Crosscanon

Crosscanon refers to a practice or concept that involves the integration or comparison of elements from different canons. A canon, in this context, is a collection of works, traditions, or established principles considered authoritative or definitive within a particular field, such as literature, religion, or a fictional universe.

The act of crosscanonization typically involves examining how characters, storylines, themes, or lore from one canon might interact with, influence, or be interpreted through the lens of another. This can occur in various forms. For example, in fan fiction, authors might create stories that bring together characters from different books or movies, thus establishing a personal, unofficial crosscanon. In academic study, scholars might compare the theological or philosophical underpinnings of different religious traditions, finding commonalities or divergences that form a conceptual crosscanon.

Within fictional universes, creators might deliberately introduce elements from one established canon into another. This can be seen in sequels, prequels, or shared universes where characters or events from disparate original works are made to coexist. This deliberate crosscanonization often serves to expand the narrative possibilities or create new layers of meaning for audiences familiar with the source material. The success of such endeavors often depends on how seamlessly the integration is achieved and how well it respects the established internal logic of each contributing canon.