Majora's Mask (2000)
Link embarks on a quest to save the land of Termina from an impending catastrophe caused by the moon crashing into the world.
Hyrule Historia
A Comprehensive Guide to the History of the Legend of Zelda Series by Phil Garofalo.
A Series that Would go on to Define Gaming for Decades
The Legend of Zelda began in 1987. Since that time, the original game has had numerous sequels, spin-offs, and adaptations across multiple platforms and genres. To this day, the series themesong, crafted by the legendary Koji Kondo, remains a defining element, not only of the franchise, but of the entire video game industry:
The Complete Timeline Explained!
For a video explanation of the complete Hyrule Historia, check out this excellent video by GameSpot.
Skyward Sword: A Story that Began in the Sky
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (2011) is the earliest chronological entry in the series, serving as the origin story for the Master Sword and the cycle of Link, Zelda, and Demise. As a knight-in-training from the floating city of Skyloft, Link descends to the surface world to rescue his childhood friend, Zelda, who was taken by a dark force.
The game explains how the surface was sealed from evil, the origin of the kingdom of Hyrule, and how Demise's hatred curses Link and Zelda's descendants, sparking the endless battle against future incarnations of evil, such as Ganondorf.
he game ends with the surface now freely accessible to the residents of Skyloft, while Zelda decides to remain there to watch over the Triforce; she and Link together establish the kingdom of Hyrule. Setting the chronological stage for all future Zelda games.
The Ocarina of Time
Divergence of the Timeline
In the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998), untold years have passed since the events of Skyward Sword. A young boy named link is summoned to save the land of Hyrule from the Gerudo King Ganondorf, who is the reincarnation of the evil Demise.
Guided by the fairy Navi, Link travels through time, collecting Spiritual Stones to access the Master Sword. He matures into an adult to awaken the Seven Sages and seal Ganondorf away, restoring peace. Ultimately, this is the major point of divergence in the timeline of the Legend of Zelda series, whether or not the Hero of Time manages to defeat Ganondorf impacts which games in the series come next in the narrative. This leads to two distinct branches in the timeline. Click the buttons below to be taken to each timeline.
The Hero of Time is Victorious
If the Hero of Time ultimately wins his battle with Ganondorf at the end of Ocarina of Time, the chronology follows a path that includes adventures for both the child and adult Link eras.
In the Child Link era, Link returns to his childhood after defeating Ganondorf. Hyrule is now a peaceful kingdom under Zelda's rule, but remnants of Ganondorf's influence still linger.
Meanwhie, in the Adult Link era, Link remains in the future timeline where Ganondorf is sealed away. However, the world is still affected by the consequences of his actions. Check out the gallery below to see all the games associated with this branch!
Twilight Princess (2006)
Link must save Hyrule from the encroaching Twilight Realm, which is being manipulated by Ganondorf's lingering influence.
Four Swords Adventures (2004)
Link teams up with three other versions of himself to stop Vaati, a powerful wind sorcerer who threatens Hyrule.
The Wind Waker (2002)
Link sets out on a quest across the Great Sea to rescue his kidnapped sister and confront Ganondorf, who has returned in a new form.
Phantom Hourglass (2007)
Link continues his adventure on the high seas, searching for the Ghost Ship and battling new enemies while trying to save Tetra, a pirate princess.
Spirit Tracks (2009)
Link must protect Princess Zelda and stop an evil force from taking over the land of New Hyrule, which is connected to the spirit world.
The Hero of Time is Defeated
If the Hero of Time loses his battle with Ganondorf at the end of Ocarina of Time, the chronology follows a singular path that leads to a darker and more tragic timeline.
The first half of this timeline follows the events of the Imprisoning War, which sees Ganon sealed away in the Sacred Realm by the Seven Sages.
Meanwhile, the latter half of this timeline culminates with the Era of Decline, which sees a depleted and weakened Hyrule once again falling under the shadow of Ganon. Though it canonically comes at the end of the Zelda universe timeline, the Era of Decline contains the very first Zelda games ever created:
A Link to the Past (1991)
Link must rescue Princess Zelda and defeat Ganon, who has escaped from the Sacred Realm and plunged Hyrule into darkness.
Link's Awakening (1993)
Link is shipwrecked on Koholint Island, where he must awaken the Wind Fish to escape, while also uncovering the island's mysteries.
A Link Between Worlds (2013)
Link travels between Hyrule and its dark counterpart, Lorule, to stop Yuga, a sorcerer who seeks to merge the two worlds.
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages/Seasons (2001)
Link must collect the seven Oracles to restore the balance of the world and defeat Ganon.
Tri Force Heroes (2015)
Three Links team up to save Princess Styla from a curse that has befallen her kingdom.
The Legend of Zelda (1987)
Link embarks on a quest to rescue Princess Zelda and defeat Ganon, who has stolen the Triforce of Power and plunged Hyrule into darkness.
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (1987)
Link must awaken Princess Zelda from a sleeping spell and defeat the evil sorcerer Dark Link, who is a shadowy doppelganger of Link himself.
Additional Zelda Resources
Check out these additional resources to learn more about the Legend of Zelda!
Zelda Wiki
A fan-maintained resource for all things Zelda!
Nintendo's Official Site
Nintendo is behind more than just the Legend of Zelda! Check out their other franchises by clicking below.
Zelda Reddit
The unofficial hub for anything and everything The Legend of Zelda - the iconic Nintendo series.