Canon is like Kudzu vines. It seems pretty and useful at first sight and for a time, it was.

Then it grows out of control and ends up strangling creativity because nobody wants to admit the stories are completely fictional and does not need to adhere to consistency.

Because every argument I hear about spin-offs not being "canon" amounts to double standard inconsistencies that are the norm for the Zelda franchise. AU timeline? Zelda did several times with OOT. Details not matching up? Read ALTTP's manual and compare it to OOT. Because a fan wiki said so? LOL.

To me, the issue with the Zelda Timeline is that people treat like some holy bible that must lead to a grand Endgame finale (akin to MCU) rather than a mere guideline for fans that can be ignored if need be. And when you hear arguments as to what things are not "canon", you end up pulling your hair.

Oh yes. I have the receipts here.

This platform has discouraged me to talk at great lengths about my favorite stuff like Zelda or Land of Oz here. It feels like the only thing getting any tractions are political stuff...

And I hate going into politics here. Leave that for Twitter.

I think the best way to keep replying or posting.

My two cents. There is no canon in Zelda. At least, not in how Zelda fans see it.

Ocarina of Time outright destroys continuity in the name of making a good game. Sure, the timeline splits in three and is convoluted, but that means more Zelda games with freedom of creativity.