Chewbacca

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Chewbacca (or Chewie) (c. 200 BBY - c. 25 ABY), a fictional character of the Star Wars universe, is 2.3 m (7.5 ft) tall Wookiee and co-pilot of Han Solo's ship, the Millennium Falcon. Chewbacca is the son of Attichitcuk, the husband of Mallatobuck, and the father of Lumpawarrump. Wise and sophisticated, he has a great deal of technological savvy. Chewbacca is known for his great strength and loyalty.

While Chewie is perfectly able to understand the galactic-standard language Basic, he is unable to speak it due to his species' vocal structure. He communicates in his native language, Shyriiwook, while Solo always speaks to Chewie in Basic. Chewbacca was played by actor Peter Mayhew in the Star Wars movies. Old Republic Era Before meeting Solo, Chewie was a major player in the Battle of Kashyyyk (as seen in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith), and he and Wookiee General Tarfful were responsible for Yoda's escape when Emperor Palpatine ordered the Clone troopers to turn on the Jedi (see Order 66). [edit] The Empire Era Chewbacca undertook a Wookiee "life debt" to Han Solo due to Solo saving his life at some point before Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.

In the Expanded Universe comic book entitled simply Chewbacca, Imperial Navy Officer Han Solo was ordered to destroy a drifting shuttle full of Wookiee Slaves, including Chewbacca. Solo refused to do so, and set the Wookiees free. Solo was discharged from the Imperial Navy for this act. Chewbacca tracked down Solo and from the time Solo saved his life, up to Chewbacca's death on the planet of Sernpidal, the two were nearly inseparable. Initially, Princess Leia did not like Chewbacca, calling him a "walking carpet." But eventually she almost became as close a friend to Chewbacca as Han Solo (mirroring Han's own initial resistance to Chewbacca's loyalty, which was also replaced by a deep and abiding friendship). Chewbacca was very close to Han and Leia's children, becoming an uncle of sorts to the three children.

Appearances The Films Chewbacca plays a major role in Episodes III, IV, V, and VI of the Star Wars films. In Episode III, Chewbacca, along with Tarfful, fight in the Clone Wars when their planet is invaded. They also help to get Yoda to safety. In Episodes IV, V, and VI, Chewbacca accompanies Han Solo and The Rebel Alliance in helping to defeat the Galactic Empire.

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