Oola/Legends

"Learn quickly! You cost me a fortune. Two fortunes. You will please him—even if his only enjoyment is watching you die."

- Bib Fortuna

Oola was a Twi'lek dancer in Jabba the Hutt's court. She was the daughter of a clan chieftain on Ryloth and was kidnapped and trained by Bib Fortuna and Jerris Rudd as a gift to Jabba. She was also the half sister of Nolaa Tarkona, the leader of the Diversity Alliance.

She and Sienn (another Twi'lek) were trained together as dancers at one of the greatest dance schools on Ryloth. As they were in Mos Eisley on their way to Jabba's Palace, Luke Skywalker ran into them and attempted to set them free. He killed Rudd and rescued Sienn, but Fortuna got away with Oola, and succeeded in giving her to Jabba.

Rather than the customary dancing veils, Oola was given only a flimsy net costume to wear, loosely held together by narrow leather strips. Jabba was immediately enamoured with her, and chained her to his throne as his personal slave girl. Oola was forced to dance for him, as well as give pleasure when the depraved crimelord beckoned, but she was determined to escape from her horrible existence, one way or another.

Defiled and miserable, fed only on scraps, she could not decide if it was better to keep enduring the Hutt's carnal embrace until escape was possible, or to die cleanly and well, and escape that way. Oola chose to refuse Jabba's advances at least once before her final dance, and was thoroughly beaten by his Gamorrean guards for this act of defiance. This beating was conducted "scientifically," so as not to leave her with any disfiguring bruises.

Later that day, Oola was able to speak briefly with C-3PO, who told her that Luke was indeed going to return to rescue them, and her hope was renewed. Her spirits high for the first time since her imprisonment, Oola performed the best dance of her life—unfortunately, she had aroused Jabba with her performance, and he dragged on her chain, beckoning her to him once more.

In the end, Oola chose honor over life, and refused to submit to Jabba's request. As she hauled back on her chain and pleaded with Jabba, he became angry and tugged harder, bringing her over the trapdoor in front of his throne. She was killed by Jabba's rancor after Jabba dropped her into the rancor's pit. Her legend, however, would live on in the form of impersonator Dame Needa, who put on a nightly Oola tribute show at the Gardulla Oola hotel and casino in Mos Eisley.

Behind the scenes
Oola was portrayed in Return of the Jedi (in both the original release and in additional scenes filmed later for the Special Edition) by actress Femi Taylor. Remarkably, she looked almost unchanged after 14 years, allowing for a close up of her looking in terror at the rancor.

Appearances

 * Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
 * Tales from Jabba's Palace
 * Taster's Choice: The Tale of Jabba's Chef
 * A Time to Mourn, a Time to Dance: Oola's Tale
 * Sleight of Hand: The Tale of Mara Jade
 * Star Wars: Obi-Wan