25 Greatest Characters in Star Wars History

17. Momaw Nadon (Hammerhead)

(Write-up by Joe Prescott, Dork Side of the Force Staff Writer)

Remember the first time you saw the Cantina scene? Remember thinking about how bizarre all the different patrons looked? Remember the guy with the anvil shaped head, looked a bit like a Hammerhead shark? That character, later to be named Momaw Nadon, was a cause of such fascination by the fans that he eventually had his own back story written up for 1995’s excellent “Tales from the Mos Eisley Cantina” that showed him to be a peaceful and honorable Rebel sympathiser, and he has also had a slew of exquisite merchandise and further EU appearances from his species, the green-fingered farming Ithorians.

Known by his nickname “Hammerhead”, a name that came from the Kenner action figure line, Nadon was much more than another midday drinker in the Cantina when he first appeared in Episode IV. In Dave Wolverton’s “The Sand Tender: The Hammerhead’s Tale”, he is an exiled priest working to grow trees and agriculture in the arid climate of Tatooine. He was exiled for trading Ithorian agricultural techniques and technology secrets with the Empire under torture, but later aids the Millennium Falcon’s escape by placing the blame on the Imperial Officer who had tortured him. He felt regret for these actions and continued his exile until he was later restored as herd leader on Ithor where he continued his work as he still felt he had shamed himself and sought personal redemption.

Ithorians are generally philosophical and peaceful by nature, and Nadon became a good representation of his people. Initially a striking and imposing figure, his noble agricultural work and honorable intentions are a welcome feeling of peace and sincerity in the Cantina and the EU, and although packaged with uncharacteristic weapons in Kenner’s POTF toy line he has since proved to be a strong enough presence to have multiple collectibles released over the years. A gentle and honorable EU character popularized by his unique appearance and catchy nickname.

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