Determining the "Canonical Storyline" -- Ocarina of Time

Reconstructing Ocarina of Time Into Its Purest Canon

As a moderately strict constructionist, I have, in at least a few respects, a somewhat restrictive view of what should and should not be considered as part of the Legend of Zelda canonical storyline (in terms of in-game stuff, anyway). I admit this outright; there’s no reason to hide the fact that I believe we should take as little creative license as possible when attempting to construct theories, and what little creative license we do take should take into account the spirit of the games we attempt to analyze or it should stay true to “fantasy realism” (the idea that we cannot place unreasonable expectations on people, places, or things in fantasy simply due to the fact that they exist in fantasy). There are a few cases in which I will make concessions, such as the ending of Ocarina of Time or the transition between Four Swords Adventures and A Link to the Past, but by and large I tend to go by the books.

For the purposes of this research, however, it is important to note that this constructionist view means that I adhere strongly to the idea that “If it’s not important to the plot, it doesn’t happen.” A few instances in which I exercise this view include things such as the Magic Beans sidequest in Ocarina of Time, the Gold Skulltula sidequests in Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask, the Beaver Bottle sidequest in Majora’s Mask, many of the minor sidequests in The Wind Waker, the Kinstone fusions in The Minish Cap, the Master Sword’s cameo appearance in the Oracle saga, and so on.

Also note that I follow the belief that "If it does happen, it can only happen in such a way so as to have the greatest impact on the plot." An example of this would be my placements of the trips to Lon Lon Ranch and the Kakariko Graveyard in the past. I believe that Lon Lon Ranch serves as a detour on his trip back to Kokiri Forest to learn Saria's Song, and I believe that there must be some placement (that I have yet to determine) of the trip to the Kakariko Graveyard that makes the most sense from a storyline standpoint.

As a rule, I consider quotes, items, and events to be non-canonical with respect to the storyline if they meet the following criteria:

1) If the quote, item, or event is not required to complete the game when following the typical sequence of events of that game (example: collecting and planting the Magic Beans in Ocarina of Time);
2) If the quote, item, or event does not contribute directly to the main plot of the story, either within the particular game or in a past or later game (example: taking a Pictograph of Tingle in Majora’s Mask);
3) If the quote or event gives information contributes to the main plot of the story, but is not required and the information can be obtained from a different required quote or event (example: the quotes circulating around Hyrule Castle Town in Ocarina of Time about the Temple of Time being the entrance to the Sacred Realm—since this information is later obtained through Zelda, we can safely assume that it would be unnecessary and therefore unlikely that Link would hear it from someone else as well, but we can consider the fact that the rumors were circulating as canon).

Additionally, there are exceptions to the rules set forth above:

1) Exception to Rules 1 and 3: If the quote, item, or event is not required to complete the game when following the typical sequence of events of that game, but provides potentially important backstory information not found elsewhere (example: the quotes from the Deku Tree in The Wind Waker with respect to the Koroks spreading forests across the Great Sea and with respect to the destiny of the King of Red Lions);
2) Exception to Rule 2: If the quote, item, or event is introduced in such a way that the player expects that another non-required quote or event will follow (example: since Link receives a Pictograph Box for the boat cruise in Majora’s Mask, we can assume that he actually took a picture and entered the contest, and that he followed the contest rules and took a picture of something from the swamp; what this picture is taken of is up for interpretation, of course, since it is up to the player’s discretion, but most would probably assume it is of the Deku King, since that invokes the most significant response).

Over the next several weeks, I will analyze all the significant quotes in all of the “major” Zelda titles (i.e., those that involve the Master Sword—Ocarina of Time, The Wind Waker, A Link to the Past, and eventually Twilight Princess) and attempt to sieve through the backstory and in-game text to determine what we can be certain happened in each of these games, and in what order these things happened. I will not be analyzing Majora’s Mask, Link’s Awakening, or the Oracle titles anytime soon (I think that the chronology of Majora’s Mask is inherently unknowable anyway), although I may delve into some of the other games when I finish analyzing the “major” titles.


I ~ Kokiri Forest – Before Completing “Inside the Great Deku Tree”

We can assume that the opening text of Ocarina of Time, before the cutscene portraying Link’s nightmare, which involves the Deku Tree speaking directly to the player, never actually takes place. Some of the information found therein, however, is important backstory information, and is thereby canonical.

• The Deku Tree is the guardian spirit of the forest;
• The Kokiri are the “children of the forest”;
• “Each Kokiri has his or her own guardian fairy”;
• One boy, Link, does not have a fairy.

Originally Posted by Kokiri Forest, Ocarina of Time

Deku Tree:
“Navi... Navi, where art thou? Come hither....
Oh, Navi the fairy... Listen to my words, the words of the Deku Tree...
Dost thou sense it? The climate of evil descending upon this realm...
Malevolent forces even now are mustering to attack our land of Hyrule...
For so long, the Kokiri Forest, the source of life, has stood as a barrier, deterring outsiders and maintaining the order of the world... But...before this tremendous evil power, even my power is as nothing...
It seems the time has come for the boy without a fairy to begin his journey... The youth whose destiny it is to lead Hyrule to the path of justice and truth...
Navi...go now! Find our young friend and guide him to me... I do not have much time left.
Fly, Navi, fly! The fate of the forest, nay, the world, depends upon thee!”

