Reevaluating the Canon in Star Wars: Legends and Beyond

Amid the chaos of modern understandings, the term 'canon' in Star Wars has become a source of great confusion. The distinction between 'Legends' and the 'Disney Canon' in relation to the franchise raises questions about the fundamental nature of the Star Wars universe. This essay seeks to clarify these distinctions and explore the implications of these classifications.

The Concept of Canon in Star Wars

The concept of canon in Star Wars is intricate, reflecting the rich history and expansive universe created by George Lucas. At the heart of the matter is the understanding that 'universe' itself means 'all that is.' This philosophical underpinning is crucial for grasping the complexity of Star Wars storytelling. The term 'canon' within the Star Wars context refers to the officially sanctioned stories and media that are considered part of the larger narrative.

Expanded Universe: The Universe Beyond the Mainline Films

The Expanded Universe (EU) encompasses all official Star Wars media outside the main films and their direct adaptations. This includes various forms such as books, comics, graphic novels, video games, TV series, and more. The Expanded Universe is a vast tapestry woven from the creative imaginations of various authors and creators, contributing to the richness and depth of the Star Wars universe.

Legends Continuity: The Old Canon

Labeled as 'Legends,' this continuity consists of all official Star Wars content published between 1978 and April 25, 2014. This period includes novels, comic books, and other media, with the notable exception of the 2008 animated movie 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars' and its subsequent TV series. The 2014 rebranding marked a significant shift in the Star Wars mythos, as all Legends content was officially branded as 'non-canon.'

Disney Canon: The New Official Universe

The Disney Canon, or the current official canon, emerged with the 2014 rebranding. All content produced since April 25, 2014, is considered part of the new canon. This includes all modern films, TV shows, and video games. While the Disney Canon is the officially sanctioned narrative, writers have occasionally incorporated elements from Legends into the canon. For example, characters like Thrawn, Republic Commando armor designs, the TIE Defender, and Dark Troopers have been brought into the new canon.

Legends: A Separate but Canonical Universe

Despite being categorized as 'non-canon,' Legends is not merely a collection of stories that did not happen. Rather, it stands as a fully developed and self-contained universe. While it is not part of the current Disney canon, Legends stories can still stand on their own as valuable and entertaining narratives. Many fans and authors appreciate these stories for their detailed world-building and compelling characters.

Non-Cannon Stories: Outside the Legends and Disney Canons

Some stories exist in a nebulous space, neither part of the Legends continuity nor the current Disney canon. These stories are considered 'fully non-canon' and should not be conflated with Legends or the Disney canon. These stories operate on their own, possibly existing in their own parallel universes or as standalone narratives that do not impact the official Star Wars storyline.

The Evolution of Canon in Star Wars

The history of the Star Wars canon is marked by changes and reclassifications. In the past, the EU was subdivided into different levels of canon, with TV shows being higher canon than novels, for example. This system allowed for certain narratives to be more closely aligned with the films, while also allowing for greater flexibility and creativity. However, with the rebranding of Legends as non-canon, this system was largely simplified, with all Legends content no longer considered officially part of the Star Wars narrative.

Conclusion

The distinction between Legends and the Disney Canon has significant implications for fans, authors, and the broader Star Wars community. While Legends content may no longer be part of the official canon, it remains a valuable and vibrant part of the Star Wars universe. Understanding the nuances of the canon helps fans appreciate the complexity and richness of the Star Wars narrative, recognizing that the universe is indeed 'all there is.'