Star Wars: What Species Is Hera Syndulla & What Planet Is She From?

Star Wars has always been known for its diverse range of species that have been a staple in the franchise since 1977.  Over the years, different Star Wars projects have added new species with every installment, making the galaxy seem bigger every time. Not only do these different species serve as background characters, but a fair few have stolen the spotlight and become main characters. One of the more notable ones is Hera Syndulla from ‘Star Wars Rebels,’ who also made her live-action debut in ‘Ahsoka.’  Distinguishable by her green skin and tendrils, what species is Hera Syndulla, and what planet is she from?

Hera Syndulla and her family are part of the Twi’lek species and originate from the planet Ryloth. She was born in 29 BBY and grew up during the Clone Wars. Her father, Cham Syndulla, was a well-respected freedom fighter among his people, fighting against tyranny against both the Separatists and the Empire. He would then pass these traits on to his daughter, who would grow to be a well-respected captain in the Rebel Alliance. 

Now that we have briefly discussed what species Hera Syndulla is and where she came from let’s analyze it in more detail. If you want to learn more about Twi’leks, like where they are from, other notable members of the species, and Syndulla’s early life, stay with us and keep reading! 

What are Twi’leks?

Twi’leks are a popular Star Wars species originating from the planet Ryloth. They can vary between different skin colors, including but not limited to blue, green, red, and yellow.

One of the more notable features is the long appendages that come from their head called Lekku. The Lekku don’t serve that many functions. However, certain Twi’leks can pick things up with them, and if their Lekku gets damaged, it can be very hazardous to their health. They are known to be a lot stronger and taller than regular humans in the Star Wars universe, and the males would typically sharpen their teeth to give them a more intimidating appearance. 

The species had their own language called Twi’Lekki, a combination of different sounds, while using their Lekku for sign language. This was used a lot to aid them in a battle against species who were unfamiliar with their language. 

Who are some notable Twi’leks?

Since the very first Twi’lek in ‘Star Wars: Episode VI: Return of the Jedi,’ many have been popping up across different Star Wars media. One of the more famous Twi’leks was Jedi Knight Aayla Secura, who served in the Clone Wars. Fighting in many battles, Secura was a well-respected Jedi in the Order. However, she was killed on Felucia by her Clone Troopers.

Another famous Twi’lek was Bib Fortuna. Fortuna and the dancer in ‘Return of the Jedi’ were the first Twi’leks we had ever seen. Bib Fortuna looked slightly different to most Twi’leks with one of his Lekkus around his neck. He served Jabba the Hutt for years, but when Jabba died, he took his throne and tried to run the Hutts himself. This ended when Boba Fett killed Fortuna at the end of ‘The Mandalorian’ Season 2.

Where did Hera Syndulla Come From?

Hera came from Ryloth, which is the planet which Twi’leks originated from. Her father, Cham Syndulla, was a freedom fighter who fought against the separatists during the Clone Wars when they tried to take over the planet. Hera was inspired to become a pilot when the Republic came to help free the planet, and she looked up and saw all the different ships flying in.

She eventually left her homeworld and joined the Rebellion, becoming one of their greatest pilots. Not only was she a famous pilot and commander in the Rebellion, but her talents were also known among the Empire, especially Grand Admiral Thrawn, who saw her as a serious threat.

While in the Rebellion, Hera would then go on to lead the Ghost Crew, which consisted of Kanan Jarrus, Ezra Bridger, Sabine Wren, and Zeb. While on their missions, they became known to the Empire, but one person they constantly went up against was Grand Admiral Thrawn.

When Thrawn’s unit took over the planet Ryloth, Hera went back, and with the help of her father and the Ghost Crew, they managed to chase Thrawn and his army off the planet. This caused Thrawn to take note of Hera and see her as a threat. 

Hera fought in multiple battles during the Galactic Civil War, including the Battle of Scarif, Hoth, and Endor. She was highly regarded as one of the best commanders in the Rebel Alliance. She is currently in the ‘Ahsoka’ series and is teaming up with Ahsoka and Sabine Wren to try to find Ezra Bridger and Grand Admiral Thrawn.

Do you have anything to add about Hera’s story? Let us know in the comments! 

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