I posted this question to the questions mega thread, but I feel like the responses have just led to more questions for me. Spoilers below.

>!Totk is the sequel to BOTW, and if we're following a linear timeline then in botw Link gets the master sword from the Great Tree, and uses it to beat Malice Ganon. As far as it's implied in the game lore, there is only one master sword, it's described as THE sword that seals the darkness. So given that it's some sort of named artifact, if I'm trying to apply the usual rules about time paradoxes, there's only one of it that can exist in timeline without causing a paradox, just as there can only be one Link/ Zelda/ Paya etc in that timeline. Link uses the sword in BOTW, then following the events of TOTK where the master sword goes to Zelda to be repaired to the ancient past

So now this throws into question how Link could have used it in BOTW, since the timeline has been rewritten such that the sword couldn't have been at the tree since it was in the light dragon/Zelda.

One of the theories I read said that there were actually two master swords in the timeline, one in the light dragon, and one in the tree. I can accept Zelda and the light dragon existing in the same timeline since they are fundamentally different. The light dragon isn't Zelda anymore since she's given up her humanity in the process of becoming a dragon. The master sword though is still the master sword. I feel like this causes a paradox of having the same singular unique relic appear at two places in the same time.

The other theory is that Zelda and her timey wimey shenanigans create a completely separate timeline which seems a little bit more believable, but I guess is the end result of that they're being a timeline branching from TOTK where link and company bereft of the master sword are just doomed to failure?!<

I'm really interested in reading everyone's opinions on the topic.