Gaiden

Gaiden is a term derived from Japanese that roughly translates to "side story" or "extra tale." In popular culture, particularly within the anime, manga, and video game industries, a gaiden refers to a narrative that exists outside of the main storyline of a particular work. These side stories can take various forms and serve multiple purposes.

A gaiden might explore the backstory of a supporting character, offering insights into their motivations and experiences that are not detailed in the primary plot. Alternatively, it could focus on a period between significant events in the main story, filling in narrative gaps or providing a more detailed look at a specific arc. Gaiden can also be used to introduce new characters or plot elements that are not essential to the overarching narrative but add depth and flavor to the fictional world.

The format of a gaiden can vary widely. It might be presented as a standalone novel, a series of short stories, a manga, a film, an OVA (Original Video Animation), or even a specific level or quest within a video game. The key characteristic is its supplementary nature; it is not considered part of the core, canonical progression of the main story, though some fans may consider certain gaiden elements to be canon. The creation of gaiden allows creators to expand their universes, explore different narrative possibilities, and engage fans with additional content without disrupting the flow of the primary narrative.