10 Crazy In-Universe Rules Star Wars Characters Must Follow
7. Life Debts
One of the most endearing double acts in Star Wars is Han Solo and his fuzzball friend Chewbacca. Seeing one without the other just doesn't feel right. The pair were partners in crime, roaming around the galaxy, getting up to mischief, and having the ultimate bromance.
But it was a pretty odd pairing by all accounts. For one, Wookiees are one of the toughest creatures in the galaxy, so it was strange to see Chewie being somewhat subservient to a lowly nerfherder like Han Solo.
In Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) we saw how the two first became acquainted. While in captivity the pair devised a plan to escape and thus began a life long friendship. Although it's not expressly referenced in the movie, Chewie's Wookiee sense of honour dictated he owed Han a debt for saving his life.
In Legends this is because Han stopped an Imperial officer from abusing Chewie while he was a slave. Chewie is bound to Han due to this oath, and their friendship develops as a result. Life Debts were not uncommon in the Star Wars universe. The notorious swamp-dweller Ja Ja Binks also swore one to Qui-Gon Jinn after he was saved from roaming droids.