Canon and Legends

Definition

Since 2014 all pre-Disney material (novels, comics, games) is Legends. The canon is only films, shows, new novels and Marvel/IDW comics greenlit by the Story Group.

Why the split

Disney needed a consistent storyworld for new films and shows. The old EU was too large and too contradictory.

Practical effect

If a book is from before 2014, it is no longer part of the official canon — but often inspires newer stories (e.g. Thrawn’s return).