Maz Kanata

Maz Kanata is a fictional character in the Star Wars franchise, introduced in 2015's 'The Force Awakens.' A wise and enlightened character, she is a force-sensitive humanoid alien with a mysterious past that spans over a thousand years. Throughout the series, she provides guidance to the protagonists, specifically Rey, Finn, and Han Solo, using her knowledge of the force.

The character was brought to life using motion-capture technology, with actress Lupita Nyong'o portraying her. Described as a pirate queen, Maz owns a castle on the planet of Takodana that serves as an informal hub of scoundrels, smugglers and other rogues of the galaxy. Within her castle, she houses a vast collection of historical and archeological artifacts, accumulated over centuries.

Maz's deep understanding of the Force, even though she is not a Jedi, is a significant aspect of her character. She has immense knowledge about the history and nature of the Force and helps guide Rey toward her Destiny. Although she cannot manipulate the Force like the Sith or Jedi, Maz understands it enough to tell when it is guiding her life.

In 'The Last Jedi', Maz is seen briefly as an ally of the Resistance, offering them crucial advice on their mission. In 'The Rise of Skywalker', her character reveals a deeper connection with General Leia Organa and is shown having considerable influence within the Resistance. By the end of the trilogy, she ends up awarding Chewbacca with Han Solo’s medal from the Battle of Yavin, a heartfelt nod to the original trilogy.

Despite the brevity of her appearances, Maz Kanata stands as a significant character in the Star Wars universe because of the wisdom she imparts and the guidance she provides to the key characters. She symbolizes the idea that the Force goes beyond the Jedi and the Sith, affecting all corners of the Star Wars universe.