Ever since their appearance in the original Star Wars trilogy, Mandalorians have become one of the most popular groups in the fanbase, and rightfully so. The Mandalorians are among the most powerful factions in the galaxy, an especially notable feat considering their ranks consist of ordinary men and women, albeit with strength and conviction in their abilities unlike any other. However, it was not until the debut of The Mandalorian that these legendary warriors received the spotlight they so rightfully deserved.
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Besides the noble Jedi and power-hungry Sith, Mandalorians are the most renowned figures in the universe of Star Wars. They have a penchant for combat, strategy, and craftsmanship, making them one of the few factions capable of dispatching Force Users. Such remarkable proficiencies make Mandalorians one of the most dangerous forces in the known galaxy. Not every member of this warrior culture is the same, however. There are Mandalorians who stand well above others in terms of sheer power.
Updated February 29, 2024, by Nadia Mullings: Since Boba Fett appeared in The Empire Strikes Back in 1980, fans have been captivated by the Mandalorians and their unique way of life. Demonstrating great strength and resilience, many Mandalorians stand out as strong warriors who had a huge impact in the galaxy far, far away. Known for their warrior heritage, the Mandalorians are no strangers to much violence that even destroyed their homeworld, Mandalore. As such, many characters have been shaped by their planet's war-torn past and others have sought to rebuild a new and peaceful future. Certain Mandalorians are among some of Star Wars' most popular and iconic characters for many good and interesting reasons.
History of the Mandalorians
The original Mandalorians consisted of the humanoid alien species known as the Taung. They resided in the world of Coruscant until war and disaster forced them to seek refuge on the planet Roon. There, the first Mandalorian ruler – Mandalore the First – came into power. Under his rule, the Taung conquered an Outer Rim planet that would come to be known as Mandalore in honor of their well-respected leader. The alien species would soon take on the name Mandalorians as well.
It was not long before they became the galaxy's most skilled and honorable warriors. Maintaining the momentum of their successes, Mandalorians began their conquest of various worlds, such as Ordo, Gargon, and Shogun. Their expansion led them to the planet Iskadrell where the alien species called the Iskalloni ruled. Mandalorians defeated the planet's leaders and freed those subjected to slavery. Many of Iskadrell's newly liberated peoples would join their saviors and learn their culture, beginning the practice of taking in foundlings.
From then on, Mandalorians would continue their glorious plights until their defeat by the Jedi Knights Revan and Malak. Following this loss, they began their long and treacherous fall from glory. Mandalorians became divided in their pursuits and philosophy, causing much strife between houses and clans.
18 Almec
Mandalore's Prime Minister
- First Appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars S2 E12 'The Mandalore Plot'
Being the Prime Minister of Mandalore under Duchess Satine's pacifist rule meant Almec had large influence at one time. In an attempt to resolve a planet-wide food shortage, he orchestrated corrupt deals with the black market, which resulted in the poisoning of many Mandalorian children. However, these acts of treason were exposed by a group of cadets led by Ahsoka Tano, and Almec was later imprisoned, where he stayed until Mandalore’s leadership fell into the hands of Darth Maul. Almec later became a puppet leader for Maul, forsaking the pacifist politics he had seemingly supported under Duchess Satine and wanting his people to “be known as the warriors they were meant to be”.
Almec’s loyalty to Maul was so legitimate that he personally oversaw Maul’s rescue from the Separatist Prison on Stygeon Prime. During the Siege of Mandalore, Almec even attempted to fight Bo-Katan in the Sundari Royal Palace, wearing his own Mandalorian armor. He held his own, but was ultimately no match for Bo-Katan. Almec’s legacy ends when he is assassinated by Gar Saxon, as Saxon knew he would reveal Maul’s plan to Bo-Katan.
17 Duchess Satine Kryze
Strong In Her Ways
- First Appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars S2 E12 'The Mandalore Plot'
Being the Duchess, Satine had a great sphere of influence over Mandalore's governance. From a young age, Satine fought unwaveringly against those who rejected her pacifist ideology. After being on the run during the Mandalorian Civil War alongside her Jedi Protectors Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, Satine ensured the planet’s government would be reconstructed into a more pacifist way of life. Her firmness in this caused her a great deal of opposition.
In Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Satine faces assassination attempts, her closest allies being ruthlessly murdered, and countless political opposition, but remains firm in her beliefs. She became the leader of the Council of Neutral Systems and was adamant about the Republic not having occupation of Mandalore for the war effort. Sadly, Satine is later imprisoned upon Darth Maul and Death Watch's overtaking of Mandalore. She's used as bait to make Obi-Wan suffer, as Maul was aware of their history together, before being killed by the Sith. However, her legacy does not end there. Bo-Katan’s change of heart and her strong desire to rid Mandalore of Maul’s power is arguably fueled by revenge for her sister's murder.
16 Axe Woves
Helped Retake Mandalore
- First Appearance: Star Wars: The Mandalorian S2 E3 'Chapter 11: The Heiress'
Debuting in The Mandalorian Season 2, Axe Woves initially worked alongside fellow Mandalorian Koska Reeves under Bo-Katan’s leadership. Woves comes to Din Djarin’s aid as he wrestles against Quarren attempting to steal his Beskar armor. However, he gradually becomes disappointed with Bo-Katan for not retrieving the Darksaber. He defects from her crew, becoming a mercenary privateer. However, later in the series, Woves meets Kryze and Djarin again, Kryze challenging him in an attempt to retrieve her fleet from him. Woves puts up a good fight, demonstrating much skill and strength, but he is ultimately defeated by Bo-Katan.
Woves then agrees to join the mission to find the Great Forge on the forsaken planet of Mandalore, surviving attacks by monstrous creatures and many Imperial Commandos. He then volunteered himself to take on the risky mission of returning to the fleet for extra reinforcements, persuading them to fight. He then willingly pilots the ship as a decoy against Moff Gideon’s fleet and remains unrelenting to the mission even when he is shot down. He narrowly escapes death by using his jetpack to escape from the burning ship, which in turn kills Gideon and frees the planet.
15 Fenn Rau
A Solider With Many Capabilities
- First Appearance: Star Wars: Rebels S2 E13 'The Protector of Concord Dawn'
Fenn Rau is a famed Mandalorian of Clan Wren, the Mandalorian Protectors, and the Skull Squadron, becoming a leader among every group. He is highly respected among Mandalorians for his capabilities as a strategist and pilot, which can even hope to match, especially his talents in piloting starfighters.
The proficiencies of Fenn Rau extend beyond the Mandalorians, for he is known among the Galactic Republic and was even admitted into their ranks to teach Clone Troopers to fly starfighters. Although not among the most prominent Mandalorians, Fenn Rau is a skilled fighter and pilot who contributed much during the Clone Wars and Age of the Empire, overcoming many during star fights.
14 Paz Vizsla
Very Strong In Combat
- First Appearance: Star Wars: The Mandalorian S1 E3 'Chapter 3: The Sin'
Not much is known about Paz Vizsla besides his unique and venerable ancestry. He is a descendant of House Vizsla, a well-known and revered Mandalorian family with many legendary Mandalorians. Members of this tribe boast a superior standing among other clans in terms of power, influence, and sheer brutality. As such, it is no surprise that Paz Vizsla displays such impressive capabilities in and outside of battle, being a fighter skilled in various weapons and a respectable authority figure.
Paz Vizsla has displayed his combat prowess numerous times in The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett. He has exhibited his strength in an engagement against a horde of bounty hunters. Paz Vizsla was the only member, other than the Armorer, to survive this unfavorable altercation. Another display of his power was his confrontations with Din Djarin. Although ultimately defeated, Paz Vizsla is one of the few to pose a significant challenge to this talented and famed Mandalorian.
