST (top) thinks the Link of that game looks like the Link of WW/PH (bottom)

Niko in ST with a photo of his younger days (WW/PH). Via the opening cutscene of ST.

Linebeck from PH (top left) left a letter detailing the location of a treasure, which made its way to Linebeck III from ST (top right).

Linebeck's letter in ST.

A stained glass portrait of the founder of New Hyrule, Tetra of WW, in New Hyrule Castle (top), Zelda of ST praying to Tetra, her ancestor (bottom).

Tetra of WW was revealed to have been the heir to the Kingdom of Hyrule, Princess Zelda.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (SS). Nov. 18th, 2011:

This is a prequel to the whole series, predating even MC. We know this from in-game context and interviews: The Master Sword being forged from the Goddess Blade, neither Hylian settlements nor the Kingdom of Hyrule exists on the Surface, the first encounter with the Triforce, Demise's curse setting up the idea there will always be a Link and Zelda that will be eternally bound to an incarnation of his hatred which sets up Ganondorf, etc.

The three stages the Goddess Blade goes through before becoming the Master Sword. Via Arts and Artifacts.

The Master Sword attains it's final form when Zelda blesses it. Via the cutscene when talking to Zelda at Temple of Hylia in SS.

Map of the Surface (SS) (top) shows there's no Hylian settlements as the Kingdom of Hyrule is not yet established, while the map of Hyrule (MC) (bottom) shows several Hylian settlements within the established Hyrule Kingdom.

The ending of SS implies Link, Zelda, and other Skyloftians would go on to live on the Surface. With Zelda being the reincarnation of Hylia, this shows her descendants would become the Hylians and show the origins of the Hyrule Kingdom.

Demise implies that, through Hylia's bloodline and the spirit of the hero, Zelda and Link will have future incarnations that will be forever followed of one of his incarnations. This sets up Ganondorf and the rest of the franchise's Links and Zeldas.

"May we meet again in another life..." Fi's statement reaffirms Demise's monologue.

Aonuma would confirm SS as the first in the timeline, and that it sets up OoT in multiple interviews:

Nintendo Power: "Where does Skyward Sword fall in the timeline? Does it come between Minish Cap and Ocarina of Time?"

Aonuma: "Well, calling it the first Zelda might sort of box me in, but what I would like to say is that it does come before Ocarina of Time."

IGN: "Why doesn't Ganon show up?"

Aonuma: "From early on we were thinking that this was going to be the earliest story in the Zelda series, and it didn't really make sense for us to have Ganon appear in this game. Obviously he makes his first appearance later and that would kind of confuse things, and so in terms of determining, 'well then what are we going to do with who the antagonist in this game is,' the answer that we came up with is this kind of strange character, Ghirahim, somebody who you can't really tell is a man or a woman.

So he's sort of this character throughout the game that you're fighting against who plays the antagonist role but his ultimate goal is trying to revive a greater more evil being than himself. So, you know, that's perhaps something that might later have connections to Ganon and things like that, but from early on in this game, we knew that that wasn't going to be the focus with this story."

Famitsu: "Will Ganon show up?"

Aonuma: "This game talks about the birth of the Master Sword, and it touches on why Ganondorf showed up. If you play it, I think you'll get some understanding on that. It connects to Ocarina, so if you play Ocarina of Time 3D and move on to this game, I think you'll catch on to a lot of things."

"set out on a sweeping adventure that sets the stage for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time!". Via the game ad included with Xenoblade Chronicles.

CHAPTER 2. ANOTHER LOOK AT THE TIMELINE AND HYRULE HISTORIA:

SS was the last game before Hyrule Historia, so let's take another look at the timeline at this point.

Based on in-game evidence, manuals, and interviews, we can definitively place SS first, then MC, then FS, and then OoT as the first four games before the timeline split.

OoT has three main sequels which take place a hundred/hundreds of years later: ALttP, WW, and TP.

Since it seems like both WW and TP contradict ALttP, I will make two timelines for the convenience of understanding.

The "first" timeline is:

SS-MC-FS-OoT-ALttP-LA/OoA/OoS-LoZ-AoL

You can definitively place those 10 games in that order.

While OoT is a prequel to ALttP, at this point it would be unclear how they directly connect, as OoT only has two clear endings, which lead to TWW and TP respectively.

The only possible additions to this timeline could be FSA, as MM, TP, TWW, PH, and ST are simply impossible to fit in this timeline.

The "second" timeline (with the split) would look like this:

                            -MM-TP

SS-MC-FS-OoT-

                            -WW-PH-ST

These 9 games are definitively placable in that order.

Both the CT and the AT do not leave room for ALttP (and the other five games, LA, OoA/OoS, LoZ, & ZII, which connect to ALttP) as they simply cannot fit within the storylines established with WW & TP and is directly contradicted by them.

Trying to force these stories together immediately creates an unavoidable error when you check Ganon's status in the backstory of these games:

ALttP: Ganon is stuck in the Dark World (corrupted Sacred Realm) and cannot get out. He uses Agahnim as a means to interact with the Light World (Hyrule). He seals away the Seven Maidens. Current day ALttP ensues.

WW: Ganon is sealed in the Sacred Realm by the Seven Sages. After some time he breaks free, causes havoc on Hyrule, the Goddesses intervene and flood the land. Current day WW ensues.

TP: Due to Link's warning of the future, Ganondorf is eventually captured, and sentenced to death by the Ancient Sages. During the execution Ganondorf is blessed with the Triforce of Power and managed to kill one of the Sages. He's then banished to the Twilight Realm where he uses his malice to influence Zant to do his bidding in Hyrule. Current day TP ensues.

As you can see, these three storylines cannot work with each other, and must be on separate timelines.

This now leaves us with the question of where to place FSA.

The main indicator of this game's placement is the fact Ganon in this game is a rebirth/reincarnation of a previous Ganon, which at least places it after OoT. This means it has to be after a time where Ganon was killed, in order for a rebirth to happen.

We can rule out the AT due to the flood (which has no presence in FSA). The only places Ganon would be dead, and not sealed (as he was in WW), is TP, OoA/OoS, or AoL

One thing that may rule out it being after AoL, is that AoL's Hyrule is desolate, with the inhabitants living in caves, or moved to Northern Hyrule, while Hyrule appears fine and flourishing in FSA.

Whichever way, this still gives FSA 1/3 of a chance to land on the Hyrule Historia timeline placement.

