<Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article possibly contains original research . Please improve it by verifying the claims made and adding inline citations . Statements consisting only of original research should be removed . (October 2016) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article possibly contains original research . Please improve it by verifying the claims made and adding inline citations . Statements consisting only of original research should be removed . (October 2016) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> In fiction, canon is the material accepted as officially part of the story in the fictional universe of that story . It is often contrasted with, or used as the basis for, works of fan fiction . The alternative terms mythology, timeline, universe and continuity are often used, with the former being especially used to refer to a richly detailed fictional canon requiring a large degree of suspension of disbelief (e.g. an entire imaginary world and history), while the latter two typically refer to a single arc where all events are directly connected chronologically . Other times, the word can mean "to be acknowledged by the creator (s)." </P> <P> The use of the word "canon" originated in reference to a set of texts derives from Biblical canon, the set of books regarded as scripture, as contrasted with non-canonical Apocrypha . The term was first used by analogy in the context of fiction to refer to the Sherlock Holmes stories and novels, written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, as contracted with numerous Holmes adventures added later by other writers . This usage was afterwards extended to the writings of various other authors . </P>

What does it mean when something is cannon