|image=[[File:LttP SNES box.jpg|120px|left|The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past|link=The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past]]
|contents='''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past]]''' is an [[action-adventure]] game that returns the series to its roots with gameplay resembling the first [[The Legend of Zelda]], while introducing new staples to the series. Link travels through many varied dungeons in his quest to restore order to Hyrule.
}}
[[File:TP WalkthroughImage.png|left|100px|Link, the series' protagonist]]
'''The Legend of Zelda''' is one of [[Nintendo]]'s most famous series, and one of the longest running series. A ''Zelda'' game has appeared on every Nintendo console, an accomplishment shared only with ''{{c|Mario}}''. The games are [[adventure]] games that focus primarily on puzzle soving and exploration. The only game to radically break from the normal style was [[Zelda II: The Adventure of Link]], which was a sidescrolling game with experience points typical of most [[Role-Playing Game]]s. Actually, all titles in the series feature every (Japanese) role-playing element except for experience points.
'''The Legend of Zelda''' (often simply called ''Zelda'' or ''LoZ'') is one of [[Nintendo]]'s most famous titles, and one of the longest running series. A ''Zelda'' game has appeared on every Nintendo console, an accomplishment shared only with ''[[:Category:Mario|Mario]]''. The games are [[adventure]] games that focus primarily on puzzle soving and exploration. The only game to radically break from the normal style was [[Zelda II: The Adventure of Link]], which was a sidescrolling game with [[RPG]] elements.
The games generally revolve around a young adventurer, Link, and his quest to save the land from an evil force (usually Ganon). Traditionally Link would fight his nemesis Ganon at the end, and have to save Princess Zelda at some point. In modern games, Zelda has become less of a damsel in distress and has taken a more active role in fighting evil.
The games generally revolve around a young adventurer, Link, and his quest to save the land from an evil force (usually Gannon). Traditionally Link would fight his nemesis Gannon at the end, and have to save Princess Zelda at some point. In modern games, Zelda has become less of a damsel in distress and has taken a more active role in fighting evil.
=== Main series titles ===
{{-}}
{| {{prettytable|sortable=1}}
==Zelda games==
!width=35%| Original title !!width=35%| Localized title !! Year !!Systems and remakes
{{Wikipedia|The Legend of Zelda series}}
|-
| ゼルダの伝説 The Hyrule Fantasy <br/>'' Legend of Zelda: The Hyrule Fantasy ''|| [[The Legend of Zelda]] || 1986 || [[File:globe.svg|25px]] [[NES]] <br/> {{icon|jp}} [[SNES]] ([[BS The Legend of Zelda]]; fan translation)
|-
| The Legend of Zelda 2: リンクの冒険 <br/>'' Legend of Zelda 2: Link's Adventure ''|| [[Zelda II: The Adventure of Link]] || 1987 || [[File:globe.svg|25px]] [[NES]]
|-
| ゼルダの伝説 神々のトライフォース <br/>'' Legend of Zelda: Triforce of the Gods ''|| [[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past]] || 1991 || [[File:globe.svg|25px]] [[SNES]], GBA (within [[The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords|Four Swords]]) <br/> {{icon|jp}} SNES ([[BS The Legend of Zelda: Inishie no Sekiban|BS Ancient Stone Tablets]]; fan translation)
|-
| ゼルダの伝説 夢をみる島 <br/>'' Legend of Zelda: The Dreaming Island ''|| [[The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening]] || 1993 || [[File:globe.svg|25px]] [[GB]], [[GBC]] (Deluxe)
|-
| ゼルダの伝説 時のオカリナ <br/>'' Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time ''|| [[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time]] || 1998 || [[File:globe.svg|25px]] [[N64]], NGC & 3DS ([[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Master Quest|Master Quest]])
| ゼルダの伝説 ふしぎの木の実 ～大地の章～ <br/>'' Legend of Zelda: The Mystical Seed ~Chapter of Time and Space~ ''|| [[The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages]] || 2001 || [[File:globe.svg|25px]] [[GBC]]
|-
| ゼルダの伝説 ふしぎの木の実 ～時空の章～ <br/>'' Legend of Zelda: The Mystical Seed ~Chapter of Earth~ ''|| [[The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons]] || 2001 || [[File:globe.svg|25px]] [[GBC]]
|-