Navi:
“Hello, Link! Wake up! The Great Deku Tree wants to talk to you!
Link, get up!
Hey! C'mon!
Can Hyrule's destiny really depend on such a lazy boy?
You finally woke up!
I'm Navi the fairy!
The Great Deku Tree asked me to be your partner from now on! Nice to meet you!
The Great Deku Tree has summoned you! So let's get going right now!”

Saria:
“Yahoo! Hi, Link!
Wow! A fairy!!
Finally, a fairy came to you, Link!
Wow! That's great news! I'm so happy for you!
Now you're a true Kokiri, Link!
Is that right?
The Great Deku Tree has summoned you?
It's quite an honor to talk to the Great Deku Tree!
I'll wait for you here.
Get going! Go see the Great Deku Tree!”

Mido:
“Hey, you! ‘Mr. No Fairy!’ What's your business with the Great Deku Tree?
Without a fairy, you're not even a real man!
What?! You've got a fairy?! Say what?
The Great Deku Tree actually summoned you?
Whaaaaaaat?!
Why would he summon you and not the great Mido?
This isn't funny... I don't believe it! You aren't even fully equipped yet!
How do you think you're going to help the Great Deku Tree without both a sword and shield ready?
What? You're right—I don't have my equipment ready, but...
If you want to pass through here, you should at least equip a sword and shield! Sheesh!”

Saria, after Link talks to Mido:
“What?!
Mido won't let you go to see the Great Deku Tree?
Ohh...That bum! I don't know why he's always so mean to everyone!
What he said is true, though.
The forest...strange things have been happening lately...
You need to be ready for anything. You'd better find a weapon!
You can buy a shield at the shop, but there is only one sword hidden somewhere in the forest.”

Mido, after Link obtains the shield and sword:
“If you want...
Eh, what's that?!
Oh, you have a Deku Shield...
And what's THAT?!
Is that the Kokiri Sword?!
GOOD GRIEF!!
Well, even with all that stuff, a wimp is still a wimp, huh?
I, the great Mido, will never accept you as one of us!
Shoot! How did you get to be the favorite of Saria and the Great Deku Tree?
Huh?! Grumble...grumble...”

Navi, as Link approaches the Tree:
“Great Deku Tree... I'm back!”

Deku Tree:
“Oh... Navi... Thou hast returned...
Link... Welcome...
Listen carefully to what I, the Deku Tree, am about to tell thee...
Thy slumber these past moons must have been restless, and full of nightmares...
As the servants of evil gain strength, a vile climate pervades the land and causes nightmares to those sensitive to it...
Verily, thou hast felt it...
Link... The time has come to test thy courage...
I have been cursed... I need you to break the curse with your wisdom and courage.
Dost thou have courage enough to undertake this task?”

Link:
(some various form of an affirmative)

Deku Tree:
“Then enter, brave
Link, and thou too,
Navi...
Navi the fairy...
Thou must aid Link...
And Link, when Navi speaks, listen well to her words of wisdom...”

Other Possibly Canonical Events:

• Link buys a Deku Shield from the shop and obtains the Kokiri Sword from the Forest Training Center;
• Link and Navi most likely get to know one another somewhat during the hunt for the sword and shield;
• Link encounters Deku Babas along the way to the Deku Tree’s meadow.

Backstory information from conversations that likely did not take place:

• The Kokiri look up to the Deku Tree as their “father”;
• It is believed that the Deku Tree gave life to everything in the forest, and not just the Kokiri;
• Mido is making other people do his chores for him, such as picking up the stones in front of his house or cutting the grass around Saria’s house;
• There is a pair of twins and a trio of brothers called the “Know-It-All-Brothers” living in Kokiri Forest;
• Kokiri go to the Forest Training Center to train (up for interpretation what this training consists of, or is for—most likely, it has to do with combat, as suggested by a non-required quote from the Deku Tree);
• The Kokiri Sword is a “hidden treasure of the Kokiri”.

Other Notes:

• Most of the conversation quotes I did not include were not included due to one or more of the following reasons:
  • The quote bears no relevance whatsoever to the main plot;
  • The quote primarily deals with gameplay functions and not storyline;
  • The quote tells the player something that Link would already have known, or that the player will find out later;
• We can assume from the final words of the Deku Tree before you go inside to break the curse that, whenever Navi tries to talk to Link in the field, he will listen. This makes all Navi quotes (that do not deal explicitly with gameplay) throughout the game canonical;
• I would guess that the training in the Forest Training Center involves training to work together with your fairy partner as well as combat training;
• The order in which he obtains the Kokiri Sword and Deku Shield is largely irrelevant, and is therefore up for interpretation. Even given this, however, the nature of the last Mido quote and the last Saria quote suggests that he obtained the shield first.

II ~ Kokiri Forest – After Completing “Inside the Great Deku Tree”

How you interpret the way Link obtains the Fairy Slingshot from a storyline perspective is entirely up to you. You can make it a gift from Saria; you can have someone from the Forest Training Center give it to him; you can stick with the highly-illogical idea that he finds it in a treasure chest conveniently placed inside of an ancient tree. I don’t really care, and it doesn’t really matter. What does matter is that Link must obtain it before or during the battle with Queen Gohma, and that the battle with Queen Gohma is an actual canonical event.

