What Is the Crocodile-Like Beast at the Begining of ‘The Mandalorian’ Season 3?

The Mandalorian is finally back, and the Season 3 premiere likely left us with more questions than answers. It was an awesome ‘reorientation’ to remind us of the journey so far and to set up the plot for this new season. Some questions popped up right away, though. For instance, what in the world is that giant crocodile-like beast at the very beginning of The Mandalorian Season 3?

The giant crocodile-like beast at the beginning of The Mandalorian Season 3 was never officially named. However, the audio description of the episode called it a ‘giant dinosaur turtle.’ Therefore, it’s actually a space turtle, despite looking like a crocodile or an alligator.

I immediately saw reactions on social media saying that the beast looks a lot like the Krayt dragon from Season 1. While the size of its body and the colossal jaw surely gives off somewhat of a resemblance, this particular beast dwells underwater, whereas the Krayt dragon lived in the sand, so I doubt they are ‘related’ in any way. Let’s explore this beast a bit further.

What happens at the beginning of The Mandalorian Season 3 premiere?

Considering the long hiatus between The Mandalorian Seasons 2 and 3, it was expected that the pilot episode of Season 3 would be a bit slower – a sort of recap of what happened so far. 

It answered some questions we had left lingering from the previous season, some questions about certain characters leaving the show, and also introduced us to the new season’s plot. It wasn’t the most memorable episode in the long run – especially for those who’ll binge-watch the show later on.

However, it was a fantastic episode to remind viewers what they saw so far and what they can expect going forward – especially those viewers who haven’t seen The Book of Boba Fett.

Now, don’t get me wrong – there were some incredibly memorable moments in this particular episode as well. For instance, in the opening sequence, when we see the Armorer again. It seems that the Tribe found a new home on a planet that hasn’t been named, meaning they moved from Glavis Ringworld.

It also seems that the Armorer wasted no time in growing the Tribe’s numbers and recruiting new members. The last time we saw them was only her and Paz Viszla. Now, over 30 Mandalorians are doing an initiation ceremony with a kid just getting his own Mandalorian helmet. That is until that huge crocodile-like beast disrupts the ceremony.

The beast emerged from the lake, jumping out and chomping on Mandalorians as if they were breadsticks. The covert had trouble defending themselves until Din Djarin, aka Mando, came and saved the day.

Despite the creature’s resilience, Mando quickly works on it, blowing it up on the beach like he blew up the Krayt dragon on Tatooine. It left a whole lot of meat behind, so at least the clan now has food secured for a while, right? But what was that thing, anyway?

What is the giant crocodile-like beast at the beginning of Mandalorian Season 3?

I hate to break it to you, but the giant crocodile/alligator-like beast was never actually named. Moreover, it’s hard even to determine what it was from known Star Wars lore since the planet on which the clan resided and the beast lived was never actually named. That being said, some extra information was provided if you dig deeper.

For instance, an audio description of The Mandalorian Season 3 premiere mentions the creature as the ‘giant dinosaur turtle.’ Yes, my friends, a turtle! You can actually see that it looks more like a turtle in one particular scene.

It’s not a space crocodile, an alligator, or a Krayt dragon’s long-lost cousin. It’s a giant space turtle, which is also a dinosaur and lives in a lake. 

Jokes aside, the thing that makes The Mandalorian so awesome is that it keeps expanding the Star Wars lore with epic new locations, planets, and creatures like this. It just goes to show that every corner of the galaxy has its own dangers that one has to be aware of.

What’s next for Mando and Grogu?

So, the first two seasons of The Mandalorian revolved around Mando’s quest to deliver Grogu back to his kin – to a Jedi that was willing to take him in and train him properly. He did just that, delivering Grogu to Luke Skywalker, but lo and behold, Grogu chose to stick with his pops. Well, adopted pops, at least. So, where does that leave us for Season 3?

Well, it seems that killing the ‘giant dinosaur turtle alligator crocodile beast thing’ didn’t really do much for Mando to redeem himself in the eyes of the Tribe. He confessed to removing his helmet, and according to the Creed, there’s only one way he can redeem himself – cleanse himself of his sins in the Living waters deep within the mines of Mandalore.

The problem is, the planet Mandalore has been devastated and believed to be cursed for a long time. But Din believes he can still do it. Should he succeed, the Tribe shall take him back.

That’s exactly what’s next for Mando and Grogu. The dynamic duo has another mission this season, only this time, it’s more about Din Djarin than it is about Grogu. Well, kind of – we know the little rascal will steal the spotlight again.

Mando has a new quest – cleanse his sins on Mandalore. And I can’t wait to witness his journey to achieve that.

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