In the world of Star Wars, the characters are one of the biggest draws and the subject of numerous discussions; who are they? What are their powers? And where did they come from?
There are over 20 million sentient species of aliens in the Star Wars universe, and each one brings something unique to the table.
Whether you’re looking for a Jedi or a Sith, these are the top twenty best aliens from the original series; let’s take a look at some of the coolest characters from the galaxy far, far away.
The Ewoks
Ewoks were small furry creatures that live in the forests of Endor. They have no advanced technology of their own, though they were quick learners, and were skilled at primitive technology such as catapults and gliders.
The Ewoks formed a strong bond with the Rebel Alliance, accepting members into their tribe, and allied themselves to the Rebel cause.
Though primitive, their weapons formed a key role in the fight against Stormtroopers and scout walkers, as well as other key members of the Empire.
Yoda
Yoda is an ancient Jedi Master who has trained generations of Jedi Knights before them. He lives on Dagobah, a planet made famous by his former apprentice,
oda is wise and powerful, able to see things others cannot. His ability to focus on the present allows him to avoid being distracted by the past or future.
C-3PO
C-3PO is R2D2’s droid counterpart. He is a protocol droid who works for Obi-Wan Kenobi. C-3PO is very helpful and polite, and he gets along well with everyone. He loves playing chess and listening to music.
The Jedi
The Jedi were special people who could control the use of “The Force”. They weren’t just human but could be any species in the galaxy. Jedi were members of a group of Force who were considered “good guys”.
Jedi were known for their mastery of the force, their skills with lightsabers, and their abilities to move quickly.
Grogu
Known colloquially as “Baby Yoda” or “The Child“, Grogu is a mysterious creature introduced in “The Mandalorian“, and who is believed to be derived from the same unknown species as Yoda.
He is known to be Force-sensitive and exhibited a number of unusual powers that made him the target of nefarious villain Moff Gideon, as well as the wider Empire, and this resulted in his adopted father, Din Djarin, sending Grogu for training with
Grogu’s unusual disposition meant that he was forced to choose between following the way of the Jedi and giving into attachment to return to his pseudo-father, the Mandalorian. He chose the latter, and the two were last seen reunited, on their way to reclaim Mandalore.
The Mandalorians
Mandalorians were a warrior creed from the outer reaches of the galaxy, and one of the few races not under the rule of either the Galactic Republic or the Empire. Their culture is based upon honor, loyalty, and respect for tradition.
Perhaps the most famous Mandalorian is Din Djarin, a bounty hunter tasked with returning The Child to his own kind.
The Sith
The Sith were an ancient order of Force-users who worship the dark side of the force. They believe that the power of the dark side can give them strength beyond anything else. They also believe that the light side weakens them. (The bad guys)
Jawas
Jawas were a species of small, curious creatures who were native to Tatooine. They were nomads and spend their days scavenging in the desert in search of technology that can be sold to other settlers – often with questionable sources for their goods.
They have their own language which can be understood by some traders.
Togruta
Togrutas were a humanoid species native to Shili. They were very similar to humans but have multiple stomachs, and come in a wide range of colors, which were a result of evolution; their coloration was designed to camouflage them from predators and ranged from yellow, orange, red, green, and white.
The most notable feature of many Togrutas was the organic formations on their heads; these were known as head tails and appeared as large cone-line horns.
The purpose of these was to detect movement, and this could be achieved at distances of up to 82 feet.
Perhaps the most famous Togruta is Ahsoka Tano, who made her debut in Attack of the Clones.
Trandoshan
Trandoshan were reptilian humanoids native to the planet Trandosha. They were extremely aggressive and will fight anyone who threatens their territory, and have a reputation as great, formidable hunters, with hunting rituals forming a key part of their lives and development to maturity.
Trandoshan were also known for their ability to regenerate limbs, as well as possessing formidable healing qualities that helped to make them feared enemies for other species and foes.
Wookies
Wookies were a race of large furry bipedal primates native to Kashyyyk. They were intelligent and strong and were considered to be among the greatest warriors in the galaxy. Wookies were distinguished by their distinctive fur, and they speak Shyriiwook.
Zabrak
Zabraks were a humanoid species native to the planet Iridonia. They were almost entirely carnivorous and have a reputation for being quick-tempered and violent.
Zabrak were distinguished by the horns on top of their heads, and fought against the Galactic Empire, with many choosing to join the Alliance to Restore the Republic. The most notable Zabrak was Darth Maul.
Zygerrians
Zygerrians were a humanoid species native only to the planet Zygerria. They were evolved from horned, sentient canine species, and built their wealth buying and selling slaves until the Jedi Order started a war to outlaw the practice.
During the Clone Wars, the Zygerrians were open about their revival of the slave trade, and this was made possible thanks to an alliance with the Confederacy of Independent Systems.
Zeltrons
Zeltrons were a humanoid species native exclusively to the planet Zeltron. They were considered to be very close to humans in terms of looks and design and were considered to be extremely attractive – as well as extremely gullible and easy to trick.
Zillo Beast
This massive serpent-like creature was native to the planet Malastwere.
It has been described as looking like a cross between a rhino and a dinosaur and was originally used by the Emperor Palpatine, who believed that its impressive, impenetrable hide would be useful in his battles.
The Beast broke free, however, and in the end, no option remained but for the
Jedi to kill the creature. Upon its death, Palpatine ordered that the creature be cloned, and one was later killed by Kylo Ren.
Twi’Lek
Twi’Leks were a humanoid species indigenous to the planet Ryloth. They were a proud, independent people who could be easily distinguished by their brightly colored skin, and by the appendages protruding from their heads, known as head-tails.
Most of the species had two of these, though some had four, and damage to these appendages could cause serious harm to health.
Gungans
Gungans were amphibious humanoids native to Naboo and were capable of living on both land and water with ease.
Their relationship with the natives of Naboo was strained and difficult, until the Trade Federation Invasion, which forced the two groups to join forces to protect their land.
Mon Calamari
Mon Calamari were a humanoid, aquatic species native primarily to the planet Mon Cala. The Mon Calamari were one of the oldest civilizations in the galaxy.
Gamorreans
Gamorreans were a humanoid species native mostly to the planet Ord Mantell. They were a fierce warrior race noted for their love of combat.
Final Thoughts
Star Wars is a franchise known for rich characters, and the combination of humans, humanoids, and pure aliens is a key element of the popularity of the series, with every Star Wars fan having their own particular favorite!
Brad Burnie is the founder of Starships.com. He loves all video game genres. In his spare time, he loves reading, watching movies, and gaming