The Star Wars Expanded Universe (or "Legends," as it is now referred to) was the first attempt to build on franchise lore. Throughout its run, it was responsible for solidifying an innumerable amount of Star Wars facts related to the Force, individual planets, and specific characters. It was later de-canonized by Disney, following their acquisition of the property from George Lucas.
However, the legacy of the Expanded Universe lives on, especially as it pertains to the Jedi characters. Luke Skywalker's post-Return of the Jedi era introduced some of the most powerful Force users ever to have lived. Many of them became icons for their personalities, their heroism, and even their brush with the dark side.
Kyp Durron
Kyp Durron was undoubtedly one of the Jedi in the Expanded Universe who ended up serving as a template for the character of Kylo Ren, more than 20 years after his debut. Originally, Durron was a member of Luke Skywalker's fledgling new Jedi Academy, built from the ground up in the wake of the Empire's collapse.
Later, Durron would be tempted by the spirit of a thousands-year-old dreaded Sith Lord known as Exar Kun and fell to the dark side. He was later freed of Kun's influence and went on to become a polarizing Jedi in the events that followed, particularly the Yuuzhan Vong invasion of Republic space.
Kyle Katarn
Originally a mercenary who took contract jobs for the Rebellion against the Empire, Kyle Katarn later found out that he had a strong connection to the Force. His fledgling powers were tested during a battle against the dark Jedi known as Jerec, and his dark side acolytes.
After defeating them, Katarn became the unofficial protector of the fabled Valley of the Jedi, a wellspring of tremendous Force power. He would continue to prove his worth as a Jedi by taking down the dark Jedi Desann and his Reborn and cementing his status as one of the greatest Jedi of his time.
Jaina Solo
One of three children born to Han Solo and Leia Organa, Jaina was one of the most gifted Jedi of the time period, thanks to her bloodline. She held a close bond with her twin brother Jacen, and the two were often considered inseparable, at least in terms of a physical Force connection.
The Yuuzhan Vong invasion of Republic space was a traumatic one, and Jacen became a changed man. It was Jaina who eventually faced her brother in a lightsaber duel, killing him in the process. She later married Jagged Fel, a high-ranking Imperial operative who sought to work together in harmony with the Republic.
Corran Horn
Corran Horn was the grandson of a Jedi Master who fought during the Clone Wars era, a fact he didn't learn until much later in life. After serving in the Corellian Security Force, he joined Rogue Squadron, and later, Skywalker's Jedi Academy. He would ascend the ranks to become a Jedi Master in due course.
He eventually became a member of the Jedi Council, thanks to his achievements. Horn lacked proficiency in Force telekinesis, which was rare for Jedi, but he excelled as a lightsaber duelist, as well as energy absorption and Jedi mind tricks.
Tahiri Veila
Tahiri's life was a never-ending torrent of victory, versus despair. She was exceptionally gifted in the ways of the Force, and one of the most powerful Padawans in Star Wars, but her emotional fragility caused her to fall victim to the tragedies she faced in her life, including the death of Anakin Solo, whom she loved dearly.
She eventually became an apprentice to the Sith Lord Darth Caedus, acting as his right hand, and she was quite good at her job. Tahiri was not Jedi Master material, but she was nevertheless very powerful, especially as a lightsaber combatant. She would often utilize a Jedi technique known as Tràkata, which involved switching a lightsaber on and off during battle in order to bypass blocks and confuse opponents.
Ganner Rhysode
Ganner Rhysode epitomized the type of vain arrogance that had led so many Jedi astray in the past, but his story arc actually turned out for the better. He was an active proponent of Kyp Durron's philosophy regarding the use of the Force as a tool to fight injustice across the galaxy, with aggressive intent.
He would justify this stance during the Yuuzhan Vong invasion of Republic space, but his cocky attitude soon got the best of him and taught him a painful lesson. He'd later sacrifice himself during a crucial mission against the enemy when he single-handedly held off hundreds of Yuuzhan Vong warriors. It was such a powerful moment, that even the Yuuzhan Vong marked him as a legend within their own culture.
Cilghal
Cilghal was a Mon Calamari, the same species as the legendary Star Wars character Admiral Ackbar; a Jedi who valued diplomacy and non-violence as a means to an end. She was also one of the most proficient and powerful of her time. Her lightsaber skills were considered close to Luke Skywalker himself, which was ironic, given how little she actually used the weapon.
Instead, Cilghal was a powerful healer who used the Force to treat a variety of conditions. Following her involvement with the battle against the Yuuzhan Vong, Cilghal was one of six Jedi appointed to the High Council during the era of the Galactic Federation of Free Alliances.
Saba Sebatyne
One of the most powerful Jedi in the Expanded Universe was Saba Sebatyne, a female Barabel who fought against her own animal instincts and bloodlust, in order to become a high-ranking member of the Order. The events of the Second Galactic Civil War would end with Luke Skywalker exiled for his failure to prevent his nephew Jacen Solo from falling to the dark side, and exacerbating the conflict.
Kenth Hamner was named Grand Master of the Jedi Order in his absence, but his leadership style caused many internal conflicts that eventually ended with him confronting Saba Sebatyne in battle. Though she did not wish to fight Hamner, he pressed his attack, which inevitably led to his sudden death. She was later named Grand Master of the Order by her fellow Jedi.
Mara Jade
Few Jedi have left such a mark on the franchise as Mara Jade, who continues to be one of the most oft-cosplayed Star Wars characters of all time. Originally an Imperial operative working directly for Emperor Palpatine, Mara Jade swore vengeance against Luke Skywalker for the death of her master at the Battle of Endor. Eventually, she broke free of the Emperor's brainwashing and turned back to the light.
She later married Skywalker, and the two bore a son named Ben, in honor of the late Obi-Wan Kenobi. Mara Jade was an instrumental cog in the formation of the new Jedi Order, but she met a cruel end at the hands of her nephew Jacen Solo, who had fallen to the dark side and adopted the mantle of Darth Caedus.
Anakin Solo
Anakin Solo was named after his grandfather, the fabled Chosen One who fell to the dark side, and became the dreaded Darth Vader. He was the youngest of the Solo children, but his proficiency in the Force was exceptional. His proficiency in lightsaber combat was incredibly strong, but it paled in comparison to his raw Force potential.
Anakin was instrumental in the war against the Yuuzhan Vong. He developed several techniques for fighting the Vong, including an ability to detect them through the Force, which was previously impossible for Jedi. He gave his life in a fight against numerous Vong warriors, where he poured himself into the Force, projecting energy from his fingers until he finally became one with the Force, enveloped in a shroud of pure light.