At this point there seems to be no clear way for the "original" timeline games to fit in the same timeline as the AT and CT, so it seems Nintendo's solution to this was to write in a way for OoT to still be a prequel to ALttP without disregarding ALttP and its sequels.

This solution was an alternate ending to OoT where Link falls in battle against Ganon. Which I'll call the Downfall/Decline Timeline (DT).

The way OoT's ending was originally written still left some details inconsistent with ALttP, namely the fact in ALttP Ganon obtained the whole Triforce (all three pieces together) and had access to it during his time stuck in the Dark World, where as in OoT Ganondorf is sealed into the Evil Realm with only the Triforce of Power.

The new ending to OoT shown in Hyrule Historia states how after Ganondorf defeats Link, he obtained the Triforces of Wisdom and Courage, therefore restoring the Triforce. As a final resort, the Seven Sages were able to seal Ganon into the corrupted Sacred Realm.

The new third ending to OoT depicted in Hyrule Historia. Via page 92.

With just a bit of retconning, Nintendo was able to include all games into the canon of Zelda as a whole.

The timeline as presented in Hyrule Historia. Via page 69.

While all Zelda games may not have an absolutely explicit answer to why they fit in the position they are placed on the timeline, there's no doubt Nintendo certainly was paying attention to the timeline, and it's remained relatively unchanged from their original statements (e.g. FS being the oldest tale in the series at the time of release, it's not as if FS was arbitrarily moved to a later point in the timeline, such as after OoT).

I'd also like to note that whether or not you believe Nintendo did the best job with defining the timeline, it's undeniable that many of the games' stories directly connect to each other, the biggest string of games that directly connected at the time of Hyrule Historia are the following 7:

               -MM-TP

SS-OoT-

               -WW-PH-ST

There is a very clear timeline between these games with their stories all connecting, and when you get to the split timeline of OoT it's not "just some fan theory", but made very clear in the games themselves that the timeline was split.

CHAPTER 3. EVIDENCE OF NINTENDO'S INTERNAL TIMELINE BEFORE HYRULE HISTORIA:

Beyond the aforementioned timeline related interview quotes, there is also evidence Nintendo had an internally documented timeline for the series, dating all the way back to (at least) 2003.

This is what Shigeru Miyamoto said in an interview with SugarPlay on Apr. 23rd, 2003:

Miyamoto: "For every Zelda game we tell a new story, but we actually have an enormous document that explains how the game relates to the others, and bind them together."

This is a quote from Bill Trinen (NoA translator) talking about the timeline on Aug. 15th, 2005 in a Q&A on Camp Hyrule:

Bill: "There is a timeline established, but it is secret. We do adhere to it."

Aonuma stated this on Jul. 21st, 2010 in a Official Nintendo Magazine interview:

Aonuma: “Yes there is a master timeline but it is confidential document! The only people to have access to that document are myself, Mr. Miyamoto and the director of the title. We can't share it with anyone else!"

Dan Owsen said this on May 20th, 2011 in an interview with Zelda Dungeon:

Dan: "They do have a timeline that has continuity between the games but they wanted to keep it open for how each player views the chronology of the series. There are a lot of connections between the games, but they do have a timeline that has continuity. It’s up to the player to place all the pieces together."

Hyrule Historia was announced on Dec. 15th, 2011 and was released just a week later on Dec. 21st; all the quotes above were before Hyrule Historia came out.

CHAPTER 4. POST-HYRULE HISTORIA:

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds (ALBW). Nov. 22nd, 2013.

This is a sequel to ALttP, we know this from in-game context and interviews.

Beyond being a follow-up to ALttP, ALBW also made attempts to strengthen the connection between ALttP and OoT (therefore reinforcing the DT's existence).

A highly abridged recounting of OoT & ALttP's stories as told from the perspective of the Royal Family of Hyrule in ALBW.

We can see the Seven Sages in ALBW all resemble the Seven Sages in OoT, due to the fact they are stated to be their descendants.

The several times it's mentioned the Sages of ALBW are descendants of the original Seven Sages (seen in OoT).

The Seven Sages of OoT (top) and ALBW (bottom). Via Arts and Artifacts.

The Chamber of Sages from OoT returns in ALBW (its second appearance in the series after its debut in OoT).

Comparison of the Chamber of Sages from OoT (left) and ALBW (right)

Interviews about ALBW also confirmed it's timeline placement:

Spike: "Where does the game fall in the Zelda timeline? And I have Hyrule Historia for reference if you need it."

Mr. Aonuma: "Right about here. (Pointing to the Decline of Hyrule and the Last Hero branch, right between the Golden Era and Era of Decline, after Links Awakening and before The Legend of Zelda)."

From IGN:

Aonuma: "As you probably know, after A Link to the Past, Link goes off on a trip. The Link in this game is a different one. So I think we can assume that it’s quite a bit farther in the future,"

ALBW promo image shown on Twitter via NoA.

Before moving on I wanted to touch on a couple of parts of the game that relate to OoA/OoS.

Some were confused by the part that stated the Link of ALttP worked with the Maidens to seal Ganon, even though ALttP shows Link kills Ganon. Some were concerned this ignored OoA/OoS, as well as reconning Ganon being killed in ALttP.

My brother has already made a detailed post about this topic, so I will link his post instead of going into the full details of it here.

The gist of it is that it can be interpreted when Link kills Ganon in ALttP, and then uses the Triforce to wish away the Dark World and revert it back to the Golden Land, Ganon's remains still existed within his now non-existent Dark World, effectively sealing Ganon in a dark void.

In OoA/OoS Twinrova intended to use Zelda as a vessel to revive Ganon, however Link stopped this so they resorted to using their own body to revive Ganon. In doing so, Ganon was revived in a mindless state, with none of the cunning he usually has. It can be interpreted this was Ganon's spirit being pulled from the "seal", the dark void remains of his Dark World. Then after Link kills Ganon again, it could be assumed his spirit returns to his body in the void.

Later in ALBW, when Yuga summons Ganon, he is once again assumed to be mindless, as he's easily controlled by Yuga, when normally Ganon would be the puppet master. OoA/OoS helps set this up by showing how Ganon can be "revived" in a way where he's not fully himself, but "mindless" instead.

With this in mind, ALBW actually works with what OoA/OoS set up, not against it.

Another aspect OoA/OoS helps set up is the splitting of the Triforce. The opening of ALBW states that the Triforce had been split into three parts. The ending to OoA/OoS shows the Triforce up in the sky, then transform into seagulls to presumably fly off somewhere. It can be assumed this was the moment the Triforce split apart as spoken of in ALBW.

