Disney+ series full of associated with Mandalorian mythology that may be new to some viewers. That's especially the case since the Mandalorians - aside from Boba and Jango Fett - aren't important in the Skywalker Saga. They do, however, have a strong presence in other forms of media, like cartoons, books, and video games.
Mandalorian culture has its beginnings in the original Star Wars trilogy with Boba Fett. Introduced in The Empire Strikes Back as a heavily-armored bounty hunter who captures Han Solo, Boba Fett is associated with the species because of his iconic Mandalorian armor. So while Boba Fett isn't actually a Mandalorian, he is responsible for furthering their reputation in the galaxy, and introducing them to fans. Though depicted as a villain, the highly-trained mercenary has gained a great degree of popularity, causing him to be featured as a protagonist in his own books. For years, Boba Fett was set to receive a solo movie, but the project was scrapped in favor of The Mandalorian, which centers on a character who actually is a Mandalorian.
Disney+'s first live-action Star Wars TV series shines the spotlight on an entirely new character. Starring Pedro Pascal as the titular bounty hunter, The Mandalorian sends the main character on a dangerous mission in the outer reaches of the galaxy where he encounters various established alien races from the Star Wars universe, including the Jawas and a mysterious baby Yoda. Of course, Mandalorian culture factors into the show as well. Here's what you need to know about the mythology of Mandalore and its people.
Origins Of The Mandalorians
The Mandalorians were never mentioned by name in the original movies, and it was never clear where Boba Fett obtained his Mandalorian armor. The name "Mandalorian" was first coined in a Star Wars comic published by Marvel in the 1980s. It was eventually established that the Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series. In The Clone Wars, the Mandalorians were temporarily ruled by Darth Maul.
Culture Of The Mandalorians
Mandalore is an inhospitable planet that dwells on the Outer Rim. The people of Mandalore are broken up into clans, which are often at war with each other. The constant in-fighting between the Mandalorians have dramatically changed the face of their planet, forcing the Mandalorians to live in domed cities. The Mandalorians are a war-like people who are known throughout the galaxy for their violent nature and distinctive, nearly impenetrable armor. The armor is so recognizable that Boba and Jango are commonly mistaken for Mandalorians. The Mandalorians' armor signifies their clan affiliation, and is something that is traditionally ed down to their descendants for hundreds of years. The armor is made with Beskar, a resource found only on Mandalore.
What Is The Great Purge?
In the first episode of The Mandalorian, a character makes a Jedi were eliminated by the Empire on the orders of Palpatine. Alternatively, it could relate directly to a yet unrevealed event in Mandalorian history. It was said that the Empire placed its seal on a stash of Beskar Steel, which could mean that the Empire had to kill large numbers of Mandalorians in order to get their hands on the Beskar Steel.
Mythosaur
When the main character in The Mandalorian is struggling to learn how to ride the Blurrg, Kuiil (Nick Nolte) shames him into trying again by mentioning that the Mandalorian's ancestors once rode the Mythosaurs, which were the ancient beasts of Mandalore. The Mythosaurs were enormous, four-legged, horned creatures who dominated the planet for centuries until they were driven extinct by the arrival of a group of powerful warriors led by Mandalore the First.
The Mandalorians In Star Wars: Rebels
One of the main characters featured in the Disney animated series Sabine ed the Darksaber on to Bo-Katan, deeming her worthy of leading the Mandalorian race.
Pedro Pascal's Character In The Mandalorian
Pedro Pascal's character in the new Disney+ series is the first Mandalorian to be feature as the main protagonist in any Stars Wars movie or show. Though it hasn't been said on-screen, the troubled childhood that may be connected to the Clone Wars was hinted at in flashbacks, but for the most part, his backstory is a mystery. Following the tradition of Boba Fett in the original Star Wars trilogy, the Mandalorian hasn't removed his helmet (so far). In the vein of Clint Eastwood's western heroes, the Mandalorian is a man of few words and a crackshot who shoots first and ask questions later. Described as a very "expensive" bounty hunter, Pedro Pascal's character is singularly focused on finishing his next job and getting paid. However, his interactions with Baby Yoda and Kuill indicate that the star of The Mandalorian is also a man of integrity, and not just an unfeeling, money-hungry mercenary. More may be revealed about the character and his past as the series continues to unfold.
