Canon vs. Fanon — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 31, 2024
Canon refers to the official elements and details within a fictional universe as established by the original creators, while fanon consists of unofficial elements created and accepted by fans but not officially recognized.
Difference Between Canon and Fanon
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Canon in the context of fiction and media franchises refers to the material that is officially part of the story or universe as determined by the creators or rights holders. This includes all the plots, characters, settings, and details that are recognized as "official" by the source material. Whereas fanon (a blend of "fan" and "canon") represents concepts, interpretations, or details that, while not officially endorsed, have gained widespread acceptance or usage among the fan community.
Canon is what shapes the official narrative and lore of a universe, setting the foundation for the characters' adventures and the world they inhabit. It is typically found in the original books, movies, series, or other media produced by the creators. On the other hand, fanon emerges from the fan community's creativity, filling gaps in the narrative, expanding on characters' backgrounds, or exploring relationships not explicitly defined in the canon.
The distinction between canon and fanon is significant in discussions about character development, plot analysis, and theoretical speculations within fandoms. Canon provides a common ground that all fans can refer to, ensuring consistency in discussions and fan works. Fanon, while not officially recognized, can influence the fan culture surrounding a work, contributing to the richness of the community's engagement with the text.
Canon is maintained and expanded upon through official releases, such as sequels, prequels, and authorized spin-offs. This ensures that the universe remains cohesive and that new additions are in line with the established lore. Fanon, however, evolves organically within the fan community, often through fan fiction, fan art, and online forums, reflecting the collective creativity and desires of the fandom.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Officially recognized elements of a fictional universe.
Unofficial elements accepted by fans but not creators.
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Source
Original creators or rights holders.
Fan community.
Examples
Published books, films, series.
Fan fiction, fan art, forums.
Authority
Determined by creators.
Emerges organically among fans.
Role in Fandom
Shapes the official narrative and lore.
Expands and enriches fan engagement with the universe.
Compare with Definitions
Canon
Officially recognized story elements.
The events in the Harry Potter books are canon within its universe.
Fanon
Elements that enrich fan works.
Fanon ideas are popular in fan fiction and fan art.
Canon
Approved additions to the narrative.
Official spin-offs contribute to the canon of the original series.
Fanon
Fan-created elements widely accepted within the community.
The belief that Sherlock Holmes and John Watson are a couple is fanon in some circles.
Canon
Basis for official story development.
Future Marvel movies build upon the canon established by previous films.
Fanon
Unofficial background details.
Fanon often fills in character backstories not covered in canon.
Canon
Creator-established lore.
The Star Wars movies set the canon for the franchise.
Fanon
Creative expansions not in official works.
Fans create fanon relationships between characters never interacted in the official material.
Canon
Binding narrative elements.
Canon events must be acknowledged in all official sequels.
Fanon
Widely adopted fan theories.
Fanon theories can become almost as recognized as canon.
Canon
Archaic spelling of canyon
Fanon
A vestment reserved only for the Pope for use during a pontifical Mass.
Canon
An ecclesiastical law or code of laws established by a church council.
Fanon
Part of a bishop's mitre. They are the tabs extending down from the mitre, often with a cross near the end of each. See lappet.
Canon
A secular law, rule, or code of law.
Fanon
A maniple.
Canon
An established principle
The canons of polite society.
Fanon
(surgery) A fold of linen laid under a splint.
Canon
A basis for judgment; a standard or criterion.
Fanon
(fandom) Elements introduced by fans which are not in the official canon of a fictional world but are widely believed to be or treated as if canonical.
Canon
The books of the Bible officially accepted as Holy Scripture.
Fanon
A term applied to various articles,
Canon
A group of literary works that are generally accepted as representing a field
"the durable canon of American short fiction" (William Styron).
Canon
The works of a writer that have been accepted as authentic
The entire Shakespeare canon.
Canon
Material considered to be officially part of a fictional universe or considered to fit within the history established by a fictional universe
"The Harry Potter series was one of the first pieces of media to inspire widespread fan fiction writing, probably because its popularity coincided with the early days of the Internet, but its creator has also shown herself more than willing to keep updating the canon" (Emma Cueto).
Canon
Canon The part of the Mass beginning after the Preface and Sanctus and ending just before the Lord's Prayer.
Canon
The calendar of saints accepted by the Roman Catholic Church.
Canon
(Music) A composition or passage in which a melody is imitated by one or more voices at fixed intervals of pitch and time.
Canon
A member of a chapter of priests serving in a cathedral or collegiate church.
Canon
A member of certain religious communities living under a common rule and bound by vows.
Canon
Variant of canyon.
Canon
A generally accepted principle; a rule.
The trial must proceed according to the canons of law.
Canon
A formally codified set of criteria deemed mandatory for a particular artistic style of figurative art.
The Canon of Polykleitos
Canon
A group of literary works that are generally accepted as representing a field.
Canon
The works of a writer that have been accepted as authentic.