Via OoA's linked ending (top) and ALBW's historical gallery (bottom).

The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes (TFH). Oct. 22nd, 2015, 

Whilst not much in-game confirms it's timeline placement, promotional material confirmed it was a sequel to ALBW featuring the same Link.

Via a Tweet by Nintendo of America.

Hyrule Warriors/Hyrule Warriors Legends (HW). Aug. 14th, 2014/Jan. 21st, 2016

The canonicity of this game is debated among many, even among those who fully acknowledge the Zelda timeline.

Many claim it's non-canon, which seems to largely stim from dev quotes. At first glance the dev quotes make it easy to see why many denounce it as canon, but upon closer inspection it's not as clear.

Aonuma did an interview with Game Informer in which he was asked about if HW was canon or existed in the timeline, here's the full quotes:

Game Informer: "Is Hyrule Warriors canon? Does it fit in the Zelda timeline?"

Aonuma: "Within the Zelda canon, there is the timeline, but there has always been the sense of the main story and kind of a side story. Like, Majora's Mask might be considered part of that, though it does exist as part of the timeline. With Hyrule Warriors, there is a link between the two, but it exists as a separate dimension, so it doesn't exist as part of the main canon. Lately I have been thinking of it similar to The Avengers.

Each of the characters has their own timeline, so there shouldn't be any crossover there, but maybe they've been brought together as part of that story?"

Game Informer: "So it doesn't slot anywhere in the timeline that we know of?"

Aonuma: "Maybe if you force it in somewhere, but that's not something we want to do. The universe of Hyrule Warriors really is sort of a different universe and it is connected to the timeline of the Zelda series, but it is connected to several different games throughout the series. If you try and force this into it here [Aonuma places his hands in the air indicating different levels of the timeline], then…that information might not be complete. We really don't want to put it in the timeline because it has links to the different parts of the timeline."

Aonuma first refers to HW as a "separate dimension", but does state it has a link to the "main canon". He then compares it to the Avengers, however this parallel would imply HW does indeed exist in the Zelda timeline, as the Avengers is made up of several IP like Iron Man and Thor, both IP co-exist in the same universe and timeline, as the events of Iron Man are canon to Thor and vice-versa.

Aonuma then goes on to explain that you could force it into the timeline, but that it's "sort of a different universe", however he does say that it is connected to the timeline. His main concern seems to be the fact the story of HW reaches across the stories of several Zelda games via time travel.

Overall, I do not believe the quote is as clear-cut in definitively stating HW is completely non-canon.

The actual game is written in a way where it takes place sometime after TP on the CT. The story goes that at some point before HW starts a previous Link had defeated Ganon, splitting his spirit into four parts, this Link would seal these four parts of Ganon's spirit across time:

Via "The Armies of Ruin" level in HW.

Long after this, a sorceress who could watch through time became enamoured with the soul of the hero (Link) but became jealous when she saw he was always reborn alongside a Zelda whom he'd share a fate with. Because of the state of her heart, Ganon was able to influence her to revive him:

Via "The Sorceress of the Woods" level in HW.

The sorceress now split into two halves named Cia and Lana. Cia would help revive Ganon while Lana would assist the Hyrulean Army in fighting back.

Cia would open portals in time and space to retrieve the pieces of Ganon's sealed spirit, the eras they would come from are the eras of TP, OoT, and SS.

The Hyrulean Army would go through these portals to these eras in order to close the time portals to stop monsters from coming to their Hyrule.

This time travel is linear, with each of these eras being spoken of as a past era, and some of the characters are surprised to actually be going to and seeing these eras firsthand, as they had only heard about them from a historical perspective.

"she realized they had traveled back to the era of the mythical Hero of Time". Via "The Land of Myth" level in HW.

"Though she knew of the Twilight Realm, she had never seen it firsthand" "So this is what Hyrule looked like when Twilight invaded it". Via the "Land of Twilight" level in HW.

"He had heard tell of a land in the clouds, but now he could see Skyloft with his own eyes". Via the "Land in the Sky" level in HW.

The expanded Hyrule Warriors: Legends (HW: L) release of the game for 3DS added additional storylines, one involved the world of WW. In this story it's made clear that, unlike the previous stories involving time travel, it's dimensional travel. This reinforces the idea HW takes place on the CT after TP.

"A new world appeared-a world of a different dimension" "In Tetra's world". Via the "A New Disturbance " level in HW: L

This shows pretty clearly the game is on the CT, but via time travel has connections to the eras of SS, OoT, and TP, while it later has dimension travel connections to WW.

In this sense I can see why Aonuma could feel it difficult to place on the timeline, since it has all these connections to different areas of the timelines.

I do feel due to the way it's actually written, HW easily fits into the timeline on the CT, but even if some don't believe it's canon, it's undeniable that it reinforces the timeline, and shows how the series does still have a split timeline as well as reinforcing the idea of reincarnation/rebirth for Link and Zelda.

CHAPTER 5. ENCYCLOPEDIA AND THE REVISED TIMELINE:

Nintendo released the Japanese version of The Legend of Zelda: Encyclopedia in March 2017 which had a slightly revised timeline. Beyond adding ALBW and TFH to the timeline, it also switched the places of LA and OoA/OoS:

The revised timeline as seen in Encyclopedia.

While some may feel disappointed with this change, it actually makes sense upon closer inspection.

The way the manual to LA is worded implies it takes place almost immediately after ALttP:

"Though you fulfilled the Hyrulian prophecy of the Legendary Hero and destroyed the evil tyrant Ganon, the land of Hyrule enjoyed only a precarious peace. "Who knows what threats may arise from Ganon's ashes?" the restless people murmured as they knitted their brows and shook their heads. Ever vigilant, you decided to journey away from Hyrule on a quest for enlightenment, in search of wisdom that would make you better able to withstand the next threat to your homeland"

The phrasing here makes it clear that after ALttP Link heard the people's concerns and decided to journey away from Hyrule to prepare himself for the next potential threat. OoA/OoS starts with Link still in Hyrule, before the Triforce sends him on the quest to save Holodrum and Labrynna.

In this narrative order, Link's training would pay off as he would be more prepared for the events in OoA/OoS.

Another point is that LA takes place within the world of the Wind Fish, which is inside its dream. This dream world is plagued by an entity called Nightmare, and some of these Nightmares take the form of several villains Link fought in ALttP, like Agahnim and Ganon. If OoA/OoS happened before LA, you could question why the Nightmares didn't take the form of any of the villains Link faces in those games like Veran, Onyx, and Twinrova.