We can also assume that Navi and Link at least spoke to one another, and that she probably helped him fight against the monsters inside the Deku Tree to some degree, including and especially Queen Gohma. It is up to you to decide whether you think he should exit the Deku Tree through a warp portal or not—I would advise against including Heart Containers in the actual storyline, though.

That being said, it’s time to move back to Kokiri Forest, post-dungeon.

Originally Posted by Kokiri Forest, Ocarina of Time

Deku Tree:
“Well done, Link...
Thou hast verily demonstrated thy courage...
I knew that thou wouldst be able to carry out my wishes...
Now, I have yet more to tell ye, wouldst thou listen...”

Link:
(some variant of an affirmative)

Deku Tree, after Link’s response:
“Now... listen carefully... A wicked man of the desert cast this dreadful curse upon me... This evil man ceaselessly uses his vile, sorcerous powers in his search for the Sacred Realm that is connected to Hyrule... For it is in that Sacred Realm that one will find the divine relic, the Triforce, which contains the essence of the gods...
Before time began, before spirits and life existed...
Three golden goddesses descended upon the chaos that was Hyrule...
Din, the goddess of power... Nayru, the goddess of wisdom... Farore, the goddess of courage...
Din... With her strong flaming arms, she cultivated the land and created the red earth.
Nayru... Poured her wisdom onto the earth and gave the spirit of law to the world.
Farore... With her rich soul, produced all life forms who would uphold the law.
The three great goddesses, their labors completed, departed for the heavens. And golden sacred triangles remained at the point where the goddesses left the world. Since then, the sacred triangles have become the basis of our world's providence. And the resting place of the triangles has become the Sacred Realm.
Thou must never allow the desert man in black armor to lay his hands on the sacred Triforce... Thou must never suffer that man, with his evil heart, to enter the Sacred Realm of legend... That evil man who cast the death curse upon me and sapped my power... Because of that curse, my end is nigh...
Though your valiant efforts to break the curse were successful, I was doomed before you started... Yes, I will pass away soon... But do not grieve for me... I have been able to tell you of these important matters...
This is Hyrule's final hope...
Link... Go now to Hyrule Castle... There, thou will surely meet the Princess of Destiny... Take this stone with you. The stone that man wanted so much, that he cast the curse on me...
The future depends on thee, Link... Thou art courageous...
Navi the fairy... Help Link to carry out my will... I entreat ye... Navi...
Good...bye...”

Navi:
“Let's go to Hyrule Castle, Link!!
Good-bye...Great Deku Tree...”

Mido:
“Hey, Link! What did you do?! The Great Deku Tree...did he...die?
How could you do a thing like that?! It's all your fault!!”

Boy blocking the exit:
“We Kokiri will die if we leave the forest!
You're not going to try to leave the forest, are you?!”

Sign nearby the exit:
“Forest folk shall not leave these woods.”

Saria, on the bridge:
“Oh, you're leaving...
I knew... that you would leave the forest... someday, Link... Because you are different from me and my friends... But that's OK, because we'll be friends forever... won't we?
I want you to have this Ocarina... Please take good care of it.
When you play my Ocarina, I hope you will think of me and come back to the forest to visit.”

Other Possibly Canonical Events:

• Link likely searches at length for Saria to tell her goodbye, before either determining that she is nowhere to be found or being told by someone else (can’t find the quote—that’s why it’s not included) that she is waiting for him on the bridge. (It just seems fitting that he would tell his best friend goodbye before he leaves his childhood home, don’t you think?)

Backstory information from conversations that likely did not take place:

• Mido is very upset, and the other Kokiri all believe that Link is responsible for the death of the Deku Tree;
• The Kokiri have no idea where Hyrule Castle even is, and probably only a vague idea of what a castle is;
• The concept of leaving the forest is foreign to Kokiri, likely thanks to the ominously overstated warning sign planted nearby the exit.

Other Notes:

• Whether or not the conversations with other Kokiri happen is up for debate; certainly he would have told them all goodbye, but the exact quotes that are shown in the game are highly unimportant.

III ~ Hyrule Field – First Trip to Hyrule Castle

For the sake of being realistic, I would say that Link’s trek out of the Lost Woods took a number of days, or at least the better part of a day. No forest takes less than five seconds to depart from—honestly… Anyway, there’s not much storyline information revealed at Hyrule Field, but I’m going to skim over it anyway for the sake of doing so.

Originally Posted by Hyrule Field, Ocarina of Time

Kaepora Gaebora:
“Hoo hoot!
Link... Look up here!
It appears that the time has finally come for you to start your adventure!
You will encounter many hardships ahead... That is your fate. Don't feel discouraged, even during the toughest times!
Go straight this way and you will see Hyrule Castle. You will meet a princess there...
All right then, I'll see you around!
Hoot hoot hoot ho!”

Backstory information from conversations that likely did not take place:

• The Zoras are the “guardians” of both the Water Temple and Zora’s Fountain; the Water Temple is “used to worship the water spirits”;
• The fact that a gang of thieves lives on the other side of Gerudo Valley is apparently a well-known fact (you’d think the King of Hyrule would do something about that…).