The entire Shakespearean canon
Canon
A eucharistic prayer, particularly the Roman Canon.
Canon
A religious law or body of law decreed by the church.
We must proceed according to canon law.
Canon
A catalogue of saints acknowledged and canonized in the Roman Catholic Church.
Canon
In monasteries, a book containing the rules of a religious order.
Canon
A piece of music in which the same melody is played by different voices, but beginning at different times; a round.
Pachelbel’s Canon has become very popular.
Canon
(Roman law) A rent or stipend payable at some regular time, generally annual, e.g., canon frumentarius
Canon
Those sources, especially including literary works, which are considered part of the main continuity regarding a given fictional universe.
A spin-off book series revealed the aliens to be originally from Earth, but it's not canon.
Canon
(cookery) A rolled and filleted loin of meat; also called a cannon.
A canon of beef or lamb
Canon
A large size of type formerly used for printing the church canons, standardized as 48-point.
Canon
The part of a bell by which it is suspended; the ear or shank of a bell.
Canon
A clergy member serving a cathedral or collegiate church.
Canon
A canon regular, a member of any of several Roman Catholic religious orders.
Canon
A law or rule.
Or that the Everlasting had not fixedHis canon 'gainst self-slaughter.
Canon
A law, or rule of doctrine or discipline, enacted by a council and confirmed by the pope or the sovereign; a decision, regulation, code, or constitution made by ecclesiastical authority.
Various canons which were made in councils held in the second centry.
Canon
In monasteries, a book containing the rules of a religious order.
Canon
A catalogue of saints acknowledged and canonized in the Roman Catholic Church.
Canon
A member of a cathedral chapter; a person who possesses a prebend in a cathedral or collegiate church.
Canon
A musical composition in which the voices begin one after another, at regular intervals, successively taking up the same subject. It either winds up with a coda (tailpiece), or, as each voice finishes, commences anew, thus forming a perpetual fugue or round. It is the strictest form of imitation. See Imitation.
Canon
The largest size of type having a specific name; - so called from having been used for printing the canons of the church.
Canon
The part of a bell by which it is suspended; - called also ear and shank.
Canon
See Carom.
Canon
A deep gorge, ravine, or gulch, between high and steep banks, worn by water courses.
Canon
A rule or especially body of rules or principles generally established as valid and fundamental in a field or art or philosophy;
The neoclassical canon
Canons of polite society
Canon
A priest who is a member of a cathedral chapter
Canon
A ravine formed by a river in an area with little rainfall
Canon
A contrapuntal piece of music in which a melody in one part is imitated exactly in other parts
Canon
A complete list of saints that have been recognized by the Roman Catholic Church
Canon
A collection of books accepted as holy scripture especially the books of the Bible recognized by any Christian church as genuine and inspired
Common Curiosities
Can fanon become canon?
Yes, fanon can become canon if the creators officially adopt fan-created elements into the storyline.
Why is canon important in fandoms?
Canon is important because it provides a foundational narrative that ensures consistency and cohesion within the fandom's discussions and creative expressions.
Do all fandoms have fanon?
Most fandoms develop some form of fanon, especially those with large and active communities.
What defines something as canon?
Canon is defined by its official acceptance into the storyline or universe by the original creators or rights holders.
How does fanon originate?
Fanon originates from the creativity and collective agreement of the fan community, often filling gaps or expanding on the official narrative.
How do creators view fanon?
Creators' views on fanon vary; some embrace it as a valuable part of fan engagement, while others prefer to keep a clear distinction between canon and fanon.
Can disagreements about canon and fanon cause conflict within fandoms?
Yes, differing interpretations of canon and the acceptance of fanon can lead to debates and conflicts within fandoms.
What role does fanon play in fan culture?
Fanon plays a significant role in enriching fan culture by allowing fans to explore and expand the universe beyond the official narrative.
How do canon and fanon interact in a fandom?
Canon and fanon interact dynamically within a fandom; canon informs fanon, while fanon can influence fan discussions and even impact future canon.
How does the internet affect the spread of fanon?
The internet greatly facilitates the spread of fanon, allowing fan-created concepts to gain widespread acceptance rapidly across global fan communities.
Are there any examples of fanon being widely mistaken for canon?
Yes, some fanon elements become so popular that they are often mistakenly believed to be part of the official canon.
How can fans distinguish between canon and fanon?
Fans can distinguish between canon and fanon by referencing the original material and official statements from creators or by recognizing that fanon is not officially acknowledged.
Is fanon considered less legitimate than canon?
Fanon is not officially recognized, making it less legitimate in terms of the official narrative, but it holds significant value and legitimacy within fan communities.
How do fans contribute to the development of fanon?
Fans contribute to fanon through creative works, such as fan fiction and fan art, and through discussions and theories shared within the community.
What happens when new canon contradicts existing fanon?
When new canon contradicts existing fanon, it can lead to adjustments within fan works or debates about the direction of the official narrative.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
