With the popularity of The Mandalorian rekindling interest in the Star Wars brand and world, some new fans may want to learn more about the ancient rivalry between the Jedi and the Ancient Mandalorian warriors.
While the current canon has many mysteries regarding the subject, the original pre-Disney "Legends" canon has a lot to say about the Jedi's involvement in the Mandalorian Wars—particularly the events surrounding the legendary figure known only as Revan, a fan-favorite among older Star Wars circles. Revan is an iconic figure to the Jedi and the Sith, as well as a greatly respected and feared opponent to the Mandalorians.
The Mandalorian Wars was one of the most brutal conflicts in galactic history, spanning sixteen years with casualties on the sides of both the Old Republic and the Mandalorians. It was one of the most important and devastating wars that the Jedi were involved in, to the point where their numbers dwindled to the thousands and tarnishing their status.
Led by Mandalore the Ultimate and his second-in-command, Cassus Fett, the Mandalorians razed and murdered their way across the galaxy as they conquered entire solar systems and invaded the Republic's major capitals. Despite this senseless war that claimed the lives of billions, the Jedi Order refused to get involved—having been involved in a previous war against the Sith that also claimed many lives.
As the Republic was being bested by a ruthless enemy, the Jedi Council's decision on non-intervention proved incredibly unpopular galaxy-wide. The Jedi's reputation was already suffering from the last Sith war, and this decision only stoked the flames of mistrust from the Republic.
Even within the community itself, many Jedi ended up abandoning the Order altogether to help the Republic and save lives, chief among them being a group of Jedi freedom fighters known as the Revanchists—led by Revan and his friend Malak. They gathered followers from across the galaxy and spread word of the desire to fight back in the name of peace.
When the Mandalorians drove the Cathar race to near extinction, a protesting Mandalorian warrior was killed along with them; seeing this sacrifice, Revan wore the dead warrior's mask to strike fear into his enemies and a symbol of his vow to defeat the barbarians that slaughtered billions. Revan's unique Mandalorian mask became synonymous with his ideals and essentially became the face of the Mandalorian Wars.
Not only were Revan and Malak an unstoppable team, but Revan's penchant for strategy and boundless charisma also proved to be the bane of his enemies. In fact, some Mandalorians remarked that Revan's tactics were ruthless and cold even for them; Revan and Malak would consistently win battles by sacrificing resources and lives—"moral shortcuts" as they were.
Eventually, the Mandalorians could not keep up with Revan's strength in combat, nor could they outmaneuver his brutally efficient tactics, and the Republic managed to win the war, with Revan hailed as a hero and savior. However, this outcome would prove only to mark the beginning of yet another bloody chapter in Star Wars history: the Jedi Civil War.
Revan and Malak traveled to the Unknown Regions after the Mandalorian Wars, disappearing for long amounts of time. When they returned under mysterious circumstances, they fell to the Dark Side, becoming Dark Lords of the Sith and leading an entire Sith Armada to wage yet another war with the Republic.
This time, the Jedi had to get involved, leading to the beginning of "the Jedi Civil War," a name borne out of innocents unable to see the difference between Jedi and Sith. This war was depicted in the events of Bioware's Knights of the Old Republic and was Darth Revan's debut.
Before the beginning of the game, Darth Revan was seemingly killed by the Jedi Sentinel known as Bastila Shan. Revan's apprentice, Darth Malak, inherited Revan's Sith fleet to continue the war effort. In truth, Revan was rescued by the Jedi and had his mind wiped to fit a new identity—that of the customizable player character—in one of 2003's most shocking video game plot twists.
Revan encountered Darth Malak and defeated him in a one-on-one duel, proving his strength in combat and his stronger connection to the Force, returning to the Republic as a hero once again. The redeemed Revan would marry Bastila Shan, much to the dismay of the Jedi Order, and live in peace for a couple more years before being plagued with nightmares about his past and disappearing to the Unknown Regions once again.
One of the most powerful and prolific Jedi in all of Star Wars history, Revan has shown proficiency in almost all forms of lightsaber combat, is adept in both the Light and the Dark Sides of the Force and is one of the greatest military leaders in Galactic record. Whether beloved or feared, Revan's presence and iconic mask demanded respect and awe for his power and charisma.
Revan is one of the most famous characters in the series to have not only turned back from the Dark Side but also to have continuing adventures beyond his very-extensive debut story, and the twist of him being the player character is etched into many gamers' memories. With his cool Mandalorian mask and almost-mythic history, it’s no wonder he’s a fan-favorite, and Revan was recently re-canonized after the release of Rise of Skywalker.