The Mandalorian season 3 visits the planet Mandalore, homeworld of the Mandalorians, and these are the must-watch episodes to understand the world and its culture. Pedro Pascal's Din Djarin was introduced as something as a lone gunslinger, but he is evolving into a very different character. Din has taken on a foundling of his own, Grogu, to train in the Way of the Mandalorian. Even more importantly, though, he has come into possession of the Mandalorian ancestral blade of leadership, the Darksaber. Din Djarin's quest for redemption will take him to Mandalore itself, continuing his evolution.

Related: Star Wars Theory Connects Mandalore, The Darksaber & The Force

Star Wars is a transmedia franchise, and the story of the Mandalorian homeworld of Mandalore has - until now - been told in animated form: notably in Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels. There have, however, been important additions to Mandalorian lore in some of the live-action Disney+ TV shows as well. Here are all the most important Star Wars episodes about Mandalorian culture and history.

"The Mandlore Plot," "Voyage Of Temptation," & "Duchess Of Mandalore" - Clone Wars Season 2, Episodes 12-14

Obi-Wan and Satine temporarily say goodbye after Obi-Wan saves her life in The Clone Wars.

A three-part story usually referred to as "The Mandalore Plot," Star Wars: The Clone Wars season 2, episodes 12-14 give viewers the first on-screen journey to Mandalore. These episodes brilliantly introduce Mandalore, exploring a unique part of the planet's history - a time of pacifism. They introduce the Mandalorian character Duchess Satine Kryze, a key figure in Mandalorian history, as well as an extremist group known as the Death Watch who seek to restore Mandalore's glory days.

"Eminence," "Shades Of Reason," & "The Lawless" - Clone Wars Season 5, Episodes 14-16

Duchess Satine Kryze dies in Obi-Wan's arms after being killed by Maul in The Clne Wars

One of the best Mandalorian stories to date, Star Wars: The Clone Wars season 5, episodes 14-16 focus on an alliance between the Death Watch and Darth Maul. This leads to Maul's takeover of the planet, a hugely important moment in the history of Mandalore. Duchess Satine is killed - much to the sorrow of Obi-Wan Kenobi, who had loved her since they first crossed paths when he was just a Padawan - and a civil war breaks out on Mandalore. This is the beginning of Mandalore's fall, because the planet would not have been such an easy target for the Empire had it not been for Darth Maul.

"Old Friends Not Forgotten" & "The Phantom Apprentice" - Clone Wars Season 7, Episodes 9-10

The Siege of Mandalore in The Clone Wars.

"The Siege of Mandalore" arc is a highlight of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, told in season 7, episodes 9-12. The Republic launch an attack on Mandalore to overthrow Darth Maul, led by former Padawan Ahsoka Tano. This takes place in the shadow of Order 66, with the next two episodes leading into Ahsoka's survival. Divisions of Mandalorians battle against one another in the streets, and the entire chain of command is shattered. This takes place right before the rise of the Empire, meaning Mandalore had no time to establish a new status quo.

Related: The Mandalorian Season 3: What You Need To Know About Mandalore

"The Protector Of Concord Dawn" - Rebels Season 2, Episode 13

Fenn Rau in Rebels.

The story of Mandalore continues in Star Wars Rebels season 2, episode 13, which introduces the planet Concord Dawn - another key world in the Mandalore system. It features another important clan of Mandalorians, the Protectors, who seek to preserve the beliefs and culture of their home planet during the time of the Empire. This episode is important in helping viewers understand what divides different Mandalorian groups. It's possible Fenn Rau, leader of the Protectors, could become important in The Mandalorian season 3.

"Imperial Supercommandos" - Rebels Season 3, Episode 7

Gar Saxon confronts Ezra and Sabine in Star Wars Rebels.

Star Wars Rebels season 3, episode 7 introduces Gar Saxon and his Imperial Supercommandos, Mandalorians who betrayed their own people and thrived under the Empire; Saxon was even given the title "Emperor's Hand." This episode is important in understanding the further schisms on Mandalore under the Empire, and how different groups adjusted to Imperial rule. It also potentially foreshadows Imperial sympathizers for The Mandalorian season 3.

"Trials Of The Darksaber" & "Legacy Of Mandalore" - Rebels Season 3, Episode 15

Sabine Wren wields the Darksaber in Star Wars: Rebels.

Moving on, Star Wars Rebels season 3, episodes 15 and 16 are steeped in Mandalorian history and lore. They focus on the Darksaber, an ancient lightsaber that has been passed on from the time of Tarre Vizsla, an ancient warrior who became the only Mandalorian Jedi. The episodes canonize the ancient Jedi-Mandalorian War, a key part of Mandalore's history in the non-canon Star Wars Expanded Universe. "Legacy of Mandalore" is especially important, showcasing the state of the Great Houses of Mandalore.

"Heroes Of Mandalore" - Rebels Season 4, Episodes 1 & 2

star wars rebels heroes of mandalore

The last Star Wars Rebels arc focused on Mandalore, season 4, episodes 1 & 2 are a two-part story in which Mandalorian rebel Sabine Wren returns to her homeworld to destroy a superweapon she unwittingly helped the Empire create. These episodes focus on Mandalore's attempt to escape the Empire, setting up an Imperial retribution that has never been shown. This is the last time audiences see any focus on the planet Mandalore. They are also important in showing the Darksaber pass to Bo-Katan Kryze, Bo-Katan's sister, voiced (and now played in live-action) by Katee Sackhoff.

Related: Mandalore Destroyed? What Happened To The Planet

'Chapter 11: The Heiress' - The Mandalorian Season 2, Episode 3

Bo Katan on The Mandalorian pic

Bo-Katan returns in The Mandalorian season 2, episode 3, "The Heiress." This explores the consequences of the Empire's reign, with the Mandalorians scattered across the galaxy. Bo-Katan and her Axe Wolves look down on Din Djarin and his Children of the Watch. They have a mission to reunite the scattered Mandalorian clans and reclaim Mandalore. This is presumably at the heart of The Mandalorian season 3.

"Chapter 16: The Rescue" - The Mandalorian Season 2, Episode 8

 Giancarlo Esposito with Grogu in The Mandalorian wielding his Darksaber

Bo-Katan and Din Djarin team up in The Mandalorian season 2, episode 8, although they have different agendas. Din Djarin comes into possession of the Darksaber, and the episode establishes a retcon that it can only be claimed in combat - perhaps setting up a future confrontation between Din Djarin and Bo-Katan. This shows the continuing importance of tradition to the Mandalorians.

"Chapter 5: The Return Of The Mandalorian" - The Book of Boba Fett Episode 5

Din Djarin trains with the Darksaber in The Book Of Boba Fett.

The Book of Boba Fett episode 5 focuses in on Din Djarin, who returns to his own clan seeking redemption. This is essentially the trigger for the whole of The Mandalorian season 3, because he is told he is apostate because he removed his helmet in front of others, and needs to go to Mandalore to repent. Little context is provided for exactly how that redemption will be obtained, however.

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