Multiple Ganon Theory
from Zeldapedia, the Legend of Zelda wiki
Theory warning: This section contains theoretical information based on the viewpoints or research of one or several other users. It has not been officially verified by Nintendo and its factual accuracy is disputed.
The Multiple Ganon Theory is the theory that there exists more than one Ganon/Ganondorf in the Zelda timeline, in much the same way that Link and Princess 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 their 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".
Another solid point for this theory is the apparent death of Ganondorf at the end of Twilight Princess as evidenced by the Triforce of Power abandoning him. If the Triforces of Courage and Wisdom pass to new incarnations following the death of their masters, it is likely that at this point the Triforce of Power would as well, making the Four Swords Adventures Ganondorf the newest incarnation on the Child Timeline and placing that game after the events of Twilight Princess.
While this theory has yet to gain wide spread acceptance, it has nonetheless gained the respect of some timeline theorist and fans of the series.
Theory warning: Theories end here.
