Zelda: Breath Of The Wild's Timeline Explained
Where does The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild truly reside within the sprawling, convoluted tapestry of Hyrules history? The game's placement has been a source of endless debate, a Gordian Knot of speculation that Nintendo itself seems reluctant to fully unravel. The official stance? It exists, purposefully, outside the established timelines.
Since its March 2017 release, Breath of the Wild has captivated players with its open-world exploration and enigmatic narrative. Yet, this very freedom has fueled the fires of chronological debate. The whispers began immediately: Does it follow the Hero of Times adult triumph? Or perhaps the world forged in the wake of his childhood adventures? The presence of familiar races like the Koroks and Rito initially pointed many towards the adult timeline, a theory further strengthened by references to locations like the Bridge of Eldin, a landmark originating in Twilight Princess. Even a statement from Hidemaro Fujibayashi, director of Breath of the Wild, hinted at its placement at the "latest part" of the timeline, seemingly after Four Swords Adventures. Yet, inconsistencies abound.
| Name | Role | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Hidemaro Fujibayashi | Director, Breath of the Wild | His statements regarding the game's placement in the timeline have been both insightful and ambiguous, fueling much of the ongoing debate. |
| Eiji Aonuma | Producer, The Legend of Zelda series | A key figure in shaping the Zelda universe, his insights into the timeline are highly valued by fans. |
Nintendo Corporate Website
The Hyrule depicted in Breath of the Wild carries echoes of all three established timelinesthe adult, child, and fallen hero timelineslike a harmonious blend of disparate melodies. This has led some to believe that the game represents a convergence of these branches, a far-future setting where the echoes of all possible pasts have coalesced. Nintendo, in a masterstroke of ambiguity, further muddied the waters by declaring Breath of the Wild and its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, to be occupants of a new, distinct timeline. This was reaffirmed with a fresh timeline image presented at Nintendo Live 2024, showcasing the game's isolated position.
While the official line positions Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom in their own chronological space, the debate rages on. The games are steeped in allusions to prior entries, from recognizable locales like the Lost Woods and Zora's Domain to recurring characters and lore. The presence of ancient Sheikah technology, reminiscent of that seen in Skyward Sword, further complicates the picture. Even the Hyrulean Civil War, a significant event alluded to in the game, raises more questions than it answers. Its origins remain shrouded in mystery, although hints suggest a power struggle over the Triforce. However, the exact details of this conflict have yet to be fully revealed, leaving fans yearning for further clarification.
Creating a Champion, the official lore book for Breath of the Wild, provides valuable insight into the world and its history. It reinforces the cyclical nature of the Zelda universe, with each timeline featuring a Ganon destined for destruction and the heroic duo of Link and Zelda destined to oppose him. This cyclical motif lends credence to the convergence theory, suggesting that perhaps all timelines eventually lead to the world of Breath of the Wild. This theory further fuels the ongoing debate, turning every in-game detail into a potential clue, every line of dialogue into a cryptic prophecy.
Adding to the puzzle, Tears of the Kingdom further intertwines the narrative, functioning as both sequel and prequel to Breath of the Wild. It explores events both before and after the Calamity, deepening the mysteries surrounding this pivotal event and its implications for the timeline.
Breath of the Wild's timeline placement is more than just a fan theory; it is a testament to the game's enduring appeal and the rich tapestry of the Zelda universe. It is a question that continues to ignite passionate discussions, inspiring countless analyses and interpretations. Whether Nintendo will ever definitively answer this question remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the mystery surrounding Breath of the Wild's place in the timeline is an integral part of its charm, a puzzle that keeps players engaged and speculating long after the credits have rolled.
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