13 Gar Saxon
Had Great Standing Among Darth Maul's Army
- First Appearance: Star Wars: Rebels S3 E7 'Imperial Supercommandos'
Gar Saxon was the Super Commando Commander of Darth Maul's Shadow Collective and an Emperor's Hand to the Imperial Empire. He has displayed his combat prowess and cunning on numerous occasions under the service of Maul and Emperor Palpatine, acting to deal with pressing problems or oversee vital missions. Gar Saxon's noteworthy achievements are a testament to his skill and influence over other Mandalorians.
Gar Saxon's accomplishments include leading a successful rescue operation for Darth Maul, fending against General Grievous's invasion of the planet Ord Mantell, and eradicating the Mandalorian Protectors. Such momentous feats require immense strength and resilience, for overcoming such opponents is no small feat. Although Gar Saxon's actions are disreputable, one cannot denounce his standing among Mandalorians.
12 Sabine Wren
A Skilled Agent of Sabotage
- First Appearance: Star Wars: Rebels S1 E1 'Spark of Rebellion: Part 1'
Sabine Wren is among the fortunate Mandalorians to grow up on Mandalore, saturating herself in its warrior culture and teachings. However, her life was fraught with war, molding her into a hardened warrior at a young age, even for a Mandalorian. Sabine Wren's early experiences with conflict bolstered her capabilities, making her a talented fighter among Mandalorians who would come to aid the Rebels against the Galactic Empire.
Sabine's forte is in sabotage, making her a valuable asset to the weakened Mandalorians near the end of the Galactic Republic. Moreover, she is an expert pilot, marksman, hacker, and undercover agent with some training in lightsaber combat. Although lacking the experience of other Mandalorians, Sabine will undoubtedly surpass many of those who have come before, one with the makings of a Mandalore who will inspire much change.
11 Bo-Katan Kryze
A Survivor of Great Hardships
- First Appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars S4 E14 'A Friend in Need'
Not many would want to challenge a rival Mandalorian House steeped in a history of violence or a Sith Lord's personally picked commandos, but Bo-Katan Kryze is not among the many, being one of the Mandalorians to rank among the best. Her accolades are numerous, as she has involved herself in many conflicts against seemingly insurmountable foes and has lived to tell the tale, making her especially dangerous.
Bo-Katan served as a lieutenant of the Death Watch and eventually as the leader of the Nite Owls, both positions being those worthy only of formidable and trusted warriors. She was not one to mess with during her time in the Death Watch but became even more of a threat after forming a splinter faction, an endeavor that takes guts and talent, especially when breaking from a Mandalorian House famed for its cruelty and strength.
10 Pre Vizsla
Leader of Death Watch
- First Appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars S2 E12 'The Mandalore Plot'
Pre Vizsla is a notable member of the notorious House Vizsla and the former leader of the Death Watch, a radical Mandalorian group seeking to bring back their old warmongering ways, a pursuit that requires much thought and skill to attempt. Through Pre Vizsla's leadership and sheer brutality, the Death Watch became a threat to other Mandalorians and even the Galactic Republic, catching the attention of the Jedi and even Darth Maul.
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Pre Vizsla took over Mandalore for a time and wielded the Darksaber, a Mandalorian artifact one does not keep unless they are a hardened and skilled warrior. Only a select few are worthy of wielding such a weapon, let alone keeping it long enough to rule. When challenged for the Darksaber by Maul, the Mandalorian held his own and, although defeated, he made the furious Sith Lord work for it, which not many non-Force Users can boast about.
9 Din Djarin
A Skilled Fighter and Strategist
- First Appearance: Star Wars: The Mandalorian S1 E1 'Chapter 1: The Mandalorian'
Din Djarin, Mando, or the Mandalorian, is a newcomer to the long list of famed Mandalorians, and for several good reasons: he is wise, strong, and above all else, a master strategist who can read any situation or opponent and counter appropriately. Din Djarin has used his smarts to overcome circumstances where all odds were against him or when the challenge presented proved too much, making him a force not to be underestimated.
