Nearly a decade after the release ofStar Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace,Star Wars: The Clone Warsdepicted the “angels” of Iego that Anakin Skywalker refers to in his first words to Padmé Amidala. When Anakin meets Padmé inMos Espa, he asks her if she is an angel, then explains that there are creatures in theStar Warsgalaxy referred to as such, with these beings allegedly residing on the moons of Iego.
It was a wonder to hear about the existence of angels in theStar Warsgalaxy, especially in a movie with a villain likeDarth Maul- who, to this day, has an appearance that’s considered “devilish.” Many audiences began to wonder why this comparison was made by Anakin, then; angels seemed like a thing of our modern world’s mythology, not theStar Warsgalaxy’s. TheStar WarsLegends continuity, however, developed the lore behind the Iego system and its angels beforeThe Clone Warsgave them a new history.
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Star Wars' First Angels Were Inspired By The Seraphim
In their original Legends continuity incarnation, the mysterious “angels” of Iego are officially known as Diathim, and Legends-era sources describe them as having varying appearances, based on which species or individual is viewing them. Despite there being multiple differing descriptions of Diathim, the species does have several consistent traits. Diathim are brightly glowing humanoids with six wings, natural hypnotic powers, and the ability to fly through an atmosphere or the vacuum of space without protective gear.
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TheDiathim appear to be loosely inspired by the Seraphim of Ancient Jewish spirituality, given their six wings and angelic nickname. Spacefarers often describe Diathim as being benevolent beings, though they were nevertheless extremely dangerous. Diathim were interested in spacecraft, leading groups of the species to gather around ships as they entered the Iego system.
Iego is an unusual planet in the originalStar WarsLegends continuity. The planet lacked a star and was simply heated by the Extrictarium Nebula. Even stranger: castaways on Iego were said to no longer age or require sustenance while on the planet.
Unfortunately, the appearance and mind-bending powers of Diathim typically caused ships to crash on Iego, with survivors either joining tribes of other castaways or being eaten by the planet’s other inhabitants. The Iego system was also home to Maelibi - also known as “demons” - who were clawed and wingless Diathim who lived underground and preyed on sapient beings. In rare cases, castaways would escape Iego, however.
The Clone Wars Made Anakin’s Padmé Comparison A Bit More Believable
The Clone Warsrevised Iego and the angels for the modern canon, making both far less dangerous. While Iego had 42 moons in its original Legends incarnation, it has 1,000 moons in the modern canon, and it is unknown if the new version of Iego orbits a star or if it is warmed by a nebula like it originally was in the Legends continuity.
The modern canon’s angels - also known officially as Diathim - appear to be far less dangerous in the newer continuity, as no source references hypnotic abilities or their appearance in space causing crashes on Iego. Iego is simply a backwater planet in the Outer Rim Territories whose most notable characteristics are the renowned Diathim and the lethal, carnivorous, reeksa plants, whose roots can cure the deadly Blue Shadow Virus.
While Maelibi seemingly do not exist in the modern canon, the newer continuity does make Iego home to Xandu – bat-like creatures who prey on beings as large as humans.
During the Clone Wars, the Separatists revived the Blue Shadow Virus, subjugated the Iego system, and prevented any vessel from leaving the planet with a laser grid - which locals incorrectly believed was a ghostly being known as Drol. The peacefulDiathim are established to come from Iego’s largest moon, Millius Prime.
Padmé Actually Was An Angel… From A Certain Point Of View
In what might have been a meaningful coincidence,the sole “angel” in theStar Warsfranchise with a speaking role is voiced by Catherine Taber - who voices Padmé Amidala throughoutThe Clone Wars. This is especially fitting, given that “Mystery of a Thousand Moons” premiered only a few months before the 10th anniversary ofThe Phantom Menace. From a behind-the-scenes perspective,Star Wars: The Clone Warsmade Padmé Amidala an “angel” in theStar Warsfranchise.
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Star Wars: The Clone Wars
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Star Wars: The Clone Wars is an animated series that explores the intense conflict between the Republic and the Separatists. Featuring a mix of loyalty shifts and alliances, it delves into complex mysteries of the Force and showcases pivotal moments for characters like Anakin Skywalker and Master Yoda.
