Ardennian

Last Updated: 11/13/2023

Name: Ardennian

Humanoid: Yes

Classification: Simian

Homeworld: Ardennia

Coloration: Blue, Gray, Pink, and Tan

Biology: The Ardennians are a diminutive simian species with some unique visual aspects. They stood approximately 1.2 meters in height, although some were observed as being closer to 1.5 meters, especially when they stood upright. They had thick, wrinkled skin that was usually tan, pink, and/or blue in coloration. Much of their body was also covered in a thin layer of blue or bluish-gray fur that grew longest on the top of their heads. Their heads themselves were very chimpanzee-like, large eyes and wrinkled eyelids, a flat nostril area, and small mouths and ears. 

The Ardennians most notable feature was their two sets of arms. Each arm was very flexible, extending from stacked shoulder joints. Their legs and feet were also almost virtually indistinguishable from their other limbs, essentially giving them six arms in total. Each of their appendages featured five stubby fingers/toes with incredible grip strength. Ardennians were generally considered to be very strong for their shape and size. They were very quick, flexible, and naturally acrobatic. They also had the capacity to speak Galactic Basic with no issue.

Lore: Ardennians held a pretty special place in the galaxy, as they were well equipped for a variety of crucial roles. While it’s unclear whether Ardennia itself had an organized military, Ardennians were often recruited soldiers, bodyguards, tacticians, and enforcers. It was also common to encounter Ardennian criminals, splicers, bounty hunters, and smugglers. Additionally, their four flexible arms made them well suited for jobs as cooks, pilots ,mechanics, secretaries, or even explorers. Needless to say, Ardennians had no issue finding jobs in the greater galaxy, and by the start of the High Republic era, many of them had left their homeworld and spread out in search of bountiful employment.

Given their strength and agility, Ardennians were also just known for being incredible warriors, giving them fearsome reputations. It was seemingly common to see them in Imperial and New Republic prisons, and it was most likely that they were often these prisons’ top dogs. Ardennians were also known for their fondness of telling elaborate stories, as well as throwing large parties and celebrations. This included the famous “Mynock Roasts” of Ardennia. Ardennians enjoyed leisurely swinging across things, whether they be treetop branches or steel support beams, and they often spent just as much time hanging as standing.

Legends/Canon: The Ardennians are exclusive to Star Wars Canon, making a fairly notable debut in Solo: A Star Wars Story.

Unexplored: The Ardennians are still relatively unexplored, especially as a collective species. As I will do with a lot of the species on this site, I’m going to pose some questions that would help either official Star Wars writers or fan authors creating their own universe/cast of characters better expand upon the Pantorans in an interesting and fleshed-out way. Some of these questions regarding the Ardennians include: What is their homeworld of Ardennia like? Is it a massive jungle, forest, or some other sort of distinct biome(s)? And what do their homes look, villages, cities, and other forms of civilization look like?

In addition, what sort of government do they have, and are they independent or affiliated with a larger galactic government, faction, or other group? What sort of economy did the Ardennians have, and did they have any major galactic exports? Aside from the “Mynock Roasts,” what other holidays, events, practices, events, celebrations, etc. did the Ardennians place value in? And did they have any other traditions, religious beliefs, or habits exclusive to their species? What did their history look like, and how long before The High Republic were they introduced to the greater galaxy? And finally, do Ardennians come in different colors, did they have a native language, what do their diets look like, and what do baby or female Ardennians look like?

Additional Notes: The Ardennians are great! A very simple concept, monkeys with four arms, which ended up with quite the memorable appearance. I’m glad Rio Durant got the spotlight in Solo, and that they’ve continued to appear in comics, novels, and even an animated series. It’s also funny to me that fans continually confuse them with the Lateros simply because they’re both short, simian-esque, 4-armed species, despite all of the other very evident differences as well. I’m at least glad Young Jedi Adventures finally showed us both species in the same room together, highlighting just how different they truly are!

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