Other Notes:

• Again, for the sake of being realistic, I’d say that the trip across Hyrule Field took at least a few days. Even assuming that Hyrule is a small fraction of the size of a typical medieval “kingdom” (600 square miles for Hyrule versus about 10-20,000 square miles for real kingdoms), and even assuming that a child Link walks about half a mile-per-hour faster than a grown adult male, it would take Link approximately 3-5 days of walking almost nonstop just to reach his destination. Of course, assuming he gets 6 hours of sleep and eats meals (which he would have to hunt or forage for), that leaves us with about a 4-6 day trip from Kokiri forest to Hyrule Castle, give or take one or two, since I’m too lazy to figure the relative distance vs. time and all that fancy jazz. (Don’t give me that “but it’s a fantasy kingdom” or “the gameplay map isn’t that big” bullcrap. No kingdom takes a single day for a 10-yr-old to cross on foot. For gameplay purposes a true-to-life scale would have been unreasonable.) This gives Link and Navi a lot of time together.

IV ~ Hyrule Castle Town – First Trip to Hyrule Castle

Just for the record, going by the realistic model I outlined in the last section, by the time Link reaches Hyrule Castle, his adventures would have spanned about a week thus far, maybe a little bit less than that. Since at least a day and a night must pass in Hyrule Castle Town in order for events to proceed, we’ll presume that he stays the night at some local tavern or inn, or is given room and board by someone in the back alley, or some other such frivolous detail, for the sake of fantasy realism—obviously we can’t reasonably assume that he’s not going to sleep or that he’s going to sleep outside if we can help it.

Originally Posted by Hyrule Castle Town, Ocarina of Time

Soldier Guarding the Entrance:
“Welcome to Hyrule Castle Town. It's a peaceful, prosperous town.”

Red-Haired Man in the Pink Shirt:
“Wha-ha-ha! What a crazy guy!
Can you believe that this guy was crazy enough to try to sneak into the castle to see Princess Zelda?
All because of this idiot, they've tightened security at the castle.
Wha-ha-ha!”

Red-Haired Man in the Blue Shirt:
“I wanted to see Princess Zelda!
I avoided the guards...
Swam through the moat...
I was almost there when they caught me!
I found a small drain hole on the right side of the castle that I thought I could sneak into, but I got stuck there.”

Man in Black Tights:
“Hey, forest boy! This is the city of Hyrule! Take your time and enjoy the sights!
If you came here to see Hyrule Castle, take the street on your right
If you want to see the back alleys of the town, take the street to the left.”

Malon:
“Hey, your clothes! They're... different...
You're not from around here, are you? Ohh... You're a fairy boy from the forest! My name is Malon! My dad owns Lon Lon Ranch! Dad went to the castle to deliver some milk, and he hasn't come back yet...”

Kaepora Gaebora:
“Hey, Link! This way!
The princess is inside the castle just ahead. Be careful not to get caught by the guards!
Ho ho ho hoot!
Well, well, which way are you going to go now?
Hoo hoo hoot!
Hoooo. You're a smart kid.
Good luck, then. Hoo hoo.”

Soldier Guarding the Gate:
“So you say you want to see Princess Zelda, eh? You probably heard about her in town and decided you had to meet her... Well... Go home! Get out of here! The Princess would never grant an audience to the likes of you!”

Malon, Standing Outside the Gate:
“Are you going to the castle, fairy boy?
Would you mind finding my dad?
He must have fallen asleep somewhere around the castle. What a thing for an adult to do! Tee hee! Oh yeah, if you'll look for him, I'll give this to you. I've been incubating this egg very carefully...
Tee hee!”

Talon:
“What in tarnation? Can't a person get a little shut-eye around here?
Hello, and who might you be?
Yep, I'm Talon, the owner of Lon Lon Ranch. I went to the castle to deliver some milk, but I sat down here to rest, and I guess I fell asleep...
What?! Malon was looking for me? I'm gonna catch it from her now! I messed up bad, leaving Malon behind to wait for me! She's really gonna let me have it!”

Princess Zelda:
“Who?! Who are you? How did you get past the guards?
Oh? What's that? Is that... a fairy?! Then, are you... Are you from the forest? Then...then...you wouldn't happen to have... the Spiritual Stone of the Forest, would you?! That green and shining stone...
Do you have it?”

Link:
(utters some affirmative)

Zelda:
“Just as I thought!
I had a dream... In the dream, dark storm clouds were billowing over the land of Hyrule... But suddenly, a ray of light shot out of the forest, parted the clouds and lit up the ground... The light turned into a figure holding a green and shining stone, followed by a fairy...
I know this is a prophecy that someone would come from the forest...
Yes, I thought you might be the one...
Oh, I'm sorry! I got carried away with my story and didn't even properly introduce myself! I am Zelda, Princess of Hyrule.
What is your name?”

Link:
(gives her his name)

Zelda:
“Link... Strange...it sounds somehow... familiar.
OK then, Link... I'm going to tell you the secret of the Sacred Realm that has been passed down by the Royal Family of Hyrule.
Please keep this a secret from everyone...”