| ゼルダの伝説 4つの剣 <br/>'' Legend of Zelda: Four Swords ''|| [[The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords]] || 2002 || [[File:globe.svg|25px]] [[GBA]]
|-
| ゼルダの伝説 風のタクト <br/>'' Legend of Zelda: Takt of Wind ''|| [[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker]] || 2003 || [[File:globe.svg|25px]] [[NGC]], [[Wii U]]
|-
| ゼルダの伝説 4つの剣+ <br/>'' Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Plus ''|| [[The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures]] || 2004 || [[File:globe.svg|25px]] NGC
|-
| ゼルダの伝説 ふしぎのぼうし <br/>'' Legend of Zelda: The Wonder Hat ''|| [[The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap]] || 2005 || [[File:globe.svg|25px]] GBA
|-
| ゼルダの伝説 トワイライトプリンセス <br/>'' Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess ''|| [[The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess]] || 2006 || [[File:globe.svg|25px]] NGC, [[Wii]], Wii U
|-
| ゼルダの伝説 夢幻の砂時計 <br/>'' Legend of Zelda: Hourglass of Dreams ''|| [[The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass]] || 2007 || [[File:globe.svg|25px]] [[NDS]]
|-
| ゼルダの伝説 大地の汽笛 <br/>'' Legend of Zelda: Steam Whistle of the Earth ''|| [[The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks]] || 2009 || [[File:globe.svg|25px]] NDS
| ゼルダの伝説 神々のトライフォース2 <br/>'' Legend of Zelda: Triforce of the Gods 2 ''|| [[The Legend of Zelda: A Link between Worlds]] || 2013 || [[File:globe.svg|25px]] 3DS
|-
| ゼルダの伝説 トライフォース3銃士 <br/>'' Legend of Zelda: The Three Triforce Musketeers ''|| [[The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes]] || 2015 || [[File:globe.svg|25px]] 3DS
|-
| ゼルダの伝説 ブレス オブ ザ ワイルド <br/>'' Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild ''|| [[The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild]] || 2017 || [[File:globe.svg|25px]] Wii U, [[Switch]]
|-
| ゼルダの伝説 ティアーズ オブ ザ キングダム <br/>'' Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom ''|| [[The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom]] || 2023 || [[File:globe.svg|25px]] Switch
|}
Two games were only available in Japan for download through Nintendo's short lived satilite broadcast system. ''BS Zelda'' is a remake of the original series so it falls into the timeline at the same spot as the original game. ''Kodai no Sekiban''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BS_The_Legend_of_Zelda:_Stone_Tablets_of_Antiquity] (Stone Tablets of Antiquity) takes place in the same world as, and is a direct sequel to, ''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past|A Link to the Past]]''.
== Timelines ==
{{-}}
=== Original timeline ===
* ''Official name:''''' Hyrule's decline and the last hero'''
===Main series===
The first four legends of Zelda belong to the same timeline, without any doubt:
* '''[[The Legend of Zelda]]''' for the [[NES]] and [[GBA]]
* 1. '''[[The Legend of Zelda]]:''' Ganon is defeated and killed.
* '''[[BS The Legend of Zelda]]''' for the Satellaview
* 2. '''[[Zelda II: The Adventure of Link|The Adventure of Link]]:''' attempt to resurrect Ganon.
* '''[[Zelda II: The Adventure of Link]]''' for the [[NES]]
* 3. '''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past|A Link to the Past]]:''' a prequel<ref><small> '''Prequel''' = se<u>quel</u> (released later) taking place in a <u>pre</u>vious time. </small></ref>, telling the rise of Ganon in the land of Hyrule.
* '''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past]]''' for the [[SNES]]
* 4. '''[[The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening|Link's Awakening]]:''' Ganon appears in a nightmare, i.e. in memories of the past.
* '''[[BS Zelda: Kodai no Sekiban]]''' for the Satellaview
* '''[[The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening]]''' for the [[Game Boy]]
* '''[[The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening|The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX]]''' for the [[Game Boy Color]]
* '''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time]]''' for the [[Nintendo 64]], [[iQue Player]], and [[Nintendo GameCube]]
* '''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Master Quest]]''' for the [[Nintendo GameCube]] (originally intended for the [[Nintendo 64 DD]])
* '''[[The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask]]''' for the [[Nintendo 64]] and [[Nintendo GameCube]].
