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The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Lore Overview

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is an open-world action-adventure game that introduces players to a vast world filled with intricate lore, rich history, and a compelling narrative. Set in the kingdom of Hyrule, the game weaves a tapestry of legends, ancient battles, and mystical forces.

The Legend and the Calamity

At the heart of Breath of the Wild lies the tale of Calamity Ganon, an ancient evil that has plagued the land of Hyrule for millennia. According to the legend, Ganon is a primal force of destruction and chaos, an incarnation of the eternal antagonist in the Zelda series. Throughout history, Ganon has been defeated and sealed away by the hero wielding the Master Sword and the princess possessing the power of the Goddess Hylia.

The current narrative unfolds 10,000 years after a bygone era when Hyrule was a technological marvel. In anticipation of Ganon's return, the ancient Sheikah tribe constructed mechanical protectors known as Guardians and four colossal machines called Divine Beasts. These constructs were intended to aid the hero and princess in their battle against Ganon.

The Fall of Hyrule

A century before the events of Breath of the Wild, Hyrule's inhabitants rediscovered these ancient technologies and prepared for Ganon's return. Princess Zelda, the heir to Hyrule's throne, was tasked with awakening her sacred power, while Link, a young knight, was chosen as the hero to wield the Master Sword.

However, when Calamity Ganon finally emerged, he corrupted the Guardians and Divine Beasts, turning them against Hyrule. The kingdom fell into ruin, and Link was gravely injured while defending Zelda. In a desperate move, Zelda used her power to seal Ganon within Hyrule Castle, and Link was placed in a healing chamber known as the Shrine of Resurrection.

Awakening in a New World

The game begins with Link awakening from a century-long slumber. Guided by a mysterious voice, later revealed to be Zelda's, Link sets off on a quest to regain his lost memories, free the Divine Beasts from Ganon's control, and ultimately defeat Calamity Ganon to save Zelda and restore peace to Hyrule.

The Divine Beasts and Champions

Central to Link's quest are the four Divine Beasts: Vah Ruta, Vah Rudania, Vah Medoh, and Vah Naboris. Each Beast is associated with a different race in Hyrule—the Zora, Goron, Rito, and Gerudo, respectively—and was once piloted by a Champion chosen from each race.

1. Mipha, the Zora Princess, piloted Divine Beast Vah Ruta. Known for her healing abilities and deep bond with Link, Mipha's spirit guides Link to reclaim Ruta from Ganon's control.

2. Daruk, the Goron Champion, was the pilot of Divine Beast Vah Rudania. With his immense strength and protective spirit, Daruk serves as a steadfast ally in Link's journey.

3. Revali, the Rito Champion, controlled Divine Beast Vah Medoh. Known for his exceptional archery skills and competitive nature, Revali's spirit aids Link in overcoming challenges in the skies.

4. Urbosa, the Gerudo Chief, piloted Divine Beast Vah Naboris. With her commanding presence and mastery of lightning, Urbosa's spirit supports Link in the harsh Gerudo Desert.

The Sheikah Slate and Ancient Technology

Throughout his journey, Link employs the Sheikah Slate, a mysterious tablet-like device that grants him various powers. The slate can manipulate metal objects, create bombs, freeze time for certain objects, and generate ice pillars, reflecting the advanced technology of the Sheikah. This ancient tribe, known for their wisdom and technological prowess, plays a crucial role in the lore, serving as both protectors and keepers of Hyrule's history.

Themes and Mythology

Breath of the Wild explores themes of courage, loss, and redemption. It delves into the cyclical nature of the battle between good and evil, embodied by Link and Ganon, and the enduring hope represented by Zelda. The game's open-world design allows players to uncover stories of the past, including the personal struggles of Zelda as she seeks to awaken her power, the sacrifices of the Champions, and the resilience of Hyrule's people.

Conclusion

The lore of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a rich narrative tapestry that combines ancient myths, personal stories, and epic battles. As players journey through Hyrule, they encounter echoes of the past and shape the future, embodying the timeless struggle between light and darkness in a world teeming with mystery and wonder.

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The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and the Zelda Timeline Theory

The Legend of Zelda series, developed by Nintendo, is known for its intricate and often mysterious timeline. With the release of "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" (BotW), fans have been eager to place this game within the established timeline. Below is a detailed exploration of how Breath of the Wild fits into the Zelda timeline theory.

Overview of the Zelda Timeline

The official Zelda timeline, as outlined in the Hyrule Historia, splits into three branches following the events of "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time":

1. The Decline Timeline: Where Link is defeated by Ganon in Ocarina of Time.
2. The Child Timeline: Where Link is sent back to his childhood, preventing Ganon's rise to power.
3. The Adult Timeline: Where Link defeats Ganon and leaves, allowing the timeline to follow his absence in a world where Ganon has been sealed.

Breath of the Wild’s Place in the Timeline

Nintendo has been deliberately vague about Breath of the Wild's exact placement within the timeline. The game's producer, Eiji Aonuma, and director, Hidemaro Fujibayashi, have mentioned that the game takes place at the end of the timeline but have not specified which branch it belongs to. This ambiguity has led to various fan theories and discussions.

Key Theories

1. Unification Theory: Breath of the Wild is suggested to take place at the end of a unified timeline. This theory posits that the three branches converge into one due to the apocalyptic events and the passage of time that reshape Hyrule. Evidence supporting this includes the presence of elements and references from all three timelines, such as the Temple of Time from the Child Timeline, Koroks from the Adult Timeline, and enemies like Lynels from the Decline Timeline.

2. Decline Timeline Theory: Some fans believe it makes the most sense for BotW to be at the end of the Decline Timeline, where Hyrule has experienced repeated cycles of decay and revival. The presence of classic enemies and the theme of a fallen kingdom align with this theory.

3. Child Timeline Theory: This theory suggests that BotW follows the events of "Twilight Princess" and "Four Swords Adventures." The existence of certain landmarks and the history of the regions in BotW can be traced back to these games.

4. Adult Timeline Theory: Another perspective is that Breath of the Wild follows the Adult Timeline, succeeding the events of "The Wind Waker" and "Phantom Hourglass," where Hyrule is submerged and eventually a new continent is discovered. This theory highlights the evolution and reformation of the kingdom over millennia.

The In-Game Evidence

• Races and Characters: Breath of the Wild features a mix of races from different timelines, including the Rito (from the Adult Timeline) and the Zora (prominent in the Child and Decline Timelines).
• Artifacts and Ruins: Various ruins and structures reference past games, such as the Lon Lon Ranch ruins, which suggest a continuity with Ocarina of Time.
• Master Sword and Ganon: The presence of the Master Sword and Calamity Ganon's cyclical nature are central to the series' lore, supporting the idea of an ultimate culmination point in the timeline.

Conclusion

The placement of "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" within the Zelda timeline remains a topic of much speculation and debate. Its deliberate ambiguity allows for creative interpretations and discussions among fans. Whether it represents a convergence of timelines, a continuation of a specific branch, or a new era altogether, Breath of the Wild serves as a testament to the enduring and evolving legacy of the Zelda franchise. Nintendo's choice to keep its timeline placement ambiguous adds to the game's mystique and encourages players to explore its rich world and history with an open mind.