What Is The Star Wars Legends Continuity?
If you’re a Star Wars fan, you’ve probably heard the term “Star Wars Legends” thrown around. But what exactly does it mean? Well, my friend, prepare to embark on a journey through the galaxy far, far away as we delve into the fascinating world of the Star Wars Legends continuity.
Imagine a universe where epic battles, iconic characters, and thrilling adventures take on a life of their own. In the Star Wars Legends continuity, which encompasses a vast collection of books, comics, and games, fans are treated to an expansive and ever-evolving storyline that expands upon the beloved Star Wars universe. It’s like a treasure trove of untold tales, alternate timelines, and exciting possibilities.
So, whether you’re a Jedi Knight or a Sith Lord, a Rebel pilot or an Imperial officer, the Star Wars Legends continuity offers an immersive and captivating experience that will keep you hooked from start to finish. Get ready to explore new worlds, encounter new heroes and villains, and discover the untold stories that make the Star Wars Legends continuity a true force to be reckoned with. May the Force be with you as we embark on this thrilling adventure together!
What is the Star Wars Legends Continuity?
The Star Wars Legends continuity refers to the collection of books, comics, and other media that were published before April 25, 2014. This date is significant because it marks the establishment of a new official canon for the Star Wars franchise by Lucasfilm. Prior to this, the Expanded Universe, as it was known, was considered the official continuation of the Star Wars story outside of the original films.
In the Star Wars Legends continuity, numerous stories were told that expanded upon the events of the original trilogy, delving into the lives of beloved characters and introducing new ones. These stories covered a wide range of time periods, exploring the history of the Jedi and Sith, as well as the conflicts that shaped the galaxy far, far away. While the Legends continuity was not considered official canon after April 2014, the stories and characters from this era still hold a special place in the hearts of many Star Wars fans.
The Origins of Star Wars Legends
The Star Wars Legends continuity began with the release of the novel “Splinter of the Mind’s Eye” by Alan Dean Foster in 1978. This book was the first expanded universe story and was written as a potential sequel to the original Star Wars film. From there, the expanded universe grew exponentially, with novels, comics, video games, and more offering fans new adventures in the Star Wars universe.
During this time, Lucasfilm had a licensing program that allowed external authors and creators to contribute to the expanded universe. This resulted in a vast and diverse collection of stories that expanded upon the Star Wars mythology. However, as the franchise continued to evolve, Lucasfilm made the decision to establish a new official canon and relegate the Legends continuity to non-canon status.
The Transition to the New Canon
In 2014, Lucasfilm announced that the Star Wars Expanded Universe would be rebranded as Star Wars Legends, effectively separating it from the new official canon. This decision was made in order to provide a clean slate for future storytelling and allow for a more cohesive and consistent narrative across all mediums.
With the launch of the new canon, which includes the films, television series, and select books and comics, Lucasfilm aimed to create a more interconnected and streamlined Star Wars universe. The new canon incorporated elements from the Legends continuity, while also introducing new stories and characters that fit within the established framework.
The Legacy of Star Wars Legends
Although the Legends continuity is no longer considered official canon, its impact on the Star Wars franchise cannot be overlooked. Many of the characters, locations, and storylines from the Legends era continue to resonate with fans and have influenced subsequent Star Wars storytelling.
The Legends continuity also provided a platform for fans to explore the Star Wars universe in new and exciting ways. It allowed for the development of complex and compelling characters, as well as the exploration of themes and concepts that were not fully explored in the films. The rich history and mythology established in the Legends continuity continue to be a source of inspiration for fans and creators alike.
In conclusion, the Star Wars Legends continuity encompasses a vast collection of stories set in the Star Wars universe, which were published prior to April 25, 2014. While these stories are no longer considered official canon, they remain an important part of the franchise’s history and continue to be beloved by fans. The transition to the new canon allowed for a more cohesive and interconnected Star Wars universe, while still acknowledging the legacy of the Legends era.
Key Takeaways: What is the Star Wars Legends continuity?
