Nintendo adds second Hyrule founding to official Zelda timeline
The updated timeline places Rauru and Sonia's kingdom directly before the ancient events of Tears of the Kingdom, including Ganondorf's rise.
Nintendo has updated the official Legend of Zelda timeline to include two separate foundings of the Kingdom of Hyrule, according to gamerant.com. The change is dated November 6, 2026.
One founding is placed between The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword and The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap. The second founding sits immediately before the ancient events of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, including Ganondorf becoming the Demon King and the Imprisoning War.
The revised timeline supports the idea that Rauru and Sonia founded a new Hyrule rather than the original kingdom.
The placement of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom on the timeline remains unanswered.
Older context
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time was released on Nintendo Switch 2 on November 5, 2026. For years, fans understood Hyrule was established sometime after Skyward Sword. Tears of the Kingdom introduced King Rauru and Queen Sonia as founders of Hyrule, prompting debate about whether the timeline had been rewritten. Ocarina of Time splits the Zelda timeline into three branches based on the outcome of Link's battle with Ganondorf, leading to games such as A Link to the Past, The Wind Waker and Majora's Mask.
Quick answers
When did Nintendo update the Zelda timeline?
Nintendo updated the official Legend of Zelda timeline on November 6, 2026.
Where is the second Hyrule founding placed?
The second founding is placed immediately before the ancient events of Tears of the Kingdom, including Ganondorf becoming the Demon King and the Imprisoning War.