A Beginner's Guide to the Star Wars Expanded Universe

The Star Wars universe extends far beyond the cinematic saga. For decades, the Expanded Universe (now known as Legends) enriched the Star Wars lore with countless novels, comics, and games. This vast collection of stories offered fans a deeper understanding of the galaxy far, far away.

Legends covers events spanning millennia, from the ancient Sith wars to the post-Return of the Jedi era. It introduced iconic characters like Grand Admiral Thrawn, Mara Jade, and Kyle Katarn, who have become beloved by fans. These characters and their stories expanded upon the core themes of the Star Wars saga, exploring the complexities of the Force, the struggles of the New Republic, and the enduring conflict between good and evil.

Starting with Legends can be daunting, but a chronological approach is often recommended. Begin with the Old Republic era, exploring the ancient Sith and Jedi conflicts. Then, delve into the rise of the Empire and the Galactic Civil War, following the stories of characters like Thrawn and Mara Jade. Finally, explore the New Jedi Order era, where Luke Skywalker establishes a new generation of Jedi.

Key storylines to explore include the Thrawn Trilogy, which details the resurgence of the Empire, and the New Jedi Order series, which tackles the Yuuzhan Vong invasion. These stories provide rich character development and intricate plotlines that expand upon the Star Wars universe.

While Legends is no longer considered canon, it remains a valuable resource for Star Wars fans. It offers a wealth of stories and characters that enrich the Star Wars experience. Exploring Legends allows you to delve deeper into the galaxy, discovering new perspectives and adventures.