Shungbeek

Last Updated: 1/31/2024

Name: Shungbeek

Humanoid: Yes

Classification: Alternative/Dwarf

Homeworld: Unknown

Coloration: White

Biology: The Shungbeek were a diminutive species found sparingly throughout the Star Wars galaxy. They stood approximately 1.2 meters in height, with thin, wiry frames. They had  hairless pale, solid white pigmentation near their head, and gray skin further down on their body. They also had abnormally long arms with four-fingered hands. Shungbeek eyes were translucent, showcasing fleshy red and pink tube-like pupils. These eyes were large and unblinking, giving off the appearance that they are bulging from the head. Shungbeeks had small earless aural cavities on the sides of their rounded heads, large lips, and exposed nostril openings found on their brow up between their eyes.

Interestingly, characteristics described above are exclusive to pre-pupal Shungbeek. At some point during their lives, Shungbeek would go through a process described as “pupal metamorphosis,” wherein the individuals would change and grow larger, although we have yet to actually see a post-pupal Shungbeek. Most Shungbeek seen throughout the galaxy are described as young in age, so it is unclear how old they needed to be to transform, and why older Shungbeek were never seen. Shungbeek also evolved on a world with an “Argon-rich” atmosphere, and they could not breathe on most oxygen or methane heavy worlds, meaning they were required to wear pressurized “Perspex” respirator suits at all times.

Lore: As stated above, while Shungbeeks were sometimes seen doing jobs across the galaxy, it was only young pre-pupal instances (which could still be quite old depending on the species’ average lifespans). This meant that the Shungbeeks were still surrounded in an air of mystery, and it seems they rarely spoke of their currently unidentified homeworld or other history. Most pre-pupal Shungbeeks appeared identical, as the majority of their body was obscured behind matching Perspex domed suits. They were, however, known for having strong convictions and beliefs, whether good or bad, with some helping aid galactic refugees while others worked in the galactic spice industry.

Legends/Canon: The Shungbeek are exclusive to Star Wars Canon media.

Unexplored: As you can tell, there is still a lot of mystery surrounding the Shungbeek. First and foremost, what are the details regarding their pupating cycles? How long were their lifespans, what was considered a young or old Shungbeek, and at what point did they undergo changes? Did they transform on the spot or enter some sort of cocoon for an elongated metamorphosis? And what did late stage Shungbeek look like? How did they differ from the Shungbeeks we’ve seen? And were there further lifecycle stages? Did male and female Shungbeeks differ? And why have we only seen pre-pupal Shungbeek throughout the galaxy so far? Are adults simply so unrecognizable that we could see them and never recognize them?  Or do they retreat back to their homeworld, remaining intentionally unseen?

On that note, what was the name of the Shungbeek homeworld and what was it like? Would an Argon-rich planet be completely inhospitable to outsiders, or was it still capable of being explored, visited, or even colonized? How long ago were the Shungbeek discovered, and by who? Were they a part of the Galactic Republic or another major galactic faction during any given era? Were the Shungbeek caught up in any major galactic conflicts? And were they well known for any other unique traits, history, exports, etc.? Exploring all of these questions as well as traits such as language, politics, society, philosophies, religious beliefs, economy, habits, and other anatomical traits, the Shungbeek can truly become fleshed out and memorable.

Additional Notes: One of the most unique alien designs to come out of recent Star Wars media, I’m always glad to see the Shungbeek pop up in places like the Obi-Wan Kenobi show. They’re fairly easy to spot, at least in their pre-pupal stage, and I desperately hope they and their unique life cycles are explored more in-depth both visually and lore-wise in upcoming media! If and when that happens, I will gladly update this article!

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