Clarifying the Canon Status of Revan in Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

When I first started digging into the Star Wars universe in the early 2000s, the term 'canon' was a foreign concept to me. However, as the years went on and the narrative of the Knights of the Old Republic series became more intertwined with other canonical works, one piece of information began to circulate that has unfortunately led to some confusion: the existence of a Sith Lord named Revan. It's a common misconception that if any part of Revan is canon, the entire Knights of the Old Republic series must also be considered canon. But is this truly the case? Let's break it down.

Revan's Sith Legion and the Question of Canon

One of the key pieces of evidence that many point to is the mention of the Revan legion in the Rise of Skywalker visual dictionary. This specific reference to a Sith Legion named after Revan leads many to believe that Revan himself is part of the now canonical narrative. However, it is essential to understand that this single mention does not make the entire Knights of the Old Republic series canon. It signals only the existence of a renegade Sith named Darth Revan, not the vast majority of events and characters associated with the series.

Understanding Canonicity and Specific Mentions

Ben's statement highlights the nuance required in interpreting canonicity. When the Revan legion is mentioned, it does not automatically imply that every detail in the series is now considered part of the overarching canonical narrative. Just as the existence of a planet named Jakku in a SWTOR expansion does not mean the entire sequel trilogy storyline is now part of the Legends canon, a specific mention of a Sith Lord named Revan in the Rise of Skywalker visual dictionary simply indicates that Revan once existed within the Star Wars universe.

The Role of Specific Canonicity

Another crucial point to keep in mind is the role of specific canonicity. The expansion of the Star Wars universe is a complex and evolving process, with different parts of the expanded universe being designated as canonical at different times. For example, the Knights of the Old Republic series, originally part of the Legends universe, had its canon status changed with the release of The Rise of Skywalker. However, this does not mean that the entire series is now considered part of canon; rather, certain events or characters are specifically stated to be canon.

Specific Example: New SWTOR Expansions and Canon

Consider how the Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR) expansions function with respect to canon. While a new expansion might mention a planet like Jakku, it does not automatically mean that the entire sequel storyline is now part of the canon. It simply means that within the narrative framework of the Legends timeline, there exists a planet called Jakku. The same principle applies to the existence of Darth Revan: his mention in a single source does not automatically confer broad canon status across the entire series.

Conclusion: The Nuance of Canonicity

Finally, it's important to approach the concept of canonicity in the Star Wars universe with nuance and specificity. While the mention of Darth Revan in the Rise of Skywalker visual dictionary does indicate the existence of a Sith Lord named Revan, it does not mean that the entire Knights of the Old Republic series is now considered canon. This distinction is crucial for understanding the intricate and evolving narrative of the Star Wars universe. By recognizing the importance of specific mentions and events, we can better navigate the complex landscape of canon in the Star Wars saga.