The Mandalorian S3 Episode 2: A brief history of the Mythosaur and Mandalorian culture

The third season of Disney+'s original series of Star Wars franchise, The Mandalorian is off to another splendid start with its most recent episode ending on quite a gargantuan cliffhanger. Here’s a quick look at the legendary Mythosaur of Mandalore and the race’s cultural history. 

Mandalore is a planet in the Star Wars galaxy and the homeworld of the Mandalorians, a warrior race known for their distinctive armor and combat skills. The history of Mandalore and the Mandalorians is complex and spans thousands of years, with periods of conflict and periods of peace.

The Mandalorian race

The earliest known history of Mandalore dates back to around 7,000 BBY (Before the Battle of Yavin). The planet was initially a peaceful world, but it was eventually discovered by the Taung, a group of warlike beings who would eventually become the first Mandalorians. The Taung conquered the native population and established their own civilization on the planet. They developed their distinct culture, which placed great value on honor, combat skills, and loyalty to one's clan.

Over the centuries, the Mandalorians became known throughout the galaxy as fierce warriors and mercenaries. They frequently engaged in conflicts with other cultures and civilizations, including the Jedi Order. One of the most significant conflicts involving the Mandalorians was the Mandalorian Wars, which took place around 3,960 BBY. During this period, the Mandalorians waged war against the Galactic Republic, causing widespread devastation and loss of life. The Jedi eventually intervened and helped the Republic defeat the Mandalorians, but the conflict had a lasting impact on both sides.

The Siege of Mandalore

Siege of Mandalore or ‘The Night of a Thousand Tears’ is a tragic event in Mandalorian history that occurred approximately 20 years before the events of the original Star Wars trilogy. The night was marked by a brutal purge of the Mandalorian people by the Empire, who sought to eliminate any potential threats to their rule.

The Night of a Thousand Tears is named for the countless tears shed by the Mandalorian people as they were slaughtered by the Empire. The exact details of the event are unclear, but it is believed that the Empire used a combination of military force and political manipulation to divide the Mandalorian clans and turn them against one another, while bombarding the planet and the mines from above.

The Mandalorian leader at the time, known only as "The Great Protector," attempted to rally the Mandalorian clans and resist the Empire's onslaught. However, he was betrayed by one of his closest advisors, who had been secretly working with the Empire. This betrayal led to the Great Protector's capture and execution, which in turn led to the widespread slaughter of the Mandalorian people.

The Night of a Thousand Tears had a profound impact on Mandalorian culture, and it is remembered as a moment of great tragedy and loss. It is also believed to be the event that drove many Mandalorians to become bounty hunters and mercenaries, as they sought to make a living in a galaxy that no longer respected or valued their warrior traditions.

Following the Mandalorian Wars, Mandalore was left in a state of turmoil. The planet was eventually united under the rule of the Mandalore, a title given to the leader of the Mandalorian people. Over the next several centuries, the Mandalorians rebuilt their society and culture, though they remained a feared and respected group throughout the galaxy.

The Mythosaur

One of the most iconic creatures of Mandalore is the Mythosaur - a massive reptilian creature that served as a symbol of the Mandalorian people. According to legend, the first Mandalore defeated a Mythosaur in single combat, and from that day forward, the creature was a symbol of the Mandalorians' strength and tenacity. Mandalorian armor frequently featured the skull of a Mythosaur as a symbol of the wearer's allegiance to Mandalorian culture.

The Mythosaurs were believed to have gone extinct long before the Mandalorian cataclysm, although one survived and lived in the Living Waters during the time of the New Republic - the very same Mythosaur we get to see in the latest episode it seems.

Given how our titular Mandalorian, Din Djarin has a proclivity towards taming or defeating beasts 10 times his size, odds are that we may get to see him and Grogu ride the Mythosaur in the near future.

The Way

The Mandalorian creed, also known as ‘The Way’, is a code of conduct that guides the behavior and beliefs of the Mandalorian people. The creed places great emphasis on the importance of family, loyalty, and honor, and it emphasizes the importance of self-sufficiency and resilience in the face of adversity.

Central to the Mandalorian creed is the belief that one's actions should always be guided by a sense of honor and duty. This includes a commitment to protect and defend one's family and clan, as well as a willingness to use violence when necessary to achieve one's goals. The Mandalorian creed also places great importance on the concept of "victory through strength," with the belief that true strength comes not just from physical prowess but also from mental fortitude and determination.

One of the most famous phrases associated with the Mandalorian creed is "This is the way," which is often used as a motto or mantra by members of the Mandalorian culture. This phrase is meant to convey a sense of determination and purpose, as well as a commitment to following the path of the Mandalorian way.

The Mandalorian creed and The Way have played a significant role in shaping the beliefs and values of the Mandalorian people. From their early days as conquerors to their modern-day reputation as mercenaries and bounty hunters, the Mandalorians have always held themselves to a strict code of conduct, one that emphasizes the importance of honor, duty, and self-reliance in all things.

Beskar

In addition to their warrior culture, the Mandalorians were also known for their distinct armor and weaponry. Mandalorian armor was made from beskar, a rare and durable metal that was mined on Mandalore. Beskar armor was highly prized throughout the galaxy for its durability and protective qualities. Mandalorian weaponry also included a variety of blasters, vibroblades, and other specialized weapons.

The Mandalorians played a significant role in the events of the Star Wars saga, particularly in the aftermath of the fall of the Galactic Empire. Following the Battle of Endor, the Mandalorians played a key role in restoring order to the galaxy, with many Mandalorians becoming bounty hunters or mercenaries. 

Mandalore and the Mandalorian race have a rich and complex history that spans thousands of years. From their origins as the Taung conquerors to their modern-day reputation as fearsome warriors, the Mandalorians have left an indelible mark on the Star Wars universe. The Mythosaur, with its legendary role in Mandalorian culture, serves as a powerful symbol of the Mandalorians' strength and resilience.

Catch our favourite Mandalorian and his little green protege in action every Wednesday on Disney+ Hotstar.