From the introduction:
Welcome to the Wind Waker. The world here is naught but islands upon a Great Sea, few and far between at that. Even the world of Terminus is such. Life here is simple, reminiscent and yet a far cry from the Hyrule of old - in fact, the hylians signature pointed ears are now a rare feature. However, a storm has come from nowhere in the past months, and a fortress to the north-east now hold the vastly weakened form of the thief-king, Ganon. You are here for ten years, regardless of who wins, Courage and Wisdom, or Power. On his side, against, or entirely unaware, I wish you luck in this world.