Also in 2017, Aonuma mentioned they sometimes change the placements of games in the timeline during re-evaluations:

Aonuma: "Hyrule’s history changes with time. When we think of the next game and what we want to do with it, we might think, “Oh, this’ll fit well”, and place it neatly into the timeline, but sometimes we think, “Oh crap”, and have to change the placement. Actually, the decided history has been tweaked many times."(laughs)"

Worth noting is that at the time of this interview and the revised timeline revealed in Encyclopedia, the Nintendo Switch remake of LA was in development (started in 2016 and released Sept. 20th, 2019). So perhaps during the process of remaking LA they were reminded of how the original LA backstory was written and the context clues of the lack of OoA/OoS enemies in LA. Perhaps this was a "Oh crap" moment Aonuma spoke of when they would need to change a timeline placement.

I will acknowledge, however, that Encyclopedia has (at least) one egregious issue, which is the aspect that talks about Termina and how it came to exist via Skull Kid putting on the Majora's Mask and how it's populace was created in part due to Skull Kid's memories of the people from OoT:

Via Encyclopedia page 142.

This is totally incompatible with the in-game story of MM, as the whole premise is that Skull Kid pulled pranks and tricks on the people of Termina to the point they didn't play with him anymore, and that some time later he was found by Tatl and Tael who befriended him and some time after that, Skull Kid would steal Majora's Mask from the Happy Mask Salesman, after that point he became powerful and corrupted by the mask. Now his "pranks" were much more dangerous where he would even attack or cast curses on some Termanians.

As you can see, Termina existed before Skull Kid got Majora's Mask, with places like Clock Town and Milk Road being prominently featured in the cutscene showing Skull Kid's backstory.

As told by Tatl, it wasn't until after Skull Kid obtained Majora's Mask that he became powerful.

Koume and Kotake knew Skull Kid before he wore Majora's Mask, not realizing he's now much more powerful.

Skull Kid could not have created Termina with the power of Majora's Mask when he himself (and others) already existed and lived in Termina beforehand.

This new piece of information added in Encyclopedia is not like Hyrule Historia adding the "Hero's Defeat" ending to OoT, as that was something which was necessary in order to keep ALttP (and its sequels) canon. As stated before, OoT was written as a prequel to ALttP, and though it retconned some aspects of ALttP's backstory, this was reflected in the GBA remake of ALttP. Even then however, some details still didn't line up 100% with OoT. Later WW and TP would follow up on OoT's two endings, these sequels no longer left room for ALttP. This is where Hyrule Historia came in to give an explanation for how ALttP still works as a sequel to OoT. With the added explanation of the "Hero's Defeat" ending, this now allows for ALttP to follow up OoT with no issues.

Unlike the "Hero's Defeat" part of Hyrule Historia which goes towards helping Zelda canon, the part regarding Termina's creation in Encyclopedia goes against canon, to the point it is actively incompatible with the game it's talking about. As such, I believe this passage in Encyclopedia should be disregarded.

Some retcons here and there are fine, but major errors that can't even work with the games themselves are a problem.

Perhaps worth noting is that Eiji Aonuma, the main series producer, was credited in Hyrule Historia as Supervising Editor, but not in Encyclopedia.

Hyrule Historia credits on page 1 (top) and Encyclopedia credits on page 7 (bottom).

All that being said, I am not suggesting to completely disregard Encyclopedia, certainly not the revised timeline, where as stated before the original writings of LA make it apparent it happens shortly after ALttP, leaving no room for OoA/OoS to take place between. Encyclopedia is merely amending the timeline back to how it was originally written, which allows for the least amount of retcons to the original source material.

Encyclopedia was largely compiled of in-game content and developer materials, but some was newly added by the writers:

"the writers of this book added their own interpretations and expanded upon the games' stories." Via Encyclopedia page 20.

Whilst we should be able to deduce what is from the games themselves and promotional material, it may be difficult to know which parts are added by the writers of Encyclopedia and which parts were from development materials.

Overall, the majority of Encyclopedia is the existing canon material compiled together, and I feel some of the new content can be taken as canon, sadly there does exist that egregious error about Termina which would bring into question if the other new stuff can be canon. Generally, I feel if it can work with canon it can be considered canon, but if it goes against canon, it probably shouldn't be taken as canon.

CHAPTER 6. BREATH OF THE WILD, AGE OF CALAMITY, AND TEARS OF THE KINGDOM:

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (BotW) & The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (TotK). Mar. 3, 2017 & May 12, 2023.

(I am lumping these two together as they share a lot of the same lore with regards to placing them on the timeline.)

While Nintendo has been rather vague about their exact timeline placement, they've still given some answers, such an interview with Game Informer confirming that BotW is set after OoT:

Game Informer: "Does Breath of the Wild take place before or after Ocarina of Time?"

Aonuma: "After."

In a Famitsu interview Aonuma would also confirm it's at the end of the timeline (though deliberately not stating which timeline):

Famitsu: "Where does this story fit in the history of Hyrule? I wonder if this story takes place later than any of the previous works..."

Aonuma: "Well of course it’s at the very end. But, I get what you’re asking, it’s which timeline is it the end of?"

(Aonuma's quote translated from Siliconera)

In-game context would verify this, with one of the more prominent pieces of evidence being the story of Ruto of OoT being written about in BotW/TotK as having taken place in a distant past more than 10,000 years ago:

Ruto's story is written about on a Zora Stone Monument in BotW.

Ruto's story is written about once again on a Zora Stone Monument in TotK.

In BotW Zelda recites the "ceremony of legend" after Link was appointed to be her knight. This ceremony has multiple references which indicates the past games, such as SS, OoT, and TP, take place long before BotW.

Via Recovered Memory #1 "Subdued Ceremony" in BotW

Though still audible, the rest of Zelda's reciting is muffled and not subtitled in the cutscene as the other characters begin to talk. Here's the full ceremony.

Via Creating a Champion page 378.

In Nov. 2017 Nintendo released a special version of BotW called Explorer's Edition which came with a small guidebook. In this book there were explanations of Zelda's history and other references to the timeline:

"The Legend of Zelda series chronicles the timeless struggle between darkness and light" "Together with Link, it is her eternal destiny to help the chosen hero"

"Their struggles and triumphs have taken many forms across time"

"a menacing force that has tormented Link and Zelda across time" "For time immeasurable, Ganon has embodied the corrupting power of evil"

The Explorer's Guide was also available via BotW's website.

Via BotW's website's "Media" section.

