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Changes: Bantha/Legends

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[[File:Bantha Bull and Cow.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Bantha cow (female) and bull (male)]]
  
[[File:Bantha Bull and Cow.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Bantha cow (female) and bull (male)]]
 
{{Quote|Banthas are filthy animals. I don't eat filthy animals.|[[Mace Windu]]|Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds: Clone Campaigns}}
  
{{Quote|Banthas are filthy animals. I don't eat filthy animals.|[[Mace Windu]]|Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds: Clone Campaigns}}
−
The bantha was one of the most adaptable herbivorous creatures in the galaxy and could be found on several worlds. They were able to survive in almost any extremes of environment and could go without food or water for several weeks. Although bantha subspecies had diverged from their baseline ancestors, most shared similar characteristics. They were quadrupeds that were covered with shaggy fur and had large curved horns. A common bantha adult (''Bantha majorus'') was between two and three meters tall and could weigh up to 4,000 kilos. Their lifespan was between 80 and 100 years and they reached sexual maturity at the age of 20. Some sentient species have been known to ride banthas, such as [[Tusken Raider]]s.
+
The bantha was one of the most adaptable herbivorous creatures in the galaxy and could be found on several worlds. They were able to survive in almost any extremes of environment and could go without food or water for several weeks. Although bantha subspecies had diverged from their baseline ancestors, most shared similar characteristics. They were quadrupeds that were covered with long, shaggy fur and had large curved horns. A common bantha adult (''Bantha majorus'') was between two and three meters tall and could weigh up to 4,000 kilos. Their lifespan was between 80 and 100 years and they reached sexual maturity at the age of 20. Some sentient species had been known to ride banthas, such as [[Tusken Raider]]s.
   
−
Bulls tended to be slightly larger than the cows and both [[Sexes|gender]]s grew a pair of spiral horns. Most female banthas achieved just a single spiral during their lifetimes, while a male could achieve two full spirals before its death.
 +
Bulls tended to be larger than the cows and both [[Sexes|gender]]s grew a pair of spiral horns. Most female banthas achieved just a single spiral during their lifetimes, while a male could achieve two full spirals before its death.
   
 
The distinctive spiral horns of the bantha grew at the rate of a knob each year. Thickness and condition of the horns were an indication of the bantha's health and environment. Bulls fought each other by butting heads in ritual combat. The spirals on their horns could cause the pair to become entangled, which almost always meant death for both banthas, as the pair would soon collapse from exhaustion and eventually succumb to death by dehydration.
  
The distinctive spiral horns of the bantha grew at the rate of a knob each year. Thickness and condition of the horns were an indication of the bantha's health and environment. Bulls fought each other by butting heads in ritual combat. The spirals on their horns could cause the pair to become entangled, which almost always meant death for both banthas, as the pair would soon collapse from exhaustion and eventually succumb to death by dehydration.
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[[File:Bantha tongue.jpg|thumb|250px|Bantha tongue anatomy]]
  
[[File:Bantha tongue.jpg|thumb|250px|Bantha tongue anatomy]]
   
−
Banthas used their dexterous, sensitive tongue, as a sort of hand used in pulling up grass and shrubs from the ground. Also located on the tongue were breathing and scent spiracles which allowed the bantha to determine if an object was edible without stooping or reaching awkwardly. Male banthas raised their tongue as a way to signal their readiness to mate.
 +
Banthas used their dexterous, sensitive tongue, as a sort of hand used in pulling up grass and shrubs from the ground. Also located on the tongue were breathing and scent spiracles which allowed the bantha to determine if an object was edible without stooping or reaching awkwardly. Male banthas also raised their tongue as a way to signal their readiness to mate.
   
 
Banthas traveled in herds of up to twenty-five individuals, led by the oldest, strongest female. A herd which grew too large was split, with the second oldest and strongest female taking the new herd. The gestation period was 30 months and the newborn's birth weight was about 50 kilos.
  
Banthas traveled in herds of up to twenty-five individuals, led by the oldest, strongest female. A herd which grew too large was split, with the second oldest and strongest female taking the new herd. The gestation period was 30 months and the newborn's birth weight was about 50 kilos.
   
