Ethan Crossfield 
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Hyrule has been announced as a fan-created hardcover book focused on the characters who surround Link rather than the Hero of Time himself. Written by Anna-Victòria Teixidó under the name Kurusonna, the project revisits the world of Ocarina of Time through overlooked NPCs and supporting figures, offering a different angle on one of Zelda’s most familiar stories.
What Happened
Echoes of Hyrule presents its stories in chronological order, beginning before the events of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and continuing beyond Hyrule. Link remains present, but he functions as a connecting thread instead of the central protagonist. The book is designed to give characters who traditionally stay in the background their own narrative space, including people whose choices help shape the wider events of Hyrule.
The release is available in two editions. Both include the same 332-page hardcover book, which measures 17 by 24 centimeters and uses thread-sewn binding. The project also includes a prologue by Carlos Martínez, known as Seijurou, interior illustrations by María Lozano, known as Maiku, and cover art by Víctor Polonio.
Why It Matters
The Legend of Zelda series is usually framed through Link’s adventure, with Princess Zelda and Ganondorf occupying the other major points of focus. Echoes of Hyrule instead builds on the idea that Hyrule’s smaller stories can be just as interesting as its central conflict. That approach follows a broader interest in revisiting familiar Zelda events from new perspectives, though this project does so through a physical book rather than a game.
Fans should also understand that Echoes of Hyrule is not an official Nintendo product. Game Press states that the book is unaffiliated with Nintendo, making it a fan interpretation of Ocarina of Time’s characters and surrounding events. Its appeal therefore comes from its creative expansion of the setting, not from any new official canon or game content.
What to Watch Next
The main decision for interested readers is which edition best fits their collection. The Deluxe Edition costs €25.95 and includes the hardcover, an Ocarina of Time GP Card print, and two exclusive bookmarks. The Hero of Time Edition costs €35.95 and is limited to Game Press’s website. It adds an Ocarina manual, a character map, two art prints, two exclusive bookmarks, an Ocarina of Time GP Card, and a numbered certificate.
Because both editions contain the same core book, the premium version is aimed at collectors who value the additional Zelda-themed materials. Fans considering a purchase should also keep the project’s unofficial status in mind: this is a creative companion to Ocarina of Time, not a Nintendo release or a remake.
Key takeaways for Zelda fans
- Echoes of Hyrule is a 332-page hardcover book, not a new Zelda game.
- Its stories focus on overlooked characters connected to Ocarina of Time.
- The narrative begins before Ocarina of Time and continues beyond Hyrule.
- The Deluxe Edition costs €25.95, while the Hero of Time Edition costs €35.95.
- Neither edition is affiliated with Nintendo or presented as official canon.
Echoes of Hyrule editions
| Edition | Price | Included extras |
|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Edition | €25.95 | GP Card print and two exclusive bookmarks |
| Hero of Time Edition | €35.95 | Ocarina manual, character map, two art prints, two bookmarks, GP Card, numbered certificate |
Expert View
Echoes of Hyrule is most compelling as a character study rather than a substitute for an official Zelda project. By shifting attention away from Link, it gives familiar locations and supporting figures room to feel newly relevant. The lack of Nintendo involvement limits its canonical importance, but the focused premise and substantial physical editions could make it an appealing companion for Ocarina of Time collectors.
