Celebrating Star Wars Day: A Look At The Most Popular Characters From The Franchise

May the Fourth is an important date for sincere Star Wars fans worldwide. Though not officially declared by Lucasfilm, it is being celebrated as Star Wars Day since the year 1979. Interestingly, the date was chosen as a pun on the franchise’s catchphrase “May the force be with you!” While the fandom enjoys the celebration, here’s a look at the most popular names that made the space epic a giant success over the decades.

THE JEDIS

The Jedis are the main protagonists throughout the Star Wars franchise. Basically, they are an organization of extremely intelligent and learned individuals. Consisting of a mix of intergalactic species, the Jedis value wisdom and serve others through acts of charity.

Yoda

Grand Master of the Jedi Order, Yoda is the oldest living character in the Star Wars universe. A member of an unknown species, Yoda had a hand in training every other Jedi Master in the galaxy.

Luke Skywalker

An apprentice to Yoda, Luke Skywalker is a powerful Jedi Master. He was a heroic figure at the core of the first Star Wars trilogy.

Mace Windu

Another revered Jedi Master, Mace Windu was also a member of the Jedi High Council. He was the first Jedi to sense the rising darkness in the Star Wars universe.

Obi-Wan Kenobi

Obi- Wan Kenobi became the first Jedi in a millennium to defeat a Sith Lord. (Sith Lords are followers of the darker traditions in the galaxy. They even draw power from the dark side of The Force). Kenobi fought many wars alongside Anakin Skywalker before the latter turned over to the dark side.

Qui- Gon Jinn

Considered a maverick within the Jedi Order, Qui-Gon Jinn is celebrated for his studies on the secrets of eternal consciousness after death.

THE DROIDS

Droids are the highly advanced robots in the Star Wars universe. They possess artificial intelligence and are very useful for serving professional roles in dangerous environments. Their existence dates back to the earliest days of the Jedi Order. However, instances of uprisings and clashes between droids and their organic overlords is not an uncommon phenomenon. Here are the two most talked about droids:

See-Threepio

See-Threepio, better known as C3PO, is a droid programmed for etiquette and protocol. He is fluent in  over seven million forms of communication. With decades of operation, he developed a fussy and worry-prone personality. He has constantly been a part of historical events in the universe.

Artoo-Detoo

Artoo-Detoo aka R2D2 is manufactured by Industrial Automaton with masculine programming. He is an extremely smart droid who has served multiple masters throughout the decades. Time and again, he kept receiving new programming and found himself as an important part in galactic events. Most importantly, he is known for saving the galaxy with his bravery and presence of mind.

THE GALACTIC EMPIRE

The Galactic Empire is an autocracy that goes through several political upheavals over time. In various media, the Empire is portrayed as a ruthless dictatorship, obsessed with power and responsible for crimes against non-human species.

Princess Leia

Legendary actress Carrie Fisher made this character absolutely iconic. Leia is a princess from the planet called Alderaan. Though a member of the Galactic Empire, she thwarts sinister forces constantly. She later falls in love with the smuggler Han Solo. Though royalty, she serves several roles: princess, politician, soldier as well as military strategist. She is also the twin sister of Luke Skywalker!

Grand Moff Tarkin

Grand Moff Tarkin was the quintessential Star Wars villain before he even spoke a line in the films! He is the commander of a Death Star and one of the minds behind transforming the Galactic Empire into a terrifying dictatorship. Prior to assuming his current position, Tarkin served as a soldier in several wars.

Count Dooku

Count Drooku is one of the most dreadful Sith Lords. Also, he was one of the main conspirators who brought the downfall of many kingdoms. In addition to that, he also circulated unauthorized weapons across planets. Ultimately, he succeeded in helping the Sith culture rise to dominance.

Sheev Palpatine

Also known as Darth Sidious, Palpatine was the first Emperor of the Galactic Empire. Another sinister Sith Lord, he is the most powerful who had ever lived in Star Wars history! All his life, he remained dedicated to destroying the Jedi Order from the inside.

Darth Vader

Born to the slave Shmi Skywalker, Darth Vader’s birth name was Anakin Skywalker! Originally, he was a Jedi Knight and exhibited exceptional piloting skills and a reputation for being able to build and repair anything even at a young age. However, he soon turned over to the dark side and emerged as one of the most dreaded villains in the universe.

CHEWBACCA AND HAN SOLO

Chewbacca and Han Solo have set one of the best examples of inter-species partnerships. While Chewbacca aka Chewie was a warrior, Solo was a smuggler. However, circumstances brought them together and forced them to work as a team. The two saved the day multiple times throughout history and ended up being best friends!

Solo: A Star Wars Story, the latest offering from the franchise, releases on May 25. Don’t forget to book your tickets on Paytm. “May the Fourth be with you!”