Ongree

Last Updated: 04/09/2026 (UPDATES-IN-PROGRESS)

Name: Ongree

Classification: Humanoid/Aquatic/Alternative

Homeworld: Skustell

Coloration: Orange, Yellow, Brown, and/or Green

Biology: The Ongree had a very peculiar and unique anatomical structure, with most non-Ongree perceiving their heads specifically to be attached “upside down.” They had humanoid bodies with muscular frames including prominent joints, broad shoulders, and often times semi-hunched backs. Their skin was usually orange or yellow in coloration, although they have been observed with brown or even green pigmentation as well. They also possessed either three or four-fingered hands, consisting of two incredibly long fingers flanked by a pair of small thumbs, or occasionally only possessing one thumb on the top of their hand in a manner that still allowed them to give a thumbs up.

Their heads were the most recognizable aspect of the Ongree, with a massive, toothy, downturned mouth situated in the center of their faces. They possessed little in the way of lips, their mouths nearly undetectable when closed, if they could even close at all. They also did not have a pronounced nose, although there were four nostril cavities on their face (just below their mouths). Their eyes were located on two eyestalks protruding from the lower sides of their head, well below the mouths. These eyes could move independently, giving the Ongree a large field of view. The eyeballs themselves were massive and usually red or orange in coloration, with their pupils taking on something of a three-pronged “Y” shape. The top of their head was tapered and ridged, and on their chins there were around six tentacle-like sensory lobes of varying length, although the exact purpose of these remains currently unclear.

The Ongree are considered an amphibious species, although they are perfectly comfortable living completely out of the water as well. Despite their large, somewhat awkward bodies, they were incredibly proficient swimmers underwater, and were surprisingly agile on land to boot. Being naturally muscular and usually standing over 2 meters in height, they were also known for their their impressive physical strength. From what we can tell, they seemed to have an above average Midi-chlorian count baseline, with many of them becoming Jedi or the likes. It is possible that this is linked to the fact that their minds and perception differ from most other species, supposedly being able to perceive things “at all angles,” whatever that looked like. They had the ability to speak Galactic Basic Standard, although they were more comfortable speaking their own language of Ongreenen, though we do not know what it sounds like. Their lifespans were said to be approximately 90 standard years in length, though it seems they could live to be somewhat longer on occasion

Lore: The Ongree were renowned for being level-headed negotiators. Their minds processed information differently than most, and because of their ability to see and perceive multiple views and angles independently (physically due to their unique eyes), they believed they were often able to see the broadest, most unbiased opinions and solutions to problems. This made them a valuable asset to the Galactic Republic, a government which they were apart of for over 25,000 years. Often times you could find Ongree serving as mediators or diplomats, as well as senators and representatives.

We know that the Ongree were native to Skustell, which was covered mostly by water. And while local Ongree dwelled almost solely in said water, Ongree found throughout other parts of the galaxy never mentioned needing to live near or in water, so it must have been simplu more of a preference. Ongree native to Skustell and/or allies of the Republic were generally perceived as a peaceful people, although some served within the Republic’s naval fleets pre-Clone Wars, while other became Jedi. Ongree Jedi could be incredibly powerful and agile, but were also commonly scholars, peacekeepers, and ones known for giving wise counsel.

The same could not be said for many of the Ongree just found on their own throughout the galaxy. Because of their intellect and ability to see and comprehend every angle of a problem, many crime bosses employed and corrupted a number of Ongree, some of whom eventually became crime lords themselves. They were both physically and mentally terrifying, and served as aides and strategists for pirates and even the Black Sun criminal syndicate. They were also prone to forming cults, which had fairly catastrophic effects of their own, commonly drifting towards religious beliefs as the most beneficial lifestyles. Overall, Ongree were considered to be a physically horrifying species, though thanks to their respected reputation, most galactic citizens (outside of children) knew to look past their appearances.

Continuity: Because of their inclusion in the Prequel films and Star Wars: The Clone Wars, the Ongree were Canon from the get-go. A lot of the basic information about them, including their homeworld and biology, has remained Canon since their inception as well. However, their involvement with the Old Republic no longer canonically exists, relegated to the Expanded Universe. Additionally, in Legends, during the Clone Wars, a large number of Ongree started a cult to worship Darth Revan. And while Revan is now technically Canon in name, these details about this species’ past and potential allegiances are not. We do know that the species have canonically been longtime members of the Galactic Republic, so a lot of their other general info can be more or less inferred, we’re now just waiting for official confirmations.

Unexplored: So with most of their history and lore wiped for Canon (although there wasn’t all too much to begin with), the species can really be taken in any direction. An alien race this strange-looking is bound to have some pretty unique traditions and cultural practices, so be creative in exploring what makes this already distinct species all the more memorable. What exactly is Skustell like? What about their homeworld caused the to develop in the way that they did? What sort of creature did they evolve from? And what did their civilizations look like? Have they always been peaceful, near-pacifistic, or did they once suffer from civil wars or even conflicts with neighboring systems?

How exactly does their psychology play out in their head? Can you capture their thought process with words, or is it just too abstract? How do they view the galaxy when they are able to comprehend every angle? How twisted is their supposedly unbiased viewpoint if they use their intellect for evil? And what exactly would a major villain be like if he was an Ongree (horrifying to say the least)?  How do other species perceive their appearance? And are any of the virtuous Ongree ever hurt when someone considers them ugly or scary or refuses to speak with them because of their appearance?

How long have the Ongree been a part of the Galactic Republic, and did they ever consider leaving? What happened to them after the fall of the Republic and the rise (and subsequent fall) of the Galactic Empire? Did they retreat to their homeworld and hideaway like the Iktotchi, or choose to fight alongside the Rebel Alliance like the Mon Calamari? Did any participate in the Battle of Exegol? And if you are exploring the Legends continuity specifically, are they somehow related to the Rakatans given their somewhat similar appearance (that question could open a whole new can of worms)? There’s so many other unique questions you can ask because of how unique and bizarre this species is, so take advantage of it!

Additional Notes: This is by far one of my favorite species to come out of the initial Prequel era. They, alongside the Vurk, have such interesting philosophies (and they also ironically both had Jedi Masters seated on the council during the Prequels who happened to be named Coleman). There are so many avenues you could take an Ongree character, both good and evil, and official Star Wars creators have distinctly noted how creepy their visage is in the past. Their design is just so memorable, and expansion they got during the Old Republic, while not Canon, is still a fantastic touch! I was happy to see them reutilized during the “The High Republic” multimedia event, but I’d still like them continue to be explored in the coming years, even if its just in the form of the established Ongree Order 66 survivors!

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