"Njohrr" Predator: Profile Of Dek's Father

Njohrr is a Yautja clan leader and the father of the brothers Dek and Kwei, appearing in Predator: Badlands. With his antler-like horns, dark cape, and white dreadlocks, he stands out as a striking new Yautja. His leadership and beliefs form a central part of the conflict in the movie's beginning, reflecting the strict codes that define Yautja culture on Yautja Prime.

The Father Of Dek And Kwei

Njohrr appears to be an old and respected Predator living on Yautja Prime. Njohrr is the patriarch of a clan where success and physical superiority determine rank and respect. His eldest son, Kwei, is regarded as a model warrior who fulfills the expectations of a traditional Yautja hunter. His younger son, Dek, is born smaller and weaker, with a physical condition that prevents him from seeing properly with one eye. Njohrr views this weakness as a disgrace to his lineage and obviously favors Kwei.

A Combat Ritual

Njohrr is known for enforcing the ancient rituals that test a warrior’s worth. One of these rituals involves combat between clan members to determine leadership and honor. During the events described in Predator: Badlands, Njohrr uses this system to resolve his doubts about Dek’s potential as a hunter. The duel between Dek and Kwei is meant to prove which of them is fit to carry on their father’s legacy. When Kwei wins but refuses to kill his brother, Njohrr reacts with anger and disappointment and attacks Kwei instead. Kwei loses his arm, and possibly even his life.

The Fate Of Dek And Njohrr

With the help of Kwei's sacrifice, Dek is able to escape from Yautja Prime, and ends up on the "Death Planet" (possibly named Kalisk). Banished after being deemed unworthy, Dek seeks to prove that he can survive and succeed as a hunter. He teams up with Thia, a Weyland-Yutani android that helps Dek hunt strange giant creatures on the planet. Dek's journey is shaped by the desire to reclaim his clan's honor and overcome the weakness that has followed him since his youth. It is likely that upon succeeding on the Death Planet, Dek will return to Yautja Prime to meet his father again. This will either end with Dek killing his father out of revenge for Kwei, or the father finally seeing his son's worth, and the two making amends.

Armor And Weapons

Njohrr’s appearance reflects his high status within the clan. He wears heavy ceremonial armor featuring dark metallic plating and engraved designs that signify his rank and experience. The armor is complemented by crimson energy lines and gold detailing, elements that suggest both prestige and seniority. Njohrr’s helmet has a distinct shape with horn-like extensions, and his white dreadlocks are an indication of his age and veteran status. His weapons include traditional Yautja tools such as wrist blades, a plasma caster, and a Predator sword. He is also shown to be using the cloaking device, even during a duel.

Behind The Scenes

The character of Njohrr was introduced in Predator: Badlands to expand the Yautja mythology and provide greater insight into Predator society. Njohhr (especially the antlers and cape) resembles the NECA Ultimate Clan Leader figure, which was a reimagining of an older Kenner figure. Njohrr’s design features were revealed through early promotional materials and concept art, depicting him as an elder with battle-worn armor and a distinctive mask. Njohrr also showed up during some of the first premieres of Predator: Badlands, shown in London.

Other Predator Fathers From Yautja Lore

Elsewhere in Yautja mythology there are multiple father-figures whose roles resemble that of Njohrr. In the comic series Batman versus Predator III: Blood Ties a Predator father arrived on Earth with his son in order to test the younger warrior in a lethal hunt, treating the trial as a rite of passage that his offspring must survive to earn honour. In Alien vs. Predator: Thicker Than Blood an elder Predator hunted with two sons on a luxury liners. The father (Hook Predator) lost both his sons to a Xenomorph attack, while his arm and leg were also removed. In the crossover Predator versus Black Panther, a Predator king ruled a star system and his two sons vied for his approval. The younger son was wounded and stripped of rank by his father’s decision to arm the elder brother with a vibranium spear to ensure victory. This shows how Yautja fathers may use sibling rivalry in service of clan power dynamics.

Conclusion

Njohrr is depicted as an elder Yautja clan leader and the father of Dek and Kwei in Predator: Badlands. His design and name draw inspiration from Nordic mythology. He upholds the strict traditions of his species, enforcing combat rituals and valuing physical strength and honor above all else. His actions set in motion the events involving his sons, leading to conflict within the clan and Dek’s exile on the "Death Planet".

Tag Categories: Predator: Badlands Lore, Individual Predators, Predators From The Movies