The Mysterious Trandoshans of Star Wars
Discover the mysterious species of Trandoshans in the Star Wars universe Learn about their origins, involvement in the Clone Wars, unique traditions, and lasting impact on the galaxy Explore the fascinating world of the Trandoshans and their place in the Star Wars lore
When The Empire Strikes Back premiered in 1980, viewers witnessed the infamous Darth Vader assemble an elite group of bounty hunters, including Boba Fett, Dengar, IG-88, Bossk, 4-LOM, and Zuckuss, to pursue and capture the Millennium Falcon's crew. These characters' distinct designs quickly became one of the film's most memorable aspects, later expanding into the broader Star Wars universe. While Boba Fett is often credited as the most influential character in the group, inspiring the Mandalorian culture, the Trandoshan bounty hunter Bossk's creation gave rise to an entire species occupying a unique place in the franchise. Here's what Star Wars enthusiasts should know about the Trandoshans.
Where Are The Trandoshans From?
The Trandoshans originate from Trandosha, a Mid Rim planet with a lush rainforest environment that was ideal for their reptilian physiology. Trandosha was situated in close proximity to Kashyyyk, the home planet of the Wookiee species including Chewbacca, which resulted in a long-standing history of conflict and animosity between the two species.
The Trandoshans were instantly recognizable due to their scaly skin, sharp teeth, and forked tongues, which were distinct traits from other humanoid species. Additionally, their unique ability to regenerate entire limbs was a rare evolutionary trait within the Star Wars universe. However, they were also characterized by impulsive and violent behavior.
Their Role In The Clone Wars
The Trandoshans were renowned for their natural hunting abilities, which became the primary focus of their culture and livelihood. This expertise was so highly valued that many Trandoshans, including Bossk, went on to pursue careers as professional bounty hunters and formed enduring partnerships with other renowned figures in the field such as Boba Fett.
Following the demise of his father Jango, who was killed by Jedi Master Mace Windu during the Battle of Geonosis, Boba Fett was determined to avenge his father's death. To achieve this, Boba enlisted the help of a group of skilled hunters, among them Bossk, the Trandoshan. Despite their failed attempt to seek revenge, the mission forged a strong alliance between Boba and Bossk that would stand the test of time for decades to come.
Garnac, a Trandoshan leader, once ordered a group of Trandoshan hunters to abduct young Jedi trainees, including Ahsoka Tano, a padawan under the tutelage of Anakin Skywalker. When Tano managed to escape and rescue other captured younglings, a fierce confrontation ensued between the Jedi and the hunters. Despite both sides suffering casualties, Tano and her allies secured Chewbacca's support and eventually defeated Garnac and his gang.
A Different Path For The Trandoshans
Although Trandoshans are primarily known for their hunting abilities, not all of them stick to this way of life. Some have even gone on to become key allies in the fight against evil in the Star Wars universe. These individuals have proven that there is more to being a Trandoshan than just being a skilled hunter.
In the High Republic Era, there was a Trandoshan Jedi Master named Sskeer who stood out from his kind due to their violent tendencies that conflicted with the morals of the Jedi Code. Alongside other renowned Jedi of the time, such as Avar Kriss, Sskeer witnessed significant events in High Republic history, including the fall of Starlight Beacon. Sskeer's perseverance and determination were the hallmark of his Jedi traits, making him a rare exception among his species. On the other hand, Ciddarin Scaleback, another Trandoshan outlier, led a life as a smuggler. During the Empire's rise, Cid assisted the Bad Batch in their undercover missions, albeit for a price. Nonetheless, the once-strong ties between them were eventually severed, with Cid betraying the team to the Empire.
The Trandoshans' Legacy
Following the fall of the Empire, the Trandoshan people continued to thrive as bounty hunters, aligning themselves with prominent organizations in the field. To avoid scrutiny from the New Republic, much of their activity took place in the Outer Rim worlds, where the Republic's jurisdiction held little sway. Tatooine was one such world, and it was here where Boba Fett, a former bounty hunter who had risen to become a crime lord, established his dominance following the demise of Jabba the Hutt. Many Trandoshans involved in the criminal underworld in this region accepted Fett's authority and pledged their allegiance to him, remaining under his rule in the Star Wars galaxy for years to come.