Din Djarin seems unimpressive at first glance, but his shining Beskar armor and years of experience in the bounty-hunting business are proof of his talents. He is different from the typical Mandalorian, bearing skills, tactics, and morals evolved that make him a better warrior. Such distinctions allowed Din Djarin to face remnants of the Galactic Empire, skilled Force Users, and notable Mandalorians, giving them a fight and living to boast.
8 The Armorer
The Mysterious Leader Of Din Djarin's Covert
- First Appearance: Star Wars: The Mandalorian S1 E1 'Chapter 1: The Mandalorian'
The Armorer is a mysterious and undeveloped newcomer to the long line of Mandalorians fans know little about. However, she is undoubtedly among the most powerful of the Mandalorian sect in Nevarro, acting as their Matriarch and blacksmith, a high honor in Mandalorian society. The Armorer's position in this group of Mandalorians is evidence enough of her talents and accolades among her kin.
Being a leader and craftsperson in Mandalorian culture is nothing to scoff at. Only the best or most ruthless rise to power in Mandalorian culture, as seen with the Mandalores of old, and being granted the responsibility of crafting and distributing the implements of Mandalorians is a sign of greatness. The Armorer knows the equipment of her people like no other and is intimately familiar with the art of combat, as seen by her ability to defeat foes effortlessly with simple smithing tools.
7 Jango Fett
Once the Galaxy's Greatest Bounty Hunter
- First Appearance: Star Wars: Episode 2 'Attack of the Clones'
Jango Fett was considered the greatest bounty hunter and was revered by other Mandalorians during his lifetime. Such praise is not without reason, for he is among the most dangerous people in the galaxy who has killed targets seemingly unkillable and united a divided people through his power and cunning. Yet, the most revealing evidence of his talent is that he was chosen as the template for the Clone Troopers.
It is not often someone gets chosen to be cloned, especially for what is to become the fighting force of the Galactic Republic. That could only mean Jango is among the most dangerous Mandalorians around. He has gone toe-to-toe with Jedi and has outdone the most capable fighters in the galaxy, making him the perfect choice for an army designed to combat galactic threats — and exterminate the entirety of the Jedi Order.
6 Boba Fett
Battled Many Strong Foes
- First Appearance: Star Wars: Episode 5 'The Empire Strikes Back'
Boba Fett, the cloned child of Jango Fett, would follow in his father's footsteps and surpass him in every way. Fueled by vengeance and a desire to not disappoint his late father, Boba Fett started his bounty-hunting career early, training under notable killers, including Aurra Sing, Bossk, and Cad Bane. Of course, Jango Fett took it upon himself to prepare Boba for this deadly profession with lessons on fighting, flying, and the trade itself.
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Coming from greatness and having great teachers, it is no surprise that Boba Fett became arguably the greatest bounty hunter of all time and among the most powerful Mandalorians. He has many skills, from being an expert pilot to a master of various fighting styles and weaponry, including the esteemed lightsaber. Boba Fett has crossed many dangerous foes, such as Bossk, Cad Bane, and even Darth Vader, giving them a fight to remember.
5 Canderous Ordo
Helped To Defeat Darth Nihilus
- First Appearance: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Canderous Ordo of Clan Ordo, also known as Mandalore the Preserver, was a Mandalorian that seems hotheaded and gungho but is a dependable leader, skilled fighter, and cunning strategist who played an instrumental role in many events, including the Mandalorian Wars, the Jedi Civil War, and the defeat of the Sith Lord Darth Nihilus. Ordo would remember every fight he participated in and acknowledge every mistake he made, constantly improving himself with knowledge and experience.
By the end of his fighting days, Ordo became a flawless fighter honed from years of battle, making him an invaluable asset to the Mandalorians and the Galactic Republic, in which he would become a prominent figure. He was personally chosen by the greats of each faction, including Mandalore the Ultimate himself. But eventually, Ordo would carve a name for himself, leading the Mandalorians as Mandalore the Preserver, and taking an active role in ending one of the most fearful forces in the galaxy, Darth Nihilus.