Link:
(utters some affirmative)

Zelda:
“The legend goes like this...
The three goddesses hid the Triforce containing the power of the gods somewhere in Hyrule. The power to grant the wish of the one who holds the Triforce in his hands.
If someone with a righteous heart makes a wish, it will lead Hyrule to a golden age of prosperity... If someone with an evil mind has his wish granted, the world will be consumed by evil...That is what has been told...
So, the ancient Sages built the Temple of Time to protect the Triforce from evil ones.
That's right... The Temple of Time is the entrance through which you can enter the Sacred Realm from our world. But the entrance is sealed with a stone wall called the Door of Time. And, in order to open the door, it is said that you need to collect three Spiritual Stones.
And another thing you need...is the treasure that the Royal Family keeps along with this legend... The Ocarina of Time!
Did you understand well the story I just told you?”

Link:
(utters some affirmative)

Zelda:
“That's great! I forgot to tell you... I was spying through this window just now...
The other element from my dream...the dark clouds... I believe they symbolize... that man in there!
Will you look through the window at him?”

Link:
(utters some affirmative)

Zelda:
“Can you see the man with the evil eyes? That is Ganondorf, the leader of the Gerudos. They hail from the desert far to the west. Though he swears allegiance to my father, I am sure he is not sincere.
The dark clouds that covered Hyrule in my dream... They must symbolize that man!
What happened? Did he see you? Don't worry. He doesn't have any idea what we're planning...yet!
........Yes. I told my father about my dream... However, he didn't believe it was a prophecy... But...I can sense that man's evil intentions!
What Ganondorf is after must be nothing less than the Triforce of the Sacred Realm. He must have come to Hyrule to obtain it!
And, he wants to conquer Hyrule... no, the entire world! Link...now, we are the only ones who can protect Hyrule!
Please!”

Link:
(promises to help save the land, and all that jazz)

Zelda:
“I...I am afraid... I have a feeling that man is going to destroy Hyrule. He has such terrifying power! But it's fortunate that you have come... We must not let Ganondorf get the Triforce! I will protect the Ocarina of Time with all my power! He shall not have it!
You go find the other two Spiritual Stones! Let's get the Triforce before Ganondorf does, and then defeat him!
One more thing... Take this letter... I'm sure it will be helpful to you.
My attendant will guide you out of the castle. Don't be afraid to talk to her.”

Impa:
“I am Impa of the Sheikahs. I am responsible for protecting Princess Zelda. Everything is exactly as the Princess foretold.
You are a courageous boy... You are heading out on a big, new adventure, aren't you?
My role in the Princess's dream was to teach a melody to the one from the forest. This is an ancient melody passed down by the Royal Family. I have played this song for Princess Zelda as a lullaby ever since she was a baby... There is mysterious power in these notes.
Now listen carefully... Memorize this song...
-whistles Zelda’s Lullaby-
If the castle soldiers find you, there will be trouble. Let me lead you out of the castle.
-they leave-
You brave lad...
We must protect this beautiful land of Hyrule! Take a good look at that mountain. That is Death Mountain, home of the Gorons. They hold the Spiritual Stone of Fire.
At the foot of Death Mountain you will find my village, Kakariko. That is where I was born and raised. You should talk to some of the villagers there before you go up Death Mountain.
The song I just taught you has some mysterious power. Only Royal Family members are allowed to learn this song. Remember, it will help to prove your connection with the Royal Family.
The Princess is waiting for you to return to the castle with the stones. All right. We're counting on you!”

Other Possibly Canonical Events:

• Link overhears the two red-headed guys talking about the drain on the side of the castle—because, honestly, how else is he supposed to know to look for it?;
• Link stays the night… somewhere…
• Link incubates the Weird Egg given to him by Malon, and it hatches the next morning;
• Link sneaks past the guards and wakes up Talon with the hatched Cucco chick (yes—it’s going to be a chick—fantasy realism, folks. Chickens don't come from eggs, but chicks do.);
• Link continues past the guards inside the garden and talks with Zelda, and is given Zelda's Letter

Backstory information from conversations that likely did not take place:

• Rumors are circulating about the Temple of Time being the entrance to the Sacred Realm. These rumors may have contributed largely to Ganondorf’s obsession with the Spiritual Stones and the Ocarina of Time;
• It is said that Princess Zelda has prophetic visions in her dreams;
• Rumors are also circulating about the Sheikah, who are known as the “Shadow Folk”; they are said to have sworn allegiance to the Royal Family, but have not been seen since the beginning of the “long peace”; one Sheikah woman is rumored to live at the castle…;
• Lon Lon Milk is “delicious”;
• “Many things float down Zora’s River and end up in Lake Hylia”;
• One of the guards is hopelessly bored, and wishes for more troubles in the world…;
• An old fable says that “Hylians have big ears in order to hear the voices of the gods”;
• “There is a mysterious fountain somewhere near the castle…”

Other Notes:

• Most of the excluded quotes were excluded because they are far from conversational, or reveal information that is revealed later—honestly, you don’t just chat about the local church housing the entrance to heaven, especially not to some random kid running around with a shield and sword, who’s wearing a skirt and being followed by a fairy;
• Link probably visits or at least sees the Happy Mask shop at some point during his first trip to the Hyrule Market.

