The influence of real-world mythology and belief on the Star Wars franchise has led to the creation of some genuinely intriguing aspects, such as the concept of werewolves. More specifically, the Shistavanen, a werewolf-like species, in the Star Wars universe. Influenced by the lycanthropy or werewolf mythology, our saga of Star Wars werewolves begins.

The Origin and Species of Werewolf Star Wars

Shistavanen are a noteworthy werewolf species hailing from Uvena Prime, a planet residing in the Uvena system. This species is a blend of natural selection and mysterious genetic engineering, resulting in their specialized physical traits. Their characteristics include prominent muzzles, keen claws, large pointed teeth, pointed ears on top of their skulls, and big glowing eyes capable of running tremendous speeds for extended periods without tiring. Alternating use of two and four limbs pitches them as a fascinating species indeed.

Enhanced abilities like greater hearing, smell, and night vision mark them as predators in their environment. Typical of Star Wars, their strength is also their weakness; this heightened awareness also enhances their susceptibility to detrimental light, sound, and odor. As a result, Shistavanen like Caet Shrovl, for example, are open to suffering from conditions such as albinism or genetic disorders caused by experimentation.

Who Is the True Star Wars Werewolf: Voolvif Monn, Lak Sivrak, or Defel?

Who holds the title of the quintessential Star Wars werewolf? Let's dive into this enthralling rabbit hole. As they say, beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, so it's up to your judgment.

Lak Sivrak

We kick off with a fun fact: Of all the Star Wars werewolves, Lak Sivrak is arguably the most celebrated one. He became a Shistavanen scout working for the Uvena System Constabulary and rose to prominence under the auspices of the Galactic Empire, blissfully ignorant of the oppression they inflicted on all around them.

His eventual turn towards the light came about when he discovered a covert group of Alliance members to Restore the Republic. A shift in loyalty took place here, and he decided to aid them despite having no political affiliations. Despite his promise to remain silent about their fugitive status, the Empire learned of the hidden village and deemed Lak Sivrak a liability.

The ripple effect of this turn saw Lak Sivrak become a fugitive himself. He sought refuge in Mos Eisley from stormtroopers. An unexpected hero sprung forth during the Battle of Endor when he morphed into a starfighter pilot despite his spacecraft getting irreparably damaged. His subsequent transition into the Force, following these impactful events, deserves a mention.

Voolvif Monn

Shistavanen Jedi Master and Jedi General, Voolvif Monn, was a figure to reckon with during the Clone Wars. Noted for being Force-sensitive, Voolvif Monn was forcefully separated from his familiar world when discovered by the Jedi, Paouoish Rahhdool, who spirited him away to Coruscant to train in the ways of the Force's light side.

His subsequent rise to being a Jedi Knight, followed by some notable participation during the Clone Wars, cemented his status in this universe. Voolvif Monn displayed excellent skills in dealing with Separatist droid forces, earning him the title of Jedi Master. His victories in various notable battles, especially the Battle of Muunilinst, further enhanced his repute.

Defel

The Defel are another species worth a mention in this context. These sentient beings possess the ability to bend light around them, thus rendering them virtually invisible- an ability that would come exceptionally handy in the Star Wars universe.

One particular encounter of note involves Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi seeking passage to Alderaan when faced with a Defel named Arleil Schous prior to the Battle of Yavin. The fate of another Defel, Glahst Ombra, who met with a tragic end courtesy of Magna Tolvan, also throw some light on the species.

Why the Wolf Man Is Removed From Star Wars

The filming logistics during the production of "A New Hope" meant that a few corners had to be cut, and one such being the removal of Wolf Man from the series. With time and resource constraints, several aspects of production, like costumes for alien characters, had to be repurposed from existing sources, including a human-fly head fittingly given to one of the extras in the Cantina scene.

Other familiar sights from the famous Cantina scene include masks from old Frankenstein and werewolf films care of Rick Baker's collection. This serves as an explanation for the curious case of the red-eyed tea-sipper. Equally interesting is the presence of a wolfman created from a generic Halloween mask available at the time. Reports suggest that George Lucas was not particularly fond of the two wolfmen, which resulted in their removal and CGI-replacement in later movies.

Conclusion

The Star Wars franchise's blend of influences across cultures and beliefs amply showcases the broad canvas this series enjoys. The inclusion of werewolves in this series highlights its diverse palette. Yet, the mystery lingers - who truly is the Star Wars werewolf? The decision rests with you - the Star Wars citizen. Do share your verdict in the comments below. Your verdict would be a fascinating addition to the ever-unfolding narrative.