4 Shae Vizla
Undertook Many Dangerous Missions
- First Appearance: Star Wars: The Old Republic
Shae Vizla of House Vizla, also known as Mandalore the Avenger, is an esteemed Mandalorian forged by the fires of vengeance. After her brother was killed by a Jedi, Shae Vizla made it her goal to eradicate the Jedi Order and the Galactic Republic that supported them. Here youth is defined by bounty hunting and participation in the Great Galactic War, allowing her to make a name for herself as a ruthless killer unafraid of getting her hands dirty and attracting all the wrong attention, such as the eyes of the Sith Lord Darth Malgus.
Shae Vizla would often work under the Sith Empire as one of its most trusty allies, for the right price, of course. She would undertake only the most challenging missions, many deemed too great for anyone that was not a Sith, such as eliminating high-target Jedi. Yet, she prevailed again and again, earning the respect and fear of Jedi and Sith Lords alike. Eventually, Shae Vizla was called to aid her people and was unanimously elected their new leader, earning her the title of Mandalore the Avenger.
3 Mandalore The First
Extremely Influential
- First Appearance: Star Wars: The Old Republic
Few Mandalorians compare to their namesake and the first Mandalore, who was of the species that founded their people, the Taung. It was he who guided his people to Mandalore and began their conquests of the galaxy, establishing the culture of honorable and skilled fighters who accepted all into their ranks and tackled every challenge presented to them. Mandalore the First is why Mandalorians rose to prominence as the galaxy's most talented and capable warriors and is the reason why they maintain that position even on the brink of disrepair.
Mandalore the First initiated a crusade to the planet that would become Mandalore. It was there that he sought to rid the world of the dangerous beasts known as Mythosaurs. These savage creatures littered Mandalore, no other beast capable of challenging their rule. Mandalore the First and his crusaders put an end to the Mythosaurs – a feat thought to be impossible. Such an impressive display of strength exemplifies Mandalore the First's power compared to other Mandalorians, for he conquered the unconquerable and took their world.
2 Tarre Vizsla
Became A Jedi
- First Appearance: Star Wars: Rebels S3 E15 'Trials of the Darksaber'
The only recorded Mandalorian to become a Jedi, Tarre Vizsla is a being unlike any other. He would master the Force while training under the Jedi Order, taking their lessons in the Way of the Force to bolster his capabilities. Unsurprisingly, Tarre Vizsla would excel above other Jedi and be granted the opportunity to craft his own lightsaber, which, just as the creator itself, was a unique and mythical thing, the Darksaber. He alone is a symbol of strength and wisdom, living on in the legendary blade he created that became a symbol of leadership.
Tarre Vizsla would leave the Jedi Order to become the ruler of Mandalore, ushering in a Golden Age and further setting his people on the path to prosperity and success. While little is known of his exploits and specific talents, being a warrior possessing the Force and the teachings of the most skilled fighters in the galaxy can only make for a devastating Mandalorian. Tarre Vizsla is the only one to unite such talents, and considering how he led his people to a prosperous era with little to no opposition, he is likely among the most powerful Mandalorians.
1 Mandalore The Ultimate
The Most Powerful Warrior Mandalore Has Ever Seen
- First Appearance: Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi - The Sith War #6
Mandalore the Ultimate is, as his name suggests, the greatest of the Mandalorians. Although his past is steeped in mystery, it is clear that he was a warrior and leader with no equal, who led his people during the Mandalorian Wars against the Jedi, single-handedly turning the tide of the war in their favor. He did so through sheer will, power, and influence; his name alone is enough to strike fear in enemies and morale in allies. Without Mandalore the Ultimate and his greatness, the Mandalorians would likely have been defeated sooner and left in disrepair.
Mandalore the Ultimate was a Taung superior to even the most skilled of their species, who tested the limits of himself and his people, never idling and always looking to improve. He reunited and raised the remains of a failing race and rallied them against the Galactic Republic by reminding them of who they were and what they could become. Mandalore the Ultimate alone led assaults against the Jedi and the Galactic Republic's forces, proving a great foe. Only when Jedi Knight Revan and other Jedi rallied against him was he defeated.
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