* '''[[The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons]]''' for the [[Game Boy Color]]
* '''[[The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages]]''' for the [[Game Boy Color]]
* '''[[The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords]]''' for the [[GBA]]
* '''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker]]''' for the [[Nintendo GameCube]]
* '''[[The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures]]''' for the [[Nintendo GameCube]]
* '''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap]]''' for the [[GBA]]
* '''[[The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess]]''' for the [[Nintendo GameCube]] and [[Wii]]
* '''[[The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass]]''' for the [[Nintendo DS]]
===CD-i games===
After that, the 5th Legend of Zelda (''Ocarina of Time'') openly contradicted the story of Link's childhood as told in the 3rd one. It created a continuity problem, thus setting the base for a different timeline.
These three games were created by Phillips for their [[:Category:Philips CD-i|CD-i]] system. They are not part of the official chronology, and their existence is often unacknowledged by Nintendo and gamers alike.
* '''[[Link: The Faces of Evil]]'''
Years later, more games belonging to this first timeline were released:
* '''[[Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon]]'''
* 7. '''[[The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages|Oracle of Ages]]''' & '''[[The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons|Oracle of Seasons]]:''' another attempt ot resurrect Ganon.
* '''[[Zelda's Adventure]]'''
* 16. '''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds|A Link between Worlds]]''' (original title: ''"Triforce of the Gods 2"''): a direct sequel to the 3rd Legend of Zelda (''"Triforce of the Gods"'').
* 17. '''[[The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes|Tri Force Heroes]]:''' a further sequel to the 3rd Legend of Zelda.
==Chronology==
=== Central timeline ===
:''See [http://zelda.wikia.com/wiki/Legend_of_Zelda_Timeline The Legend of Zelda Timeline] and the [http://zelda.wikia.com/wiki/Timeline_Theory_Page Timeline Theory page] at the [http://zelda.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page Zelda Wiki] for more information on the chronology.''
* ''Official names:''
** ''' Legend of the gods and the hero of time''''' (up to the events of ''Ocarina of Time'')''
** ''' The dark world and the hero's descendants''''' (after the events of ''Ocarina of Time'')''
** ''' Child era''''' (after the events of ''Ocarina of Time'')''
The actual chronology of ''Zelda'' is rather confusing. While it may seem like a straight forward chronology at first, the games have been divided into clusters of games taking place separated by centuries ("generations"). As a result games that used to be sequential are now practically unrelated. For example, ''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past|A Link to the Past]]'' used to be a direct prequel to ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'', but now takes place in a different generation, with a completely different Link, Zelda, and Gannon.
In 1998, the 5th Legend of Zelda created a chronology problem that received an official answer only thirteen years later, in 2011. With ''Ocarina of Time'', the chronology of the various legends of Zelda splits in three: the [[#Original timeline: the last hero and Hyrule's decline|#Last hero timeline]] above, this "central" timeline, and the [[#New World timeline and the Hero of Wind|#New world timeline]] below.
'''Notes'''
The following legends belong to this central timeline, before and after the "three-fork":
* Generation 5 could come after Generation 6 and possibly 7.
* Legends featuring the magical Ocarina:
* ''Link's Awakening'' and ''Kodai no Sekiban'' may take place at the same time
** 5. '''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|Ocarina of Time]]:''' it tells how the desert raider Ganondorf turned into the monstruous Ganon.
** 6. '''[[The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask|Majora's Mask]]:''' a direct sequel to the 5th Legend of Zelda.
* Legends featuring the Four Sword and Vaati:
** 8. '''[[The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords|Four Swords]]:''' set before ''Ocarina of Time''.
** 10. '''[[The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures|Four Swords Adventures]]:''' set after ''Ocarina of Time'' and ''Majora's Mask''.
** 11. '''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap|The Minish Cap]]:''' a prequel to the other two, telling how Vaati of the Minish people turned into a demon.
* 12. '''[[The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|Twilight Princess]]:''' set after ''Majora's Mask''.
* 15. '''[[The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword|Skyward Sword]]:''' set before ''Ocarina of Time'' and ''The Minish Cap''.
It has also be suggested within the fan community that each "generation" is actually the same thing - the legends have just changed over geography and time. In effect, each generation is the same story, just told by a different person. The creators of the series maintain that there is in fact a timeline and each game is a unique story.
=== New world timeline ===
* ''Official names:''
** '''The hero of wind and a new world'''
** '''Adult era'''
In 2003, the 9th Legend of Zelda (''"The Wind Waker"'') openly contradicted both the 3rd and 5th legends of Zelda about the childhood of Link and the origins of Ganondorf. It was the start of a new timeline.
