CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR STAR WARS: FORCE AWAKENS AND THE LAST JEDI
The introduction of the small alien creatures known as the Porg resulted in a mix reaction. Some thought they were a shameless attempt at introducing a new cute character to the franchise for the purpose of selling merchandise. Others compared them to the new ewoks, welcomed the little creatures, and though they were adorable. Theories have even surfaced about the Porg being attuned to the Force because of how they nestled on Luke Skywalker’s island. But was there another purpose to the Porg which no one saw?
The real purpose of the Porg were to be therapy animals to Chewbacca. After the death of Han Solo in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Chewbacca was not in the best place. A prime example of this comes from his reaction in Star Wars: The Last Jedi when Luke asked “Where is Han?” This simple question resulted in the wookie warrior to break down and scream in pain over the memory of his recent loss. It was more than obvious Chewie was still in turmoil over the loss of his friend and partner. He needed a way to treat this internal torture
In the film after he tried to eat one of them, Chewie felt a connection with the Porg which allowed him to heal from the grief inside of him. The Porg helped the wookie to remember his purpose in life and allowed him to find the closure so he was able to rush into battle with the Millenium Falcon to the save the day with his little fuzzy companions by his side. The Porg had reminded Chewbacca he still had a part to play in the battle between the Resistance and The First Order.
This idea helps to put the creatures and Chewbacca’s role in the film into perspective. It adds a story arc (albeit a small one) to Chewie as it shows how he was able to get over the death of Han Solo and shows the Porg really did have a purpose other than to be cute. Hopefully, this healing relationship will be presented in Episode IX.
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What do you think of this theory behind the Porg? Leave a comment below and let us know.
