The Gaul of Mandalore

In many instances, stories reflect other stories. Even fiction can reflect history. The latter is the case for the story of the Mandalorian people across much of the Star Wars franchise.

Starting with Star Wars: Rebels, the arc for the Mandalorians reflects the historical event from antiquity, known as the Gallic Wars. For context, the Gauls were not a homogeneous group, but a conglomeration of different tribes. They were not united, and some even sided with Rome in this period. The Mandalorians were much the same in the imperial era in Star Wars. By the end of their arc, it appears that they have united against the Empire. However, The Mandalorian, tells more of the story: that they fell to the Empire and many scattered. much like what happened at the end of the Gallic Wars.

Potential spoiler warning for Mando season 3

The story that The Mandalorian appears to be heading for is that of a new unification of the Mandalorian people after the fall of the Empire. This, in ways reflects the rise of Merovingian Gaul after the fall of Rome. However, while that may not seem to work with the Franks seeming to invade Gaul, the reality is that the Franks (who were also not homogeneous) and the Gauls mixed and mingled beforehand. As such, it was more of a consolidation of power. Din Djarin and Bo Katan appears to be taking the roles of Childeric I and Basina as both were considered apostates (less so for the women) for a period and both regained reputations. However, at the time this is written, The Mandalorian is still running, but the vibes feel similar.

Not only do the stories mirror each other, but much of the cultures as well. For example, all of them, "loyalty and solidarity are the way". Also, while pieces are different, "weapons are part of their religions".