I feel I need to address an important issue that has long been a source of (sometimes) violent debate among Star Wars fans. For years now, naysayers have declared that the downfall of Star Wars began with the introduction of the Ewoks in Return of the Jedi. Giant teddy bears defeating a highly organized and powerful galactic empire just doesn’t seem plausible.
And I’ve got to admit, when it’s put that way, it does sound pretty ridiculous. But allow me to lay out a case for why the Ewoks were great and deserve more credit than they’re typically given.
They were originally Wookies
The first drafts of George Lucas’ story for Return of the Jedi had the final battle taking place on Kashyyyk (the Wookie’s home world). Wookies would assist the rebels in defeating the Empire. After some consideration, Lucas realized it wouldn’t seem like much of a challenge (especially given how poorly storm troopers aim) to have Wookies in the final conflict so George switched to a species that would have a much greater challenge fighting the empire, Ewoks. It definitely ups the tension by having a less threatening species.
They’re Hunters
The Ewoks live in a hostel forest where they are top of the food chain. They kill what they eat and aren’t opposed to killing higher lifeforms even. They cook animals alive for dinner (as Han Solo almost found out). That’s pretty hardcore. They’ve been compared to teddy bears but a better comparison would be to sentient grizzly bears. They’re first instinct is to kill. They appear docile but actually tend to be pretty bloodthirsty.
They were a distraction
It’s important to note that the Ewoks didn’t actually defeat the empire. They weren’t instrumental in the battle from a fighting-standpoint. In fact, Chewie probably killed more troops than all the Ewok attacks combined (and that’s while he was fighting his two Ewok companions from touching the controls of the AT-ST). They were the ultimate distraction, underestimated by the empire, and used by the rebels as the distraction at the perfect time in the battle.
They had big hearts
As a great counterpoint to the heartless empire, the Ewoks stand as a shining example of goodness, family, courage, and honor. They love a good story (especially with golden god sound effects). They’ll die for something they truly believe in.
They knew how to party
Every day appears to be a celebration in their village. They celebrate when they bring Han, Luke, etc. back as captured prey for the day. Its like a holiday feast as they prepare to cook them. They seem to have no clue what space travel or technology is (nor do they appear to care) but they are happy to use said technology as musical instruments and bonfire kindling.
They’re fearless
When Chewie steals the AT-ST with his two Ewok companions, there seems to be no fear whatsoever from either of them. One might say that they were too stupid to know what’s going on but they appear to be having the time of their life as they blast away at the empire’s forces. One of them will take on an entire squad of Speeder-bikers and steal a bike without any idea how to drive it. Wedge could learn a thing or two about not backing down from a battle from the Ewoks.
They were magical
The Ewoks are very aware of the mystical and magical qualities of their planet Endor. If you’ve seen the Ewok Adventure, you know how many run-ins they’ve had with magic over the years. They seem to honor the force. Their most important man in the village is Logray, their medicine man and spiritual advisor. At least they believe in the force, that’s more than many other Star Wars-races believe in.
They are a symbol of the rebellion
It is no coincidence that the in-tune-with-nature, low-technology, horribly outnumbered Ewoks are important to the final battle with the empire. They are symbolic of the rebellion itself. A key theme of Star Wars ever since Luke switched off his targeting computer was how the non-technical/spiritual can defeat the immense technical power of the empire.
The cynical will say that George Lucas created the Ewoks to appeal to children. They’re right but not for the reason you might think. George wanted to create a fairy tale for his generation and the Ewoks are a part of the magic of Star Wars.