* 9. '''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|The Wind Waker]]:''' Ganondorf if a sea pirate, instead of a desert raider.
* 13. '''[[The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass|Phantom Hourglass]]:''' a direct sequel to the above.
* 14. '''[[The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks|Spirit Tracks]]:''' a direct sequel to the two above.
===Generation 1===
=== Future timeline ===
# ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap|The Minish Cap]]''
The 18th and 19th legends of Zelda (''[[The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild|Breath of the Wild]]'' and ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom|Tears of the Kingdom]]'') are officially set long, long after all known legends. In fact, they include references to all the three timelines above.
===Generation 2===
<references/>
# ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords|Four Swords]]''
# ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures|Four Swords Adventures]]''
===Generation 3===
{{The Legend of Zelda}}
# ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|Ocarina of Time]]''
# ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask|Majora's Mask]]''
===Generation 4===
{{DEFAULTSORT:Legend of Zelda, The}}
# ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|Twilight Princess]]''
===Generation 5===
# ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|The Wind Waker]]''
# ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass|Phantom Hourglass]]''
===Generation 6===
# ''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past|A Link to the Past]]''
# ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons|Oracle of Seasons]]'' and ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages|Oracle of Ages]]''
# ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening|Link's Awakening]]''
# ''[[BS Zelda: Kodai no Sekiban]]''
===Generation 7===
# ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]''
# ''[[Zelda II: The Adventure of Link|The Adventure of Link]]''
==Resources==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Legend_of_Zelda_series_games Game list]
* [http://www.zelda.com Zelda.com] - Official site, featuring an encyclopedia
* [http://www.mobygames.com/game_group/sheet/gameGroupId,596/ ''Legend of Zelda'' series] at MobyGames
* [http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/hist_zelda/index.html The history of ''Zelda''] at Gamespot
* [http://zelda.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page ''Zelda'' wiki], includes information about the [http://zelda.wikia.com/wiki/Legend_of_Zelda_Timeline timeline]
The Legend of Zelda is one of Nintendo's most famous series, and one of the longest running series. A Zelda game has appeared on every Nintendo console, an accomplishment shared only with Mario. The games are adventure games that focus primarily on puzzle soving and exploration. The only game to radically break from the normal style was Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, which was a sidescrolling game with experience points typical of most Role-Playing Games. Actually, all titles in the series feature every (Japanese) role-playing element except for experience points.
The games generally revolve around a young adventurer, Link, and his quest to save the land from an evil force (usually Ganon). Traditionally Link would fight his nemesis Ganon at the end, and have to save Princess Zelda at some point. In modern games, Zelda has become less of a damsel in distress and has taken a more active role in fighting evil.
3. A Link to the Past: a prequel[1], telling the rise of Ganon in the land of Hyrule.
4. Link's Awakening: Ganon appears in a nightmare, i.e. in memories of the past.
After that, the 5th Legend of Zelda (Ocarina of Time) openly contradicted the story of Link's childhood as told in the 3rd one. It created a continuity problem, thus setting the base for a different timeline.
Years later, more games belonging to this first timeline were released:
Legend of the gods and the hero of time (up to the events of Ocarina of Time)
The dark world and the hero's descendants (after the events of Ocarina of Time)
Child era (after the events of Ocarina of Time)
In 1998, the 5th Legend of Zelda created a chronology problem that received an official answer only thirteen years later, in 2011. With Ocarina of Time, the chronology of the various legends of Zelda splits in three: the #Last hero timeline above, this "central" timeline, and the #New world timeline below.
The following legends belong to this central timeline, before and after the "three-fork":
Legends featuring the magical Ocarina:
5. Ocarina of Time: it tells how the desert raider Ganondorf turned into the monstruous Ganon.
6. Majora's Mask: a direct sequel to the 5th Legend of Zelda.
In 2003, the 9th Legend of Zelda ("The Wind Waker") openly contradicted both the 3rd and 5th legends of Zelda about the childhood of Link and the origins of Ganondorf. It was the start of a new timeline.
9. The Wind Waker: Ganondorf if a sea pirate, instead of a desert raider.
The 18th and 19th legends of Zelda (Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom) are officially set long, long after all known legends. In fact, they include references to all the three timelines above.
↑Prequel = sequel (released later) taking place in a previous time.
NES 
SNES (BS The Legend of Zelda; fan translation)