Are All Warhammer 40K Books Canon?
The vast and sprawling universe of Warhammer 40,000 has captivated fans of science fiction and fantasy for decades. With a wealth of lore, characters, and settings to explore, it’s no wonder that Warhammer 40K has become a beloved franchise for many. But with so much content out there, a common question arises: Are all Warhammer 40K books canon?
What is Canon, Exactly?
Before we dive into the answer, it’s essential to understand what we mean by "canon." In the context of Warhammer 40K, canon refers to the official, authorized narrative and lore of the franchise. This includes books, stories, and settings written or sanctioned by Games Workshop, the company behind Warhammer 40K.
Direct Answer: Most Content is Canon
To put it simply, most content created or licensed by Games Workshop and its subsidiaries is considered canon. This includes:
• Rulebooks and miniature models: Games Workshop produces rulebooks, setting the rules for play and narrative, as well as miniature models, which serve as the visual representation of characters and settings.
• Black Library books: The Black Library is the publishing arm of Games Workshop, responsible for producing novels, anthologies, and other written works set in the Warhammer 40K universe.
• Video games and digital media: Officially licensed Warhammer 40K video games, digital comics, and other media are all part of the canon.
However, it’s crucial to note that not everything created by fans or independent creators is automatically considered canon. We’ll explore the implications of this later in the article.
Types of Canon
Within the realm of Warhammer 40K, there are several types of canon content. These include:
Official Canon
- Content directly created or licensed by Games Workshop, such as rulebooks, novels, and digital media.
Legion Canon
- Stories, settings, and characters specifically tied to the Legion faction, which is one of the most prominent groups within the Warhammer 40K universe.
Fan-Generated Canon
- Content created by fans, including fan fiction, artwork, and other creative endeavors.
Non-Canon
- Content not created or sanctioned by Games Workshop, including fan-created work that may not be considered part of the official narrative.
Why Most Content is Canon
So why do most Warhammer 40K books qualify as canon? The simple answer is that Games Workshop actively curates and publishes a vast amount of content. This includes novels, short stories, and other written works that are carefully developed to expand the universe. As a result, a large portion of the written canon is directly tied to official sources.
Key Points to Remember
To avoid confusion, here are a few key points to keep in mind:
- Most content created or licensed by Games Workshop is considered canon.
- Not all fan-created content is canon; official sources take precedence.
- The Black Library publishes novels and other written works that are part of the canon.
- Fan fiction and other creative endeavors, while entertaining, may not be considered part of the official narrative.
How to Approach Warhammer 40K Lore
If you’re new to Warhammer 40K or want to explore the vast universe, here’s how to approach the lore:
- Start with the core books and rulebooks, which provide a foundation for understanding the setting.
- Explore the Black Library for novels and anthologies that delve deeper into the story.
- Engage with official digital media, such as video games and digital comics, to further your understanding.
- When interacting with fan-created content, be aware that it may not be considered canon; official sources take precedence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, most Warhammer 40K books are indeed canon, thanks to Games Workshop’s active role in creating and publishing official content. While fan-created works can be entertaining, they should not be confused with official sources. By understanding the different types of canon and approaching the lore with caution, you’ll be well-equipped to embark on an epic journey through the Warhammer 40K universe.