Okay, to all the Kirby fans that want some references for the lore or want to get in on the fandom I give to you my favorite links.
Note: This doesn't include some recent lore that has to do with Kirby Air Riders, the Anime, and the Super Smash Bro Series (for the most part).
Also take all of this with a grain of salt because it is clearly stated that Kirby doesn't have an official timeline but this is the best I could do based on the resources I have.
Kirby Game Spoilers Ahead!!!
Do not read if you don't want to know a lot of secrets!!!
1. Timeline
Credit goes to: RHVGamer
Platform: Reddit
Visual description: Time line with the game covers attached to each point in time. As well as their version of what Kirby looked like throughout the series.
What is included (not in timeline order): Kirby's Dream Land, Kirby's Adventure, Kirby's Pinball Land, Kirby's Dream Course, Kirby's Avalanche, Kirby's Dream Land 2, Kirby's Block Ball, Kirby's Toy Box, Kirby Super Star, Kirby's Star Stacker, Kirby's Dream Land 3, Kirby's Star Stacker (Super Famicom), Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble, Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land, Kirby Air Ride, Kirby Slide, Kirby & The Amazing Mirror, Kirby: Canvas Curse, Kirby: Squeak Squad, Kirby's Adventure, Kirby's Avalanche, Kirby's Dream Course, Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards, Kirby Super Star Ultra, Kirby's Dream Land 3, Kirby Mass Attack, Kirby's Return to Dream Land, Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe, Kirby Mass Attack, Kirby: Triple Deluxe, Kirby Fighters Deluxe, Kirby: Planet Robobot, Team Kirby Clash Deluxe, Kirby Battle Royale, Kirby Fighters 2, Kirby's Dream Buffet ,Kirby's Epic Yarn, Kirby and the Rainbow Curse, Magolor Epilogue: The Interdimensional Traveler, Kirby Star Allies, and Kirby and the Forgotten Land.
What is not included: Kirby and the Forgotten Land - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World Upgrade Pack for that game and Kirby Air Riders.
Basic info: Timeline is based on the games and almost goes in order based on their release dates. However, there are also a bunch of arrows that point towards old game references in order to help you understand why they came to that conclusion.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Kirby/comments/1eig437/after_months_of_research_i_have_created_the_kirby/#lightbox
The image of the timeline is below.
2. Map of Popstar
Credit goes to: Brothdian
Platform: Reddit
Visual description: It is a colored physical map (that is what the map type is called) of Planet Popstar. Where its continents, oceans, regions, and natural & popstar native made landmarks are located. It also has what the moon now looks like thanks to the Nightmare Wizard. At the bottom you can read some interesting information about different parts of the map that tie into the game.
What is included (not labeled on map specifically but makes a reference): Kirby's Dream Land, Kirby's Adventure, Kirby's Pinball Land, Kirby's Dream Course, Kirby's Avalanche, Kirby's Dream Land 2, Kirby's Block Ball, Kirby's Toy Box, Kirby Super Star, Kirby's Star Stacker, Kirby's Dream Land 3, Kirby's Star Stacker (Super Famicom), Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble, Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land, Kirby Air Ride, Kirby Slide, Kirby & The Amazing Mirror, Kirby: Canvas Curse, Kirby: Squeak Squad, Kirby's Adventure, Kirby's Avalanche, Kirby's Dream Course, Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards, Kirby Super Star Ultra, Kirby's Dream Land 3, Kirby Mass Attack, Kirby's Return to Dream Land, Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe, Kirby: Triple Deluxe, Kirby Fighters Deluxe, Kirby: Planet Robobot, Team Kirby Clash Deluxe, Kirby Battle Royale, Kirby Fighters 2, Kirby's Dream Buffet, and Kirby Star Allies.
What is not included: Kirby's Epic Yarn, Kirby and the Rainbow Curse, Magolor Epilogue: The Interdimensional Traveler, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Kirby and the Forgotten Land - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World Upgrade Pack, and Kirby Air Riders.
Basic info: Has everything we know the name of so far and it should be implied that Kirby and the Forgotten Land portal was opened up above and close to Mount Dedede.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Kirby/comments/1p1ujvl/planet_popstar_world_map_version_14/
The image of the map is below.
Kirby universe lore:
Credit goes to: The Rpg Monger
Platform: YouTube
Video Name: Attempting to Explain All of Kirby Lore in a Single Video
Video description: The Kirby cinematic universe is where it's at.
