Ahsoka Tano Isn’t A Twi’lek, She’s An Entirely Different Star Wars Species
She's not a Twi'lek, don't get your lekku confused.
Ahsoka is a Togruta, an alien race known for their colorful skin tones, large montrals and head-tails called “lekku.” Originating from the planet Shili, Togrutas are a hunter-gatherer species, often recognized for their keen spatial awareness—a quality enhanced by hollow spaces in their montrals.
The Togruta’s natural abilities make them particularly adept at sensing the environment, an attribute that serves Ahsoka well in her many adventures. Whether she’s leading troops in the Clone Wars or going undercover, Ahsoka embodies the best traits of her species, proving time and again that she’s not just any Togruta; she’s a Togruta with a destiny.
There’s another alien race Togruta are often confused with, the Twi’leks, but the two are totally different.
At first glance, Togrutas and Twi’leks might look like distant cousins, what with their head-tails and exotic appearances. But when you put them under the spotlight, the differences become glaringly obvious.
Visual Differences Between Togruta And Twi’lek In Star Wars
Let’s start with the similarities because that’s a shorter list. Both species sport what are known as “lekku,” or head-tails. These appendages drape down from their heads and are often the first thing people notice. However, the function and structure of these lekku differ between the two species. And that’s where the similarities pretty much end.
Now, onto the differences. Togrutas have large, horn-like “montrals” that sprout from the top of their heads, along with their lekku. These montrals are hollow and serve a sensory function, helping them perceive their environment.
Twi’leks, on the other hand, don’t have these montrals. Their lekku emanate from the top of their skulls and can sometimes be quite long, even winding around their bodies.
When it comes to coloration, Togrutas generally have vibrant, mixed tones of red, blue, white, and orange. This not only gives them a distinct look but also serves as a form of camouflage in their native environments.
Twi’leks come in a variety of solid colors, including blue, green, red, yellow, and even purple. Unlike Togrutas, their coloration doesn’t serve a biological function like camouflage.
Another visual cue is their skin patterns. Togrutas often have intricate white markings on their faces, lekku, and montrals, adding to their visually arresting appearance. Twi’leks typically have smooth, unmarked skin, providing a less complex but equally captivating look.
Eye color varies among individuals in both species but doesn’t seem to follow any particular pattern or significance, unlike the skin and lekku colors.
Cultural Differences Between Togruta And Twi’lek
Culturally, Twi’leks and Togrutas are distinct as well. While Togrutas have a communal, almost tribal, social structure, Twi’leks often find themselves fragmented into various clans with different loyalties. Twi’lek society is also more matriarchal, with females often occupying leadership roles, particularly within their clans.
Before Ahsoka Tano became an icon, Twi’leks were more prevalent in Star Wars than Togruta. Twi’lek characters appeared in the background of the first ever Star Wars movie in 1977 and continued to appear in the franchise after.
Before Ahsoka Shaak Ti Was The Most Famous Togruta In Star Wars
Shaak Ti was one of the earliest Togruta to appear in the Star Wars franchise. She’s Jedi Master who served on the Jedi High Council during the last years of the Galactic Republic.
She appears in both Star Wars: Attack of the Clones and Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith. Shaak Ti is an elegant and wise Jedi, often seen as a beacon of calm amidst the chaos of war.
Aside from Shaak Ti, Togruta haven’t been common parts of the live-action Star Wars universe. They have figured heavily into the animated world, however since those shows are less watched Togruta may be entirely new to some Ahsoka viewers.
Now Ahsoka Tano has made the Togruta not just another background race in the Star Wars tapestry; they are a cornerstone of the modern era of the franchise.
Ahsoka Tano’s Origins
Created by George Lucas and played to perfection by Ashley Eckstein, Ahsoka makes her first appearance in the 2008 animated film Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Initially, she’s introduced as the Padawan learner to none other than Anakin Skywalker. Yep, that’s Darth Vader before he went all dark side.
Born on the planet Shili, Ahsoka is discovered by Jedi Knight Plo Koon at the age of three and subsequently brought to the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. Trained in the ways of the Force, she’s later assigned to Anakin by Jedi Master Yoda.
This unlikely pairing of master and Padawan becomes one of the most compelling dynamics in the Clone Wars series. Ahsoka starts as a brash, young Togruta, sometimes acting impulsively but always with a heart full of courage and compassion.
