The Mandalorian season 3 might be dipping into Star Wars Legends continuity to canonize elements from Knights of the Old Republic. The hit series is finally returning to Disney+ on March 1, and based on the exciting trailer, it will be a jam-packed season. Din Djarin and Grogu were reunited in The Book of Boba Fett, and now their adventures together will see them delve into key Mandalorian history and culture. From the introduction of Boba Fett in The Empire Strikes Back to now, Mandalorians have evolved immensely, and are now among the most important elements of the Star Wars franchise.
The Mandalorian season 3 will focus on Din redeeming himself on Mandalore for breaking the Children of the Watch’s creed, the Way of the Mandalore. Along the way, the season will steadily reveal Grogu’s complicated history, including whoever saved him from Order 66. This series can follow in its contemporaries’ footsteps to expand the lore by canonizing elements lost to the Legends continuity. Specifically, the seminal video game series Knights of the Old Republic is a favorable conduit for relevant content, and The Mandalorian season 3's trailer has teased a huge return.
The Mandalorian Season 3 Trailer Hinted At The Mandalore's Mask
The trailer for The Mandalorian season 3 shows Din grabbing an old and dusty Mandalorian helmet. The appearance suggests that this could be the legendary Mandalore’s Mask, a ceremonial war mask and a symbol of Mandalorian leadership. It was significantly d with the title of the Mandalore, or Mand’alor, the ruler of the Mandalorians in ancient history. One such individual was Mandalore the Great, who led the Mandalorians against the Jedi, according to the Armorer. Another would be Tarre Vizsla, the first Mandalorian Jedi and creator of the Darksaber.
Din finding Mandalore’s Mask in the ruins of the planet Mandalore as part of his atonement would easily adhere to its history in the Legends continuity. It was ed down from one Mandalore to the next until the last known bearer, Canderous Ordo in Knights of the Old Republic, after which it was lost to time and legends. By uncovering Mandalore's Mask, Din Djarin would be continuing his journey towards leadership.
What Mandalore's Mask Would Mean For The Mandalorian Season 3
Were The Mandalorian to canonize Mandalore’s Mask, it would have massive implications for the unfolding narrative. Logically, it would act like a crown, signifying the true leader of Mandalore. Currently, the Darksaber has operated as such throughout The Clone Wars, Rebels, and The Mandalorian. Overall this would play right into what many are expecting in The Mandalorian season 3: a Mandalorian civil war.
Currently, the expected conflict is between Din and Bo-Katan Kryze, who came to be the next Mandalore upon claiming the Darksaber in Rebels. However, she ended up failing to prevent the Empire’s genocide, the Night of a Thousand Tears, and the ancient weapon fell into the hands of Moff Gideon. Intriguingly, the real civil war could see those two team up after setting aside their differences to oppose the Armorer and Paz Vizsla, a descendant of Tarre Vizsla, allowing someone to lay claim to the Mask. Such a conflict could see Din finally break free from the Watch's cult, setting himself up as the new Mandalore in season 4.
Mandalore's Mask Would Continue Star Wars' Increasing KotOR References
Mandalore’s Mask is not only a perfect excuse to get Din to take off his helmet, giving Pedro Pascal something to do, but it also continues the trend of drawing from Knights of the Old Republic. The beloved video game series was among the most popular content decanonized upon Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm. However, Star Wars has steadily reincorporated key elements into the canon. Both Rebels and Andor have included references to the Rakata and their Infinite Empire. The Bad Batch season 2 also showcased further ancient history from long before the formation of the Republic and Jedi Order, subtly expanding on Andor’s Rakata easter egg.
The events of Knights of the Old Republic are incredibly important to Mandalorian history and thus, with Mandalore’s Mask they can come back into play. Aptly one such character is Revan. Technically, he was canonized when Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker named part of the Sith Eternal fleet after him. Yet, his lore is still locked away in Legends continuity. Unfortunately, his place might not be in The Mandalorian, but the Sith-centric series The Acolyte could see his full reintegration. Regardless, it goes to show the vast potential Mandalore’s Mask unlocks for Star Wars should The Mandalorian capitalize on it.