Multiple Ganon Theory

The Multiple Ganon Theory is the theory that there is more than one Ganon/Ganondorf in the Zelda timeline in much the same way as Link and Zelda exist as more than one person throughout The Legend of Zelda series. Variations include ideas that Ganondorf is locked in the same cycle of reincarnation as Link, or that Ganon is a malevolent demon who possesses people, Ganondorf being one such host.

Although the theory has been around for quite some time most modern versions of this theory stem out of Ganon's back-story in The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures when Ganon is seemingly given a new back-story. In the game the Gerudo talk about a man named Ganondorf who had been born and lived in the Desert of Doubt with them. They mentioned that he had grown into an evil man with a lust for power and had broken there laws by stealing a trident deep in the desert that gave him incredible powers.

This is in direct contrast to the back-story Ganon was given in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. There are only three possible explanations to this new back-story. One is that Ganondorf had ventured to the desert at some point during his lifetime and had been living with the Gerudo for quite some time. The second is that the game is not part of the overall storyline within the series, but the third is that this is not the same Ganondorf as was the one it Ocarina of Time, but rather a reincarnate spirit in a new body. The later theory is supported by a quote at the end of the game where Zelda calls Ganon an "ancient demon reborn", and, by those who believe in a post-Twilight Princess placement of Four Swords Adventures, the death of Ganondorf at the end of Twilight Princess.

While this theory has yet to gain wide spread acceptance, it has none the less gained the respect of some timeline theorist and fans of the series.