The Star Wars universe is vast, rich, and filled with stories that span across movies, TV shows, books, comics, and more. For newcomers, navigating this galaxy can be a bit overwhelming, especially when you hear terms like “Star Wars Canon vs. Legends” being thrown around. What do they mean, and why are they important? This beginner’s guide will help you understand the difference between Star Wars Canon and Legends, so you can explore the galaxy far, far away with confidence.
What’s in store
What Is Star Wars Canon?
Canon refers to the official storyline of the Star Wars universe, as recognised by Lucasfilm. It includes all the events, characters, and stories that are considered part of the “real” Star Wars history. Understanding Star Wars Canon vs. Legends is crucial because Canon content drives the current narrative of the Star Wars universe, and it’s what you’ll see referenced in new movies, TV shows, and other official media.
What’s Included in Star Wars Canon?
- The Movies: All nine episodes of the Skywalker Saga (Episodes I-IX), along with the spin-off films “Rogue One” and “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” are part of Canon.
- TV Shows: Animated series like “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” “Star Wars Rebels,” and “Star Wars: The Bad Batch,” as well as live-action series like “The Mandalorian,” “The Book of Boba Fett,” and “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” are Canon.
- Books and Comics: Since the 2014 announcement, all new Star Wars books and comics published by Lucasfilm and its partners are considered Canon. Notable examples include the “Aftermath” trilogy, “Thrawn” series, and Marvel’s ongoing Star Wars comic line.
- Video Games: Some video games, like “Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order” and “Star Wars: Battlefront II,” have been designated as Canon, contributing to the overall storyline.
What Is Star Wars Legends?
Legends refers to the expansive collection of Star Wars stories that were created before April 25, 2014, but are no longer considered part of the official Canon. When Disney acquired Lucasfilm in 2012, the company decided to streamline the Star Wars narrative. As a result, they rebranded much of the existing expanded universe (EU) content as “Legends,” meaning it is not part of the current, official Star Wars Canon. Understanding Star Wars Canon vs. Legends helps fans discern which stories are considered “official” and which are part of the rich, but non-canon, expanded universe.
What’s Included in Star Wars Legends?
- Expanded Universe (EU) Novels: Before 2014, there were countless Star Wars novels that explored the lives of characters and events beyond the movies. Popular series like “The Thrawn Trilogy” by Timothy Zahn, “The New Jedi Order,” and “Darth Bane” are part of Legends.
- Comics: Many comic series published by Dark Horse Comics, such as “Star Wars: Dark Empire” and “Star Wars: Legacy,” are considered Legends.
- Video Games: Classics like “Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic,” “Star Wars: The Force Unleashed,” and “Star Wars: Jedi Knight” fall under the Legends banner.
- Other Media: Various TV shows, such as the 2003 “Star Wars: Clone Wars” animated series, and older tabletop role-playing games also belong to Legends.
Why the Separation?
The decision to create a distinction between Star Wars Canon vs. Legends was made to ensure consistency in the storytelling of future Star Wars projects. Before 2014, the Star Wars expanded universe was massive and included stories that sometimes contradicted each other. By establishing a clear Canon, Lucasfilm aimed to create a cohesive narrative that new content could build upon without conflicting with existing material.
However, just because something is labeled as Legends doesn’t mean it’s been forgotten. In fact, many elements from Legends have made their way back into Canon, albeit with slight modifications. Characters like Grand Admiral Thrawn and concepts like the Mandalorians were originally from Legends but have been reintroduced into the Canon universe. This blending of Star Wars Canon vs. Legends elements has enriched the overall narrative.
How to Approach Star Wars Canon vs. Legends
If you’re new to Star Wars, it’s a good idea to start with Canon content. This will give you a clear understanding of the current official storyline and characters that are central to the Star Wars universe today. Watching the movies, exploring the TV shows, and reading Canon books will provide a strong foundation. Exploring Star Wars Canon vs. Legends will help you appreciate the full depth of the Star Wars universe.
However, Legends is still worth exploring, especially if you’re interested in alternate stories, expanded character arcs, or what might have been. Many fans cherish Legends for its creativity and the way it delved deep into the lore. It’s a treasure trove of content for those who want more Star Wars, even if it’s not part of the official storyline.
Where to Start with Star Wars Canon and Legends
For Canon:
- Movies: Start with the Skywalker Saga (Episodes I-IX).
- TV Shows: “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” and “The Mandalorian” are great entry points.
- Books: Consider starting with “Thrawn” by Timothy Zahn or the “Aftermath” trilogy by Chuck Wendig. Find them below!
- Thrawn: https://amzn.to/3WNEIIf
- Aftermath: https://amzn.to/4cuu677
- Comics: Marvel’s “Star Wars” (2015-present) and “Darth Vader” series are essential reads.
For Legends:
- Books: “Heir to the Empire” by Timothy Zahn (part of the Thrawn Trilogy) is a must-read, as well as the “Darth Bane” trilogy by Drew Karpyshyn. Find them below!
- Heir to the Empire: https://amzn.to/4cuiMHS
- Darth Bane Trilogy: https://amzn.to/4dqCTYO
- Video Games: “Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic” is a fan-favourite with a deep, immersive storyline.
- Comics: “Star Wars: Dark Empire” and “Star Wars: Legacy” are standout titles.
Understanding the difference between Star Wars Canon vs. Legends is key to navigating the vast Star Wars universe. Whether you choose to stick to the official Canon or dive into the rich stories of Legends, both offer incredible experiences that expand the galaxy far, far away. While on your journey why not check out The Top 10 Most Powerful Jedi and Sith in Star Wars History. Happy exploring, and may the Force be with you on your journey through Star Wars!
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