Matching 50 Star Wars characters with each of the 50 states
By Kara Hedash
23. Maz Kanata – Minnesota
Minnesota is considered one of the best-educated states in the country. The state is very diverse when looking at its geography and economy. Natives of Minnesota have a stereotype of having a very friendly demeanor, always willing to lend a helping hand. Maz Kanata would be a welcome member in the state of Minnesota.
Maz Kanata is one of the oldest living characters in the galaxy, over 1,000 years old. The former pirate and smuggler lives in an ancient castle on the planet Takodana. Even though she is Force-sensitive, she never trained as a Jedi as she always opposed war and politics. Her kindness has allowed her to let travelers reside in her castle as long as they followed her rules. Maz tends to help them by offering equipment, information, or advice.
Han Solo took Rey and Finn to the castle in The Force Awakens where Maz tries to give Rey the lightsaber that once belonged to Luke. Rey refuses to take it, but Maz notices that there is something special about the girl. The First Order arrives and the castle is destroyed from a group TIE fighters. After the destruction of her castle, Maz gets more involved in the Resistance’s efforts in taking down the First Order.