V ~ Lon Lon Ranch – Child Trip

A day or two will have gone by once Link leaves Hyrule Castle to begin his journey. Since it’s necessary for Link to have learned Saria’s Song before he can get the Goron’s Bracelet, the Saria sideplot has to occur at about this time. This leaves a perfect opportunity to introduce the Lon Lon Ranch Epona’s Song sideplot, as well, so I’m going to take full advantage of it. I imagine it would take a full day to reach Lon Lon from Hyrule Castle town in a realistically-proportioned Hyrule, so we’ll assume that that’s the case.

Originally Posted by Hyrule Field/Lon Lon Ranch

Navi:
“What would Saria say if we told her we're going to save Hyrule?”

Talon:
“Mumble...mumble... Huh? I'm awake already! What? Well I'll be! If it ain't the forest kid from the other day! By the way, thanks a lot for waking me up! It took some doing, but I finally got Malon back in a good mood.
So, what are you up to today? Got some free time on your hands you say? Well how about a little game? These three Cuccos I have here are special Super Cuccos! I'm going to throw these Cuccos into that there gaggle of normal Cuccos. If you can pick out these three special birds from among the normal Cuccos within the time limit, I'll give you something good. If you can't find them, I win. You have 30 seconds! All righty then, get ready. Here go the Super Cuccos! START LOOKIN'!!
That's one of 'em! Keep it up! Keep it up! Two more to find!
There's another! All right, now, the moment of truth! One more to find!
Golly! I'll be darned! It's plum incredible! That's the last one! You've found them all! Come on over here!
Hey, you! You've got the talent to be one of the world's best cowboys! How'd you like to marry Malon?”

Link:
(answers no)

Talon:
“Hey pardner, you have an honest face! When you grow up, why don't you come to work here, on this ranch? That's a standing offer! I'll be waiting for you.”

Ingo:
“I can't believe that I, the great Ingo, am working on this dump of a ranch! Because the owner is so lazy, I always have to do all the work around here! I, the hard-working Ingo, should be in charge, not that lazy bum, Talon!”

Malon:
“Oh, it's the fairy boy again! I heard that you found my dad! How did you like the castle? Did you see the Princess? Hee hee! Dad came home in a hurry after you found him. Hee hee!
Oh, yeah, I have to introduce you to my friend, fairy boy! She's this horse. Her name is Epona. Isn't she cute?
…
It seems like Epona is afraid of you, fairy boy...
…
My mother composed this song. Isn't it nice? Let's sing together.”

Link:
(takes out Ocarina)

Malon:
“Oh, cute ocarina! Are you going to play this song with that ocarina? OK? This is the Song...
(teaches Link Epona’s Song)
Oh, Epona! She's grown fond of you, fairy boy.”

A List of Possibly Canonical Events:

• Link stops at Lon Lon Ranch either for the night or as a detour on his way back to the forest, after being nagged by Navi to go talk to Saria about his new destiny (incentive is necessary for him to go out of his way—the return to the forest provides this incentive);
• Link is given an offer to work at the ranch when he grows up by Talon;
• Link learns Epona’s Song from Malon;
• Link leaves at some point to continue his trek to the forest.

Other Notes:

• While I’ve already explained this, his trip back to the forest is really the only plausible occasion during which he could have gone to Lon Lon Ranch, as it’s really the only time he passes that way—this is why the quote from Navi appears at the beginning of this chapter of the story

Chronology of Link’s Trip So Far:

• Day 1 – Link completes the events of Kokiri Forest and the dungeon, “Inside the Great Deku Tree”. Link is sent to Hyrule Castle to meet with Princess Zelda;
• Day 1-2 – Link heads for the outskirts of the Forest;
• Day 2-8 – Link reaches the outskirts of the Forest and crosses Hyrule Field;
• Day 8-9 – Link reaches Hyrule Castle, meets Malon in the marketplace, hatches a Cucco chick overnight, and sneaks into the castle to meet with Princess Zelda;
• Day 9 – Link treks to Lon Lon Ranch and learns Epona’s Song;
• Day 10 – Link departs Lon Lon Ranch and begins his trip back to Kokiri Forest

VI ~ Kokiri Forest – Saria’s Song

Of course Link’s trip back across Hyrule Field will wind up taking a little longer due to his detour to Lon Lon Ranch, so he’ll arrive back at the forest at about Day 15 (real-time) of his journey. About two weeks have passed since he first left the forest.

Originally Posted by Kokiri Forest/Lost Woods

Boy blocking the entrance:
“Oh, you're OK? You didn't leave the forest after all, did you?”

Girl nearby entrance:
“Saria wanted to see you... Did she find you already?”

Girl nearby pond:
“Saria said she's waiting at the usual spot.”

Kaepora Gaebora:
“Hey, over here! Hoo hoo!
Link...Good to see you again! Listen to this! Hoot hoot.... After going through the Lost Woods, you will come upon the Sacred Forest Meadow. That is a sacred place where few people have ever walked.
Shhhh...What's that? I can hear a mysterious tune... You should listen for that tune too... Hoo hoo hoo!
If you are courageous, you will make it through the forest just fine... Just follow your ears and listen to the sounds coming from the forest! Hoot hoot!”

