Nintendo Unveils Echoes of Wisdom’s Position in The Legend of Zelda Timeline

Where does Echoes of Wisdom fit in the legendary Zelda timeline? Fans have been curious about this since the long-awaited release of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. Sitting snugly between Tri Force Heroes and the original Legend of Zelda, this game finds its place in the intriguing narrative arc known as the “Hero is defeated” timeline—a dimension where the hero Link was unable to overcome Ganon in Ocarina of Time.

Any new Zelda game instantly sparks debates about its chronological spot within the series. Although Nintendo does offer a so-called official timeline, this hasn’t stopped players from concocting their own theories that sometimes feel more cohesive. Even the series director once admitted that gameplay is prioritized over story continuity. This indicates that the creators might not be as invested in the sequence of events as the fans are. However, for the franchise enthusiasts, knowing where Echoes of Wisdom fits is an important piece of the puzzle.

At launch on September 26, there was still a lingering question about precisely where Echoes of Wisdom fit into the grand Zelda tapestry. It wasn’t until Nintendo updated the series’ timeline that the picture became clear. Falling into the “Hero is defeated” lineage, this game is officially set after Tri Force Heroes, putting it a few steps away from Link’s Awakening, which largely influenced its visual style.

Think of Echoes of Wisdom as somewhat of a prequel to 1986’s Original Legend of Zelda, but not exactly a direct predecessor. The game’s timeline suggests an interim period: the “decline of Hyrule,” filled with lore but no playable content before the events of the earliest Zelda game. This period was already hinted at in the lore, and now Echoes of Wisdom neatly slots into this era of decline, narratively preceding the fall of Hyrule.

Most fans won’t find the freshly defined timeline placement too shocking, as it fits with earlier speculations they’ve had. However, it’s not without its quirks: the portrayal of the Triforce as a mysterious and obscure power seems more at home in the adult timeline instead of the downfall line. But, like many elements of the Zelda canon, this kind of inconsistency is par for the course. Nintendo appears more focused on crafting enjoyable experiences than weaving a tight-knit storyline. Now, at the very least, the fan community can stop debating where the game fits into the timeline.

In this latest chapter, Princess Zelda steps to the forefront, tasked with rescuing Hyrule’s citizens from strange interdimensional rifts. With Link nowhere to be seen, players guide Zelda alongside a mystical creature named Tri, harnessing the Tri Rod to create and manipulate “echoes” for solving puzzles and combating foes. These echoes mimic elements from the environment or creatures, lending flexibility to overcome obstacles and customize battle strategies. It’s a refreshing take on Zelda mechanics that continue to prioritize the series’ tradition of inventive gameplay.