The Ewoks Aren’t the Most Menacing Star Wars Creatures That Live on Endor

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Projects such as “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” and “Star Wars: Andor” show how far the Empire is willing to go to maintain its control. They’re ready to start wars on unassuming planets or destroy their own bases to safeguard secrets. The Empire, under Emperor Palpatine, never hesitates to use extreme measures. It’s astonishing that they allowed the Rebellion to flourish right in front of them and left the first Death Star exposed for attack. However, the Empire can’t resist its own ambition, constructing a second Death Star that could be even more formidable than the original. When Luke Skywalker and his allies destroyed this superweapon, the galaxy breathed a collective sigh of relief; yet, the Empire couldn’t help but plan for another one.

In Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, Palpatine hastens the building of Death Star II for regaining the advantage in their conflict. To evade discovery, the Imperials opt to erect Death Star II above the moon of Endor covered in forests. The Rebels become aware of the Empire’s strategy and deploy a ground squad to disable the protective shield generator of the weapon. However, the Empire doesn’t anticipate that the indigenous creatures of Endor are skilled at resisting oppressors.

The Ewoks Give the Empire Fits in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi

Following the selfless sacrifice of the Bothans for information about the second Death Star, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, and Leia Organa journey to Endor to retaliate against the Empire. Upon landing, they’re noticed by scout troopers who intend to inform their superiors. In response, the heroes hop on speeders to pursue them; however, Leia gets separated from the group. An Ewok encounters her and guides her to their settlement. Concurrently, Han and Luke search for their companion when they stumble into a trap, enabling the Ewoks to apprehend them. By convincing the Ewoks that C-3PO is a deity, the hairy inhabitants agree to aid the rebels in combating their oppressors.

In my humble opinion as a film aficionado, the Imperial forces seem confidently poised for an assault against the Rebellion when young Luke Skywalker embarks on a journey to confront the Emperor within the colossal Death Star. However, the Imperials underestimate the formidable weaponry of the Ewoks, who effortlessly bring down AT-ST walkers and create chaos among ground troops. Had it not been for these diminutive creatures, it would have been a daunting task for the Rebellion to secure victory that day. Yet, it is important to remember that gratitude should be reserved for more than just the Ewoks; their role in the battle may have been crucial, but they were merely pieces on the grand board of the galaxy’s struggle against tyranny.

The Ewoks’ Traps Aren’t Meant for the Empire

In the movie Return of the Jedi, it appears that the Ewoks live a tranquil existence when the Empire is not present. However, in reality, they are consistently plagued by fear due to the presence of the Gorax, enormous creatures inhabiting Endor’s caves. The Gorax exploit every chance to wreak havoc on the Ewok settlements, leaving destruction in their path. To cope with life under the threat of the Gorax, the Ewoks construct their villages high up in the trees, out of reach for their enemies who cannot climb that high. Additionally, they establish traps across the planet, aiming to neutralize the Gorax before they can approach. Remarkably, their defensive strategies enable them to take both the Empire and the Rebellion by surprise.

In “Return of the Jedi,” the Gorax do not make an appearance, however, one of them is the primary antagonist in “Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure.” Although this film is no longer considered canon, the Gorax still had a role to play, appearing in at least one official reference book. The Gorax are hinted at existing within the Star Wars universe through the explorable cave systems on the Endor map featured in the Star Wars: Battlefront games. It’s possible that Endor might not return as a significant part of the galaxy far, far away; if it does make another appearance in future projects, the Ewoks should keep a sharp eye out.

Star Wars: Return of the Jedi is streaming on Disney+.

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2025-07-11 00:09