- The Star Wars Legends continuity refers to the expanded universe of stories, books, and comics that were created before 2014.
- These stories are no longer considered official canon, but they still hold a special place in the hearts of many Star Wars fans.
- The Legends continuity includes iconic characters like Mara Jade, Jacen Solo, and Darth Revan.
- It explores events that occurred thousands of years before the Skywalker saga and delves into the lives of various characters and civilizations.
- While not part of the current Star Wars canon, the Legends continuity offers a wealth of exciting and imaginative stories for fans to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Star Wars Legends continuity refers to the non-canonized stories and characters within the Star Wars universe. These stories were published prior to 2014 and exist outside of the official Star Wars canon, which includes the films, television shows, and select novels that are considered part of the official storyline. Here are some commonly asked questions about the Star Wars Legends continuity.
Q1: What are the Star Wars Legends?
The Star Wars Legends are a collection of stories, books, comics, and games that were created before 2014. These stories often focused on characters and events that were not part of the official Star Wars canon. While they may not be considered official, they still hold a special place in the hearts of many Star Wars fans.
One of the defining features of the Star Wars Legends is the vast amount of expanded universe material that exists. From novels to comics to video games, there is a wealth of content that explores different aspects of the Star Wars universe and expands upon the lore established in the films.
Q2: Why were the Star Wars Legends created?
The Star Wars Legends were created to expand upon the Star Wars universe and provide fans with more stories and adventures to enjoy. They allowed authors and creators to explore different corners of the galaxy and introduce new characters and concepts. The Legends continuity was a way to keep the Star Wars universe alive and thriving beyond the main film series.
However, in 2014, Lucasfilm decided to streamline the Star Wars universe and establish a new canon that would align with the upcoming films. This meant that the Legends continuity was no longer considered official, but the stories and characters within it continue to be enjoyed by fans.
Q3: Can I still read the Star Wars Legends?
Absolutely! The Star Wars Legends may not be part of the official canon, but they are still available for fans to read and enjoy. Many of the novels, comics, and games from the Legends continuity are still in print and can be found at bookstores or online retailers.
Reading the Legends material can be a great way to dive deeper into the Star Wars universe and discover new stories and characters. It’s important to remember that these stories exist outside of the official canon, so they may not align with the events and characters depicted in the current films and TV shows.
Q4: Are there any connections between the Star Wars Legends and the new canon?
While the Star Wars Legends are not considered official canon, there are occasionally references and nods to the Legends material in the new canon. The creators behind the current Star Wars films and TV shows often pay homage to the expanded universe by including familiar names, locations, or concepts in their storytelling.
However, it’s important to note that these connections are not meant to establish the Legends material as official canon. They are more like Easter eggs for fans who are familiar with the expanded universe and its stories.
Q5: Can the Star Wars Legends ever become official canon again?
While it’s unlikely that the entire Star Wars Legends continuity will ever be reinstated as official canon, elements from the Legends material can be reintroduced into the current canon. This has already happened with characters like Thrawn, who originated in the Legends continuity but was brought back into the official canon in the animated series Star Wars Rebels.
So, while the Legends material may not be officially canon, it is possible for certain characters, concepts, or storylines from that era to make a comeback in the future.
Why Star Wars Legends is Amazing
Final Thoughts on the Star Wars Legends Continuity
So, there you have it, a deep dive into the Star Wars Legends continuity. It’s truly a treasure trove of stories, characters, and adventures that have captivated fans for decades. While it may not be considered official canon anymore, it still holds a special place in the hearts of many Star Wars enthusiasts.
The Legends continuity offers a vast and diverse universe, filled with epic battles, ancient Jedi, and Sith Lords, and thrilling escapades across the galaxy. It’s a testament to the enduring power of the Star Wars franchise and the creativity of the authors and artists who contributed to its expansion.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just starting to explore the Star Wars universe, delving into the Legends continuity can be a fantastic journey. With so many novels, comics, and games to discover, there’s always something new to explore and enjoy. So, grab a lightsaber, hop in your starship, and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of the Star Wars Legends continuity. May the Force be with you!