In Dec. 2017 Nintendo released the Japanese version of The Legend of Zelda: Creating a Champion, a companion art/lore book for BotW, which gave further indications of its timeline placement.

The book would label the events of OoT as taking place in the "Era of Myth" and that BotW took place a lot more than 10,000 years afterwards, as well as detail how much of the history of the past games had been lost due to the repeated cycle of prosperity and decline of Hyrule, but also stating some details survived:

Via Creating a Champion page 360.

The events of OoT are directly referenced in BotW. Via Creating a Champion page 367.

Via Creating a Champion page 361.

Via Creating a Champion page 361.

Via Creating a Champion page 363.

As TotK has a story of Zelda time traveling back to the era of Hyrule's founding, many felt this disregarded the timeline, as when taken literally, the events depicted in TotK would cause lots of issues for the timeline. Myself and many other Zelda fans, however, suspected the founding of Hyrule seen in TotK was actually a separate one that appears long after the original founding of Hyrule stated to be some time after SS. We felt there was enough in-game evidence to solidify this "re-founding" theory (more on this in a bit).

The director of BotW/TotK, Hidemaro Fujibayashi, would reaffirm the idea OoT (and the other Zelda games) happened in the distant past of BotW/TotK in multiple interviews, as well as suggesting the founding of Hyrule seen in TotK was indeed after its original founding:

"even if there is a story about the founding of Hyrule, there is a possibility that there is a history where Hyrule was destroyed once before that". Japanese original (top) Google Translate (bottom). Via Famitsu.

"but in the series, there's this idea of reincarnation in that Zelda and Link, as they appear in the different titles, they are not the same person per se, but there's sort of this fundamental soul that carries on". Via Game Informer.

Even though they've not been specific about which timeline BotW/TotK take place on, they are still active in making these games work with the established chronology of the Zelda series.

Even TotK's website advertises the timeline:

Via TotK's website's "News" article "Get ready for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom".

There's so much more in-game details that shows how BotW/TotK work within the Zelda timeline, and I've made a much more in-depth post relegated to just that topic where I also go over the re-founding theory (which I wrote before Fujibayashi's quote). Here it is if you are interested:

"Tears of the Kingdom's story is not at conflict with Ocarina of Time's story, nor does it retcon/contradict the rest of the series."

Some feel confused by the fact BotW/TotK has references to all three timelines, and some see this as proof there's a lack of continuity with BotW/TotK. I want to point out that past Zelda games contained mentions of events in other timelines.

OoT's ending implies Link tells Zelda about Ganondorf's future plot, which already shows how one timeline's story can be carried into another timeline.

Both MM and TP show the Hero of Time's story from the AT part of OoT was passed down as legend.

The Hero of Time's legend from the AT made its way all the way to TP in the CT.

The Ganondorf of TP in the CT had his fate decided preemptively because of what the Ganondorf in OoT in the AT did. This already shows how one timeline can affect another.

In WW, taking place on the AT, shows how the story of the Hero of Time and Tingle in MM somehow made its way to the Tower of the Gods.

Via the Tingle Tuner's optional "quest" found in the Tower of the Gods in TWW (GameCube).

This could help explain how BotW/TotK can have references to multiple timelines.

For example, if BotW/TotK took place on the CT then you may wonder how the story of Ruto becoming a Sage and fighting alongside the Princess of Hyrule and Hero of Legend (as written about in BotW/TotK) could fit, since that aspect of OoT's story takes place on the AT. This could still work because the story of the Hero of Times' adventure in the AT was kept as historical records in the CT, and survived until at least TP, where it's shown not just the Royal Family of Hyrule has these records, but at least the Zora do as well.

This would mean that (if BotW/TotK were to be on the CT) the records of Ruto would stim from the Hero of Time' recounting of the AT events in OoT.

The events of HW, or an as of yet seen similar event, could also help explain the mentioning of multiple timelines in BotW/TotK.

Adding to this, in BotW/TotK there is a character mentioned named Misko who was a bandit who stole many relics/outfits and hid them throughout Hyrule. In TotK Misko explains some of these outfits came from "strange lands near and far".

Via the Bottled Letter found in Cephla Lake Cave in TotK.

The phrasing "strange lands near and far" seems to suggest, at least, Misko was able to go to Termina to obtain the Fierce Deity outfit, but this could also be the explanation for how outfits/weapons from any timeline appears in BotW/TotK, as it's possible Misko crossed timelines to obtain some of the treasures they stole.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity (AoC). Nov. 20th, 2020

This game largely takes place in an alternate timeline when Zelda inadvertently awoke a diminutive guardian named Terrako which traveled back in time 100 years before BotW. This creates another split timeline, much like the ending of OoT.

When Zelda awoke her sealing powers (as also seen in BotW) she inadvertently awoke Terrako, who had been dormant in Hyrule Castle.

Terrako opens a Gate of Time and travels back in time to prevent the Calamity. Alongside Terrako, some of Ganon's Malice slipped through the portal.

Due to this, the timeline of AoC began to diverge from the timeline seen in BotW, where certain events, while similar, didn't follow exactly how it happened in BotW.

This new timeline would have even greater differences when Terrako opens a portal to BotW's timeline and pulls in Sidon, Riju (& Patricia), Yunobo, and Teba to assist in fighting Calamity Ganon.

Terrako opens a time portal (top). Pulled from the timeline of BotW, Sidon is able to save his sister from her original death (as seen in BotW) at the hands of Waterblight Ganon (bottom). The other Champions were saved from death as well.

Sidon, and the others, recognize Link and recall having fought with him before, confirming they are indeed the same characters seen in BotW.

"to fight at your side again" Via dialogue while fighting Waterblight Ganon.

Sidon attempts to explain him traveling back in time to his sister Mipha.

In the end, they were able to defeat Calamity Ganon, and save the Champions and King Rhoam who all died in BotW's timeline.

Their mission completed, Sidon and the others were transported back to their time.

"as you return to your future" Via the final cutscene.

Teba, who wanted to tell the people of his time of this story, did not believe anyone would believe him. This can help explain why these events weren't explicitly talked about in TotK.

Via Teba's dialogue in the Vah Medoh section of the "Air and Lightning" level in AoC.

That being said, there is a part of AoC that sets up TotK, namely in its DLC. One of the new stories of the DLC shows that Tulin, Teba's son, was also pulled through time. Tulin is able to learn from Revali by watching him fight firsthand.