−
Female banthas produced [[blue milk]] from mammary glands that was consumed by [[Sentience|sentient]]s as a drink. Bantha dung was another useful byproduct of the species, used by the Tuskens as cooking fuel.<ref name="Out4">''[[Star Wars: Republic 10: Outlander, Part 4]]''</ref>
 +
Female banthas produced [[blue milk]] from mammary glands that was consumed by [[Sentience|sentient]]s as a drink. Bantha dung was another useful byproduct of the species, as it smoldered for a significant amount of time, and was used by the Tuskens as cooking fuel.<ref name="Out4">''[[Star Wars: Republic 10: Outlander, Part 4]]''</ref>
   
 
Banthas had three-nailed hooves that were typically trimmed by their owners.<ref name="Out4" />
 
Banthas had three-nailed hooves that were typically trimmed by their owners.<ref name="Out4" />
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Another additional subspecies, the [[Kashyyyk bantha]], was suitably adapted for life on the [[Wookiee]] [[Kashyyyk|homeworld]] and the [[Kilian Bantha]] was adapted for living in the mountainous regions of [[Kilia IV]].
  
Another additional subspecies, the [[Kashyyyk bantha]], was suitably adapted for life on the [[Wookiee]] [[Kashyyyk|homeworld]] and the [[Kilian Bantha]] was adapted for living in the mountainous regions of [[Kilia IV]].
   
−
Feral banthas were also found on [[Talasea]] where they developed a mean personality and roamed the forested world at will.
 +
Feral banthas were also found on [[Talasea]] where they developed an aggressive personality and roamed the forested world at will, attacking anything that crossed its path.
   
 
[[Swamp bantha]]s were brought to [[Ohma-D'un]] to help colonize the moon.
  
[[Swamp bantha]]s were brought to [[Ohma-D'un]] to help colonize the moon.
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*[[Bantha hide]]s are often used in making clothes or furniture.
  
*[[Bantha hide]]s are often used in making clothes or furniture.
 
*The phrase "grease the whole bantha" was used on [[Agamar]] to indicate that total commitment was necessary.
  
*The phrase "grease the whole bantha" was used on [[Agamar]] to indicate that total commitment was necessary.
−
*The phrase "[[wild bantha chase]]" refers to banthas.
 +
*The phrase "[[wild bantha chase]]" refered to banthas.
 
*[[Chagrian]] [[Bouncer (occupation)|bouncer]] [[Burloo]] was nicknamed "Bantha".<ref name="BL">{{GamerCite|7|Bartyn's Landing (article)|Bartyn's Landing}}</ref>
  
*[[Chagrian]] [[Bouncer (occupation)|bouncer]] [[Burloo]] was nicknamed "Bantha".<ref name="BL">{{GamerCite|7|Bartyn's Landing (article)|Bartyn's Landing}}</ref>
   
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The name of the bantha may have come from the Banth, a similar large mammal from [[Wikipedia:Edgar Rice Burroughs|Edgar Rice Burroughs]]'s [[Wikipedia:Barsoom|Barsoom]] novels.
  
The name of the bantha may have come from the Banth, a similar large mammal from [[Wikipedia:Edgar Rice Burroughs|Edgar Rice Burroughs]]'s [[Wikipedia:Barsoom|Barsoom]] novels.
   
−
In the original version of ''[[Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope|A New Hope]]'', the bantha was played by a trained [[Wikipedia:elephant|elephant]] named [[Mardji]] in a fur costume. In some cases, Mardji's trunk can be barely visible beneath the bantha costume. Re-releases and the [[prequel trilogy]] featured digital banthas.
 +
In the original version of ''[[Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope|A New Hope]]'', the bantha was played by a trained [[Wikipedia:elephant|elephant]] named [[Mardji]] in a fur costume. In some cases, Mardji's trunk can be barely visible beneath the bantha costume. Re-releases and the [[prequel trilogy]] featured digital banthas. Their vocalizations were also done with a slowed-down bear's roar.<ref name="Drawing from the Present">{{Blog|official=true|/2013/08/15/drawing-from-the-present-familiar-creatures-in-a-galaxy-far-far-away/|Drawing from the Present: Familiar Creatures in a Galaxy Far, Far Away|int= }}</ref>
   
 
In [[1997]], [[Galoob]] released the first-ever licensed toy bantha as part of its Action Fleet line of micro-sized toys. In [[1998]], [[Kenner]] made an action figure-scaled bantha. A reissue with different fur and figures came out in [[2007]]. For ''[[The Star Wars Holiday Special]]'', a toy bantha was created, although it was never released as a toy to the public.
  
