If you’re a fan of comics, you’ve undoubtedly heard the term “multiverse” thrown around. In stories, the multiverse is in infinite number of parallel but unique dimensions. These dimensions often converge in media, erupting into epic battles. Introducing the multiverse is a way for long established franchises to open the door for infinite storytelling possibilities. Every plot and character is canon, existing within the infinite framework of dimensions.

Zelda’s official timeline—which exists to keep canon games tied to a cohesive narrative—has one big issue. All stories must work within the framework of one universe with a time travel problem. Yes, the branches of the timeline are largely divergent from one another, but everything stays encapsulated in the same universe. This concept limits where on the timeline developers can write new stories, and creates a large distinction between canon and non-canon works. It even limits how characters can look and act, locking them in to a particular presentation.

It’s the reason why Age of Calamity is non-canon prequel with no timeline placement. Were Age of Calamity canon, the story’s first five minutes would have resulted in a timeline branch. Creating more branches just results in further writing room headaches. It’s a lot easier for developers to hand-wave away the game’s story than try to place it. Now, imagine if the Zelda timeline were more like the first Hyrule Warriors, a game where each character hails from a different Hylian universe.

The result is a framework which allows every Zelda game to be canon. Or, even better, unbeholden to the timeline. Just imagine the storytelling possibilities! Titles could and will still relate to companion stories the way Ocarina and Majora’s Mask do. But writers wouldn’t be bound by the pressures of making an epic time-travel fantasy that’s perfectly in tune with prior titles. Stories from vastly different points in the timeline could actually be taking place at the same time. Everything from Link’s appearance in Super Mario RPG to the CD-i titles would be canon. Each telling the same, but different, story of divine bonds forged across time and space.

Where do you fall on this topic? Do you enjoy having a singular canon universe paired with side stories of no consequence? Or do you long for the chaos and fun that comes with a multiverse approach? Let us know in the comments!

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