Ongidae

Last Updated: 1/29/2024

Name: Ongidae

Humanoid: Yes

Classification: Near-Human/Simian

Homeworld: Unknown

Coloration: Orange, Tan, or Brown

Biology: The Ongidae were a somewhat Human-like species, although they also had also possessed prominent simian-like traits. They stood approximately 1.8 meters in height and were a very muscular species, known for being much stronger than the average Human. They had thick, wrinkled skin that was often brown, orange, or even pink in coloration. They possessed large, exaggerated features, with wide noses, large eyes, pointed ears, and even sometimes slightly elongated craniums. They also had thin, often barely visible hairs scattered across their head and face. The Ongidae had the capacity to speak Galactic Basic and their average lifespan is currently unknown.

Lore: Like many of the species introduced around the same time as the Ongidae, not much had been revealed about them at this time. They were known by the greater galaxy, and at least one was rich enough to be present at Canto Bight, Cantonica. They were also renowned for their discipline, combat prowess, and raw strength. While we do not know of any who were bounty hunters or mercenaries, we do know of one group of Ongidae who were much more fascinating. These individuals were known as the “Ongidae Oppressors,” and were actually a unit within the Galactic Empire that specialized in close-quarters combat and intimidation. This made them unique, as they are currently one of the few Imperial “Non-Humans” in Star Wars Canon.

Legends/Canon: The Ongidae are exclusive to Star Wars Canon, first appearing in both The Last Jedi and Star Wars: Commander within a short span of time.

Unexplored: Aside from the basics like their homeworld, history, in-depth biology, and associations, a specific aspect of the Ongidae that can be explored is how they gained such a reputation that the Empire would ever even consider employing them. Did they possess some sort of warrior or gladiatorial culture in the past, or maybe they were caught up in and won some massive war? How many Ongidae are left in the galaxy, and would the Empire view them as a commodity? Are the Oppressors viewed as sellouts or are they proud members of their species? And how do they view the Empire, the Rebellion, or any other faction throughout Star Wars history?

Given that we see a wealthy one on Canto Bight, was he an exception or the standard for the Ongidae? Did they have a bustling economy, major galactic exports, a conqueror and pillage mentality, vast criminal empires, or some other way of gaining wealth? Where were the Ongidae during eras like the High Republic and the Clone Wars? Were they more secluded, or have we simply not seen them yet based off of how recently they were introduced? And were they classified more as near-Humans or Simians? The Ongidae already hold a unique place in the Canon universe given their standing with the xenophobic Empire, they just need a little extra push to really make it into the forefront of Star Wars and everyone’s minds.

Additional Notes: Between the Ongidae Oppressors and the Rebellion’s own Bufopel Protectors, both introduced as counterparts in Star Wars: Commander (and to promote some of the new species being introduced in The Last Jedi), I definitely prefer the design of the Bufopel. However, the Ongidae have also become much more memorable because of these unique origins. Interestingly, their name is also derived from the word “Pongidae,” an old classification for certain simians like gorillas and orangutans which has now been retired. This is why we know there was some intention for the species to resemble Simians, despite them not currently being featured in any encyclopedias or other media that would identify them as such. When I first ended this article originally, I included the below statement, with one of my wishes coming true. Hopefully we’ll see the other come to fruition as well (and much more)!

“Regardless, there are enough interesting factoids surrounding this species that it has consistently remained on my radar, and hopefully we will see more of them in upcoming series like Andor, or even The High Republic media!”

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