In [[1997]], [[Galoob]] released the first-ever licensed toy bantha as part of its Action Fleet line of micro-sized toys. In [[1998]], [[Kenner]] made an action figure-scaled bantha. A reissue with different fur and figures came out in [[2007]]. For ''[[The Star Wars Holiday Special]]'', a toy bantha was created, although it was never released as a toy to the public.
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The word "bantha" was capitalized in official publications up through at least the first edition of the ''[[A Guide to the Star Wars Universe (First Edition)|Guide to the Star Wars Universe]]'' in [[1984]].
  
The word "bantha" was capitalized in official publications up through at least the first edition of the ''[[A Guide to the Star Wars Universe (First Edition)|Guide to the Star Wars Universe]]'' in [[1984]].
  +
  +
==Audio==
  +
{{Listen|filename=BanthaA-SWE1R.ogg|title=BanthaA-SWE1R.ogg|description=Example of a Bantha's cry}}
  +
{{Listen|filename=BanthaB-SWE1R.ogg|title=BanthaB-SWE1R.ogg|description=Another example of a Bantha's cry}}
   
 
==Appearances==
  
==Appearances==
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*''[[Episode I Adventures 8: Trouble on Tatooine]]''
  
*''[[Episode I Adventures 8: Trouble on Tatooine]]''
 
*''[[Star Wars: Obi-Wan]]''
  
*''[[Star Wars: Obi-Wan]]''
  +
*''[[Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter]]'' {{Mo}}
 
*''[[Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace]]''
  
*''[[Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace]]''
 
*''[[Star Wars Episode I Journal: Darth Maul]]''
  
*''[[Star Wars Episode I Journal: Darth Maul]]''
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*''[[Star Wars: Republic: Outlander]]''
  
*''[[Star Wars: Republic: Outlander]]''
 
*''[[Star Wars: Republic 20: Twilight, Part 2]]'' {{Mo}}
  
*''[[Star Wars: Republic 20: Twilight, Part 2]]'' {{Mo}}
−
*''[[Star Wars: Republic: The Stark Hyperspace War]]'' {{Mo}}
 +
*''[[Star Wars: Republic 38: The Stark Hyperspace War, Part 3]]'' {{Mo}}
−
*''[[Star Wars: Republic: The Devaronian Version]]'' {{Mo}}
 +
*''[[Star Wars: Republic 41: The Devaronian Version, Part 2]]'' {{Mo}}
 
*''[[Rogue Planet]]'' {{Mo}}
  
*''[[Rogue Planet]]'' {{Mo}}
 
*''[[Jedi Quest: Path to Truth]]'' {{Mo}}
  
*''[[Jedi Quest: Path to Truth]]'' {{Mo}}
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*''[[The Clone Wars: Decide Your Destiny: The Lost Legion]]'' {{Mo}}
  
*''[[The Clone Wars: Decide Your Destiny: The Lost Legion]]'' {{Mo}}
 
*''[[The Clone Wars: Decide Your Destiny: Crisis on Coruscant]]'' {{C|Skeleton}}
  
*''[[The Clone Wars: Decide Your Destiny: Crisis on Coruscant]]'' {{C|Skeleton}}
  +
*{{InsiderCite|144|Hondo Ohnaka's Not-So-Big Score}} {{Mo}}
 
*{{TCWUKCite|6.46|Bane vs ...Bane?}}
  
*{{TCWUKCite|6.46|Bane vs ...Bane?}}
 
*''[[Republic Commando: Triple Zero]]'' {{Mo}}
  
*''[[Republic Commando: Triple Zero]]'' {{Mo}}
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*''[[Star Wars Droids 6: Star Wars According to the Droids, Book I]]''
  
*''[[Star Wars Droids 6: Star Wars According to the Droids, Book I]]''
 
