That is one hell of a difficult topic, but the original question is rather easy to be answered. Cheebee already did it right I think, but I will repeat it here:
There are several Link's, and they are not even called Link! The name is just a placeholder, and it is never mentioned in game. Of course there are some games that re-use a very popular Link, i.e. they are sequels to other games.
The Zelda's are different every time too (with the exception of the sequels of course) and they are called Zelda in remembrance of one princess (Explained in the manual of The Adventure of Link).
Ganon, however, is the same person every time.
As for the timeline itself, as others stated, this is not so important for Nintendo and therefore not so easy to track. First, here is a list of the games that clearly relate to each other and have the same link starring:
The Legend of Zelda, The Adventure of Link
A Link to the Past, Link's Awakening
Ocarina of Time, Majora's Mask
The Wind Waker, Phantom Hourglass
That leaves us The Minish Cap, The Oracles and Twilight Princess. The Minish Cap and TP clearly feature a new Link, while The Oracles both feature the same Link and also one that already was in another game, but we can't say in which one.
This makes it clear that the game that relate together come after each other in the timeline. Also, I think we can take Ocarina of Time as the first game. The rest is difficult to say.
Existing User Log In
New User Registration
Register for a free account to gain full access to the VGChartz Network and join our thriving community.
