A hexalogy is a set of literary work that involves six components. Some describe this term as related to any “narrative works,” which would include not only literature, but more modern mass media works of fiction including television series episodes, film projects, or other visual media works. Another way to describe the hexalogy is simply as a series of six, where presenting a collection of works in this way can be part of an artistic appeal to an audience.
In many cases, a hexalogy represents the continuation of an original trilogy, a set of three works, with an additional trilogy, another set of three works. In total, the collected works may be presented as “hexalogies,” or sets of six. When these works are never amended, the series of six will be the final result.
Perhaps one of the most famous examples of a hexalogy in modern Western society -- even though it is not traditionally referred to this way -- is the Star Wars series created and designed by George Lucas. This incredibly popular set of works continued its appeal across multiple generations, through the creation of an original trilogy in the 1980s, followed by an additional trilogy in the first decade of the new millennium. Since it is unlikely that this series will be continued in the future, it would be accurate to describe the entire set of Star Wars films, which are full-length films with a common setting, as a hexalogy. Some of primary characters, along with the greater plot line, remain the same or tightly connected, though the second trilogy is set in an earlier time period.
Other popular forms of hexalogies include books by the same author. When the set of published works reaches six, bundles of these books may commonly be sold as hexalogies. This is also the case with graphic novels or comic book series offerings. Indeed, even musical or visual art works, such as symphonies or paintings may occasionally be grouped in this format.
It’s important to note that the appearance of a hexalogy does not mean that the works of fiction are bounded at a specific number. After being sold in a series of six, fictional works can continue to be amended and sold as a longer series, though the term hexalogy would no longer apply. In some cases, where the hexalogy represents a historic landmark for a fiction series, the set of six can have enhanced value to collectors.