The significance of the Mand'alor 's role in Mandalorian society was so great that one of the Resol'nare-the six basic tenets that defined Mandalorian culture-detailed the importance of loyalty toward the Mand'alor, and rallying to the Mandalorian leader when called upon. When the previous Mandalore fell or stepped down, a Mandalorian with both vision and strength could make a claim for the title, but if the other clans did not accept the individual as the new Mand'alor and recognize their authority, their duty was to remove the unsuitable claimant and institute a more favorable leader. The position of Mand'alor was a combination of king, warlord, and general in function, often carrying with it the additional title of Al'Ori'Ramikade, " Commander of Supercommandos." A non- hereditary role, only a Mandalorian deemed worthy could claim the title of Mand'alor, exemplifying the Mandalorian meritocracy ideal. The title of Mandalore was the Galactic Basic Standard transliteration of the Mando'a word Mand'alor, which meant "sole ruler" in the Mandalorian language. They just need…general leadership when it's called for." ―Boba Fett Mandalorians can run their own communities-anywhere. Throughout the history of the galaxy, at least twenty-three Mandalorians declared themselves Mand'alor, and met with varied degrees of success in their attempts to lead the Mandalorian people. During this period of social division in the Mandalorian culture, the traditionally chosen Mand'alor of the clans became known as the " True Mandalore", as a means of countering the claims of the New Mandalorian and Death Watch leaders. The Death Watch, in turn, appointed their own Secret Mandalores in opposition to both the New Mandalorians and the unaffiliated warrior clans. Following the foundation of the New Mandalorians, the pacifist sect rejected the authority of the clan-chosen Mandalores, and instead appointed their own leaders in opposition to those who ruled the warrior clans. Numerous Mandalores also took to adapting descriptive epithets, in order to distinguish themselves from those who came before and after.
The importance of the Mand'alor was reflected in the six tenets that outlined Mandalorian culture, the Resol'nare, one of which dictated that a Mandalorian rally to the Mand'alor when called upon.įor years, the position of Mand'alor was traditionally symbolized by the passing of the mask of Mandalore upon the death of the previous owner, but in later times this custom had faded into antiquity, and new Mandalores needed only the support of the people to ascend to the role.
Outsiders to the Mandalorian culture often respectfully addressed the Mandalorian leader as Lord Mandalore. Functioning as a combination of both king and warrior general, the Mand'alor was the closest to a head of state the widespread Mandalorian clans possessed, and in addition to holding the secondary title of Al'Ori'Ramikade-" Commander of Supercommandos"- Mand'alor was the de facto ruler of the Mandalorians' conquered home planet, the eponymous Outer Rim world of Mandalore. Originating with Mandalore the First, the mythic leader of the Taung warriors who went on to become the first Mandalorians, Mand'alor became the title passed down for use by the subsequent leaders of the people for generations after. In its truest, native rendering as Mand'alor, the title meant "sole ruler" in the Mandalorian language of Mando'a. Mandalore was the Basic transliteration of the title used by the supreme leader of the Mandalorian people and culture. Becoming Mandalore is the greatest honor any Mandalorian could aspire to." ―Canderous Ordo, "Mandalore the Preserver" " Mandalore is the name we give to our leader.