The Zelda timeline has always been a bit of a mess for fans to follow, especially with some games taking place in seemingly different universes altogether. Clearly, none of the Links who've appeared in any of the Zelda games are the same Link. Each of them is a different hero of time, meant to fulfill his own prophecy.

Until now, fans could only speculate about the timeline in which each Zelda game takes place. Thanks to Nintendo's release of the Hyrule Historia, fans can finally put their speculation to rest.

The Hyrule Historia is an artbook released by Nintendo for the game's 25th anniversary. It contains an official timeline, which indicates that the Legend of Zelda is split into three parallel universes, all of which are caused by Link's actions in Ocarina of Time.

According to the timeline, should Link fail in his quest to defeat Ganon, the events of A Link to the Past will occur. If Ganon is defeated, the timeline is split into two possible directions. The Wind Waker branches off from a future timeline where Ganon ruled for seven years, while Majora's Mask follows the ending of Ocarina of Time with Link returning to his childhood village.

It should come as a surprise to everyone that Skyward Sword precedes every other Zelda in the timeline, followed by The Minish Cap, Four Swords, and finally Ocarina of Time.

1. Skyward Sword

2. The Minish Cap

3. Four Swords

4. Ocarina of Time

Timeline A: Link is defeated by Ganon

5A. A Link to the Past

6A. Oracle of Ages/Oracle of Seasons

7A. Link’s Awakening

8A. The Legend of Zelda

9A. Zelda II: The Adventure of Link

Timeline B:

Link Defeats Ganon in OoT, Returns to His Boyhood Timeline, Continues From the Past

5B. Majora’s Mask

6B. Twilight Princess

7B. Four Swords Adventures

Timeline C:

Link Defeats Ganon in OoT, Returns to His Boyhood Timeline, Continues From the Future

5C. The Wind Waker

6C. Phantom Hourglass

7C. Spirit Tracks

[ Source: Kotaku ]