Holwuff

Last Updated: 2/2/2024

Name: Holwuff

Humanoid: Yes

Classification: Beast (Canine)

Homeworld: Alliga

Coloration: Yellow, Tan, Brown, and/or Black

Biology: The Holwuff were a sentient canine species hailing from the planet of Alliga. They were approximately the same height as an average human, with around the same build, if not a little stockier. Their skin was usually brown or green-black in coloration, with their fur often being a lighter tan or yellow color. We have no image of their entire body, but it appears that only their shoulders and face/head have thick hair. Their arms had short hair, while the top of their heads and the majority of their faces were bald. They had long snouts with huge, flat noses. They had wide lips and two small tusks that extended from their lower jaws. And their beards wrapped all the way around to the back of their heads and down their necks.

Lore: For so long only one Holwuff had ever appeared in Star Wars, so we never got much insight into the species, their homeworld, culture, or society. We do know that they were longtime members of the Galactic Republic (possibly as early as the High Republic era, as they had been discovered by then) up until 22 B.B.Y. when they seceded alongside the Sy Myrthians and joined the Confederacy of Independent Systems, being one of only a few species to be associated with both the CIS Parliament AND the Separatist Council. As such, they also seemed to own some sort of major corporation, as they attended the Separatist Council meetings alongside the likes of the Trade Federation, Commerce Guild, Techno Union, and others. It could also may just indicate that the species was very wealthy.

Legends/Canon: When I first wrote this article, the name Holwuff had not yet been canonized, although the species’ appearance and general involvement with the CIS remained due to their inclusion within Attack of the Clones. Their homeworld still remains unnamed in Canon, but thanks to the species’ inclusion within The High Republic, we do at least have a more to work with, as well as an additional starting point for future canonical lore!

Unexplored: Almost everything if we’re being honest. At least they’re now named in Canon, which is something that was unexplored when I first wrote this article. Now we just need to explore things like their homeworld. How long were they a part of the Republic, and how advanced were they compared to other Republic-allied worlds? Since they seem to own one of the major corporations backing the CIS, which one was it, how big was it, and what did it specialize in? And if that’s not the case, is it possible the species was just very wealthy in general, and their leaders corrupt enough to be involved in the shadier side of the Separatists?

What prompted them to leave the Galactic Republic in the first place, and how long were they actually a part of the CIS as they are present on the council in Attack of the Clones but not Revenge of the Sith? Was their homeworld attacked during the Clone Wars, and did they suffer under the reign of the Empire? There are so many things that need to be expanded upon, and I’m excited to see where their lore and expansion goes from here now that they’ve been featured within The High Republic multimedia event!

Additional Notes: The moment I discovered this species lurking in the background of AOTC I was incredibly intrigued. I still need to know why they seceded, why they were so important, and so many other things about this clearly overlooked species. I had no idea they were even in the film for many years, and even if I had noticed their blink and you’ll miss it appearance, I most likely would have assumed they were either just a Bothan or maybe a strange looking Tarnab. My personal headcanon is that they’re associated with the “Retail Caucus,” and they may even be related to the Kerkoiden somehow, but I guess we’ll save that idea for later.

(You may have noticed the original cover photo I used was removed. There’s a lot of fan art (and concept art for other species) being passed around under the guise of official Holwuff illustrations, and unfortunately, I believe the image I used for years was one of those. It’s sad, because it was a nice picture, but until we ACTUALLY get a clear, official depiction, we’ll have to settle for the highly illuminated, edited, and 100% official version currently associated with the article.)

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