(Image credit: Nintendo)
The Legend of Zelda chronology has received yet another perplexing new modification, altering the events leading to Breath of the Wild by 9,900 years and directly opposing established mythology. It’s such a turnaround for the current narrative that series enthusiasts are rather convinced it’s merely an error, but the latest information comes straight from Nintendo of America, which is frequently regarded as authoritative.
The Zelda chronology diverges into three distinct branches based on the conclusion of Ocarina of Time, but these branches all unite in the obscure history leading up to the occurrences of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. Earlier this year, Nintendo revised the Japanese version of the timeline, clarifying that the foundation of Hyrule shown in flashbacks during Tears of the Kingdom illustrates the beginning of a new Hyrule, significantly after the one depicted in Ocarina of Time and other installments has faded into obscurity.
Currently, Nintendo of America has revised the official English-language chronology to validate the refounding – well, I use the word “validate” loosely, as I’m certain it will remain a topic of heated debate among the most devoted purists. Regardless, the update has introduced another intriguing adjustment to the surrounding backstory.
Until this point, we have interpreted the timeline presented in Tears of the Kingdom’s flashbacks in this manner: Hyrule is (re)established, Ganondorf appears to invade, and is imprisoned as part of the Imprisoning War. Countless generations pass, and the malevolent being known as Calamity Ganon eventually arises and devastates the kingdom before being repelled by Sheikah technology. 10,000 years elapse from that Great Calamity, bringing us to Breath of the Wild. Calamity Ganon reemerges, Link undergoes a century-long slumber, and the gameplay commences.
(Image credit: Nintendo)
Based on the new chronology, the Imprisoning War occurs, followed by 9,900 years, and subsequently, the Great Calamity takes place. Then, it is merely 100 years until Ganon returns – now labeled as “the second Great Calamity” – initiating Link’s extended hibernation leading into Breath of the Wild.
