>>11465089The Zelda universe is mostly connected, but not in a straight line like, say, Star Wars. It branches into a timeline split. Most games share a common origin but diverge after a major event. Think of it like one big tree with three thick branches.
All the main Zelda games begin with the same origin story, established in Skyward Sword, the chronologically first game. From there things flow forward until a pivotal moment in Ocarina of Time.
At the end of Ocarina of Time the timeline splits into three branches.
The Decline Timeline. What if Link failed to defeat Ganon in Ocarina of Time? A Link to the Past, Link’s Awakening, Oracle of Ages/Seasons, A Link Between Worlds, Tri Force Heroes, The Legend of Zelda (original), Zelda II: The Adventure of Link.
The Child Timeline. Link goes back in time and warns Zelda, preventing Ganon’s rise. Majora’s Mask, Twilight Princess, Four Swords Adventures.
The Adult Timeline. Link defeats Ganon and disappears, leaving Hyrule vulnerable in the future. The Wind Waker, Phantom Hourglass, Spirit Tracks.
Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are either a re-convergence of timelines or a soft reboot of the mythos.
