From majestic sound effects to mesmerizing light and shadow, or just a familiar line or action, Star Wars is not only a seminal masterpiece of science fiction but also a symbol of many people's childhoods. The alien world sparks infinite imagination; in the vast galaxy, besides various species, there are also many creatures that bear a striking resemblance to humans. Today, we will introduce a species that looks even more human than the Twi'lek. You might not remember them from the original trilogy, but fans of the animated series will certainly be familiar with them!
>>>The Pau'an
The Pau'an are a humanoid species inhabiting the planet Utapau. As a distant Outer Rim world, Utapau is filled with sinkholes and rocks, with vast subterranean oceans beneath its surface. Pau'ans have slender bodies and limbs, with an average height that can reach up to 190 centimeters. Their skin color is typically grayish-white, though special pink variations have also been observed. Male and female Pau'ans do not differ significantly in appearance.
Due to their preference for raw meat, a prominent feature of the Pau'an is their mouth full of sharp teeth. Their light-colored skin is often accompanied by red markings on their bodies or heads. Pau'ans, like humans, have five fingers with very sharp nails. Uniquely, Pau'ans possess two stomachs and exceptionally keen hearing, which necessitates them wearing special attire to mitigate ear damage. The most significant difference between Pau'ans and other species is their extremely long lifespan; they can typically live for over seven centuries, earning them the title of "Ancients" among some species.
Pau'ans share their planet with another species called the Utai. Together, they are known as Utapauns. Despite being different species, they coexist harmoniously. Pau'ans have domesticated a creature called a varactyl as a mode of transport, which is the same creature Obi-Wan and General Grievous rode in Episode III.
The Pau'ans have also established their own city within Utapau's natural giant sinkholes, known as Pau City. This is where we see Obi-Wan being subjected to Order 66 at the end of Episode III. Officials jointly managing the city include the mayor, security police, and port personnel, demonstrating the completeness of their system. Furthermore, Pau'an architecture features characteristics resembling animal skeletons.
Due to their extremely long lifespans, Pau'ans possess extraordinary wisdom. Despite their fierce and intimidating appearance, Pau'ans remain cautious, wary, and even fearful when encountering other species, but their nature is profoundly peaceful. The language spoken by Pau'ans is Utapese, which to those unfamiliar with the language sounds like a low-pitched snake's hiss. However, Pau'ans are still capable of learning the official Galactic Republic language.
The most famous Pau'an is undoubtedly the Grand Inquisitor, leader of the Jedi hunters. The Grand Inquisitor debuted in the animated series *Rebels*. His true name is unknown, but it is confirmed that he was once one of the Jedi Temple Guards, demonstrating his exceptional combat prowess. Due to his growing dissatisfaction with the Jedi Order's continuous misjudgments and decisions by the Council during the late Republic era, he eventually left in anger to become an Inquisitor under the Empire, hunting down surviving Jedi Knights. However, he was ultimately defeated by Kanan Jarrus and committed suicide by leaping into an exploding reactor.
Pau'ans can also be seen in the prequel trilogy, appearing in Episode III when Obi-Wan first arrived at Pau City to visit the mayor. Furthermore, the latest series, Obi-Wan Kenobi, featured the first live-action portrayal of the Grand Inquisitor. However, his rounded head significantly deviated from the established Pau'an design, leading many fans to be dissatisfied.
Source: https://www.fandom.com/