What Kind of Species Are Yoda and Grogu?

Yoda holds a special place in the hearts of Star Wars fans, in part thanks to Frank Oz’s fantastic performance. From his green skin to a seemingly powerful connection to the Force, Yoda has always been an enigma. And, by extension, Grogu. It isn’t so much they’re aliens—Star Wars is science-fiction, after all—but rather how their species is classified. If there’s a scientific name for Yoda and Grogu’s species, what is it?

What Kind of Species Are Yoda and Grogu?

Unfortunately, the kind of species Yoda and Grogu are is unknown, though the Star Wars community simply refers to them as “Yoda’s species.” Alternatively, Yoda and Grogu can be described as “tridactyls,” due to having three fingers and three toes.

To be fair, that isn’t surprising. Yoda first appeared in the original Star Wars trilogy, simultaneously being the first representation of his kind. And before Grogu had a name, he was simply referred to as “Baby Yoda.” They’re not the only examples though. Before Grogu, there was:

• Yaddle
  • Seen in Episode 1: The Phantom Menace.
• Vandar Tokare
  • First appearing in Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.
• Oteg
  • An NPC appearing in Star Wars: The Old Republic.

What links all the examples of Yoda’s species together, including Grogu, is that they’re Force-sensitive, short, have three fingers and three toes on each limbs, and live incredibly long lives. Yoda was 900 years old when he died; Grogu is only 50 years old.

Not even George Lucas knows where Yoda’s species comes from or the finer details of their history. On an episode of Moviefone, George Lucas is on record stating:

“I never really figured out where he came from, what his species is called… he’s a mystery character. He’s a magical character. He has no background. He comes and he goes. He’s the subversive secret mysterious stranger that enters the film and then exits at the end.”

Moviefone – YouTube

Honestly, Disney should keep it that way. Does every mystery have to have an answer? The kind of species that Yoda and Grogu are is better off being an enigma. But if you want some answers, go find out which Star Wars character you are.