Twi'lek

Twi'lek is a fictional character in the Star Wars Saga and multimedia franchise.

First Appearance:

1983

Occupation(s):

Fictional Character

Years active:

1983–present

The Twi’lek species first debuted in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.

A Twi’lek is a tall and slim humanoid that can have various skin colors including blue, green, orange, pink, purple, and many more. What stands out about a Twi’lek is its head-tail aka "lekku".

There is some controversy regarding the Twi’leks’ true origins. It is uncertain whether they were created or replicated by the Rakata, or if they naturally arose on Ryloth.

The name given by other galactic species was a conjunction of the words Twin and Lekku, resulting in the name Twi’lek. The species call themselves Tchun-Tchin meaning left-right.

The story of the Twi’leks is a sad one. One of suffering and exploitation.

Before the Republic found them, Ryloth was a primitive civilization.

Twi’leks are a very submissive population, making them one of the most popular slave races.

However, during the Star Wars collection, there are many free Twi’leks that are depicted very distinctively.

For example, in Revenge of the Sith, Koyi Mateil is portrayed as a wealthy Twi'lek duchess with orange skin.

In Return of the Jedi (1983), Bib Fortuna makes his first appearance as Jabba’s right hand. Fortuna was born into a Rylothian clan that had close ties to the criminal underworld. He dies at the hand of the bounty hunter Boba Fett.

More recent Star Wars multimedia creations bring into the spotlight brave representatives of the Twilek resistance.

Hera Syndulla is a female Twi’lek depicted in the animated series Star Wars Rebels.

Aayla Secura fought in the Clone Wars and died in the Battle of Felucia. She embodies the ruthlessness power of the force.

The Twi’leks eventually rose up and forced the crime lords off Ryloth.

In the aftermath of this rebellion, they began setting up a more modern civilization, building cities such as Lessu, which became the Planetary Capital.

However, their new leaders continued to keep the population in poverty profiting off their people.

Senator Orn Free Taa is a good example of a negative Twi’lek character.

The Star Wars drama continues to unfold over the Twi’lek population and one might argue that Ryloth and the Twi'Leks are Star Wars' biggest tragedy.