Throughout the Clone Wars, Captain Rex wore a helmet with incredibly unique markings.
These markings weren’t just random however, they had a very deep and honourable meaning
behind them.
So what did these wing shaped markings represent and how did Captain Rex get them?
I’m going to break down exactly what these markings on Rex’s helmet are and why he
was one of the only Clones to earn them.
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The unique markings on Captain Rex’s helmet were a traditional Mandalorian symbol of respect
and strength, called Jaig Eyes.
Jaig eyes is a shorter version of the word…
I’m not even going to try to pronounce that, you can see it on screen now.
The word comes from the native Mandalorian language known as Mando’a and represents
a sigil of respect handed out by leaders of Mandalorian clans as a mark of honor.
These marks were usually inscribed onto Beskar helmets, but could also be given to non Mandalorians
and placed onto their own equipment or armor
When the bounty hunter Jango Fett was chosen as the template for the entire Clone Army
of the Republic, he selected a large number of Mandalorians to train the Clones on Kamino,
preparing them for combat in the fierce traditional ways of the Mandalorian culture.
There is definitely a huge debate over whether or not Jango Fett and Boba Fett are true Mandalorians,
because of a line from Prime Minister Almec in the Clone Wars series, where he stated
that they were simply pretenders or fake Mandalorians.
I think we’ll get a definite answer to this question and the theme of “what it means
to be a true Mandalorian” will definitely be explored through the Mandalorian Season
2, with Boba Fett almost certainly making an appearance.
But let me know down below whether or not you think Jango and Boba Fett are true Mandalorians,
it’s a massive debate right now, so I really want to know what you guys think.
The Mandalorian warriors who trained the Clones on Kamino passed down a lot of cultural traditions
to the Clones, along with their warrior ones.
This also included the practice of awarding the Jaig Eyes to only the most brave and courageous
Clones during their training.
In Canon, there are only two Clones who showed the extreme courage and bravery required to
receive the sacred honour.
These were Captain Rex, who achieved it for his outstanding fortitude and commitment to
his brothers during his time on Kamino.
The other was Special Operations Clone Commander Blackout, who received his Jaig eyes during
his special operations training.
Jedi Knight Kanan Jarrus also wore the marking on his blindfold, after being blinded by former
Sith Lord Maul on Malachor.
In legends, ARC Trooper Captain Fordo also received the honour for his outstanding bravery,
after he rescued several Jedi masters from the clutches of General Grievous on the planet
Hypori.
Captain Fordo was so great, I really wish he was still Canon!
The Mandalorian word for Jaig Eyes translated directly to shriek-hawk eyes in Galactic Basic,
and were usually drawn as a pair of eyes from the shriek-hawk, just as the name implies.
The shriek-hawks were a species of vicious birds from the planet Mandalore, who were
known for tearing humans to shreds on the planet.
Their incredibly loud shriek was a sound that every living being on the planet Mandalore
came to fear, and eventually even be respected by the Mandalorian warriors.
Because of the extreme strength shown by these creatures, the Mandalorian warriors came to
respect them and use their eyes as a symbol of honour among their ranks.
The Mandalorians who trained Rex on Kamino decided that he showed the strength and resolve
of a shriek-hawk, deeming him worthy to hold the markings.
This honor was incredibly rare for regular Clones to receive, as usually only special
operations Clones were proficient enough in combat to receive the award . The image of
the shriek-hawk also later became the symbol for the deathwatch group, who eventually split
off into the Nite Owls.
And just for a fun fact, Boba Fett actually originally was supposed to have these Jaig
eyes in his appearance in the Empire Strikes Back, before George Lucas decided that he
wasn’t worthy of having them.
It would have been amazing to see these on Boba Fett’s helmet, but ultimately, I’m
glad Captain Rex has them over Boba.
That is everything we know about the Jaig Eye markings on Captain Rex’s helmet from
the Clone Wars Season 7 and before.
Let me know down in the comments below, if you think these markings looked better on
Rex’s phase 1 or phase 2 clone armor.
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Cheers guys, hope to see you in the next one!