The Star Wars franchise had featured many compelling and fascinating races and species to life during its 40-plus years as the premiere science-fantasy fiction. Jedi, Sith, Hutts, and Wookies are legendary groups and races, but there have been many others that have joined the fold over the years. One of these is the imposing and deadly group of people known as Mandalorians.

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The Mandalorians are brought together by a creed and a unified culture centered around strength and combat. Their narrative history within the Star Wars universe now extends farther back than even the Old Republic. As such, many incredible aspects of their story have entertained and shocked fans throughout many of the franchise's tales.

10 The Mandalorians Warred With The Jedi

Ahsoka fighting against Mandalorians.

During the Old Republic, the galaxy saw similar unrest as it did during the era of the New Republic and the Clone Wars. Factions, crime syndicates, and the Sith fought for dominance across multiple systems. One of these groups was the Mandalorians, who were attempting to expand their territory. This aggressive behavior eventually led them into contact and conflict with the Jedi.

The Mandalorians were unaware of the Force and the Jedi's powers, and as such were initially unprepared to deal with the powerful sorcerers. The initial defeats at the hands of the Jedi did not break the Mandalorians' will, however, and they learned to develop technology and techniques that could help them defeat the Jedi.

9 Much Of Their Weapons And Gear Were Designed For Fighting Jedi

Jango Fett artwork from Star Wars Bounty Hunter.

One of the key components of the Mandalorians' fight against the Jedi was the creation of weapons that could help them overcome Jedi's use of the Force. The Mandalorians integrated special technology into their armor that could be used to either counter, nullify, or replicated the Force users' abilities.

The specials tools such as the flamethrowers, jetpacks, and whistling birds offered the Mandalorians the chance to evenly match the Jedi. The two groups' clashes with each other became legendary and were considered classical parts of history during the twilight years of the New Republic.

8 There Was One Mandalorian Jedi

The Mandalorian Jedi form The Clone Wars.

Though they were bitter enemies during many parts of the Old Republic's history, there have been times when the Mandalorians and the Jedi were on good terms. One such time even led to the induction of a Mandalorian into the Jedi Order. This was the first and only time this had happened.

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This Mandalorian, named Tar Vizsla, became a legendary hero of the Mandalorians, and, for a time, he was able to keep the peace between them and the Jedi. He was also the creator of a special weapon that became a symbol of power for the Mandalorians.

7 The Dark Saber Is An Ancient Mandalorian Weapon

Pre Vizsla wielding the Dark Saber.

The crafting of amazing weapons is something Mandalorians were unmatched at doing. Their skill renowned and proven, it comes as no surprise that Tar Vizsla was able to construct a unique lightsaber that would eventually become the symbol of Mandalorian strength: the Dark Saber.

The black-bladed lightsaber belonged to Tar Vizsla initially, but the Jedi placed it in the vaults of the Jedi Temple after his death. Around the time of the Old Republic's fall, renegade Mandalorians broke into the Jedi Temple and stole the Dark Saber to use it as a rallying point for all Mandalorians who wished to return to their combat-driven origins.

6 The Mandalorians Have Had Multiple Civil Wars

Obi-Wan Kenobi in the middle of a Mandalorian battle.

Combat and victory were critical aspects of the Mandalorian culture, and the people's adherence to the warrior lifestyle is what led them to success and survival. But, there eventually came a time when many Mandalorians sought to diverge from their old philosophies and adopt more peaceful ideals.

This shift in beliefs led to a number of internal conflicts and civil wars in the years before and right after the Clone Wars. During one of these wars, a pacifist group came to power took their place as the rulers of Mandalore.

5 The Mandalorians Were Mostly Pacifist During The Clone Wars

Duchess Satine from The Clone Wars.

After the multiple internal conflicts, the Mandalorians reached a point when those who wished to break away from their war-driven heritage became the controlling party. They ruled Mandalore, and the Death Watch, the faction that wished to keep their militant society, were forced to live on one of the planet's moons.

The peaceful Mandalorians were led by Dutchess Satine, who created a full pacifist lifestyle for her people. Satine's desire for peace kept the Mandalorians united while facing the impending threat of both the Clone Wars and the attempts at insurrection by the Death Watch. Her efforts were fruitful for a while, but they ultimately crumbled when she was executed by Darth Maul.

4 Darth Maul Ruled Mandalore For A Brief Time

Darth Maul on Mandalore in The Clone Wars.

Former Sith master Darth Maul actually ruled Mandalore for a very brief period during one of the most chaotic periods of the Clone Wars. Before claiming the throne, Maul entered into an alliance with Death Watch to use their soldiers and resources to take control of Mandalore. Once they had command, Maul betrayed and challenged the leader of Death Watch, Pre Vizsla, to the right to rule. Maul killed Pre and took his place as leader.

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With the planet under his control, Maul used the chaos he had created to draw Obi-Wan Kenobi to the planet in an effort to get revenge. The war, however, also drew the attention of Darth Sidious. Sidious saw Maul only as a rival at this point. He attacked, defeated, and captured his old apprentice, ending his rule of Mandalore.

3 Bo-Katan Ruled Mandalore Multiple Times

Bo Katan with the Dark Saber from Star Wars Rebels.

Bo-Katan has had a long and complicated history. She accomplished much in her quest to see Mandalore return to its ancient glory, though her early days were spent with the terroristic Death Watch clan. She overcame her own misguided views, and not once but twice became the ruler of Mandalore and the Mandalorian people.

This younger sister of Dutchess Satine used her warrior mindset and resolve to take control of Mandalore after freeing it from Darth Maul. Years later, after the Empire had taken control of it, Bo again took her place as leader when given the Dark Saber by Mandalorian rebel Sabine Wren.

2 A Mandalorian Accidentally Created Mandalorian-Killing Weapon

The Duchess weapon from Star Wars Rebels.

Sabine Wren was a young Mandalorian who grew up during the early years of the Empire. She was loyal to her people and her family, but she also had a desire to make a difference in the Empire. This drive led her to enroll in the Imperial Academy, where she would eventually work to develop a prototype of a weapon that could superheat beskar armor.

Unfortunately, Sabine was naïve and did not fully understand what the Empire would do with her creation, which was to destroy Mandalorian resistance by heating their armor to the point of disintegrating the wearer. Horrified by what she had helped make and seeking to correct her mistake, Sabine later destroyed the prototype.

1 Boba Fett And Jango Fett Are Not True Mandalorians

Boba Fett and Jango Fett from the Star Wars films.

Despite being the first characters that audiences have seen donned the iconic armor, Boba Fett and his father Jango Fett are not true Mandalorians. Always seeking to be the best, Jango and Boba acquired multiple sets of Mandalorian armor, which was known for being the best armor in the galaxy.

There wearing of the armor was met by harsh criticism and resentment by true Mandalorians, who view their armor as a sacred part of their people's culture and identity. This dislike of the Fetts of course meant nothing to the famed bounty hunters. They continued to wear their sets of armor throughout their careers and use them to cement their position as the galaxy's greatest bounty hunters during their respective eras.

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