Pääkanoniin

Pääkanoniin is a Finnish term that translates to "main canon" or "primary canon." It is primarily used in discussions about fictional universes, particularly within fandoms. The term refers to the original and officially recognized body of work that establishes the core narrative, characters, and world-building of a particular story. This typically includes the original books, films, television series, or video games created by the intellectual property's originator.

The concept of pääkanoniin is important for distinguishing between what is considered the definitive and authoritative version of a story and derivative works. These derivative works, such as fan fiction, sequels or prequels made by different creators, or adaptations with significant alterations, are often referred to as non-canonical or belonging to a separate canon. Fandoms often engage in debates about what constitutes the pääkanoniin and how strictly it should be adhered to when creating or discussing fan-created content. Understanding the pääkanoniin helps to maintain a shared understanding of the fictional world and its established lore among its followers.