What is included: Kirby's Dream Land, Kirby's Adventure / Nightmare in Dream Land, Kirby's Dream Land 2, Kirby Super Star / Ultra, Kirby's Dream Land 3, Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards, Kirby and the Amazing Mirror, Kirby Canvas Curse, Kirby Squeak Squad, Kirby's Epic Yarn, Kirby Mass Attack, Kirby's Return to Dream Land, Kirby Triple Deluxe, Kirby and the Rainbow Curse, Kirby Planet Robobot, and Kirby Star Allies.
What is not included: Magolor Epilogue: The Interdimensional Traveler, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Kirby and the Forgotten Land - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World Upgrade Pack, and Kirby Air Riders.
Basic info: This is a much more digestible version of the Kirby timeline and it fills you in on what the Kirby lore is about. This includes the Dark Matter species, some characters who are not native to Popstar, and gives you a basic look into the Ancients's lore.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eX4pjt0pzUI&t=698s
The Forgotten Land (no update):
Credit goes to: The Rpg Monger
Platform: YouTube
Video name: Attempting to Explain More Kirby Lore in a Single Video
Video description: The Kirby cinematic universe just got crazier.
What is included: Kirby and the Forgotten Land
What is not included: Everything else dude everything else...
Basic info: This is a very short look into just the Forgotten Land lore and talks extensively about the Ancients and what they were doing. Thus if you want to talk about that story and the beast pack then you should check it out.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fLDymWGrwXw
Kirby and the Forgotten Land (update):
Credit goes to: NovaStar
Platform: YouTube
Video name: How Star-Crossed World Connects Forgotten Land to the Wider Kirby Lore
Video description: Just in time for a completely different game, here are all of my thoughts on the lore of Star-Crossed World and also every other Kirby game while I'm at it. Please ignore the very inconsistent audio quality. Some sections may have been recorded while caving.
What is included: Kirby and the Forgotten Land - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World Upgrade Pack and Magolor Epilogue: The Interdimensional Traveler
What is not included: Everything else dude everything else...
Basic info: This is about what the title of the video says. More specifically it talks about some new species, the origin of the Lor Starcutter, and you get to learn more about the Ancients as a whole.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xh-MjP4_TIU&t=1s
Kirby of the starts lore:
Credit goes to: Designing For
Platform: YouTube
Video name: The Lore of Kirby -- Designing For Friendship
Video description: Designing For is a series which looks at a level in gaming, and analyzes a theme central to that level's design. In this episode, we look at the lore of the Kirby series, why it's good, and why it avoids the pitfalls of being too deep for its own good.
What is included: Kirby: Star Allies, Kirby's Dream Land, Kirby's Adventure, Kirby: Pinball Land, Kirby's Dream Course, Kirby's Dream Land 2, Kirby Super Star, Kirby's Dream Land 3, Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards, Kirby: Nightmare in Dreamland, Kirby: Canvas Curse, Kirby: Squeak Squad, Kirby Super Star: Ultra, Kirby's Epic Yarn, Kirby: Return to Dreamland, Kirby's 20th Anniversary Dream Collection, Kirby: Triple Deluxe, Kirby: Planet Robobot, Kirby and the Rainbow Curse, and Kirby Fighters Deluxe 2 are © Nintendo Co., Ltd. and HAL Laboratory, Inc. Kirby's Epic Yarn by Good-Feel Co., Ltd. Kirby: Squeak Squad by Flagship.
What is not included: Kirby's Epic Yarn, Kirby and the Rainbow Curse, Magolor Epilogue: The Interdimensional Traveler, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Kirby and the Forgotten Land - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World Upgrade Pack, and Kirby Air Riders.
Basic info: Contains more basic Kirby adventures then about Kirby and his origins. However, there is still a good chunk of information you can find about Kirby including a major reveal about what he is a descendant of.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=CUSYCLgEMfU&t=345s
4. King Dedede lore:
Credit goes to: Designing For
Platform: YouTube
Video Name: The Regal Heart of King Dedede - Designing For Kindness
Video description: Designing For is a series which looks at a level, boss, or concept in gaming, and analyzes a theme central to its design. In this episode, we look at Kirby's rival, King Dedede, and how he has slowly developed from a simple bully into a full-fledged hero in his own right, and how it's all thanks to the simple kindness Kirby inspired in him, one that he wants to now show to others.
What is included: Kirby's Dream Land (1992), Kirby's Adventure (1993), Kirby's Dream Land 2 & 3, Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards, Kirby Super Star, Kirby: Triple Deluxe, Super Smash Bros. (Brawl, 3DS/Wii U, Ultimate), Kirby: Squeak Squad and Kirby, Kirby: Planet Robobot, Kirby Star Allies, Kirby and the Forgotten Land.
