Fans of The Legend of Zelda are currently analyzing Echoes of Wisdom to determine its placement in the timeline. The prevailing consensus is that it belongs to the Decline Timeline, a world where the Hero of Time is defeated by Ganon. Early speculation suggests that it could either be a sequel to Link’s Awakening or a potential bridge between Ocarina of Time and A Link to the Past.
The official timeline, as per Nintendo’s Hyrule Historia released in 2011, outlines three separate timelines branching from Ocarina of Time. These include a timeline where the Hero is defeated, as well as offshoots that occur when Zelda sends Link back to relive his childhood, resulting in the Child and Adult Eras. Playable Zelda has altered the way fans view new entries in the series, prompting them to find their place in the timeline.
The announcement of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom during the latest Nintendo Direct has led enthusiasts to dissect the trailer and promotional materials to determine its chronological placement. Many have noted the striking similarities between Echoes of Wisdom’s map and that of A Link to the Past while also indicating that the game shares the same timeline as Oracle of Seasons based on the interactions of the River and Ocean Zora. One theory suggests that it may be a sequel to Link’s Awakening, taking place after the protagonist returns to Hyrule and faces a resurrected Ganon.
Another possibility is that it serves as a bridge between Ocarina of Time and A Link to the Past due to similar outfits. While it is unclear where Echoes of Wisdom ultimately fits in the timeline, fans continue to engage in speculation until an official confirmation from Nintendo. The company has been reluctant to definitively place recent games on the timeline, such as Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, and it remains to be seen if Echoes of Wisdom will follow suit.
