Dyclops

Last Updated: 11/8/2023

Name: Dyclops

Humanoid: Yes

Classification: Alternative

Homeworld: Unknown

Coloration: Purple

Biology: Dyclops were a rather unique bipedal race once found throughout the Star Wars galaxy. They stood approximately 1.8 to 2 meters in height, with stocky, muscular builds. Their skin was a wrinkled, almost ribbed texture, and they had dark purple pigmentation. They had wide feet, and four-fingered hands, as well as wide torsos. One of the Dyclops most notable traits was their double heads. Each of these heads sported wide mouths with bright teeth. They also had a lone eye in the center of each head possessing black pupils surrounded by neon yellow irises and sclera which potentially produced a subtle, bioluminescent glow. Their smooth, egg-shaped heads were completely hairless aside from a single black eyelash located above each of their eyes. And each head featured a single ear, a right ear on the right head and a left ear on the left head. They also had no visible nose, and it is unclear whether they breathed through their mouths or some other hidden orifice or nontraditional method.

Dyclops possessed a brain in each head, giving each a distinct personality and identity of their own. However, they could also share thoughts between their heads, meaning it was not necessary for them to speak to one another verbally. This meant that Dyclops were generally quick thinkers, although they still didn’t display noticeably heightened intelligence. Sensations such as pain appeared to be shared equally among the two minds, despite where this pain was coming from. However, given the nature of their ears, a sound heard in one ear was seemingly not shared to the other head. Supposedly the Dyclops’ chest was deemed their weak point, and a strong blow there could easily render them unconscious, although the reason as to why is unknown. This species also had the capacity to clearly pronounce Galactic Basic.

Lore: The Dyclops species had been introduced to the greater galaxy by the time of the Galactic Civil War. While possessing two distinct identities, they were considered one collective entity or individual by most of the galaxy, referred to by each head’s name separated by the word “and.” They were not a common sight among the galaxy, but the instance we did see was a strong and violent criminal, specifically a pilot. Whether this Dyclops was indicative of their species as a whole, or a deviation from their normal way of life and/or place in the galaxy was never revealed. We do know that specialized clothing did need to be made to accommodate their unique body shape, and they may have preferred to wear colors that were shades similar to their skin color and eyes.

Legends/Canon: The Dyclops are currently exclusive to media from early Star Wars Legends.

Unexplored: There is a lot that would need to be fleshed out regarding the Dyplotids if they are ever to make their way into and establish themselves among Star Wars Canon. Aside from just some general design or illustration-related updates, there is room for some interesting lore expansion here, especially if we receive answers to the following questions. Where were the Dyclops from? What was the name of their homeworld, what environment(s) did it exhibit, and where in the galaxy was it located? When did the Dyclops first develop sentience, what kind of creature did they evolve from, and when and by whom were they first discovered? How long did it take for the Dyclops to become integrated into the greater galaxy, and is the in-universe reason as to why we never saw many among the galaxy due to a potentially isolationist philosophy, or is there a different reason?

Were the Dyclops ever made a member of the Galactic Republic, or any other major group or faction for that matter? How did the galaxy view their unique nature, and did they prefer to treat each Dyclops as one entity or two unique individuals? How did Dyclops react to being referred to as one or the other, and what were their beliefs and philosophies surrounding their individuality or lack thereof? Had the Dyclops made a name for themselves among the galaxy based off of any sort of unique events, wars, traits, religions, exports, beliefs, cultural practices, famous individuals, etc.? And were they commonly criminals and pirates, or was it more common to find Dyclops who were intellectuals and productive members of the galactic society? If there is any other way that the Dyclops can be made slightly more unique, whether in design, lore, behind-the-scenes info, and more, it would be incredibly beneficial for the species as a whole.

Additional Notes: This is a fun one-off species that is definitely a product of its time (mid-1980s if you couldn’t tell). They were one of the many elements from the “Droids” animated series and comics that were actually repurposed for prequel era media, this species in particular in the form of the two-headed species known as the “Troig” who were similar in concept while quite different in appearance. This means that both species can still technically exist within continuity with little issue, so hopefully we will get a Canon version of the Dyclops sometime down the line. They really do have a fun design that I feel possesses a lot of potential! I’ll update this article if this thought becomes a reality, which may be more possible than we think thanks to The High Republic’s penchant for canonizing obscure Legends species!

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