What is not included: Kirby's Epic Yarn, Kirby and the Rainbow Curse, Magolor Epilogue: The Interdimensional Traveler, Kirby and the Forgotten Land - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World Upgrade Pack, and Kirby Air Riders.
Basic info: Talks all about King Dedede's character development and his relationship with both the Waddle Dees, Bandana Waddle Dee and Kirby.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BqgSqJNFrgY&t=1722s&pp=ugUEEgJlbg%3D%3D
5.1 Meta Knight lore:
Credit: Silvery
Platform: YouTube
Video Name: WHO IS META KNIGHT? A Kirby Series Character Analysis
Video description: The Kirby series is known for being simple, but having surprising deep lore. Does this surprising depth extend to the main characters? In this video, we take a look at the lone swordsman, Meta Knight, to find out just what exactly is under the mask!
What is included: Kirby's Adventure, Kirby Super Star (and Ultra), Amazing Mirror, Squeak Squad, Epic Yarn, Return to Dream Land (Deluxe), Triple Deluxe, Planet Robobot, Star Allies, and Forgotten Land.
What is not included: Kirby and the Rainbow Curse, Magolor Epilogue: The Interdimensional Traveler, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Kirby and the Forgotten land - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World Upgrade Pack, and Kirby Air Riders.
Basic info: This is the creators earlier take on Meta Knight and despite it being a bit outdated it still has some good information. Such as highlighting Meta Knight's position in the timeline, and goes through the entire Meta Knight's revenge arc which is worth looking into.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nHp5XgUofLA&t=603s
5.2 Meta Knight lore:
Credit: Silvery
Platform: YouTube
Video Name: The ULTIMATE Meta Knight Character Analysis
Video description: It's been a minute since I talked about this guy! A remake of my first video, we aim to explore Meta Knight even more thoroughly, from Adventure to Forgotten Land and beyond all in the pursuit of finding out what truly lies beneath the mask. It's time we ask the age old question, who is Meta Knight?
What is included: Kirby's Adventure, Kirby Super Star, Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land, Kirby: Right Back at Ya!, Kirby & The Amazing Mirror, Kirby Squeak Squad, Kirby Super Star Ultra, Kirby's Return to Dream Land, Kirby Triple Deluxe, Kirby Planet Robobot, Kirby Star Allies, Epic Yarn, Kirby Battle Royale, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, and Kirby and the Forgotten land - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World Upgrade Pack.
What is not included: Kirby and the Rainbow Curse, Magolor Epilogue: The Interdimensional Traveler, and Kirby Air Riders.
Basic info: This is the newest take on Meta Knight and includes some interesting theories on the Kirby timeline and what might be hiding under the mask (not in a literal sense though). This video also explores Meta Knight's relationship with other main characters including Kirby, King Dedede, and his crew.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_m5shixzvmc
6. Waddle Dee and Bandana Waddle Dee lore:
Credit goes to: Designing For
Platform: YouTube
Video Name: All About Waddle Dee! -- Designing For Deevotion
Video Description: Designing For is a series which looks at one specific level, character, or idea in gaming and breaks down the central theme to that element to figure out what it's, well, designing for! In this episode, we look over Kirby's long-time enemies, Waddle Dees! They may not be that strong, or smart, or competent, but they're here to serve as more than just obstacles - they're the little helpers that prop up the vibe and themes of Kirby by helping out whenever they can! And the individuals in that group that take that simple message to a whole new level.
What is included: Kirby's Dream Land, Kirby's Adventure / Nightmare in Dream Land, Kirby's Dream Land 2 & 3, Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards, Kirby: Squeak Squad, Kirby: Mass Attack, Kirby's Return to Dream Land, Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe, Kirby: Triple Deluxe, Kirby: Planet Robobot, Kirby's Epic Yarn, Kirby Star Allies, and Kirby and the Forgotten land.
What is not included: Kirby and the Rainbow Curse, Magolor Epilogue: The Interdimensional Traveler, Kirby and the Forgotten Land - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World Upgrade Pack, and Kirby Air Riders.
Basic info: It is a good basic look at the Waddle Dee species (including the fact that they basically represent loyalty), how Bandana Waddle Dee became the most senior Waddle Dee and grew from there, and some info on Sailor Dee.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HixbBzKWmbE&t=724s