Saria:
“I've been waiting for you, Link!
This is the Sacred Forest Meadow. It's my secret place! I feel... This place will be very important for both of us someday. That's what I feel.
If you play the Ocarina here, you can talk with the spirits in the forest. Would you like to play the Ocarina with me?”

Link:
(agrees)

Saria:
“OK, try to follow along with the melody I will play. Are you ready?
(she teaches Link Saria's Song)
Great! Great! Please don't forget this song! Do you promise?
When you want to hear my voice, play Saria's Song. You can talk with me anytime...”

Kaepora Gaebora, on the way back:
“Did you learn an Ocarina song from Saria?
That melody seems to have some mysterious power. There may be some other mysterious songs like this that you can learn in Hyrule.”

A List of Possibly Canonical Events:

• Link asks around the village, trying to find Saria (again);
• Link goes through the Lost Woods, per the tip that Saria is at the “usual spot”;
• Link learns Saria’s Song from Saria—now he can talk with her at any time;
• Link teaches Saria’s Song to the Skull Kid

Other Notes:

• I opted to go with the “usual spot” tip over the tip from Mido because it better serves to demonstrate the deep friendship between Link and Saria;
• From here on out, the “Chronology of Link’s Trip So Far” will be included in every entry

Chronology of Link’s Trip So Far:

• Day 1 – Link completes the events of Kokiri Forest and the dungeon, “Inside the Great Deku Tree”. Link is sent to Hyrule Castle to meet with Princess Zelda;
• Day 1-2 – Link heads for the outskirts of the Forest;
• Day 2-8 – Link reaches the outskirts of the Forest and crosses Hyrule Field;
• Day 8-9 – Link reaches Hyrule Castle, meets Malon in the marketplace, hatches a Cucco chick overnight, and sneaks into the castle to meet with Princess Zelda;
• Day 9 – Link treks to Lon Lon Ranch and learns Epona’s Song;
• Day 10-15 – Link departs Lon Lon Ranch and begins his trip back to Kokiri Forest;
• Day 15-16 – Link reaches Kokiri Forest and continues to the village, reaching it by nightfall; Link enters the Lost Woods and continues to the Sacred Forest Meadow;
• Day 16 – Link leaves Kokiri Forest once again, having done what he came to do

The fact that a gang of thieves lives on the other side of Gerudo Valley is apparently a well-known fact (you’d think the King of Hyrule would do something about that…).

Well, he is meeting with Ganondorf when you get to the castle.

I like this idea. Continue the good work.

Amazing theory Lionhart, I applaud all of this greatly . It was an incredible read. Please keep continuing!

VII ~ Kakariko Village – Trip Up Death Mountain

It’s been quite a trip around Hyrule for Link, thus far. This will be his third trip across Hyrule Field, and his last cross-country trip for awhile. Based on the math, I’d wager he arrives in Kakariko sometime after dark, since it’s at night that the Clock Soldier gives you the most useful and vivid information. I’ll leave both versions in, though, because it’s so up-in-the-air.

Originally Posted by OoT

“Clock Soldier” (daytime):
“Hello there, son.
Zelda's attendant, the great Impa, opened this village to the common people. We have only a small population now, but someday this place will be as lively as Hyrule Castle Town! Oh, yes! It will! Climb up the stairs at the north end of the village to find the trail that leads up Death Mountain. But you need the King's permission to actually go up the mountain.”

“Clock Soldier” (nighttime):
“Hey, son, what are you doing wandering around this late at night?
Oh, I get it. You're testing your courage, aren't you? You must want to go to...a graveyard!
Wait a minute! What am I doing talking to a kid? I've got work to do! Work! Work! Head east and you'll find a graveyard. Legends say you can calm the souls of the dead with an old song of the Royal Family.”

Carpenter Boss:
“I am the boss of the carpenters that Impa hired to improve this village and make it into a true city! But young men these days don't have any ambition... Do you know what I mean, kid? My workers are just running aimlessly around the village, and they're not making any progress at all... Even my own son doesn't have a job, and he just wanders around all day! They're all worthless, I tell you!!”

Windmill Man:
“Go around! Go around and around and around! What fun! I'm so happy! I'm a music man who loves to go around and around! Go around and around!!! I'm trying to come up with a musical theme inspired by this windmill...going around and around and around!!!”

Soldier Guarding Impa’s House:
“This used to be the great Impa's house, but she doesn't live here any longer. It is now open to all villagers. You are free to go on in.”

Sheikah Tombstone, Graveyard:
“R.I.P.
Here lies the souls of those who
swore fealty to the
Royal Family of Hyrule.
The Sheikah, guardians of the
Royal Family and founders of
Kakariko, watch over these spirits
in their eternal slumber.”

Sharp the Elder:
“GYAAAAH! YOU KILLED ME...Unbelievable!
Oh, what? You're not one of Ganondorf's men, are you? Because of my role as a ghost, I had to act like that. I apologize. Now then, let me introduce myself. Ahem...
I am one of the ghostly composer brothers of Kakariko Village.
All the people in this village are born to serve the Royal Family of Hyrule. We brothers also served the Royal Family, and we were assigned to study the hereditary mystic powers of the family. Though we never could figure out the power of the Triforce, we had almost completed our study of controlling time with the tones of ocarinas.
Uh, I mean... Actually, we did complete that study!
We would have been famous, if that hateful Ganondorf had not tried to steal our results. We could never let him reap the fruits of our research! That's why we gave our lives to protect the secret.”

