Building Your Timeline: Difference between revisions

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{{Cleanup-date|November 27, 2008}}
#REDIRECT [[Canonical Analysis and Game Grouping]]
{{Timeline}}
 
Perhaps the best way to understand the subtleties and conflicts involved in constructing a model of the [[Zelda Timeline]] is to attempt the process yourself. The resources provided by this wiki allow an interested new theorist to develop an excellent knowledge base in no time flat.
 
==The Basics==
The most effective theorists are those who take the time to learn and enjoy the Zelda Canon before they begin. Prospective theorists should play through to completion any and every Zelda game they can. Information on any [[Timeline_Principles#Sources_universaly_considered_canonical|other games]] can be found on the wiki.
 
With this basic understanding, new theorists should be able to quickly memorize the small amount of [[Timeline Glossary|jargon]] used in timeline discussion. For the most part, simply knowing the names of each game in the series well enough to recognize their [[Zelda_Timeline#Timeline Display|abbreviations]] is all that is required. 
 
Though not necessarily a requirement, new theorists will be taken much more seriously if they are able to understand the definition of [[Timeline_Principles#Canon|Canon]] and have a general familiarity with the timeline's [[Timeline_Principles#General_Knowledge|General conclusions]]. They may also be interested in SteveT's [http://www.zeldalegends.net/index.php?p=879 article]; Timeline Theorizing 101.
 
==The Arcs==
The cornerstone of timeline knowledge is familiarity with the seven story arcs and their proofs. Some of these connection should be immediately obvious, while others may take some exploration.
 
===SS - OOT===
The first arc provides the backstory as to what will become the Split Timeline of the ''Zelda'' series.
*''[[The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword|Skyward Sword]]'' begins the arc, outlining the very first Link, the Master Sword, and Hyrule's origins.
*''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|Ocarina of Time]]'' provides further details as to the rise of the Hero of Time, reclaiming of the Master Sword, and the sealing of Ganon in the [[Sacred Realm]].
 
===OOT - TWW/PH - ST ===
The second ''Arc'' comprises those games which fill the first four chapters of the "Adult Timeline".
*''Ocarina of Time'', as the Hero of Time's great adventure, begins the arc, and ends with Ganon sealed in the Sacred Realm.
*''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|The Wind Waker]]'', which further details the fate of [[Hyrule]] after the Hero of Time leaves Hyrule, as well as one instance of Ganon's demise.
*''[[The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass|Phantom Hourglass]]'', promoted as a sequel to ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|The Wind Waker]]'' and its hero's second adventure.
*''[[The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks|Spirit Tracks]]'' details events occurring soon after a new Hyrule is founded by the Link and Tetra from ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|The Wind Waker]]''.
 
===OoT/MM - TP===
The third ''Arc'' is the most recently confirmed, and comprises the first three chapters of the "Child Timeline".
*''Ocarina of Time'' begins the arc when Link returns to the past after sealing Ganon away in the future.
*''[[The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask|Majora's Mask]]'' continues the arc by following Link's adventures after bringing peace back to Hyrule.
*''[[The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|Twilight Princess]]'' completes the known games within the arc by closing the door on the threat posed by Ganondorf.
 
===TMC - FS/FSA===
The fourth''Arc'' comprises those games which can be directly linked by their representation of [[Vaati]] and the [[Four Sword]]. For this reason, it is often referred to as the "Four Sword Trilogy", and is often removed from the main line entirely.
*''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap|The Minish Cap]]'', which details the forging of the Four Sword and the origns of Vaati, begins the tale.
*''[[The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords|Four Swords]]'', in which the sword is used to seal Vaati a second time, occurs much later.
*''[[The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures|Four Swords Adventures]]'', in which Vaati is finally defeated, completes the arc. Another backstory to Ganon is created in this arc.
 
===OoS/OoA===
The fifth ''Arc'' is simply the Oracle Series (and possibly Link's Awakening). ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages|Oracle of Ages]]'' and ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons|Oracle of Seasons]]'' may be standalone, or they could directly connect to Link's Awakening. There is evidence that both games (Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages) can be both the first and last games in the Oracle Series. Often abreviated as "OoX" because there is no way to be sure which game is first and last in the Oracle Series, so it is abbreviated to the one title.
 
===ALttP/LA/(KnS)===
The sixth ''Arc'' comprises those games which were released around the time of ''A Link to the Past'', and that can be linked in the manner of most gaming series. Whilst this arc is popular, the ALttP/LA connection is not confirmed.
*''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past|A Link to the Past]]'', which has alternatively been discribes as the earliest and the last game in the timeline as of its release.
*''[[The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening|Link's Awakening]]'', its [[Oracle_Confusion#Why must LA be the sequel to AlttP?|intended continuation]], is placed subsequently.
*(''[[BS The Legend of Zelda: The Ancient Stone Tablets]])'' is a sequel to ALttP, which takes place long after the events of that game. AST was never released in North America, and was only available on the [[BS-X Broadcasting System]]. It may or may not be canon, but it was created by the same team the designed ALttP.
 
===LoZ/AoL===
The seventh ''Arc'' comprises the original 8-bit games.
*''[[The Legend of Zelda (Game)|The Legend of Zelda]]'' gives little background information to place it in the timeline; it ends with Link claiming both Triforces of Power and Wisdom.
*''[[Zelda II: The Adventure of Link|The Adventure of Link]]'', the conclusion of the LoZ storyline, completes the arc. Link reforges the complete Triforce after securing the Triforce of Courage.
 
==Dealing with Ganon==
At this point it is wise to completely ignore the games which do not contain information about Ganon; AoL, LA, MM, FS, TMC, PH, and even LoZ, TP and OoX. The connections between these games and the rest of the series are, at best, minimal, and will not be easy to place standing alone.
 
We will only look at ALttP, OOT, WW, and FSA for it is the placement of these games which dictates the true grit of a timeline.
 
Start at the beginning, with AlttP, OOT, and WW. In order to place these games in relation to one another, you will need a basic understanding of the debates on the Number of [[Timeline]]s and the [[Ganon Conflicts]].
 
You may continue into the placement of FSA (though the wiki has little information to support you). Trust your instincts for now.
 
Thanks to the arc system, you should now be able to use your Ganon theory as a "framework" which can be easily used to place most the remaining games.
* Place (/LA - LoZ/Aol) immediately after AlttP
* Place (/MM - TP) immediately after OOT's child ending
* Place (FS/) immediately prior to FSA
* Place (/PH) immediately after tWW
 
==Placing the Handhelds==
The only three games not yet placed are, of course; OoS, OoA, and TMC; commonly known as "The Handhelds".
 
If you understand the basic issues of [[Oracle Confusion|Oracle Placement]] then you'll know that it is simply a toss up, the Oracles can be safely placed in at least two different slots. Choose one, or choose to leave it ambiguous.
 
TMC can be placed any time prior to FS. Again a theorist can choose to place it firmly or leave it ambiguous, with little trouble.
 
Congratulations! You've produced your very own Zelda Timeline.
 
[[Category:Timeline]]

Latest revision as of 22:34, 10 April 2011

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