Breath of the Wild takes place after Adventure of Link if Link dies
There are many theories on where the new installment in the franchise will take place (Breath of the Wild.) The one that is most speculated is that this game takes place after Ocarina of Time in the Fallen Hero Timeline before LTTP. At first, I agreed with this theory but then I got to thinking. What if only part of this
Theory: There is a split during Adventure of Link (Zelda 2) if/when you die and Breath of the Wild is the first in this new timeline (The Fallen Hero in the Fallen Hero Timeline).
Why the split here?
Notice in pretty much every other Zelda installment the Game Over screen reads "Game Over." However, in this game it reads "Return of Ganon" with an evil laugh, who presumably, is Ganon. Now you may say, part of the plot is to prevent the resurrection of Ganon, who for some reason needs the blood of Link to be resurrected. Well, in Majora's Mask, part of the plot is to prevent the moon falling so when you die from running out of hearts, shouldn't you be met with a cutscene of the moon falling and destroying Terminia and respawn back outside Clock Tower on the Dawn of the First Day? Instead you're met with a simple Game Over screen.
OK, well, in the official timeline there is a three-way split due to the events of OOT. While, it's understandable how the Adult and Child Timelines are created due to the time travel aspect. However, nothing the game lore suggests that if you die, especially, during the final battle with Ganon, that there is an alternative ending.
What happens then?
First you must understand the plot of Adventure of Link. Open this in a new tab and then come back here.
Here are some things you'll need to remember:
1. When you die Ganon is resurrected using the blood of Link.
2. This is a direct sequel to the original Legend of Zelda, in which Breath of the Wild has a similar logo.
3. Impa exists.
4. This Zelda is in a slumber but the prince declares to name all female children of the royal household Zelda.
5. Link must journey to different palaces to defeat "guardians."
6. Hyrule during this time is not 1 country but split up, similar to how the Hyrule in BOTW is split up into different regions.
First of off, Ganon has been resurrected a few times in the series prior to this. Never, have they mentioned needing the Blood of the Hero to do so. Perhaps, this a plot to try to make it so that Ganon cannot be destroyed by the Master Sword.
So let's say this is similar to Voldemort's resurrection using Harry Potter's blood.
We know that in BOTW, the Master Sword, the Blade of Evil's Bane, is pretty much the only thing known to be able to defeat Ganon. However, this new Ganon (Calamity Ganon), which has the Blood of a Hero running through his veins. Now, similar to Samurai Jack, Jack's sword will not hurt him. So, could the reason the Master Sword is really damaged is because it's a sort of defense mechanism because the spirit of the blade believes it's trying to harm a hero?
Now, let's talk about Impa. When you hear Link, you automatically, think of a hero. Zelda is a princess who needs rescuing and, usually, has some other significant meaning to the overall plot. Ganon is the villain. so, Impa, we know has always been a Sheikah, even if not, actually mentioned, because each installment in the series is a legend, and sometimes not every detail of a legend is retold and some parts are changed.
About two decades after the original is killed, a new more powerful Ganon is resurrected. A new Link sets out on a quest to defeat Ganon. Sometime during this time period the guardians are activated to help Link but turn against the Sheikah due to Ganon. Link meets the new Zelda (Who is probably the daughter of the prince mentioned in Zelda 2), who tells Link where he can find the Master Sword. He pulls the blade and returns to Zelda who gets captured. Link goes to confront Ganon but the Master Sword has no effect on Ganon anymore with former Link's blood coursing through his veins. Link is moments from death before Zelda sends him to the Shrine of Resurrection and seals Ganon in Hyrule Castle and 100 years past... "Open your eyes!" Breath of the Wild begins.
