As we continue our common Star Wars questions series, today we answer the question, what is Ahsoka Tano’s species in Star Wars? We hope you enjoy this new series here from Star Wars Fans and may the force be with you!
The Star Wars galaxy is home to countless unique and fascinating species, and among them are the Togruta, a visually striking and culturally rich species known for their colorful skin tones, head-tails (lekku), and large, striped montrals. Ahsoka Tano, one of the most beloved characters in Star Wars, belongs to this species, as does the Jedi Master Shaak Ti. Originating from the planet Shili, the Togruta have a deep connection to their natural environment and a strong sense of community.
The Togruta and Their Unique Features
Togruta are easily recognizable by their lekku and montrals, which serve both aesthetic and practical purposes. Montrals, the large hollow appendages on top of their heads, grant them echolocation, allowing them to sense movement and objects around them. Their lekku grow longer with age and store memories, similar to the Twi’leks.
Their skin is often red, orange, or white, adorned with natural patterns that help them blend into the landscapes of their homeworld. Unlike some humanoid species, Togruta are social pack hunters, meaning they prefer to work together in communities rather than isolating themselves.
Shili: The Homeworld of the Togruta
The Togruta originate from Shili, a lush, wild planet covered in grasslands and dense forests. The planet’s ecosystem is home to numerous predators and prey, shaping the Togruta into formidable hunters with strong survival instincts. Their natural camouflage helps them blend into their environment, and their culture places great importance on unity and teamwork.
While Shili is their homeworld, Togruta can also be found on other planets, including Kiros, where a peaceful colony of Togruta was introduced in Star Wars: The Clone Wars before being enslaved by the Separatists.
Famous Togruta in Star Wars: Ahsoka Tano and Shaak Ti
Two of the most well-known Togruta in Star Wars are Ahsoka Tano and Shaak Ti, both of whom were trained as Jedi.
- Ahsoka Tano – Ahsoka was introduced in Star Wars: The Clone Wars as the apprentice of Anakin Skywalker. Over time, she became one of the most popular characters in the franchise. Unlike most Jedi, Ahsoka chose to leave the Order after being wrongfully accused of a crime, later playing a key role in the Rebellion and the fight against the Empire.
- Ahsoka’s journey continued in Star Wars: Rebels and later in The Mandalorian and Ahsoka, where she emerged as a powerful Force user operating outside the Jedi Order.
- We learned more about her backstory in Tales of the Jedi, where her journey begins when she is identified as Force-sensitive as an infant on her home planet, Shili. The episode titled “Life and Death” shows Ahsoka’s early connection to the Force when she instinctively calms a wild predatory creature that had taken her from her village. This extraordinary event is witnessed by the villagers, confirming that she possesses a rare gift. The Togruta elders recognize this as a sign that she is destined for something greater, leading to her eventual discovery by the Jedi.
- Shaak Ti – Shaak Ti, a Jedi Master, was a member of the Jedi High Council during the Clone Wars. She played a key role in training the Clone Troopers on Kamino and was known for her calm demeanor and wisdom. While multiple versions of her fate exist in Star Wars canon and Legends, her presence in Attack of the Clones and The Clone Wars solidified her as one of the most respected Jedi Masters of her time.
The Togruta are a fascinating species with a deep connection to their environment and strong communal values. Through characters like Ahsoka Tano and Shaak Ti, Star Wars has explored the unique traits and cultural significance of this species, making them a fan-favorite among the diverse beings in the galaxy. Whether on their homeworld of Shili or in the far reaches of space, the Togruta continue to leave a lasting mark on the Star Wars universe.