Nintendo The Zelda Timeline

[Rydia]

Do you think all the Zelda games are part of one large story?

There are several theories as to how all the games are connected. Some people believe in a linear timeline, and others a split timeline. (And they are called splitist and linearist XD)

A common theory of the timeline goes something like this.

The Minish Cap-> Ocarina of Time -> Legend of Zelda -> Legend of Zelda:

The Adventure of Link -> A Link to the past.

At Ocarina of Time the Time line splits and goe something like this.

Ocarina of Time (child Link) -> Majora's Mask -> Twilight Princess

Ocarina of Time (Adult Link) - Wind Waker -> Phantom Hourglass -> Spirit Tracks.

Games such as Oracle of Seasons, Oracale of the Ages and four swords are debated as to where they fit in.

This website explains everything better than I just did.

http://zelda.wikia.com/wiki/Timeline

The same site also mentions confirmed timelines for some of the games.

Legend of Zelda -> Adventure of Link

Ocarina of Time-> A Link to the Past -> Link's awakening

Ocarina of Time (Child time line) -> Majora's Mask -> Twilight Princess

Ocarina of Time (Adult Link) -> Wind Waker -> Phantom Hour Glass ->

Oracle of the Ages <-> Oracle of the seasons

The minish Cap-> Four Swords -> Four Swords Adventure


I personally like to see the games as a retelling of the same legend. The timeline is just too messy and can really give you a headache. I'd even prefer the reincarnation theory to the complete timeline.

 

[Oblivion_XIII]

I don't get why they do this, it shouldn't be split between child and adult Link. At the end of OoC,

Spoiler

Zelda has Link go back to being a child, putting away the master sword, so therefor, Link went back to being a child.

also, I agree that all the Zelda games are connected, unlike FF games.

 

[Kurughi]

sorry i really cant say anything i didnt play any of the classic black and white zelda games but i have to say there is no real timeline for zelda i mean its obvious some games go directly into others but i guess you can say the events of some of these games happen in a completely different universe like the Tales of Series

 

[Sum1sgruj]

There's no way they're all connected. Majora's Mask was a sequel to Ocarina of Time, and Oracle of Seasons & Ages were a series (though not necessarily connected).
Each Zelda is a different setting and quest. Every one has a different concept of location altogether. Zelda is a pirate in Windwaker (which has a sequel called 'The Phantom Hourglass', DS). Though she was a princess, she looked and acted different. In those, Link was raised on an island, not in the forest.
Moreover, the original Zelda's had no link to the newer ones. 'A Link to The Past' inspired Ocarina of Time to have 3 dungeons and 7 temples.
'Twilight Princess' is also a story of it's own. It's also the darkest and most baddass Zelda to.

So the verdict is: NO

 

[AddleBoy]

I believe in the reincarnation theory, and that Link, Zelda, and Ganon are reincarnated an infinite amount of times ever since the very first three came in contact with the Triforce. I think the fact that almost every Zelda game begins with a tale of a green-clad warrior defeating an evil proves that there are many different Links. The retelling of the same legend theory is interesting, though.

I actually came up with an idea for a Zelda fanfic based off of this theory, but that's will take me off topic.

"This has all happened before, and it will happen again."

 

[Terra Branford]

No, the creator stated so. The only games connected is Ocarina of Time and Major's mask, along with the Wind Waker DS game. Four swords and the Minish cap aren't connected to each other, or others as well.

The old games, 1, 2 and Link to the Past and different "Links" as well

 

[Oblivion_XIII]

Then how come a lot of the games (not all) have references to each other? Twilght Princess, Ocarina, Majora's Mask, and Wind Waker are all connected. Different Links though. They all reference to the hero of time (majora's mask and ocarina being the exception since the Link there is the hero of time.) And, in TP it's the exact same Gannondorf.

Another thing. I'm guessing Zelda is a family name that is passed down through the generations, and Link is a common name since the hero of time was named Link.