Split Timeline Emerges for TotK, BotW in Zelda Series

Nintendo confirms Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom exist outside the established Zelda timeline. This announcement, made at Nintendo Live 2024 in Sydney, Australia, significantly alters the understanding of the series' chronology.

A Separate Branch in Zelda History

Nintendo's presentation included a timeline showcasing the interconnectedness of various Zelda titles, starting with Skyward Sword and branching after Ocarina of Time. This established timeline divides into the "Hero is Defeated" and "Hero is Triumphant" branches, further splitting into "Child" and "Adult" timelines.

However, Breath of the Wild (BotW) and Tears of the Kingdom (TotK) occupy a distinct, independent position outside this established framework, as reported by Vooks. This means the events of these two games are not directly connected to any previous Zelda titles.

The Blurred Lines of Hyrule's History

The complex and often debated Zelda timeline is further complicated by the cyclical nature of Hyrule's history. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Creating a Champion suggests that the repeated cycles of prosperity and decline make it difficult to distinguish between historical fact and legend, adding another layer of ambiguity to the placement of BotW and TotK within the larger narrative. The book states: "Hyrule’s recurring periods of prosperity and decline have made it impossible to tell which legends are historical fact and which are mere fairy tale." This reinforces the idea that BotW and TotK's placement outside the established timeline is not simply a narrative choice, but a reflection of the inherent ambiguity within Hyrule's own history.