Is Hyrule Warriors Not Canon? Unraveling the Zelda Timeline
Yes, the original Hyrule Warriors and, arguably, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity are generally considered non-canon within the main Legend of Zelda universe, with Age of Calamity’s canon status being more nuanced due to its thematic ties to Breath of the Wild (BOTW). The original Hyrule Warriors is a celebratory mashup, drawing characters and settings from across the Zelda timeline, resulting in a narrative that doesn’t fit neatly into the established chronology. Age of Calamity, while presented as a prequel to Breath of the Wild, introduces timeline divergences that challenge its place in the primary canon. While the mainline Zelda titles generally adhere to a convoluted but present timeline, the Warriors games operate outside those constraints, prioritizing gameplay and fan service over strict adherence to established lore.
Hyrule Warriors: A Celebration, Not a Chronicle
The Nature of Spin-Offs
The crucial point to understand is that Hyrule Warriors is a spin-off. Spin-offs, by their very nature, often prioritize entertainment and unique gameplay experiences over strict adherence to established lore. They exist in the periphery of the main narrative, offering a different perspective or an alternate interpretation of events.
The original Hyrule Warriors is a perfect example of this. It pulls characters and locations from across the entire Zelda timeline, allowing Link from Ocarina of Time to fight alongside Zelda from Twilight Princess against villains from Skyward Sword. This creates exciting gameplay possibilities but results in a storyline that’s incompatible with the canonical timeline. Nintendo itself has classified the original Hyrule Warriors as a non-canon title.
Age of Calamity: A More Complicated Case
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity presents a more intricate case. Initially marketed as a prequel to Breath of the Wild, it offered fans a chance to experience the events of the Great Calamity firsthand. However, the game introduced timeline divergences. These divergences include the appearance of miniature Guardian robots sent from the future, which alter the course of events and ultimately prevent the complete destruction of Hyrule as depicted in Breath of the Wild.
The fact that Age of Calamity depicts a different outcome to the Calamity than what is established in Breath of the Wild is a pretty strong clue about its place in the grand scheme of things. Breath of the Wild is very firmly in the canon, and Age of Calamity creates a branched timeline diverging from that. Therefore, the events of Age of Calamity are not necessarily what happened leading up to Breath of the Wild within the prime timeline.
Canon Guidelines and Divergences
According to established canon guidelines, if the order of events differs irreconcilably from what Nintendo has previously established, the work is considered non-canon. Age of Calamity falls into this category due to the alterations in the timeline. The characters’ actions in Age of Calamity and the intervention of time travel elements create an alternate reality. This creates a separate timeline rather than strictly falling within the existing Zelda lore.
The Importance of Player Experience
Ultimately, the canon status of Hyrule Warriors and Age of Calamity is less important than the experiences they offer players. These games provide engaging gameplay, allow players to embody beloved characters, and expand the world of Hyrule in exciting new ways. They are a celebration of the franchise, offering a different kind of adventure within the established universe. Understanding the complexities of canon in gaming can be supported by resources from educational organizations like the Games Learning Society, which explores the intersection of games and learning, found at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does “canon” mean in the context of video games?
In the context of video games, canon refers to the officially recognized storyline, events, and characters that are considered to be part of the established universe. Canon provides a consistent narrative framework for the franchise. Any elements that directly contradict or deviate from the canon are considered non-canon.
2. Are all Zelda games canon?
The majority of mainline Zelda games are generally considered canon, although the specifics of their placement on the timeline are often debated. Spin-offs, however, are less likely to be strictly canon.
3. Is Breath of the Wild canon?
Yes, Breath of the Wild is considered a mainline Zelda game and is, therefore, considered canon. It holds a significant place in the Zelda timeline.
4. How does the Zelda timeline work?
The Zelda timeline is complex and has undergone numerous revisions over the years. According to the official Hyrule Historia, the timeline splits into multiple branches after the events of Ocarina of Time. These branches lead to different storylines and continuities.
5. Where does Hyrule Warriors fit into the Zelda timeline?
The original Hyrule Warriors does not fit into the Zelda timeline. It is a non-canon spin-off that brings together characters and locations from different eras, creating its own self-contained narrative.
6. Is Age of Calamity a sequel to Breath of the Wild?
No, Age of Calamity is a prequel to Breath of the Wild, set 100 years before the events of BOTW. However, it diverges from the established timeline, making its canonicity questionable.
7. Why is Age of Calamity considered non-canon by some?
Age of Calamity introduces timeline divergences due to time travel elements and altered outcomes of key events. These differences contradict the established events of Breath of the Wild, leading some to consider it non-canon.
8. Does Nintendo consider Hyrule Warriors canon?
Nintendo has classified the original Hyrule Warriors as a non-canon spin-off. The canonicity of Age of Calamity is more ambiguous, as Nintendo has not explicitly stated whether it is officially part of the main timeline.
9. Are there any Zelda spin-offs that are considered canon?
Most Zelda spin-offs are generally considered non-canon. However, some spin-offs, like Link’s Awakening, have been incorporated into the official timeline. The Oracle series (Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages) are also considered canon.
10. Is the order of events important for determining canon?
Yes, the order of events is crucial for determining canon. If the order of events in a particular game differs significantly from what has been previously established, it is less likely to be considered canon.
11. Is Skyward Sword a canon game?
Yes, Skyward Sword is considered a canon game. It is the earliest game chronologically in the Zelda timeline and sets up the origin story of Link, Zelda, and the Master Sword.
12. Are all versions of Link and Zelda the same character?
No, Link and Zelda are typically portrayed as reincarnations of their original selves, often destined to fight against the recurring evil of Ganon. Each incarnation has their own unique personality, history, and relationships.
13. What is the difference between a mainline Zelda game and a spin-off?
A mainline Zelda game is a core installment in the series that directly contributes to the overarching narrative and mythology. A spin-off is a game that takes place within the Zelda universe but focuses on different gameplay mechanics or storylines, often with a less direct connection to the main narrative.
14. Why do fans care about Zelda canon?
Zelda fans care about canon because it provides a sense of continuity and cohesion to the series. Canon helps to establish a consistent history and mythology, allowing fans to better understand and appreciate the interconnectedness of the games. Also, it helps to know what happened in the world before the games begin.
15. Where can I learn more about Zelda lore and canon?
You can learn more about Zelda lore and canon from a variety of sources, including the Hyrule Historia book, official Nintendo websites, fan wikis, and online forums. The GamesLearningSociety.org is also a valuable resource for understanding the educational aspects of gaming and storytelling.