WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Star Wars: The Book of Boba Fett, “Chapter 5: Return of the Mandalorian,” streaming now on Disney+.
Fans of The Mandalorian had been left wondering about the next chapter in Din Djarin's story ever since Luke Skywalker carried Grogu away, back in the Season 2 finale. While Din's quest to return Grogu to the Jedi Order was complete, many plot threads had been left hanging, not least the ultimate fate of the Darksaber. Din won this legendary weapon in combat with Moff Gideon, only to find out it had been coveted by his ally, Bo-Katan Kryze, as claiming it in combat gave one the right to rule over Mandalore. With a rift now forming between the erstwhile allies and the future of all Mandalorians in the balance, some answers were finally teased in Episode 5 of The Book of Boba Fett.
In a break from the series' focus on Boba Fett's ongoing power struggles, "Chapter 5: Return of the Mandalorian" effectively delivered a new episode of The Mandalorian, giving audiences a look at where Din has ended up following Season 2's conclusion. The Beskar-clad bounty hunter has apparently not been confronted by Bo-Katan in combat, nor has he made use of the Darksaber's right to rule. He is instead back to his bounty hunting ways, the Darksaber now another weapon in his arsenal and his tribe teetering on the brink of extinction -- or, just maybe, a grand resurgence.
The Tribe were introduced in the very first episode of The Mandalorian's first season. This clandestine clan of Mandalorians from various backgrounds -- some, like Paz Vizsla, were born Mandalorians; others, like Din Djarin, were foundlings -- had been forced into hiding, living underground on the planet Nevarro ever since the Empire's Great Purge of Mandalore. When the Tribe revealed themselves during Episode 3 of Season 1, rushing to Din's aid as the Bounty Hunters' Guild turned on him, they soon found themselves attacked and scattered by an Imperial remnant. Episode 5 of The Book of Boba Fett revisits the Tribe for the first time since Season 1 of The Mandalorian.
Din finds the Armorer -- the Tribe's leader -- and Paz Vizsla now living in abandoned quarters on the ring world of Glavis. From what is seen in the episode, these three appear to be the only surviving members of the Tribe -- though it is possible others are still lost or in hiding since the skirmish on Nevarro. Din goes to the Armorer for answers on the history and significance of the Darksaber, which she reveals was forged by the first Mandalorian Jedi, Tarre Vizsla, an ancient ancestor of Paz Vizsla. This leads to Vizsla challenging Din for the weapon and the right to rule.
While Vizsla ultimately fails in his attempt to reclaim the Darksaber from Din, the interaction teases what is likely to be the first of several challenges for the weapon, which Din will have to endure. However, a challenge from Vizsla -- whose family has a long history with the Darksaber, as seen in The Clone Wars -- poses some interesting questions about the future of the Tribe. While it appears this small underground group has almost been reduced to nothing, should Vizsla challenge Din again and succeed in claiming the Darksaber, the dwindling Tribe could essentially grow to encompass all Mandalorians.
Vizsla may be emboldened to attempt just such a rematch following the events of "Return of the Mandalorian," which saw Din admit he had removed his helmet in front of others -- a violation of the ancient Way of the Mandalore, by which the Tribe conduct their lives. Consequently, he is no longer regarded as a Mandalorian by the Tribe. Vizsla may feel Din has no right to continue wielding the Darksaber following this revelation. As Bo-Katan herself pointed out, the Tribe are members of the Children of the Watch, a cult of religious extremists, dedicated to reestablishing Mandalore's ancient ways. Were Vizsla to take the Darksaber, this goal may finally be realized, with the Tribe leading all Mandalorians to reclaiming their violent warrior heritage.
To see Din Djarin wield the Darksaber, watch The Book of Boba Fett, streaming now on Disney+ with new episodes every Wednesday.