Flat the Younger:
“GYAAAAH! I'M DEAD AGAIN! What? You again?
Somehow, you remind me of... Princess Zelda... Hmm... Since you may have some connection with the Royal Family, I will tell you a little more of our tale.
Back then, people called us great composers because of the many musical masterpieces we wrote. But we brothers were not just composers. We had a mission to analyze the mysterious powers of Hyrule's Royal Family. Our names would be part of Hyrule's history if we could complete our research! We kept our study extremely secret until we completed it. To tell the truth, each of us was studying a different song, one to summon the sun and another to summon the moon. If you were really sent by a member of the Royal Family, I will tell you about the results of our study. We inscribed it on the royal tombstone. As a messenger of the Royal Family, you should show your Royal credentials on top of the Triforce mark...”

Royal Family’s Tomb:
“This poem is dedicated to the memory of the dearly departed members of the Royal Family.
The rising sun will eventually set,
A newborn's life will fade.
From sun to moon, moon to sun...
Give peaceful rest to the living dead…”

Navi:
“This is an interesting poem... huh? Something is inscribed on the tombstone... It's the secret melody of the Composer Brothers!”

Link:
(plays the Sun's Song)

Royal Family’s Tomb:
“Restless souls wander where they don't belong,
bring them calm with the Sun's Song.”

Soldier Guarding the Gate to Death Mountain:
“The road is closed beyond this point! Can't you read the sign over there? Eh? Oh, I see. You're just a kid, and you can't read yet. Ha ha hah!”

Link:
(shows him Zelda's Letter)

Soldier:
“Oh, this is... This is surely Princess Zelda's handwriting! Well, let's see... Hmmm... OK...
‘This is Link... He is under my orders to save Hyrule.’
Wah ha ha ha hah! What kind of funny game has our Princess come up with now?! OK, OK, all right. You can go now... Just be careful, Mr. Hero! Wah hah ha ha hah!
(he opens the gate)
By the way, Mr. Hero... If you're going to climb Death Mountain, you should equip a proper shield! It is an active volcano, after all!
Now, I'd like to ask a favor of you. Have you been to the Happy Mask Shop that just opened in the Hyrule Castle Town Market? Everyone is talking about it! My little boy pesters me for a popular mask, but I don't have time to go there... So, could you go and get the mask for me next time you are in the Market? If you don't feel like it, that's OK, but... Well, I have no choice, this is my job... (sighs)”

[=RETURN TO HYRULE CASTLE=]

Bazaar Proprietor:
“If you plan on scaling Death Mountain, buy a Hylian Shield. You can defend yourself against falling rocks with that shield. But it might be a little bit big for a kid....”

[=DELIVERY OF KEATON MASK=]

Soldier:
"Wha-ha-ha-hah! Do you think you're in disguise, Mr. Hero?
Oh? Is that a 'Kee...something...' character mask? I heard he's very popular recently. He's my boy's favorite. That 'Kee...something...' mask... If you don't mind..."

Backstory information from conversations that likely did not take place:

• Kakariko is a haven for “poor folk”;
• The Carpenters are restless with their jobs;
• The Carpenter Boss’s house is said to be behind the Potion Shop;
• Some old dude named Dampé is the caretaker of the graveyard

Chronology of Link’s Trip So Far:

• Day 1 – Link completes the events of Kokiri Forest and the dungeon, “Inside the Great Deku Tree”. Link is sent to Hyrule Castle to meet with Princess Zelda;
• Day 1-2 – Link heads for the outskirts of the Forest;
• Day 2-8 – Link reaches the outskirts of the Forest and crosses Hyrule Field;
• Day 8-9 – Link reaches Hyrule Castle, meets Malon in the marketplace, hatches a Cucco chick overnight, and sneaks into the castle to meet with Princess Zelda;
• Day 9 – Link treks to Lon Lon Ranch and learns Epona’s Song;
• Day 10-15 – Link departs Lon Lon Ranch and begins his trip back to Kokiri Forest;
• Day 15-16 – Link reaches Kokiri Forest and continues to the village, reaching it by nightfall; Link enters the Lost Woods and continues to the Sacred Forest Meadow;
• Day 16-21 – Link leaves Kokiri Forest once again, having done what he came to do, and crosses Hyrule Field once more, bound for Kakariko village;
• Day 21-22 – Link does his deeds in Kakariko, then takes the tip given to him by the Kakariko guard
• Day 22 - Link retrieves the Keaton Mask and buys a Hylian Shield with his new discount.
• Day 23 - Link returns to Kakariko, then starts up Death Mountain.

Great work, going to be some awesome stuff. Can't wait til you are done.

Wow, I've got to say I love this thread. I've seen a couple attempted "true" story lines for OoT, but this is by far the best. Its nice having someone who really understands and knows what they are doing actually doing it. Can't wait to read more, but no rush, I understand this is probably very time consuming work. Keep it up!

hot damn dude your putting in alot of effort
good job