Ideas of "Hell" in Star Wars
Although the Star Wars galaxy is well-known for its own mythology, which includes the Jedi and the Force, the idea of "hell" would seem strange inclusion. But "hell" has been cited many times throughout the series, serving both as a location and as an expletive. This begs the question: in the larger Star Wars universe, how does "hell" fit?
Unique Genres in Star Wars
Science fiction and fantasy are deftly combined in Star Wars to create an amazing universe unlike anything else. Still, sci-fi or fantasy settings seldom directly borrow from actual mythology. This distinguishes "hell" in Star Wars particularly considering its beginnings and changing portrayal in the story.
From Expletive to Location, "Hell" in Star Wars
Early Star Wars "Hell" Appearances
"Hell" first appears in Star Wars in Owen Lars's expletive used in reference to Luke's repairs in the original film A New Hope. Later on, Han Solo uses it similarly when chatting with Princess Leia Organa. Still, "hell" becomes more important in The Empire Strikes Back. Suggesting "hell" as a literal location rather than just a swear word, Han Solo tells deck officer Tigran Jamiro he will "see [him] in hell," facing a dangerous situation on Hoth.
"Chaos" as Hell's Canonical Version
Drawing on Greek mythology, "hell" is known as "Chaos," in the Star Wars galaxy. Originally referenced in Star Wars Legends, "Chaos" has evolved as the canon term for this location; "hell" is a colloquial or general term. Inspired by their myth of "Chaos," the planet Naboo even fashioned Theed's power generator after six laser gates inspired by the six impenetrable gates said to exist in "Chaos."
Every Canonical Use of "Hell" within Star Wars
"Hell" has been used 28 times in Star Wars live-action and animated media as of The Acolyte's season finale. This rules out the many events found in books, comics, and video games. With five "hell" expletives throughout the sequel trilogy, Poe Dameron leads the pack; followed shockingly by Migs Mayfeld, who uses it four times across his appearances in The Mandalorian.
An exhaustive analysis of every Canon use of "Hell"
Using "Hell," line
Character
Location or expletive
Media (Live-Action/Animation)
"Well, he would better have those units in the south range repaired by midday or there will be hell to pay."
Owen Lars
Expletive
A New Hope
"What the dick are you doing?"
Han Solo
Exeltive
New Hope
Then I'll see you in hell!
Han Solo
Location
The Empire Strikes Back
" What the hell was that?"
Hervy (CT-678)
Explets
The Clone Wars S1:E5 "Rookies"
"Looks like it was a Hell of a fight."
Razor (CT-6910),
Exemptive
Liberty on Ryloth S1:E21 Star Wars: The Clone Wars
"That's one Hell of a Pilot!"
Finn
Explets
Star Wars: The Force Awakening
Hell no.
Finn
Explets
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
"What the fuck?"
Poe Dandon
Expletive
Star Wars: Last Jedi
" Hell, how did he get in here?"
Poe D Cameron
Expletive
Star Wars: Last Jedi
"Oh, what the devil is?" Come on."
Djarin
Exaltive
The Mandalorian S1:E4 "Chapter 4: Sanctuary"
"A New Republic attack team will hone in on that signal and blow us all to hell."
Mys Mayfeld
Exemptive
The Mandalorian S1:E6 "Chapter 6: The Prisoner"
"Well, Mr. Mayfeld, you're gonna get me the hell off this ship."
Qin
Exemptive
The Mandalorian S1:E6 "Chapter 6: The Prisoner"
"What the hell is this?"
Poe Dameron
Expletive
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
"Where the hell's Chewie?"
Poe Dameron
Expletive
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
"What the hell was she thinking?"
Poe Dameron
Expletive
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
"What the hell are they waiting for?"
Cara Dune
Expletive
The Mandalorian S1:E8 "Chapter 8: Redemption"
"Let's get the hell out of here."
Cara Dune
Expletive
The Mandalorian S1:E8 "Chapter 8: Redemption"
"What the hell are you doing?"
Din Djarin
Expletive
The Mandalorian S2:E2 "Chapter 10: The Passenger"
"I'm not gonna need long inside, so once I get the coordinates, you guys gotta get me the hell out of there."
Migs Mayfeld
Expletive
The Mandalorian S2:E7 "Chapter 15: The Believer"
"What the hell was that?"
Migs Mayfeld
Expletive
The Mandalorian S2:E7 "Chapter 15: The Believer"
"The hell you think I'm doin'?"
Migs Mayfeld
Expletive
The Mandalorian S2:E7 "Chapter 15: The Believer"
"What the hell are you doing?"
Fennec Shand
Expletive
The Book of Boba Fett S1:E4 "Chapter 4: The Gathering Storm"
"Why the hell would you do that?"
Peli Motto
Expletive
The Book of Boba Fett S1:E5 "Chapter 5: Return of the Mandalorian"
"Ever since they’ve been moving spice through the system, everything’s gone to hell."
Peli Motto
Expletive
The Book of Boba Fett S1:E5 "Chapter 5: Return of the Mandalorian"
"What the hell are they doin'?"
Alien Grappler
Expletive
Andor S1:E3 "Reckoning"
"What the hell is going on?"
Lieutenant Gorn
Expletive
Andor S1:E4 "Aldhani"
"They’re about to blow Nevarro to hell."
Captain Carson Teva
Expletive
The Mandalorian S3:E5 "Chapter 21: The Pirate"
"See you in hell, Jedi."
Mae-ho Aniseya
Location
The Acolyte S1:E8 "The Acolyte"
While "hell" is frequently used as an expletive, its inclusion in Star Wars adds a layer of depth and intrigue. It connects the galaxy to real-world mythology, giving audiences a familiar point of reference while maintaining the franchise's unique lore. The concept of "hell," both as a place and as a common swear word, is a testament to the rich tapestry of storytelling in Star Wars.