Via dialogue throughout the EX Searching Hyrule Forest level in AoC's DLC

Revali helps save Tulin from danger, and Tulin thanks him. Tulin then boasts about how strong he will become, and that he'll even wield the Great Eagle Bow (Revali and Teba both wield this bow). Revali comments he may become the "master of winds", and Tulin then demonstrates his ability to create an, albeit imperfected, updraft like Revali's Gale, which he calls Tulin's Tornado.

Via the ending cutscene to EX Searching Hyrule Forest.

This sets up TotK where Tulin not only wields the Great Eagle Bow, but also becomes the Sage of Wind with his own ability to create a gust of wind, similar to Revali's Gale.

Harth and Huck express amazement in Tulin's wind-gust technique, with Harth stating no one else can do it.

"he acknowledged him as a fully fledged warrior and entrusted him with his precious bow" (the Great Eagle Bow). Via Teba's character profile after completing the Wind Temple in TotK.

Tulin, the Sage of Wind, wields the Great Eagle Bow, just as he said he would in AoC. Via the cutscene before fighting The Demon King's Army.

AoC also explains why the Zelda in BotW/TotK's timeline doesn't remember Terrako. At the start of AoC Zelda doesn't recognize Terrako, but after spending much time with it, and after it plays Zelda's Lullaby just before it's destroyed, Zelda finally remembers. It's shown that Zelda was the one who actually created Terrako, but after her mother died her father would take Terrako away from her, and that she should exclusively focus on awakening her sealing powers.

Zelda doesn't remember Terrako at first, but after spending much time with it and it playing Zelda's Lullaby, she remembers.

AoC is an explicit example of characters crossing over to another timeline, and then returning to their own. Something like this goes towards the explanation of multiple timelines being referenced in BotW/TotK's world.

Despite this, some still believe AoC is non-canon.

Beyond the fact its story fits just as well as most other Zelda games do, the way the devs talk about the game, and other marketing material, make it clear it's canonically connected to BotW, especially since the devs also go over how they don't want to spoil anything and how there's story twists in the game.

In a Famitsu interview the devs talked about how much importance was put on the story, as well as using this game to flesh out characters and expand upon the world of BotW. I don't think they would talk about fleshing out characters or expanding the world if their intent was to make AoC non-canon.

Famitsu: "Why did you decide to create a Breath of the Wild themed Hyrule Warriors sequel?"

Aonuma: "The idea came from Breath of the Wild’s director Hidemaro Fujibayashi and art director Satoru Takizawa. When they first pitched the “Great Calamity” as a setting for a Musou game, I was very interested but wondered if there would be difficulties when crafting the story. From there, we deliberated on how things would go, and the two of them already had plans in mind. Driven by how serious Mr. Fujibayashi and Mr. Takizawa were, I decided to consult with Hyrule Warriors producer Yosuke Hayashi."

Famitsu: "Age of Calamity features many characters as they were 100 years prior. Did you already have their designs and personalities established since Breath of the Wild?"

Aonuma: "We created various characters’ personalities and their relationships to Link during Breath of the Wild’s development. However, we consulted with the Musou team to flesh that out in this game. Like with Purah, who ages quite strangely. I feel like we allowed her charms – and just her as a character to shine in this title."

Famitsu: "There are fragments of the story from 100 years prior in Breath of the Wild. Did you already have a concept for Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity’s story?"

Aonuma: "There are mementos and remains in Breath of the Wild, which are remnants of the battle that took place long ago. Those remnants are placed around the world, detailing stories and settings. This game takes those points and expands upon them."

Famitsu: "How was it working with Koei Tecmo?"

Aonuma: "They managed to create the game according to the plans we initially requested. If I talk about it any further, I’ll go into spoiler territory. So I want the player to give the game a go and experience it firsthand."

Famitsu: "How heavily did the Zelda team supervise you during development?"

Matsushita: "We had a lot of supervision in regards to the story and the characters to retain the Breath of the Wild feeling. On the other hand, they allowed us to make a lot of decisions when it came to the action. There were still some exceptions with moves; they were carefully scrutinized if it involved lore."

Famitsu: "How did you make the story?"

Matsushita: "We proposed the framework of the story after putting together all of the necessary elements. They looked at it from the very start of the development and helped with the final touches. This ensured that the world of the past was new and refreshing, keeping things balanced. As a side-note, it was interesting to hear from them all the little details about characters and the world itself."

Hayashi: "I won’t explain it in detail due to spoilers, but we think this story will be more enjoyable for those who love the lore in The Legend of Zelda series."

(Note: Hayashi doesn't just say "love the lore of BotW", he refers to the whole franchise, perhaps this was in reference to the new split timeline added in AoC, as the series has had split timelines in its past?)

Matsushita: "The game is a story about war where players are often dropped right in the middle of the action, so the aim was never for players to explore in any great detail. That being said, Age of Calamity is set in the BotW universe and brings to life many of its iconic locations as they looked 100 years prior."

From a Game Informer interview:

Aonuma: "I don't want to spoil anything here, but there is some story twists and playable characters that will excite players, so please look forward to it."

Hayashi: "As Mr. Aonuma said, the roster of playable characters would be a spoiler, so we'd like players to discover that for themselves."

Game Informer: "How much more in-depth of an understanding will Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity provide to help players understand the events that led to the story of Breath of the Wild?"

Aonuma: "If you play BotW after playing Age of Calamity, I think the emotions you feel towards Link right from the very first scene will be different than before. I recommend that players who already cleared BotW and players who haven't experienced it yet try playing through BotW again after Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity."

Matsushita: "Both the first and second DLCs revolve around the Royal Ancient Tech Lab of Purah and Robbie. Through the Ancient Tech Lab, episodes and new items that could not be experienced in the main story are introduced. That's why we decided to make the bonus items based on the theme of ancient research. In The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, you can develop a full-body equipment called "Ancient Armor" in Robbie's laboratory there, after the battle with the calamity ... As for the relics and prototypes of the ancient weapons, which are the original equipment that was completed in the timeline 100 years in the future, I think that Robbie had already been researching it for 100 years. In addition, the mysterious Guardian came to the past world 100 years ago, which may have advanced the elucidation and research of relics compared to the original history, and the time for the completion of that ancient weapon may have been accelerated...... As a unique development of this work, a piece of equipment called "Prototype Ancient Armor" was born."

Joe Hernandez, English voice for Daruk, Yunobo, and the Sage of Fire in BotW/AoC/TotK, stated Yunobo was able to become more confident in TotK due to his experiences in BotW and AoC.

Via Joe's Tweet.

