Cathar (species)

"You insult the Cathar, many great Jedi have come from our planet!"

- Sylvar to Exar Kun

The Cathar were feline humanoids from the planet Cathar. They were considered great warriors, and their females were prized as slaves (the males being considered too uncontrollable for slavery). Their bodies had rapid healing abilities.

History
On their homeworld, Cathar lived in cities built into giant trees (similar to Endor and Kashyyyk). The stories of their great heroes would be carved into the trunks of the trees for following generations to see. They mated for life, to the extent that when one mate died, the survivor could never have a relationship with another. Cathar society included great pageants and celebrations, especially for their heroes. Their religion included a ritual known as the "blood hunt". The native language of the Cathar was Catharese.

The decimation of Cathar by the Mandalorians in 3,963 BBY led to a large-scale Cathar offworld diaspora.

Sub-species
There were at least two subspecies of Cathar. The more common subspecies, to which Crado and Sylvar belonged; and a less common subspecies, to which Juhani and Myhr Rho belonged. Sylvar's subspecies had long fur and thick manes, with prominent claws that could deliver powerful, killing attacks on foes and prey. Juhani's subspecies had less prominent, less deadly claws, being dedicated stealth-predators. Their fur was much shorter, and they could change its pigmentation rapidly for natural camouflage.

Famous Cathar

 * Crado
 * Handa
 * Juhani
 * Kharr
 * Nodon
 * Nonak
 * Sylvar
 * Myhr Rho
 * Rasi Tuum

Behind the scenes
In Knights of the Old Republic, the Cathar Jedi Juhani speaks Basic, albeit with what can be considered a Russian accent, with rolled "r"s and "w"s that sound like "v"s. It is possible that this is meant to represent a Catharian dialect of Basic.

Appearances

 * Tales of the Jedi: Dark Lords of the Sith
 * Tales of the Jedi: The Sith War
 * Tales of the Jedi: Redemption
 * Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic: Flashpoint
 * Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
 * Darth Bane: Path of Destruction
 * Star Wars Republic: Show of Force
 * The Star Wars Holiday Special
 * Darksaber
 * Star Wars Legacy 2: Broken, Part 2