*''[[Star Wars 2: Six Against the Galaxy]]'' {{Mo}}
  
*''[[Star Wars 2: Six Against the Galaxy]]'' {{Mo}}
  +
*''[[Tatooine Manhunt]]''
 
*''[[Star Wars: Empire 11: The Short, Happy Life of Roons Sewell, Part 2]]'' {{Mo}}
  
*''[[Star Wars: Empire 11: The Short, Happy Life of Roons Sewell, Part 2]]'' {{Mo}}
 
*''[[Play It Again, Figrin D'an: The Tale of Muftak and Kabe]]'' {{Mo}}
  
*''[[Play It Again, Figrin D'an: The Tale of Muftak and Kabe]]'' {{Mo}}
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*''[[Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron]]'' {{Mo}}
  
*''[[Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron]]'' {{Mo}}
 
*''[[Allegiance (novel)|Allegiance]]'' {{Mo}}
  
*''[[Allegiance (novel)|Allegiance]]'' {{Mo}}
−
*''[[The Star Wars Holiday Special]]'' {{C|[[Stuffed bantha]] toy}}
 +
*''[[The Star Wars Holiday Special]]'' {{C|[[Stuffed bantha]] toy}}, {{C|[[Meat]]}}
 
*''[[Galaxy of Fear: Eaten Alive]]'' {{Mo}}
  
*''[[Galaxy of Fear: Eaten Alive]]'' {{Mo}}
 
*''[[Galaxy of Fear: The Nightmare Machine]]'' {{Mo}}
  
*''[[Galaxy of Fear: The Nightmare Machine]]'' {{Mo}}
Line 285: Line 292:
 
*''[[The Life and Legend of Obi-Wan Kenobi]]''
  
*''[[The Life and Legend of Obi-Wan Kenobi]]''
 
*[[Shadows of the Empire (novel)|''Shadows of the Empire'' novel]]
  
*[[Shadows of the Empire (novel)|''Shadows of the Empire'' novel]]
−
*{{WEG|Shadows of the Empire Sourcebook|Just Another Day's Work}} {{Mo}}
 +
*{{WEGCite|book=Shadows of the Empire Sourcebook|text=''Shadows of the Empire Sourcebook''|story=Just Another Day's Work|stext=''Just Another Day's Work''}} {{Mo}}
 
*''[[Star Wars 79: The Big Con]]'' {{Mo}}
  
*''[[Star Wars 79: The Big Con]]'' {{Mo}}
 
*''[[Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi]]''
  
*''[[Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi]]''
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*''[[Boba Fett: Twin Engines of Destruction]]'' {{Mo}}
  
*''[[Boba Fett: Twin Engines of Destruction]]'' {{Mo}}
 
*{{DarkStryder|Omens|The DarkStryder Campaign}} {{Mo}}
  
*{{DarkStryder|Omens|The DarkStryder Campaign}} {{Mo}}
−
*''[[X-wing: Iron Fist]]'' {{Mo}}
 +
*''[[X-Wing: Iron Fist]]'' {{Mo}}
 
*''[[Corphelion Interlude]]'' {{Mo}}
  
*''[[Corphelion Interlude]]'' {{Mo}}
 
*''[[The Last Command]]'' {{Mo}}
  
*''[[The Last Command]]'' {{Mo}}
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*''[[Simple Tricks]]'' {{Mo}}
  
*''[[Simple Tricks]]'' {{Mo}}
 
*''[[Darksaber (novel)|Darksaber]]''
  
*''[[Darksaber (novel)|Darksaber]]''
−
*''[[X-wing: Starfighters of Adumar]]'' {{Mo}}
 +
*''[[X-Wing: Starfighters of Adumar]]'' {{Mo}} {{C|as meat}}
 
*{{Journal|15|Two for One}} {{Mo}}
  
*{{Journal|15|Two for One}} {{Mo}}
 
*''[[Junior Jedi Knights: The Golden Globe]]'' {{Mo}}
  
*''[[Junior Jedi Knights: The Golden Globe]]'' {{Mo}}
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*''[[Vortex (novel)|Vortex]]'' {{Mo}}
  