"battle against the encroaching darkness and rewrite the kingdom's destiny!" "fight to prevent the kingdom's destruction". Via AoC's UK website.

"provides an even deeper experience of the world of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 100 years ago" "See how places like the Coliseum and Lanayru Road looks 100 years in the past". Via AoC's Japanese and US websites.

CHAPTER 7. CONSISTENCIES IN THE SERIES' STORY AND LORE:

I want to mention the fact the Zelda series has always built upon its lore and stories, it's not like other series where new games are usually a totally new world unconnected with the previous entries (e.g. Final Fantasy) or where the franchise is totally rebooted (e.g Tomb Raider).

In the Zelda series there's been times when a game will introduce a piece of lore, and a later game will expand upon it. Some examples are the creation of Hyrule by the goddesses, the history of the Triforce and the wars fought over it and it being sealed in the Sacred Realm, the resting place of the Master Sword being the Lost Woods/Sacred Grove and the Temple of Time, the Gerudo rule that states a male is born every 100 years, the legacy of the Kokiri, etc.

First the three goddesses would create the world and leave the Triforce behind when they were finished.

The story of the creation of Hyrule and the Triforce as told in OoT.

An abridged version of the same creation story as told in TP.

The goddess Hylia would speculate the Triforce was left to give humans hope, since gods themselves can't use the full power of the Triforce.

Via the cutscene when speaking with Zelda in the Temple of Hylia in SS.

Impa would look after the Triforce for thousands of years at the request of Hylia, as she suspected it's existence, if known, could cause disaster.

Via the ending cutscene of SS.

After it's use in defeating Demise, the Triforce would be watched by Link and Zelda.

Via the ending cutscene of SS.

Some time later it would be placed in the Sacred Realm, and even later it's location would be discovered by some who wanted it for themselves, namely the interlopers spoken of in TP who would initiate a great battle to obtain the Triforce.

Via the cutscene after cleansing Lanayru of Twilight in TP.

The Triforce would then be hidden and sealed inside the Temple of Light (which resided in the Sacred Realm), with the Master Sword acting as the final key.

Via the cutscene after first pulling out the Master Sword in OoT.

ALBW would have a highly abridged recap of all of these events.

"the Triforce, once kept in Hyrule itself" as seen in SS, "Wars were fought for the Triforce" as seen in TP, "the Seven Sages, who sealed the Triforce in the Sacred Realm" as seen in OoT. Via the prologue to ALBW.

In ALttP the Master Sword's pedestal was located in the Lost Woods.

Several screenshots edited together to show the whole area in the Lost Woods with the Master Sword's pedestal.

OoT however, would show the Master Sword was first kept inside the Temple of Time near Hyrule Castle.

TP would make the connection between these two areas by showing how the Temple of Time was later moved deep inside the Lost Woods where it would eventually deteriorate and become known as the Sacred Grove, much like how it was in ALttP.

Comparison of TP's Sacred Grove (left) and it's original state as the Temple of Time (right).

Comparison of the Temple of Time from OoT (top) and TP (middle) and when it deteriorates into the Sacred Grove (bottom).

Comparison of the Master Sword's pedestal in the Temple of Time from OoT (top) and TP (middle) and when it deteriorates into the Sacred Grove (bottom).

OoT sets up the Sacred Grove a place in the Lost Woods when it was known as the Sacred Forest Meadow.

Kaepora Gaebora tells Link about the Sacred Forest Meadow in OoT.

Sacred Forest Meadow in OoT.

The English names "Sacred Forest Meadow" and "Sacred Grove" effectively mean the same thing, but both are derivatives of the original Japanese name which was identical across OoT and TP: "森の聖域"

Via OoT's Japanese version (top) and TP's Japanese version (bottom).

Since their introduction in OoT in 1998 all the way up to TotK in 2023, the Gerudo have consistently had the rule of "one male born every 100 years who is destined to rule the Gerudo".

Via dialogue with Nabooru in the Spirit Temple in OoT.

Via dialogue with a Gerudo in the Desert of Doubt level in FSA.

Via King Rauru's dialogue in Memory #7, A Show of Fealty in TotK.

In WW it's shown how due to the Great Flood the Kokiri evolved into the Koroks, though perhaps a minor detail, both the WW and TP have references to the Kokiri outside of WW's Koroks, which shows their legacy outside OoT.

Kokiri symbol from OoT (top) is used on the doors of the Forbidden Woods in WW (bottom left) and the Forest Temple in TP (bottom right).

The Forbidden Woods and the Forest Temple are located in roughly similar areas as Kokiri Forest was in OoT.

In the Forbidden Woods, you can even see remnants of what appear to be some of the Kokiri's houses.

Saria's house in OoT (left) and the room in the Forbidden Woods that housed the Big Key which resembles Saria's house (right) in WW.

CHAPTER 8. ADDITIONAL AFFIRMATIONS FOR THE TIMELINE:

Beyond the Zelda games themselves, there's been other Nintendo media which reinforces the timeline's existence, both before and after Hyrule Historia:

Trace Memory (Sept. 27th, 2005):

Via examining the red book with the X in the Silver Bird Room in Chapter 2 in Trace Memory.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl (SSBB) (Jan. 29th, 2008):

Via Snake's Codec conversation with Mei-Ling about Toon Link in SSBB (footage from Super Smash Bros Ultimate for HD clarity).

Bayonetta 2 (Switch) (Feb. 16th, 2018)

"Lotta history. Lotta legends." Via scanning a Zelda series amiibo in Bayonetta 2.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (SSBU) (Dec. 7th, 2018):

Via the Palutena's Guidance about Young Link in SSBU.

Additionally, there are more Nintendo published material which reinforces the timeline:

Playing with Super Power: Super NES Classics. Sept. 2017:

Pages 82-83

Page 86.

Page 94.

The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword HD marketing, June 2021-2023:

In the reveal trailer Aonuma reiterates it being the earliest story in the timeline:

Aonuma: "As the game depicting the earliest story in the Legend of Zelda timeline, details the events around the creation of the Master Sword itself "

The overview trailer reiterates again SS is the first story in the series timeline:

Narrator: "This is the beginning of The Legend of Zelda. The ancient tale of a time long past, and the origin of the legendary blade, the Master Sword."

The official website would reiterate this as well:

SS HD's eShop description and other promotion of it on Nintendo News reiterate yet again it being the earliest story:

2023:

MC's Nintendo Switch Online port's description:

"plays a pivotal part in the Four Swords storyline" Via the Nintendo Switch Online app on Nintendo Switch.

