Post your timeline theories!
I agree with the timeline theory, the theory that OoT left two timelines available. 1 being the time where Ganon is sealed away and where Link is sent back. The second being when Ganondorf was banished back when Link was Young Link.
In order to completely follow my theory, you must understand that there are many different Link's and Zelda's. Anyways...from start to end..
1) The Minish Cap (GBA)- The Hero refered to is the Hero of Man in the opener. Link obtains his trademark Green hat here too.
2) The Four Swords (GBA) - Mainly because you do not have the sages mentioned nor is Ganon here.
3) Ocarina of Time (N64) - This justs seems to fit. Besides the interview that was made in 1999 claiming this to be the first game, you also have Ganondorf and Ganon introduced. The Sages are also here.
TIMELINE A - Where Young Link and Young Zelda turn Ganondorf in to the officials before Ganondorf takes over Hyrule
4a) Majora's Mask (N64) - Direct sequel to OoT. Same Zelda. Same Ocarina.
5a) Four Swords Adventure (GC) - I haven't played this game, but from what I hear, this seems to be the most logical placement. The time period of silence I put between Majora's Mask and the Oracles allow enough time for this to occur.
6a) Oracle of Seasons/Oracle of Time (GBC) - This is my ending to timeline A. This may tick off some Zelda fans, but this is where I believe it ends. Anyways, the oracle duo is the duo that truly originated the split timeline theory. It is theorized that these two games occur simultaneously within the two different timelines. Neither mention ganon or the sages, so other placement other than the very end of the timeline doesn't make much sense. If you combine the playing of both these games, you do encounter Ganon. I believe that encountering Ganon merges the timeline back together.
TIMELINE B - The timeline where you have Adult Zelda, No Link, and a banished form of Ganon
4b) Twilight Princess (GC/Wii) - I place this here not only because it occurs after 100 years after OoT, but I believe that the reincarnation of Ganon is the reincarnation of the Ganon sealed away. Also, Link in this version does not appear to know much of the plot of OoT. I believe that this is a different Link than the one in OoT as well.
5b) Windwaker (GC) - I place this game in this timeline just because it mentions the sealing away of Ganon. It also is placed hear by many other theories. The flooding of the Sea has explained to be caused by the Sealing of Ganon again. I believe this is yet another new Link and Zelda, as both are clueless of who they really are.
6b) Phantom Hourglass (DS) - Direct sequel to Windwaker.
7b) Link's Awakening (GB/GBC) - I believe that this game occurs with the same Link as the Windwaker and Phantom Hourglass Link. Zelda is not mentioned at all in this game (except for a brief exclamation by Link at the beginning), plus it appears that Link has his own boat and he is in a great ocean when he is shipwrecked. To me, this sounds like the Great Sea of Hyrule of WW and PH.
8b) Legend of Zelda (NES) - Woo! Yeah! More destruction of what you thought was truth!
Anyways...I place this here mainly because of the following. There is no Lake Hylia as in other Zelda games except the ones that follow this game as well. Without Hylia, what if the Great Sea of Hyrule from WW, PH, and LA had eventually left? The sea level would be all that is left. The Mountain at the top of the map could be the Death Mountain Range, however you can never reach the top because it is so far out of water. This also would lead for a new hero of Link to get his weapons. Also, no cities on this map would suggest that either the people are living on death mountain or somewhere else (which I will get to shortly). This is probably the most controversial point of my theory, but I am very open to discussion of it. Also, with Ganon, not Ganondorf, this seems to flow as well.
9b) Adventure of Link (NES) - Sequel to LoZ. I believe Link eventually got over the mountain range and hears the official "Legend of Zelda". He then has reached civilization and towns and the like. Also, the towns (cept the port) are named after the Sages, which in the other timeline were not known. This game does not have Lake Hylia either, so it makes sense.
10b) Oracle of Ages/Oracle of Seasons (GBC) - Whichever one goes in which timeline is completely up in the air. However, the other goes hear, and ends this timeline.
Now....only one game out. If you consider Crossbow Training a game, I would put it with Twilight Princess.
The one true game I left out was A Link to the Past. Honestly, I am not entirely sure where this game fits. It could come after Twilight Princess, which makes the most sense, or it could come after Four Swords Adventure. If it comes after Twilight Princess, it could make sense, but why does he have a trident all of a sudden? If it came after Four Swords Adventure, then that would explain why Ganon has a trident, but how does the opening know of the Sages? One possible view is that Young Link told the King of Hyrule back in OoT of his adult adventures and this leads to how it is mentioned as part of the history of Alttp. However, if Young Link did do this, it could shift a couple of my views. Personally, I dont think Young Link and the King of Hyrule were on speaking terms. I will probably replay Alttp to find a permanent spot in this timeline theory of mine.
Anyways....there you go. My Legend of Zelda timeline theory. I am welcome to discuss any parts you may have questions about. Feel free to post your own theories.
