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The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia is a 276-page book featuring official Zelda artwork as well as the history of the Zelda universe. It is filled with concept art and design sketches of The Legend of Zelda titles.
The encyclopedia was released on December 21, 2011 in Japan with a cost of ¥3,255.[1] An English version was released by Dark Horse Comics on January 29, 2013 at the price of $34.99.[2] Dark Horse also released a limited edition with an alternate cover and gilded pages. It was limited to 4,000 copies.
Overview
It needs to be updated to be accurate with information available at the present time.
Template:Sectstub The encyclopedia is divided into three main sections, along with separate messages from Shigeru Miyamoto and Eiji Aonuma and 32 pages of the Template:Manga by Akira Himekawa.[3].
The encyclopedia only details games considered to be canon to the history of Hyrule. Spin-off games such as Link's Crossbow Training and the Tingle series are not included in the book.
On the 25th Anniversary of The Legend of Zelda
The first couple of pages are a message from Shigeru Miyamoto giving a brief history of the series, as well as thanking those who have played, and continue to play the games. This message is accompanied with a list of his involvement with each game in the series.
The Legend Begins
The first section, titled "The Legend Begins", provides a comprehensive look into Skyward Sword. The contents provide a behind-the-scene look at concept art and designs, along with designer notes of various people, creatures, towns, lands and dungeons. Though most appear in the game, included are unused people and locations that appear to have been planned, or talked about during the production of the game. Located on the bottom of some pages are various notes giving brief information regarding the history or similarities of the creature or item detailed on the specific page.
The History of Hyrule
"The History of Hyrule" chronicles the history of Hyrule based on the main games of the series. Opening this section is a suggested complete take on the Zelda Timeline. With the time line set, the section continues on; starting with the creation of the land of Hyrule leading up through the events of Ocarina of Time, then goes through each split and sub-split of the time line while categorizing the games into eras. As it goes through the time line, each game's story is detailed out historically while some include information regarding the Hylian Language of that era.
Creative Footprints
Much like the section "The Legend Begins", "Creative Footprints" is filled with artwork spanning the 25 years of the franchise. Lacking the volume of material seen in "The Legend Begins" section per individual game, this section provides detailed sketches of character, land and dungeon development; along with changes in Link, Princess Zelda and Ganon throughout the course of the series. This section is closed out with a list of the game catalog leading up to Template:OOT3D; including "elusive and rare" Zelda titles.
Wrapping Things Up
"Wrapping Things Up" is a 2-page message from Eiji Aonuma providing insight into Hyrule Historia and gratitude for the players of the series. This message is accompanied with a list of his involvement with the games of the series, since becoming involved with Ocarina of Time
Skyward Sword Manga
As an added bonus, a 32-page manga written on Skyward Sword was added at the end of the book.
Gallery
The following is a gallery regrouping all of the currently hosted images of The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia.