Matching 50 Star Wars characters with each of the 50 states
By Kara Hedash
19. Wampa – Alaska
Despite having multiple climate zones throughout the state, Alaska is mostly thought to be covered in snow and ice. That is true for the northern arctic region of the state that normally gets hit with freezing temperatures. The region is covered in snow for most of the year, making it an ideal location for a Wampa.
Wampas were large carnivorous creatures from the planet Hoth. Like the northern part of Alaska, Hoth is covered in snow and icy glaciers with very low temperatures. Wampas tended to scour the icy plains in search of prey which they can easily hunt due to their strength, sharp fangs, and long claws. The creatures were covered in white fur and were known to live in caves, but didn’t hesitate to sneak onto Echo Base.
During Empire Strikes Back, Luke was attacked by a Wampa while scouting the area with his Tauntaun. The Wampa killed the Tauntaun and then dragged Luke back to its cave and hung him upside down. Assumed to be the next victim, Luke used the Force to get his lightsaber that fell into the snow. While doing so, the Wampa tried to stop him, but instead got its arm cut off which helped Luke make his escape. The Wampa is certainly not a creature anyone would want to encounter, no matter the location.