The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia

The Legend of Zelda series has a controversial and frequently debated chronological timeline of events. It is often caught in the midst of controversy surrounding its birth and English translation, and is officially mentioned in the book, Hyrule Historia.

Following the events of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, the timeline splits into three distinct paths.

Overview
This brief summary contains Hyrule's history as far as the timeline's version of events goes.

Creation of the World
The Three Golden Goddesses created the land that will come to be known as Hyrule and leave behind the Triforce, golden triangles bearing the goddesses' courage, power and wisdom.

The Goddess Hylia
Evil appears from beneath the land. The Goddess Hylia, entrusted with the Triforce and the protection of the world, seals away Demise. She knows that Demise will come again and she will be powerless to stop him. A goddess cannot use the Triforce, so she gives up her divine form to unlock the power of the Triforce for her and a chosen hero so that they might defeat Demise.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
Emergence of the Demon King. The Goddess Hylia is reborn as Zelda. Guided by a spirit, a young man tempers the Goddess Sword into the Master Sword and takes his place as the chosen hero. The power of the Triforce destroys Demise. The Twili are banished. The Sacred Realm is sealed. The Kingdom of Hyrule is founded.

The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
The Four Sword is born from the blade of Picori legend. Vaati rises and is sealed away.

The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords
Vaati is revived, then sealed once again by the Four Sword. The Hyrulean Civil War occurs.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Ganondorf, the King of Thieves, enters the Sacred Realm. The Triforce splits. Ganondorf transforms into Ganon, the Demon King.

Hero is Defeated
The Seven Sages seal away Ganon, King of Evil.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
The King of Evil Ganon revives, then is exterminated. The Triforce returns to Hyrule Castle.

The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons & The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages
The Triforce splits again.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
Lorule invades Hyrule. The Triforce returns to Hyrule's Sacred Realm. The Royal Family uses the Triforce. Prosperity gives way to decline, with Hyrule reduced to a small, regional power.

The Legend of Zelda
Ganon returns but is defeated. The hidden Triforce of Wisdom is located.

Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
The ancient Princess Zelda returns. The hidden Triforce of Courage is found.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
Ganondorf, King of Thieves, is banished to the Twilight Realm. The Twili invade the Kingdom of Hyrule. Ganondorf returns but is defeated by Link.

The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures
Ganondorf is reincarnated as Demon King Ganon. The demon Vaati is reincarnated but is defeated. Link seals away Ganon in the Four Sword.

Adult Timeline
Hyrule is sealed and then flooded.

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
Ganondorf is revived and defeated by Link. The Triforce is united. Hyrule is washed away. Its people set out for a new land.

The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
The Kingdom of Hyrule is founded in a new land.

The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks
Demon King Malladus is revived and then defeated. Lokomo guardians return to the heavens.