Chronic1000 posted...
I think the explanation is that Link's time traveling adventures in Ocarina of Time created three different universes.
Left Timeline = This timeline was created once Link went back in time after spending time in hibernation for seven years. Since Link altered history (assuming Link only went back in time once, and did part of the Spirit Temple/Bottom of the Well in one go,) the future he went back to wouldn't be this one, so Link simply disappeared. Ganon ruled 'his' land, but that eventually was sealed off as the Dark World, I believe.
Center Timeline = This Timeline was created after Link defeated Ganon and was sent back in time for a final time. Link was able to prevent Ganon from taking over.
Right Timeline: The Hyrule that remained after Link was sent back in time. Since Ganon eventually came back (and Link was nowhere to be found) he was able to rule, and this sets up Wind Waker
ding ding ding we have a winner