*''[[Vortex (novel)|Vortex]]'' {{Mo}}
 
*''[[Conviction]]'' {{Mo}}
  
*''[[Conviction]]'' {{Mo}}
  +
*''[[Ascension]]'' {{Mo}}
  +
*''[[Apocalypse]]'' {{Mo}}
  +
*{{InsiderCite|135|Roll of the Dice}}
 
*''[[Star Wars: Legacy 4: Noob]]'' {{Mo}}
  
*''[[Star Wars: Legacy 4: Noob]]'' {{Mo}}
 
*''[[Star Wars: Legacy 16: Claws of the Dragon, Part 3]]'' {{Flash}}
  
*''[[Star Wars: Legacy 16: Claws of the Dragon, Part 3]]'' {{Flash}}
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==Sources==
  
==Sources==
 
{{Scroll box|content=
  
{{Scroll box|content=
  +
[[File:Bantha procession TCG Edge of Darkness.jpg|thumb|220px|[[Tusken Raiders]] riding banthas]]
 
*[[Star Wars: The Power of the Force (1995)|''Star Wars: The Power of the Force'' (1995)]]
  
*[[Star Wars: The Power of the Force (1995)|''Star Wars: The Power of the Force'' (1995)]]
 
*''[[Star Wars: Power of the Jedi]]''
  
*''[[Star Wars: Power of the Jedi]]''
  +
*[[Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game, First Edition|''Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game'', First Edition]]
 
*''[[The Star Wars Sourcebook]]''
  
*''[[The Star Wars Sourcebook]]''
 
*[[Galaxy Guide 2: Yavin and Bespin (First Edition)|''Galaxy Guide 2: Yavin and Bespin'', First Edition]]
  
*[[Galaxy Guide 2: Yavin and Bespin (First Edition)|''Galaxy Guide 2: Yavin and Bespin'', First Edition]]
  +
*''[[Cracken's Rebel Field Guide (sourcebook)|''Cracken's Rebel Field Guide'']]
 
*''[[Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game, Second Edition]]'' <!-- October 1992 -->
  
*''[[Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game, Second Edition]]'' <!-- October 1992 -->
 
*''[[Han Solo and the Corporate Sector Sourcebook]]''
  
*''[[Han Solo and the Corporate Sector Sourcebook]]''
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*[[Galaxy Guide 2: Yavin and Bespin (Second Edition)|''Galaxy Guide 2: Yavin and Bespin'', Second Edition]]
  
*[[Galaxy Guide 2: Yavin and Bespin (Second Edition)|''Galaxy Guide 2: Yavin and Bespin'', Second Edition]]
 
*''[[Rebel Alliance Sourcebook|Rebel Alliance Sourcebook, Second Edition]]
  
*''[[Rebel Alliance Sourcebook|Rebel Alliance Sourcebook, Second Edition]]
−
*''[[Star Wars Sourcebook|Star Wars Sourcebook, Second Edition]]''
 +
*[[Star Wars Sourcebook (Second Edition)|''Star Wars Sourcebook'', Second Edition]]
 
*''[[The Illustrated Star Wars Universe]]''
  
*''[[The Illustrated Star Wars Universe]]''
 
*''[[The Jedi Academy Sourcebook]]''
  
*''[[The Jedi Academy Sourcebook]]''
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*{{FFCite|113|TUS9-10, ''Tusken Raiders - Banthas''}}
  
*{{FFCite|113|TUS9-10, ''Tusken Raiders - Banthas''}}
 
*''[[Ultimate Adversaries]]''
  
*''[[Ultimate Adversaries]]''
  +
*''[[Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords: Prima Official Game Guide]]''
 
*''[[Star Wars Galaxies: The Total Experience: Prima Official Game Guide]]''
  
*''[[Star Wars Galaxies: The Total Experience: Prima Official Game Guide]]''
 
*''[[The New Essential Guide to Alien Species]]''
  
*''[[The New Essential Guide to Alien Species]]''
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*''[[The Unknown Regions]]''
  
*''[[The Unknown Regions]]''
 
*''[[Star Wars: Head-to-Head Tag Teams]]''
  