"across multiple timelines" Via a TotK ad for Nintendo News on Nintendo Switch.

CHAPTER 9. CONCLUSION:

Lastly I want to talk about continuity/retcons. As previously mentioned, the Zelda series does indeed have some retcons, and there may even be a couple of continuity issues.

Yes, the Zelda series is not 100% absolutely perfect in its continuity, but it's not uncommon for long running franchises to have an imperfect continuity, and I certainly do not believe imperfect continuities warrants the idea a series has no real chronological order or timeline.

The Zelda series is 35+ years old at this point, I believe it's actually impressive for how little retcons there are.

Many other franchises have retcons or continuity issues, here's some examples:

J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth saga.

In the original print of The Hobbit (1937) there's a chapter where Bilbo Baggins encounters Gollum called "Riddles in the Dark". In this chapter Gollum challenges Bilbo to a game of riddles, where if Bilbo wins the game Gollum will give him a prize, his "precious" (the One Ring). In later editions of the book Tolkien changed this to make Bilbo's prize for winning the game was that Gollum would show him the way out of the cave. This was because Tolkien was writing The Lord of the Rings at the time and changed how Gollum was as a character due to the change in how the One Ring affects people. Due to Gollum's corruption via the One Ring, Tolkien made him greatly possessive of it, so the original Riddles in the Dark chapter no longer fit with his newly written TLotR iteration of Gollum. Tolkien had to retcon this, which he did with a 1951 revision of The Hobbit.

After releasing the revised The Hobbit in 1951, Tolkien wrote a foreword in the first edition of The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (1954) where he explained that the 1937 release of The Hobbit was effectively Bilbo's in-universe written version, and that the real events of Riddles in the Dark weren't accurately depicted Bilbo's in writing. Frodo Baggins would eventually learn of the real events, but couldn't bring himself to change Bilbo's writing.

Overall large chunks of Riddles in the Dark were re-written, and is very different due to the change in Gollum's character. Here's an excerpt of some changes, with the blue text highlighting the differences.

Via ringgame.net

Tolkien would also release later editions of TLotR where he would rectify additional errors and inconsistencies.

Part of the foreword from Tolkien in the second edition of TLotR: Fellowship of the Ring.

Metroid.

In Super Metroid, Samus states that after first fighting Metroids on Zebes in Metroid (NES) she next fought Metroids on SR388 in Metroid II: The Return of Samus where she exterminated the species except for on baby Metroid. In 2002, Metroid Prime would release, and despite it taking place before Metroid II, the game had Metroids which Samus fought. Prime retcons Samus's line in Super about next fighting Metroids on SR388.

Via Super Metroid's opening (top). Samus fighting a Metroid in Metroid Prime Remastered (bottom).

Super Metroid director, Yoshio Sakamoto, would go on to become the main director/writer/producer of the Metroid series and supervisor for the Prime series (primarily for the lore/story), was personally involved in the placement of the Prime series in the Metroid timeline.

Sakamoto: "The story takes place between the first one on the Famicom Disk System and is followed by Metroid 2. I had the idea to make it separately as a gaiden [side story], but wouldn't it be a cop-out to call it a gaiden? Because of that, I consulted with Tanabe, and things fell into place very naturally."

Monsters, Inc.

In the film, Mike says to his best friend Sulley "you've been jealous of my good looks since 4th grade pal", the film's prequel, Monsters University, however shows they actually met in college, not in their childhood.

The original film's director, Pete Docter, gave the go ahead to for University's director, Dan Scanlon, to retcon that line:

Dan Scanlon: "As much as we could, we wanted to be totally respectful of the continuity of the first film. Our first inclination was to try to make it work, to do versions where they became friends in fourth grade. Basically, after trying it a lot, we felt like it was robbing the audience of the experience of really watching a relationship grow. And we realized we were going through all these hoops for this one line that doesn’t affect the story in a negative way. It was really Pete Docter and John Lasseter who said, ‘It’s not as important as you think. You’re not hurting the movie to ignore that line’ I think Pete really pushed us to make big changes. He was really good at standing back and going, ‘Oh, you want to make Sulley a jerk? Great.’ Nothing was precious. Pete was really a reminder of, ‘No, for characters to be interesting, they have to go through these changes.’ He really empowered us."

Devil May Cry.

Originally the timeline of the games went like this:

DMC 3-DMC 1-DMC 4-DMC 2.

However, with the release of DMC 5, 4 now comes after 2. The reason for the was the series' main director, Hideaki Itsuno, had a specific idea for how DMC 5's story would go and how it should end. Producer Matt Walker would talk about this in several interviews, here's his quote with feed4gamers:

Matt: "When we started making DMC5 Itsuno-san had a vision for how the game would play out – particularly the end of the game. In order to see that vision come to fruition, we decided that it would make the most sense to change around the continuity a little. In addition to the games, there are a couple novels and manga that have been released under the Devil May Cry license, and Itsuno-san personally oversees the writing for these, so that we can consider them canon. The latest was a prologue to DMC5 called “Before the Nightmare”, and in that we’ve done our best to fill in most of the plot details, though it’s unfortunately not available in any language other than Japanese currently."

Many, many, many other stories have retcons and inconsistencies (some FAR worse than Zelda has ever had), and many times the original authors of these stories are involved in the retcons. Yet despite this, these stories are generally considered canon, and are still beloved by many who don't pay too much attention to the inconsistencies, or aren't bothered by a relatively small change in the story via a retcon.

Just because a story has some inconsistencies or retcons doesn't mean the story as a whole should just be disregarded. As stated before, the Zelda series actually has very little retcons and inconsistencies relative to how large of a franchise it is.

It is fine if someone doesn't care for the stories of Zelda or don't care if there is a connection between the games, but to state that there is not, or never has been, a continuity in the franchise, is simply wrong.

THE END.

I hope this post has shed some light on the timeline of the Zelda series, and that it can be used to prove its existence.

I started writing this post about 3-4 years ago, and have diligently been working on it since then, but I picked up the pace when TotK released last year and I wrote the post about that game. It helped I was able to repurpose some of the content of that post for this one.

It was quite a lot of work putting this all together, getting the proper screenshots, interview quotes, tracking down old guidebooks, and making sure I properly credited every source with links.

Although exhausting at times, I was always happy to put in the work, as The Legend of Zelda franchise is my favorite gaming series of all time. The story/lore/world building is one of the main reasons I love it so much, it's why I wanted to write about the timeline in such depth.

I hope you enjoyed this post as much as I did making it.

Thank you so much for reading.