Understanding the Timeline of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
A Moment of Calm
Take a deep breath and relax. Everything is going to be alright. After the shocking revelation that Breath of the Wild was not included in the official timeline of Zelda games, we can now find solace in knowing that Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom has been officially recognized within this intricate lore.
Recent Developments in Hyrule
In September 2023, during Nintendo Live 2024 held in Australia, representatives from Nintendo announced that both open-world titles—Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom—do not fit into either the Hero Is Defeated or Hero Is Triumphant timelines. Instead, they exist independently, outside any established narrative framework. Fortunately, this confusion does not extend to Echoes of Wisdom, which marks a significant milestone as it features Zelda as a playable character for the first time in a mainline RPG.
The Placement Within Hyrule’s History
Interestingly enough, while one might assume that being set before the original game places it at an early point on Hyrule’s timeline, such assumptions would be misguided! In reality, The Legend of Zelda, released back in 1986, is actually positioned near the end of this saga—followed closely by its sequel from 1987 titled Zelda II: The Adventure of Link. Therefore, we can conclude that Echoes of Wisdom occurs shortly before what Nintendo refers to as “the Decline of Hyrule Kingdom,” leading into those initial two titles.
This positioning becomes even clearer when considering it falls under what fans refer to as the Hero Is Defeated branch—a narrative path distinct from where Ocarina Of Time leads us into its Child Era and Adult Era splits.
Connecting The Dots
So why does all this matter? It’s essential for understanding how these stories interweave across different timelines and realities within Hyrule’s expansive universe. Each iteration presents familiar characters facing similar challenges but through varied lenses depending on their respective timelines.
Now you have clarity regarding where everything fits within this complex tapestry! You may resume your regular activities with newfound knowledge about how these beloved games connect with one another across time and space.