*''[[Star Wars: Head-to-Head Tag Teams]]''
  +
*{{FFGTCG|Star Wars: The Card Game - Edge of Darkness|Bantha}}
 
*{{DB|creature|bantha|Bantha}}
  
*{{DB|creature|bantha|Bantha}}
  +
*''[[Star Wars: Edge of the Empire Core Rulebook]]''
−
*{{SWE|characters|bantha|Bantha}}
 +
*{{SWE|characters|bantha|Bantha}}}}
−
}}
  
   
 
==Notes and references==
  
==Notes and references==
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[[Category:Banthas| ]]
  
[[Category:Banthas| ]]
−
[[Category:Species of Froswythe]]
  
−
[[Category:Species of Tatooine]]
  
−
[[Category:Species of Yavin 4]]
  
 
[[Category:Domesticated creatures]]
  
[[Category:Domesticated creatures]]
 
[[Category:Food creatures]]
  
[[Category:Food creatures]]

Revision as of 14:50, 9 March 2014

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Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You're my only hope.

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This article needs appropriate citations. Help us improve this article by referencing valid resource material. Remove this notice when finished.

This article is about the bantha species. You may be looking for other uses of the term.

Warning: This infobox has missing parameters: subspecies and unrecognized parameters: members, imageBG


"Baby banthas are quite cute…"
―Darth Vectivus[src]

Banthas were sturdy and easily domesticated beasts of burden that were found all over the galaxy.

Anatomy

Bantha Bull and Cow

Bantha cow (female) and bull (male)

"Banthas are filthy animals. I don't eat filthy animals."
―Mace Windu[src]

The bantha was one of the most adaptable herbivorous creatures in the galaxy and could be found on several worlds. They were able to survive in almost any extremes of environment and could go without food or water for several weeks. Although bantha subspecies had diverged from their baseline ancestors, most shared similar characteristics. They were quadrupeds that were covered with long, shaggy fur and had large curved horns. A common bantha adult (Bantha majorus) was between two and three meters tall and could weigh up to 4,000 kilos. Their lifespan was between 80 and 100 years and they reached sexual maturity at the age of 20. Some sentient species had been known to ride banthas, such as Tusken Raiders.

Bulls tended to be larger than the cows and both genders grew a pair of spiral horns. Most female banthas achieved just a single spiral during their lifetimes, while a male could achieve two full spirals before its death.

The distinctive spiral horns of the bantha grew at the rate of a knob each year. Thickness and condition of the horns were an indication of the bantha's health and environment. Bulls fought each other by butting heads in ritual combat. The spirals on their horns could cause the pair to become entangled, which almost always meant death for both banthas, as the pair would soon collapse from exhaustion and eventually succumb to death by dehydration.

Bantha tongue

Bantha tongue anatomy

Banthas used their dexterous, sensitive tongue, as a sort of hand used in pulling up grass and shrubs from the ground. Also located on the tongue were breathing and scent spiracles which allowed the bantha to determine if an object was edible without stooping or reaching awkwardly. Male banthas also raised their tongue as a way to signal their readiness to mate.

Banthas traveled in herds of up to twenty-five individuals, led by the oldest, strongest female. A herd which grew too large was split, with the second oldest and strongest female taking the new herd. The gestation period was 30 months and the newborn's birth weight was about 50 kilos.

Female banthas produced blue milk from mammary glands that was consumed by sentients as a drink. Bantha dung was another useful byproduct of the species, as it smoldered for a significant amount of time, and was used by the Tuskens as cooking fuel.[4]

Banthas had three-nailed hooves that were typically trimmed by their owners.[4]

Banthas were harvested for their meat by workers or were put in animal nurseries for long-term sustained harvesting on multiple worlds.[5]

Subspecies

Feral bantha

Feral bantha from Talasea

The bantha was domesticated on most worlds and were used for pulling heavy loads, transportation and even as war beasts. The meat and hide of the bantha were much sought-after. While the origins of the bantha were unknown, every world on which it existed laid claim to it as being its homeworld. Most banthas bred in captivity were trained as beasts of burden, and most of those were bred for desert environments. There were at least three distinct subspecies found on the planet Tatooine: the common bantha, the dwarf bantha, and the dune bantha. Noted for their docility, the dwarf race (also referred to as "miniature banthas") made amiable pets, as in the case of Ebenn Q3 Baobab's companion, Nuke.

