One of the things that makes the Star Wars universe so unique is the great diversity of species.
Here are a few you might want to remember!
1. Wookiees
Hailing from the forest planet Kashyyyk, Wookiees are known for distinctive roar and their large, hairy appearance, earning them the nickname “walking carpet”. The best known Wookiee is Chewbacca, the co-pilot of the Millennium Falcon and best friend of Han Solo. Although they are rumored to rip people’s arms out of their sockets when provoked, Wookies are strong warriors and loyal companions. Wookiees were great allies during the Clone Wars and even helped Yoda escape Order 66.
2. Gungans
It is fair to say that Gungans don’t have the best reputation in the Star Wars community with the majority of the hate centered on Jar Jar Binks. Though Jar Jar may have a propensity for cartoonish clumsiness, the Gungans were absolutely vital in the Battle of Naboo and continued to protect their planet during The Clone Wars. As they are able to live both under water and on land, they are quite adaptable and well versed in naval warfare.
3. Twi’leks
Over the years we have seen Twi’leks with every skin color under the rainbow, but the one attribute that never changes is their pair of long head-tails, called lekku. Their main planet, Ryloth, fought valiantly during the Clone Wars with numerous rebellions led by Cham Syndulla. Syndulla’s daughter Hera became a great pilot and fought the Empire as a member of the Rebel Alliance. Twi’s have had many roles throughout the galaxy as Jedi, rebels, and senators, but no matter where they end up, they always seem to make their mark on the galaxy.
4. Togruta
Togruta are similar in appearance to Twi’leks, except in addition to lekku, they also have horn-like organs, called montrals, on the tops of their heads, as well as white facial markings. The most famous Togruta is Ahsoka Tano, former padawan of Anakin Skywalker and one of the best characters in the Star Wars universe. Shaak Ti, a Jedi who trained the clones during the Clone Wars, is another well-known togruta. Their people suffered greatly during the Clone Wars, but from that pain emerged the same resilience and strength that we also see in Ahsoka and Shaak Ti.
5. Mon Calamari
Mon Calamari are an amphibious species with large eyes and webbed hands. You might remember famous Mon Calamari Admiral Ackbar from his famous line “It’s a trap!” from Return of the Jedi. Like Gungans, Mon Calamri build their cities underwater, but when the fate of the galaxy is at stake, they revealed themselves to be resourceful and great additions to the Resistance navy.
6. Yoda’s species
For a species with such iconic members, it is strange that so little is known about Yoda’s species, including its name. We know that they age very slowly and have long lifespans, but there is no information about their culture or history. Of this species, we have only seen Yoda, Yaddle, and Grogu (aka Baby Yoda). Based on this list, it is certain that Yoda’s species have a strong connection with the Force. Maybe someday, we will learn the truth as to where the rest of this mysterious species has disappeared to.
7. Jawas
Utini! The maniacal Jawas are perhaps best known for their strange babbling language, as well as their glowing eyes peering out from dark hoods. Jawas roll around the deserts of Tatooine in their giant dump trucks trading scavenged or stolen goods. Their mischievous nature is quite notorious, but many questions remain about what they look like under their cloaks. They may not be trustworthy, but they are responsible for introducing C3PO and R2D2 to Luke Skywalker, an action that leads to freeing the galaxy from the Empire’s rule.
8. Ewoks
The teddy bear species from Return of the Jedi stand out among other species due to their ingenuity with their resources. Ewoks are very curious and great survivalists on their forest moon, Endor. They were able to hold their own in a battle with Stormtoopers using wooden tools and physics, eventually helping the Rebels to defeat the Empire’s second Death Star. The adorable Ewoks only appeared in one movie, but their impact spans the galaxy.
9. Sand People/Tusken Raiders
Native to Tatooine, the Sand People are often portrayed as hostile and are well known for traveling in single file to hide their numbers. This tough exterior has been examined in subsequent Star Wars shows, revealing them to have a far more complex culture. They worked with the settlers of Mos Pelgo to defeat a Krayt Dragon and one tribe accepted Boba Fett into their group after finding him half-dead in the desert. Thus, as they might seem a little rough around the edges, the Tuskens have more depth than previously expected.
10. Kaminoans
Kaminoans are mysterious humanoid beings with long necks and black eyes. Their famed laboratories are renowned for their cloning technology, which created the clones used by the Republic during the Clone Wars. The are a private people, only associating with outsiders if they can afford their services. They are very intelligent, but have somewhat ambiguous morals, keeping the secret of the clones’ additional programing from the Republic and the Jedi, which led to the defeat from Order 66.
11. Bith
This strange species is best known for the musical talents of the band Figrin D’an and the Modal Nodes, seven-member band who played in the cantina in Mos Eisley. Their bulbous heads and giant eyes make them quite distinctive from other beings in the Star Wars universe. They are quite talented with music, as well as demonstrating some skill in science.
12. Weequay
Weequay are horn-faced and tough skinned, helping them to survive in harsh conditions and withstand injuries such as blaster fire. Many Weequay can be found traversing the galaxy in flying saucer ships, in roving pirate gangs. One notable gang is led by Hondo Ohnaka, which has had several run-ins with Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Darth Maul and Ezra Bridger. They may not be the most trustworthy bunch, but they can always be relied upon for entertaining escapades and schemes.