i dont think that zelda created them by itself but was a major part of making rpg games what they are today

remember when Zelda came out, it was called an RPG game by many gamer magazine publishers. An RPG doesn't have to follow the same system as Final Fantasy but base on character build up (doesn't have to be leveling up method) and an involving storyline. Just recently when Zelda became 3D was it called action/adventure because people have gotten to the idea that RPGS are Final Fantasy like. Zelda was the first RPG game to be mass marketed and accepted by the general public. Do remember that early RPGS didn't rank in that much cash then again did many games at all. In theory if it wasn't for Zelda you won't be seeing many of the current RPG games.

Adventure was technically classifed as an Action Adventure games as you said.

The first ever computer RPG was DnD on the PLATO system which came out in 1974

Chronology of Computer Role Play Games
History of Computer Role Playing Game

Chronology of Console Role Playing Games
History of Console Role Playing Games

Yes the good old days. [Oh no Jebediah died of Malaria.]