Enso

Last Updated: 11/13/2023

Name: Enso

Humanoid: Yes

Classification: Near-Human

Homeworld: Ensolica

Coloration: Tan

Biology: The Enso were a species nearly identical to that of baseline Humans, although there were just enough differences that they were officially classified as an entirely different species, potentially a further “evolution” of Humans, although that idea is still very debatable. Similarities included the same general build, height, weight, anatomy, pigmentation, hair, voice, and most internal organs. The biggest differences were their body’s natural sensitivity to temperatures and climates. The colder an environment was, the more they thrived, and they could easily survive without any protection in sub-zero temperatures. However, on worlds that did not boast arctic climates, they would quickly die of heat stroke, so protective, insulated, temperature regulating suits were often required for survival.

Lore: At some point in the past, a certain sect of Humans separated from their peers and traveled to the Core World planet of Ensolica, where they took up residence and over time evolved into their own distinct species. While they were isolated for an indeterminate amount of time, they did eventually reintegrate into the greater galaxy. It was then that they were finally officially accepted into the Galactic Republic, although it is unknown if they were ever officially added to the Republic Senate. They remained a part of the Republic up until the end of the Clone Wars, and the rise of the Galactic Empire, although we don’t know what happened to them following this event.

Ensos were incredibly intelligent, a trait required to survive on the harsh icy tundra that covered Ensolica. They possessed advanced technology, most likely stemming from their past as Human colonists, granting them space faring and even hyperspace-capable vessels. They also possessed precise excavation equipment and complex hydroponics machinery, technology that was of especially great interest to the rest of the galaxy. The Ensos dug and chiseled into the icy ground, constructing elaborate subterranean villages. They also harvested trees from the forests around the planet’s equator, and combined with their hydroponics tech, managed quite fine where most other similar species would perish.

When the galaxy learned of the Enso and their wondrous advancements in hydroponics, they quickly gained universal acclaim. The Enso were contacted by major tech distribution corporations such as Tusus Comestibles and Alderaan Biotics who hired many of the species as engineers, technicians, and inventors. Other Enso would strike out on their own, forming groups of salesmen who would travel the galaxy and offer both their advanced tech as well as traditional Enso seeds to other species, cultures, and planets. Of course, this required them to develop their unique protective suits to prevent almost instant death on many of the worlds they traveled to. And the death of an Enso was a fairly big ordeal, as the species had a relatively small population compared to most other sentient species.

Legends/Canon: The Enso originated in Star Wars Legends, being identified as certain background characters seen in The Phantom Menace. Most of the lore above comes from their time in Legends, although it does not contradict anything in Canon as of yet. The only thing that cannot exist is their subjugation by Darth Krayts’ new Galactic Empire. However, they have recently appeared during The High Republic, giving them their first piece of Canon-exclusive lore in the form of the defense minister of Eiram, confirmed to be an Enso woman.

Unexplored: The lore surrounding the Enso doesn’t give as much leeway for exploration as many other species, however there are some unique questions to ponder, especially if their Legends lore is semi-overturned in Canon. Why did Humans originally attempt to settle the unforgiving world of Ensolica, and how long ago did this happen? What were their first experiences like on the world, when did they first develop their underground homes, and how long did it take for them to evolve into the cold-resistant Enso? Also, did they develop all of their unique technology, or was some of it left over from their ancestors’ lives before Ensolica?

How long did they remain “undiscovered,” or at least isolated? When exactly were they officially recognised as a part of the Republic, what were their thoughts about this, and were they ever given a seat on the Senate or was their population simply too small? Were they affected by the Clone Wars, and if we’re sticking with Legends-adjacent lore, did they ever come into contact with the Sith or other dark forces operating among the Core? What happened to them during the Galactic Civil War, Cold War, or beyond? How big or small was their population during any of these given events? And ultimately, what was their thought process and opinions behind a lot of the things that happened to them before, during, and after their official formation as the “Enso?”

Additional Notes: Definitely a strange case, and I’m curious who (both in and out of universe) actually decided they would not just be designated as Humans? I do like the idea of an alien species hidden in plain sight, especially within a live action Star Wars film, but I also think they need more exposure than they currently have. Their backstory is honestly pretty unique, and they held a unique place among the Legends universe. So now it is up to Canon, and maybe more specifically The High Republic, to really place a spotlight, no matter how small or big, on the Enso so that more of the fandom can come to appreciate these unassuming aliens!

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