Ocarina of Time Timeline & Story Explained
This article explains the complete story and timeline of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for new players, covering the Child and Adult eras, the seven-year gap, and how the game splits the entire Zelda timeline. You’ll learn the key events in order, the role of the Triforce, and how Ocarina of Time connects to other games in the series.
Background: Where Ocarina of Time Fits in the Legend of Zelda Series
Released in 1998 for the Nintendo 64, Ocarina of Time is the fifth main installment in the Zelda series but the first to feature 3D graphics and a time-travel mechanic. It is often called the “prequel� to A Link to the Past because it shows the Imprisoning War that was only mentioned in that game’s backstory. The game is set in the land of Hyrule, long before the events of most other Zelda games, and it introduces the origin of the conflict between Link, Princess Zelda, and Ganondorf—the three holders of the Triforce.
For many fans, Ocarina of Time is the turning point of the entire series timeline. Its ending splits the timeline into three branches, which Nintendo officially confirmed in the Hyrule Historia book (2011). Understanding this game is therefore key to understanding the whole Zelda chronology.
The Main Story: A Boy, a Sword, and a Seven-Year Sleep
The story begins with Link, a young boy from the Kokiri Forest, who is raised without a fairy. The Great Deku Tree sends him on a quest to stop Ganondorf, the Gerudo king, from obtaining the Triforce—a sacred relic that grants the wishes of its holder. Link visits three temples to collect spiritual stones, then uses the Master Sword in the Temple of Time to open the Door of Time and enter the Sacred Realm.
However, pulling the Master Sword is a trap. Link is not yet an adult, so the sword seals him in the Sacred Realm for seven years. When he wakes up, he is an adult and Hyrule has fallen under Ganondorf’s rule. Zelda, now a leader of a resistance, guides Link to awaken the Seven Sages and defeat Ganondorf. The game alternates between the child era (before the seven years) and the adult era (after), with Link traveling back and forth using the Ocarina of Time.
The Three Timelines: What Actually Happens After the Ending
At the end of the game, Link defeats Ganondorf in the adult era. Zelda then uses the Ocarina of Time to send Link back to his original time, before he pulled the Master Sword. This creates a split in the timeline:
- Child Timeline: Link returns to the past and warns Zelda about Ganondorf. Ganondorf is captured and executed, but he escapes and is later sealed in the Twilight Realm (setting up Twilight Princess).
- Adult Timeline: The adult Link disappears, and the Sages seal Ganondorf in the Sacred Realm. This leads to the Great Flood and the events of The Wind Waker.
- Fallen Hero Timeline: If Link is defeated by Ganondorf in the final battle, he never returns to the past. This branch leads to the Imprisoning War and the events of A Link to the Past and the original Zelda games.
This three-way split is the official explanation from Nintendo. The “fallen hero� branch is not shown in the game itself but is an implied possibility that explains why there are multiple versions of Hyrule.
Key Characters and Their Roles
Each major character in Ocarina of Time has a clear role in the story:
- Link: The hero, chosen by the Goddesses. He starts as a child and becomes an adult after seven years.
- Princess Zelda: She is a sage in training. She uses the Ocarina of Time to send Link back in time at the end.
- Ganondorf: The main antagonist. He is the Gerudo king who seeks the Triforce to rule the world.
- The Seven Sages: They are awakened by Link to seal Ganondorf. Each sage is a character Link meets during his journey, such as Saria, Darunia, Ruto, Impa, Nabooru, and Zelda herself.
Understanding these characters helps you follow the plot, especially when the game jumps between time periods.
How Time Travel Works in the Game
Time travel is the core mechanic. Link uses the Ocarina of Time to play songs that manipulate time:
- Song of Time: Opens the Door of Time and allows travel between the child and adult eras. It is also used to solve some puzzles.
- Song of Storms: Plays in the Windmill to create a storm in the past, which affects the future.
- Sun’s Song: Changes day to night or night to day.
When Link travels to the past, he keeps all his items and progress, but the world resets to a state before Ganondorf’s takeover. This means that some events in the past affect the future, such as draining a well or breaking a wall. The game uses this to create puzzles that span both time periods.
Common Misconceptions: Is Ocarina of Time the First Zelda?
Many new players assume Ocarina of Time is the first game in the series because it tells the origin of the Triforce and the Sages. However, the first game chronologically is Skyward Sword (2011), which takes place before the founding of Hyrule. Ocarina of Time is the first game in the “official� timeline that shows the Imprisoning War, but it is not the very beginning. Another misconception is that the timeline is linear; it is actually a branching timeline, as explained above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to play other Zelda games to understand Ocarina of Time?
No, Ocarina of Time is a self-contained story. You can play it without prior knowledge of the series. However, playing A Link to the Past or Skyward Sword can give you extra context about the Triforce and the Imprisoning War.
What is the correct order of the temples in Ocarina of Time?
The intended order is: Inside the Deku Tree (child), Dodongo’s Cavern (child), Jabu-Jabu’s Belly (child), then as an adult: Forest Temple, Fire Temple, Water Temple, Shadow Temple, and Spirit Temple. The order of the adult temples is flexible, but the first three are required to progress.
Why is the Water Temple considered so hard?
The Water Temple is infamous because it requires constant switching between boots that change Link’s movement and raising and lowering water levels. Many players get lost because the map is not very clear. The key is to use the map and look for small cracks in walls that can be bombed.
How many endings does Ocarina of Time have?
There is only one ending, but the timeline splits into three branches based on whether Link is defeated in the final battle. The game itself shows the child and adult endings, but the “fallen hero� branch is implied by later games.
Is the Master Sword the same in every Zelda game?
Yes, the Master Sword appears in many Zelda games, but its role varies. In Ocarina of Time, it is the key to the Sacred Realm and the cause of Link’s seven-year sleep. In other games, it is a weapon that can repel evil, but it is not always the central plot device.
What is the Imprisoning War?
The Imprisoning War is a war that happened after Ocarina of Time in the fallen hero timeline. The Sages sealed Ganondorf in the Sacred Realm, but the seal weakened over time, leading to the events of A Link to the Past. The war is only mentioned in Ocarina of Time’s backstory and is not shown.
Why the Story Still Matters Today
Ocarina of Time’s story is not just a simple hero’s journey; it is a meditation on loss, childhood, and the consequences of one’s actions. The time travel mechanic allows the player to see the direct impact of their choices, and the split timeline has become a defining feature of the Zelda franchise. For new players, understanding the story and timeline enriches the experience of playing the game and helps you appreciate the connections to later titles like Majora’s Mask (which follows the child timeline) and The Wind Waker (which follows the adult timeline).
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