The Mandalorian season 3's second poster hints at a significant character change coming for Din Djarin concerning his newly acquired weapon: the Darksaber. The Darksaber has been a staple of the Star Wars TV universe since its introduction in Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Since then, the weapon has played a vital role in the stories of both Star Wars Rebels and The Mandalorian, with the latter coming as more of a surprise after its inclusion in season 1's finale.
The Darksaber is a weapon with a very ancient history, dating back to the very first Mandalorian Jedi Tarre Viszla who created the saber upon being inducted into the Order. The Darksaber became the Mandalorians' ancestral blade of leadership, passed down through the generations in Clan Viszla before it was taken by Darth Maul. Sabine Wren acquired the weapon in Star Wars Rebels, but she gave it to Bo-Katan Kryze - and it somehow found its way to Moff Gideon, and then finally to Din Djarin. The Darksaber is vitally important to Mandalorian culture, because whoever wields it is seen as the rightful leader of Mandlore, a fact that sets up at a major plot for The Mandalorian season 3.
The Mandalorian Season 3 Could Have Din Fight For Mandalore
The Darksaber has been curiously absent from marketing for The Mandalorian season 3, not even shown in trailers to date, but a recent poster finally shows Din Djarin holding the Darksaber. This could hint at a big change for Din, with his initial reluctance to use the blade gradually transforming into an acceptance of his new role - a willingness to fight for Mandalore itself. Din Djarin seemed unaware of the Darksaber's significance when he first took it from Moff Gideon, even trying to hand it over to Bo-Katan Kryze, but she knew only one who was won the Darksaber through combat can rightfully hold it.
The Armorer gave Din Djarin a better understanding of the Darksaber's importance in The Book of Boba Fett, and season 3 could well see him become the leader the Mandalorians long for. The Mandalorian season 3's trailer included dialogue in which Din Djarin discusses how his people are scattered and talks about what they should stand for; it also shows him surrounded by other Mandalorians, further hinting he will become the leader the Armorer foretold. Fitting with this, The Mandalorian season 3's second poster shows Din Djarin holding the Darksaber with pride, no longer weighed down by indecision and uncertainty.
Grogu’s Boba Fett Choice Could Lead To The Mandalorian’s Change Of Heart
Din Djarin's change of heart could be a result of Grogu's journey in The Book of Boba Fett. Before that particular Disney+ show, Mando's main arc had centered entirely around Grogu, from protecting him from Moff Gideon to finding the Jedi. However, now that Grogu himself has chosen the Mandalorian way, Din Djarin's story could be opened up to be more integral to Mandalorian culture. Grogu's commitment could therefore lead Din Djarin's attention to turn to the Darksaber.
Bo-Katan Kryze is surely an important part of this story. Bo-Katan knows what the Darksaber means and its importance, and also covets it more than anything as she and her family have been so integral to Mandalore's past - and its downfall. This could make her a powerful ally in The Mandalorian season 3, or potentially a rival instead.