The Ancient History of Star Wars’ Original Dathomirans

In the latest episode of Ahsoka, titled “Far, Far Away,” we are taken to a whole new galaxy and given a captivating history lesson that delves into the origins of the Nightsisters of Dathomir. This piece of Star Wars history not only provides insights into the extragalactic entities but also connects to the Expanded Universe. The episode introduces the planet Peridea, which was the original home of the Dathomiri, and explores their relationship with the mysterious Purrgil. This leads us to discover the ancient history of the original Dathomiri inhabitants, a blue-skinned, Force-sensitive saurian species called the Kwa. Their highly advanced civilization and use of the infinity gates, structures that allowed near-instantaneous interstellar travel through the Force, had significant impacts on the Star Wars galaxy. The episode also hints at potential connections to another ancient race, the Rakata, adding a layer of intrigue to the storyline. While the show’s focus remains on the Nightsisters, this glimpse into the origins of the Dathomiri gives us a fascinating glimpse into the rich and complex ancient history of the Star Wars universe.

The Ancient History of Star Wars’ Original Dathomirans

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The Planet Peridea and the Nightsisters

In the latest episode of Ahsoka, titled “Far, Far Away,” we were introduced to the extragalactic planet Peridea. This planet served as the original home of the Dathomiri, specifically the Nightsisters. The episode revealed that the Nightsisters learned to ride the whales on Peridea before eventually relocating to the planet Dathomir. The concept of the Nightsisters and their connection to Dathomir dates back to the 1994 Dave Wolverton novel, “The Courtship of Princess Leia.”

The Connection to the Expanded Universe

In the current Star Wars continuity, the Nightsisters were always the primary sentient species of Peridea and Dathomir. However, in the Expanded Universe, the original inhabitants of Dathomir were a blue-skinned, Force-sensitive saurian species called the Kwa. The Kwa played a significant role in Star Wars’ ancient history and their technology and understanding of the Force shaped the galaxy.

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The Original Inhabitants of Dathomir: The Kwa

Thousands of years before the events of the Star Wars movies, the Kwa were a highly advanced civilization. They developed near-instantaneous interstellar travel through massive superstructures called infinity gates. These gates allowed the Kwa to expand to other worlds and potentially travel from another galaxy to reach Dathomir. The Kwa also developed pyramid-like structures called Star Temples to protect the gates from intruders.

The Infinity Gates and the Kwa Holdings

The infinity gates not only enabled the Kwa’s expansion but also served as powerful weapons. These gates could unleash massive waves of energy capable of eradicating planets and disrupting hyperspace travel. With this power and technology, the Kwa established the Kwa Holdings, one of the oldest galactic powers in history. However, their hubris contributed to their downfall.

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The Uplift of the Rakatan Species

During their journey from Dathomir, the Kwa Holdings encountered the Rakatan species on the planet Lehon. Recognizing the Rakata’s strength in the Force, the Kwa uplifted them by granting advanced technologies and teaching them the ways of the Force. However, the Kwa denied the Rakata access to the infinity gates, which led to disastrous consequences.

The Rise of the Rakatan Infinite Empire

As the Rakata grew more powerful and capable in the Force, they became corrupted by their hunger for power and conquest. They turned on the Kwa and used their advanced technology to establish the Rakatan Infinite Empire. This oppressive empire dominated much of the known galaxy for 10,000 years.

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The Kwa’s Attempt to Stop the Rakata

Realizing their mistake, the Kwa attempted to halt the Rakata’s imperial ambitions by invading Lehon, the Rakata’s home planet. Their goal was to destroy the infinity gate built by the Rakata. However, the Rakata’s power was too overwhelming, forcing the Kwa into a slow regression and destroying their own gates along the way.

The Devolution of the Kwa into the Kwi

After being pushed back to Dathomir, the Kwa species were nearly wiped out by the Rakata during the reign of the Infinite Empire. The remaining Kwa believed that their ancient spirits transformed them as divine punishment. They devolved into an animalistic saurian form and became known as the Kwi. The Kwi faced further devastation when the Galactic Empire invaded Dathomir, leaving them on the brink of extinction.

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The Fate of the Kwi

The remnants of the Kwi formed their own nomadic and tribal groups. Some even worked with more benevolent groups of Nightsisters by the time of the New Republic. The Kwi’s fate highlights the tragic outcome for a species that played a significant role in shaping the Star Wars galaxy but ended up diminished and on the verge of extinction.

The Implications for Ahsoka

Although the complex history of Dathomir’s original inhabitants has been simplified in the show, Ahsoka’s introduction to the Nightsisters and their connection to Peridea opens up intriguing possibilities. The Rakatan species, which played a pivotal role in Star Wars’ ancient history, has been referenced directly in current Star Wars continuity. There may be more connections and clues yet to be revealed in the series, and it’s exciting to speculate on how it may impact Ahsoka’s journey.

The Connection to the Rakata

The Rakata, whose ancient technologies and power have been hinted at in various Star Wars media, could potentially be tied to the ancient power calling to Baylan on Peridea. While it may seem unlikely for the Rakata to be introduced directly in the remaining episodes of Ahsoka, the series has already ventured into wild territory with references to the Kwa. Speculating on further connections between the Kwa, the Rakata, and even the Star Forge is a fun exercise for fans.

Speculations and Clues

The concept of the Rakata and their connection to the Kwa and the Star Forge has been subtly hinted at in previous Star Wars media. Although it’s uncertain if Ahsoka will delve deeper into these connections, it’s always exciting to speculate on the vast possibilities of the Star Wars universe. While the current focus may be on Ahsoka’s journey, it’s worth keeping an eye out for potential clues and references to the expanded lore and ancient history of Star Wars.

Source: https://gizmodo.com/ahsoka-episode-6-dathomir-kwa-nightsisters-peridea-eu-1850858098