Hunting for Meaning in The Mandalorian: An Unauthorized Guide to Homages, Symbols and Backstory

by Valerie Estelle Frankel

The Mandalorian has arrived as the first offering of Disney+. After eight delightful episodes, however, fans were left with questions. Who is the child and why does everyone want him? There are many clues and theories for those who know where to look. Further, the rich extended universe offers a full backstory on Mandalore as well as more on the Child’s species. There are also dozens of easter eggs and heavy symbolism as the Mandalorian battles aliens and competitors. We’ll delve into this and much How did the beloved Boba Fett inspire this character? What’s he hiding in his helmet? What is the Darksaber and what does it mean for our hero? Most importantly, what’s coming next?

154 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 11, 2020

About the author

Valerie Estelle Frankel is the author of 88 books on pop culture, including Doctor Who - The What, Where, and How; The Villain's Journey, History, Pop Culture, and Hidden Meanings in Hamilton; and How Game of Thrones Will End. Many of her books focus on women’s roles in fiction, from her heroine’s journey guides From Girl to Goddess and Superheroines and the Epic Journey to books like Star Wars Meets the Eras of Feminism and Fourth Wave Feminism in Science Fiction and Fantasy. She's editing a series on Jewish Science Fiction for Rowman & Littlefield. Once a lecturer at San Jose State University, she now teaches at Mission College and is a frequent speaker at conferences. Come explore her research at www.vefrankel.com.