What are the space whales that appeared in The Mandalorian?

Din Djarin and Grogu have resumed their adventures. In the first episode of the third season of The Mandalorian, the two travel at full speed in the N-1 Starfighter, a Naboo ship that has been modified to improve its performance. As they navigate through hyperspace, Grogu is captivated when he catches a glimpse of the silhouettes of space whales. What are they and why are they important?

These animals are a semi-intelligent species known as Purrgil. Bluish and purple in color, they resemble whales, although they have rear tentacles and fins that allow them to move through hyperspace. Their special ability is that they can open tunnels and travel through them, which motivated other species to develop hyperdrive technology so that ships could jump into hyperspace.

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The Purgill's relationship to the Ahsoka series

Before we go any further, if you haven't seen Star Wars: Rebels, we suggest you stop reading, as we're about to jump right into spoilers for the series finale. In the final episode, Grand Admiral Thrawn, one of the most intelligent and pragmatic men in the Galactic Empire, is on the verge of achieving his goals. At the last moment, however, the tentacles of a Purgill drag his ship into the far reaches of the galaxy. Along with Thrawn, Ezra Bridger, Kanan Jarrus' young Padawan, disappears.

And why is all this important for Star Wars: Ahsoka? Dave Filoni's show is basically a sequel to Rebels. In the fifth episode of The Mandalorian's second season, Ahsoka inquires about the whereabouts of Grand Admiral Thrawn, giving us a clue that Anakin's former apprentice is still looking for him all these years later. He will return in the spin-off alongside Ezra himself, so the appearance of the space whales was no coincidence.

The Mandalorian 3 airs every Wednesday on Disney+. Star Wars: Ahsoka is scheduled for later in 2023, with no specific date yet.