Another additional subspecies, the Kashyyyk bantha, was suitably adapted for life on the Wookiee homeworld and the Kilian Bantha was adapted for living in the mountainous regions of Kilia IV.

Feral banthas were also found on Talasea where they developed an aggressive personality and roamed the forested world at will, attacking anything that crossed its path.

Swamp banthas were brought to Ohma-D'un to help colonize the moon.

Banthas of Tatooine

Bantha herd

A herd of banthas crossing the Dune Sea.

The bantha was an integral part of Tusken culture on Tatooine. When a Tusken Raider child reached the age of seven he or she was ceremonially presented with a bantha of the same age as a companion-for-life. The youth learned to care for the creature, and the two built a mystical bond. When the bantha reached maturity, the male Tusken Raider would saddle his companion and ride it into the desert for adult initiation ceremonies.

When Tuskens married, the couple's banthas would also mate. Often, the resulting calf would be of the same sex as the Tusken child.

The banthas of Tatooine were known to form deep bonds with the Tusken Raiders of the planet and often committed suicide if their riders were to die first. Banthas that died naturally were placed in vast graveyards, which other banthas treated with a kind of ceremonial reverence.

The bantha in culture

"Spare us the bantha droppings."
―Wes Janson to Kapp Dendo[src]
File:Bantha NEGAS.jpg

A bantha

Behind the scenes

BanthaCGI2

CGI model for The Phantom Menace

The name of the bantha may have come from the Banth, a similar large mammal from Edgar Rice Burroughs's Barsoom novels.

In the original version of A New Hope, the bantha was played by a trained elephant named Mardji in a fur costume. In some cases, Mardji's trunk can be barely visible beneath the bantha costume. Re-releases and the prequel trilogy featured digital banthas. Their vocalizations were also done with a slowed-down bear's roar.[8]

In 1997, Galoob released the first-ever licensed toy bantha as part of its Action Fleet line of micro-sized toys. In 1998, Kenner made an action figure-scaled bantha. A reissue with different fur and figures came out in 2007. For The Star Wars Holiday Special, a toy bantha was created, although it was never released as a toy to the public.

Banthas appear in the video game LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy. The player cannot control the bantha directly, but by hopping onto one using any other humanoid character, the bantha can be put to their use. Banthas in the game are extremely slow, and if you hop on one in the level in which they appear, Tusken Raiders come and attack the player.

Star Wars: Battlefront and Star Wars: Battlefront II assign the rank "bantha fodder" to the person who dies the most on the battlefield.

The word "bantha" was capitalized in official publications up through at least the first edition of the Guide to the Star Wars Universe in 1984.

Audio

(audio) BanthaA-SWE1R.ogg (info · help)
Example of a Bantha's cry


(audio) BanthaB-SWE1R.ogg (info · help)
Another example of a Bantha's cry


Appearances

Wiki-shrinkable
Explore all of Wookieepedia's [[:Category:{{{soundcat}}}|audio files]] for this article subject.

Non-canon appearances

Sources

Bantha procession TCG Edge of Darkness

Tusken Raiders riding banthas

Notes and references

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Star Wars Character Encyclopedia
  2. ↑ Star Wars: Head-to-Head Tag Teams
  3. ↑ Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope script
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Star Wars: Republic 10: Outlander, Part 4
  5. ↑ Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds
  6. ↑ SWAJsmall "Death-Hunter" — Star Wars Adventure Journal 9, p.205
  7. ↑ SWGamer-icon "Bartyn's Landing" — Star Wars Gamer 7
  8. ↑ StarWarsDotComBlogsLogoStacked "from the Present: Familiar Creatures in a Galaxy Far, Far Away {{{3}}}" — {{{4}}} — [[{{{5}}}|{{{5}}}'s]] StarWars.com Blog (from the Present: Familiar Creatures in a Galaxy Far, Far Away backup link (/2013/08/15/drawing-from-the-present-familiar-creatures-in-a-galaxy-far-far-away//Drawing from the Present: Familiar Creatures in a Galaxy Far, Far Away) not verified!)

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