Legend of the Galactic Heroes , sometimes abbreviated as LOTGH, LOGH, LGH or Gin'eiden (銀英伝) in Japanese, is a series of epic science fiction novels written by Yoshiki Tanaka. Taking place in the distant future, the series follows two interstellar states – the monarchic Galactic Empire and the democratic Free Planets Alliance – that are embroiled in a never-ending war. The story focuses on the exploits of rivals Reinhard von Lohengramm and Yang Wen-li, as they rise to fame and power in the Galactic Empire and the Free Planets Alliance, respectively.