Adoption in The Mandalorian

The pop culture phenomenon, “Star Wars,” continues to captivate audiences worldwide. What began as a sci-fi film franchise in the 1970s has grown into a multimillion-dollar industry. Between spinoff series, merchandise, and theme park attractions, “Star Wars” continues to be celebrated and passed down as a tradition between generations of fans. One of the most popular spinoffs to come from the space saga is “The Mandalorian.” This hit series recently released its third season on Disney+, and fans are already itching to see season four.

“The Mandalorian” may have captured your heart, but did you know that there are several adoption stories embraced by this TV series, too? We discuss these more below.

Mando & The Child

Set to take place five years after the events of “Return of the Jedi” (also known as “Episode VI”), “The Mandalorian” follows Din Djarin, a lone Mandalorian bounty hunter in a galaxy far, far away. The series begins with Din Djarin, also called “Mando,” getting hired to retrieve a young jedi named Grogu. “The child,” as Grogu is often called, is the same species as Yoda.

Although he was hired by imperial forces, Din Djarin decides not to complete his paid mission. He decides to foster the child until he can find him a permanent home “with his own kind.”

While searching for a suitable home for the child, the unlikely duo is chased by Moff Gideon. Moff Gideon is determined to use Grogu’s connection to the Force. As fans already know, this evil plot is much like Darth Vader trying to convince his jedi-trained son, Luke Skywalker, to join the dark side in “The Empire Strikes Back” (also known as “Episode V”).

With the help of Ahsoka Tano, Grogu ends up training to harness his jedi powers with the big star of the original “Star Wars” films – Luke Skywalker. As Grogu begins to gain strength and harness his skills with the Force, Luke can see that the child is distracted. Although “the force is strong with this one,” Grogu’s heart is still with Mando. Luke gives him an ultimatum, telling him that he must choose between the way of the jedi or the way of the Mandalorian. Grogu chooses to return to Din Djarin, and it is an unexpected, but happy reunion. As fans of the show would say: “This is the way.”

“He means more to me than you will ever know.” – Din Djarin

The adoption story between Din Djarin and Grogu is the perfect analogy for adoptive families. Although Din Djarin and Grogu come from different worlds (literally), they come together as a family. Mando has the same love for the child as he would for his own flesh and blood. He proves, repeatedly throughout the series, that he will protect the child at all costs. This is how adoptive parents feel about their children. Love is what makes a family, not DNA. Mando and Grogu bond throughout their journey through the galaxy. Adoptive families share a similar experience…without the starships and lightsabers, of course.

Mando’s Own Adoption Backstory

The adoption storyline with Grogu is not the only adoption theme in “The Mandalorian.” During flashback scenes in season one, fans learn that Din Djarin, himself, was adopted. In fact, the name Din in Mandalorian translates to “adopted.”

As a young child, Din was living with his birth parents on the planet Aq Vetina, when there was an attack. His parents protected him but were killed. Din Djarin was rescued by Death Watch. Later, he joined a Mandalorian group called The Tribe. He stayed with The Tribe on the volcanic planet of Nevarro, where he later pledged allegiance to the Mandalorian creed, thus becoming one of them and acquiring armor and weapons from his new people.

While he was not native to the fallen planet of Mandalore, Din Djarin has a deep love for his people. His devotion to the Way of the Mand’alore is so embedded in his heart that he seems, at times, to be more committed than Bo-Katan Kryze herself, whose family ruled Mandalore.

When seeking atonement for removing his helmet – an act that is forbidden for Mandalorians – he is told he must bathe in the Living Waters beneath the mines of Mandalore. When he turns to Bo-Katan’s help in returning to the destroyed planet, she tries to dissuade him from going. She does not follow the rule of concealing her face, and she does not have much faith in Din Djarin’s mission. He, however, risks his life to seek redemption with his people.

“I was a Foundling. They raised me in the Fighting Corps. I was treated as one of their own. When I came of age, I was sworn to the Creed. The only record of my family name was in the registers of Mandalore.” – Din Djarin

Adoptive families can watch “The Mandalorian” with a great appreciation for these adoption themes throughout the series. Mando is a skilled bounty hunter. He fights imperial forces on land and in his starship at lightning speed. He also has a deep love for the child. As fans have suggested, Mando’s adoption history gives him a loving heart for the “orphan” he “takes in.” Not only do they become an unlikely duo, but they also become a family. They become a powerful force together.

“A Mandalorian and a Jedi? They’ll never see it coming.” – Din Djarin

“The Mandalorian” is one of many TV series to feature adoption storylines. “This is Us” was a smash hit that focused much of its plot on adoption. There are also several holiday movies and children’s movies that focus on adoption, as well. Mando is an adopted superhero, but there are many others that have come before him. These can serve as great examples for adoptive families looking for representation on the big (and small) screen.

Learn More About Adoption

Whether you are thinking about making an adoption plan for your baby or looking to adopt, we can help. Reach out to Adoptions With Love any time of day, any day of the week. Call us at 800-722-7731, text us confidentially at 617-777-0072, or contact us online.