They've added depth. For example, they created new planets and species that later became part of the broader Star Wars lore.
The novels introduced new storylines that inspired other forms of media. Like, some of the ideas from the novels were used in the Star Wars video games. They also gave more backstory to characters like Luke Skywalker, showing his growth and challenges beyond the movies. This made the character more multi - dimensional.
The Legends novels were a major part of building the expanded Star Wars universe. They allowed fans to explore areas that the movies couldn't cover due to time constraints. They inspired fan theories and discussions, which in turn kept the Star Wars fandom alive and engaged between movie releases. They were like a bridge that connected different parts of the Star Wars story and kept the lore evolving.
The EU Novels also influenced the visual aspects. When it came to creating new movies and shows, some of the concepts from the novels were used for inspiration. For instance, the look and feel of certain planets and species might have been inspired by what was first described in the EU Novels. They really filled in the gaps and made the Star Wars universe seem even more vast and complex.
The novels also developed many characters further. Characters like Mara Jade, who was introduced in the Expanded Universe, became fan favorites and added new dimensions to the story. They provided more backstories and story arcs that the movies couldn't fully explore due to time constraints.
They've added a lot of depth. For example, the novels introduced new planets, species, and cultures. This made the Star Wars universe seem even more vast and diverse.
They have expanded on the lore. The detailed backstories of the Jedi and Sith orders in the Expanded Universe have given a more comprehensive understanding of the Force. This in turn has influenced how new Star Wars media, such as the new TV shows, approach the concepts related to the Force and the overall mythology of the franchise.
They've influenced it greatly. For example, the concepts introduced in 'Heir to the Empire' like Grand Admiral Thrawn have been so popular that they've been brought into the official Star Wars canon in new shows and movies. His character added a new layer of complexity to the Imperial side.
They have greatly expanded the universe. For example, they introduced new species, planets, and technologies that later became part of the overall Star Wars lore. New characters from these novels also became fan - favorites and sometimes influenced new storylines in other media like video games.
The animated Star Wars stories have been very influential. 'The Clone Wars' in particular has been a game - changer. It has given us a more in - depth look at the Jedi Order during the Clone Wars. We've seen their politics, their training methods, and their relationships with the clones. This has added a whole new layer of understanding to the Star Wars universe. 'Rebels' has also been important as it has shown the early days of the Rebellion in a more detailed way. It has introduced characters and storylines that have added to the richness of the overall franchise.
The official novels have filled in many gaps in the story. The movies can't cover everything, and the novels have been able to go into more detail about events that happened between movies or in different parts of the galaxy. They also explore different cultures in the Star Wars universe more deeply. For instance, we get to learn more about the Ewoks' way of life in some of the novels. This not only enriches the overall experience for fans but also gives more material for other Star Wars media like video games and TV shows to draw from.
They've added a lot of depth. For example, novels like 'Darth Plagueis' which explored the backstory of Palpatine's master. This gave fans a better understanding of the Sith's history. They also introduced new characters like Grand Admiral Thrawn who later became very popular and even made it into the TV shows. Novels can expand on the events shown in the movies, filling in gaps and creating a more complete universe.