A Time to Mourn, a Time to Dance: Oola's Tale is a short story by Kathy Tyers found in the Tales from Jabba's Palace anthology which was published by Bantam Spectra in January 1996. It details the backstory of the dancing girl Oola.

Plot summaryEdit

Oola and her companion dancer are taken from Ryloth by Bib Fortuna to Tatooine. Jabba's majordomo promises them soft living at the famous Hutt's palace. However, upon arrival, Oola is dismayed to discover that Tatooine is a horridly hot and desert planet, a discovery alleviated only by her dreams of lush luxury at Jabba's palace. Fortuna leaves the two dancers momentarily, during which absence they encounter Luke Skywalker, who warns them against serving Jabba. Oola's friend flees with Skywalker, but Oola herself remains, jealously thinking she can thus ensure Jabba's patronage for herself alone. However, once at the palace, Oola learns how mistaken she is. Fortunately for her, hope is renewed when she learns from C-3PO that Luke Skywalker is planning a rescue for another prisoner at the palace. Heartened anew, Oola accepts Jabba's demand for her to dance, vowing to herself that this shall be her greatest dance yet.

Behind the scenesEdit

The phrase "A time to mourn, a time to dance" is possibly a reference to the song "Turn, Turn, Turn" by the Byrds, the lyrics of which were taken from the Biblical Book of Ecclesiastes.

AppearancesEdit

Notes and referencesEdit