A Beginner’s Guide to the Star Wars Expanded Universe (Legends)
So, you’ve conquered the Skywalker Saga, devoured the Disney+ series, and now you’re itching for more Star Wars? You probably have heard of the vast and sprawling world beyond the films, a place called the Expanded Universe (EU), now rebranded as Legends. But you don’t know where to start. Fear not, this guide will help you navigate through the EU and all of its glory!
What is Star Wars Legends?
Before Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm, the Star Wars universe was significantly expanded through a vast library of novels, comics, video games, tabletop RPGs, and other media. This expansive collection of stories, collectively known as the Expanded Universe, explored the galaxy’s history in meticulous detail, introducing countless new characters and planets, and fleshing out the lore in ways the films alone couldn’t. In 2014, Lucasfilm strategically rebranded the EU as “Legends,” clearly delineating it as a separate continuity from the newly established canon. Think of it as a rich and vibrant alternate timeline, a tapestry of “what if” scenarios, epic adventures, and unexplored corners of the Star Wars galaxy. It’s a parallel universe within Star Wars, offering a different, yet equally compelling, take on the saga.
Why Explore Legends?
While no longer considered official canon, Legends offers a treasure trove of captivating stories, intricate world-building, and beloved characters that many fans still cherish. It’s a deep dive into the Star Wars mythos, offering experiences that complement and sometimes even challenge what you know from the films. Here’s why you should consider diving in:
Unparalleled Depth of Lore: Legends delves deep into the history of the Star Wars galaxy, exploring events thousands of years before the films and stretching far beyond the Skywalker Saga’s timeline. You’ll learn about the ancient Rakatan Infinite Empire, the formation of the Republic, the various schisms within the Jedi and Sith orders, the complex history of Revan, and so much more. This expanded history provides a trove of content for those looking to explore the Star Wars universe.
Beloved and Influential Characters: Legends introduced many fan-favorite characters, some of whom, due to their popularity, have even made their way into the new canon, albeit often in reimagined forms. Characters like Grand Admiral Thrawn (who has become a major player in the current canon through Rebels and the Ahsoka Disney+ series), Mara Jade, Kyle Katarn, and Revan from Knights of the Old Republic originated in the EU and have left a lasting impact on the Star Wars fandom. Exploring their original stories in Legends offers a unique perspective on these characters.
Epic Storylines: From galaxy-spanning wars involving fleets of Star Destroyers and legions of stormtroopers to intimate character dramas exploring the nuances of the Force and the struggles of individuals caught in galactic conflicts, Legends offers a wide range of stories to satisfy every taste. You’ll find thrilling space battles, intricate political intrigue, gritty crime sagas, and moving tales of heroism and sacrifice.
Where to Begin?
The sheer size of Legends can be daunting for newcomers. It’s a vast library of interconnected stories, and knowing where to jump in can be tricky. Here are some recommended starting points, categorized for easier navigation:
For the Military Sci-Fi Fan:
Thrawn Trilogy (Timothy Zahn): This iconic trilogy introduces Grand Admiral Thrawn, a brilliant strategist and art connoisseur, and is a fantastic entry point into the post-Return of the Jedi era.
X-wing Series (Michael Stackpole & Aaron Allston): Experience the thrills and dangers of starfighter combat as you follow Wedge Antilles and Rogue Squadron.
The Clone Wars: While this isn’t exactly the expanded universe, there are many characters that appear in The Clone Wars that are. Think of this as your best of both worlds scenario if you want something as close to “canon” as possible.
For the Jedi and Force Enthusiast:
Tales of the Jedi (Various Authors): Explore the ancient history of the Jedi Order and the rise of the Sith in this epic comic series from Dark Horse Comics released in the 90s.
Knights of the Old Republic (Video Game): Create your own Jedi and shape the fate of the galaxy in this critically acclaimed RPG. This game is easily the best Star Wars game to have been released. The story and gameplay is absolutely amazing, and even though it was released in 2003 it blows many games out of the water still!
Children of the Jedi (Barbara Hambly): This book explores Luke Skywalker’s search for lost Jedi knowledge and his efforts to rebuild the Jedi Order. It deals with the mysteries of the Force and the challenges of training new Jedi.
For the Character-Driven Story Lover:
Heir to the Empire (Timothy Zahn): Often considered the book that reignited Star Wars interest after the original trilogy, this is another excellent starting point. Honestly, this should probably be THE starting point when starting the Expanded Universe.
Darth Bane Trilogy (Drew Karpyshyn): Explore the origins of the Rule of Two and the rise of Darth Bane. plus, you get to witness Darth Bane drop a literal Force bomb that kills those in tune with the Force!
The Old Republic: Revan (Drew Karpyshyn): Revan tells the compelling story of Revan, a Jedi Master who fell to the dark side and then returned to the light, becoming a legendary figure in the ancient Republic. The novel explores Revan’s complex journey, his motivations, and the impact he had on the galaxy, bridging the gap between the Knights of the Old Republic video game and The Old Republic MMO. It delves into the mysteries of the Force, the allure of the dark side, and the possibility of redemption, making it a must-read for fans of the Old Republic era.
Navigating the Timeline:
The Legends timeline is extensive and can be a bit confusing at first. Understanding the different eras is key:
Old Republic Era (25,025 BBY – 1,000 BBY): Focuses on the Jedi Order, the Sith, and the ancient history of the galaxy.
Rise of the Empire Era (1,000 BBY – 19 BBY): Covers the events leading up to the prequel trilogy, including the rise of Palpatine and the Clone Wars.
Rebellion Era (19 BBY – 4 ABY): Coincides with the original trilogy, focusing on the Rebel Alliance’s fight against the Empire.
New Republic Era (4 ABY – 29 ABY): Takes place after Return of the Jedi, exploring the challenges of rebuilding the galaxy.
Legacy Era (40 ABY – 140 ABY): Set decades after the New Republic era, featuring the descendants of the Skywalker family.
Important Note: Because Legends is a separate continuity, some events, characters, and even planets may contradict the current Star Wars canon. It’s crucial to remember that Legends is an alternate timeline that allows for different stories and possibilities. Don’t try to reconcile everything with canon; embrace the differences and enjoy the unique stories Legends has to offer.
Conclusion:
The Star Wars Legends universe offers a vast and exciting world for fans to explore. While it’s no longer the official canon, it remains a rich source of stories, characters, and lore that continues to inspire and entertain Star Wars fans. It’s a treasure trove of content for those who want to delve deeper into the Star Wars galaxy and experience stories beyond the films. So, grab a book, fire up a game, and prepare to journey to a galaxy far, far away… a galaxy that might be different from the one you know, but just as captivating.