Decoding the Timeline- Unraveling the Mysterious Placement of ‘Tears of the Kingdom’ in The Legend of Zelda Universe

Where is “Tears of the Kingdom” in the Zelda Timeline?

The Zelda series, known for its intricate lore and rich universe, has captivated gamers for decades. With multiple games released across various platforms, fans often find themselves pondering the placement of each title within the grand Zelda timeline. One such title that sparks considerable debate is “Tears of the Kingdom.” This article delves into the mystery of where “Tears of the Kingdom” fits within the Zelda timeline, exploring the theories and evidence that have emerged over the years.

Understanding the Zelda Timeline

The Zelda timeline is a concept that fans have developed to organize the series’ numerous games and their respective events. This timeline aims to establish a chronological order for the games, taking into account the narrative connections and shared elements across the series. However, it’s important to note that the Zelda timeline is not an officially recognized structure by Nintendo. Instead, it is a fan-crafted concept that provides a framework for understanding the series’ rich history.

The Arrival of “Tears of the Kingdom”

“Tears of the Kingdom,” the latest entry in the Zelda series, was released in 2017 for the Nintendo Switch. This game marked the return of Link to the Hyrule that fans have come to know and love, introducing a new adventure filled with exploration, puzzles, and combat. While “Tears of the Kingdom” builds upon the foundation established in previous titles, its placement within the timeline remains a subject of much speculation.

Theories on “Tears of the Kingdom’s” Placement

Several theories have emerged regarding the placement of “Tears of the Kingdom” within the Zelda timeline. One popular theory suggests that the game takes place between “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time” and “The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask.” This theory is supported by the fact that “Tears of the Kingdom” shares some similarities with both games, such as the use of the Ocarina of Time and the recurring theme of the Triforce.

Another theory posits that “Tears of the Kingdom” is set after “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” which was released in 2017 as well. This theory is based on the assumption that “Tears of the Kingdom” serves as a direct sequel to “Breath of the Wild,” expanding upon the world and characters introduced in that game.

Evidence and Speculation

While the placement of “Tears of the Kingdom” within the Zelda timeline remains a topic of debate, there are some pieces of evidence that can be considered. One notable piece of evidence is the presence of a child Link in “Tears of the Kingdom,” who resembles the young Link from “Ocarina of Time.” This suggests a potential connection between the two games, but it does not definitively establish the timeline’s order.

Moreover, the game’s developers have not explicitly stated the game’s placement within the timeline. This lack of official clarification has led to continued speculation and debate among fans.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the placement of “Tears of the Kingdom” within the Zelda timeline remains a mystery, with fans and theorists offering various theories based on evidence and speculation. While the true answer may never be officially revealed, the debate surrounding this topic serves as a testament to the passion and dedication of the Zelda community. Whether “Tears of the Kingdom” is set between “Ocarina of Time” and “Majora’s Mask” or as a sequel to “Breath of the Wild,” one thing is certain: its release has only added to the rich tapestry of the Zelda universe.