Njohrr Predator Explained: Profile Of Dek's Father

Njohrr was 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 stood out as a striking new Yautja. His leadership and beliefs formed a central part of the conflict at the beginning of the movie, reflecting the strict codes that defined Yautja culture on Yautja Prime.

The Father Of Dek And Kwei

Njohrr appeared to be an old and respected Predator living on Yautja Prime. He was the patriarch of a clan where success and physical superiority determined rank and respect. His eldest son, Kwei, was regarded as a model warrior who fulfilled the expectations of a traditional Yautja hunter. His younger son, Dek, was born smaller and weaker, with a physical condition that prevented him from seeing properly with one eye. Njohrr viewed this weakness as a disgrace to his lineage and clearly favored Kwei.

A Combat Ritual

Njohrr was known for enforcing the ancient rituals that tested a warrior's worth. One of these rituals involved combat between clan members to determine leadership and honor. During the events described in Predator: Badlands, Njohrr used this system to resolve his doubts about Dek's potential as a hunter. The duel between Dek and Kwei was meant to prove which of them was fit to carry on their father's legacy. When Kwei won but refused to kill his brother, Njohrr reacted with anger and disappointment and attacked Kwei instead. Kwei lost his arm, and then his head.

The Fate Of Dek And Njohrr

With the help of Kwei's sacrifice, Dek was able to escape from Yautja Prime and ended up on the "Death Planet" (named Genna). Banished after being deemed unworthy, Dek sought to prove that he could survive and succeed as a hunter. He teamed up with Thia, a Weyland-Yutani android that helped Dek hunt strange giant creatures on the planet. Dek's journey was shaped by the desire to reclaim his clan's honor and overcome the weakness that had followed him since his youth. In the end, Dek Predator returned to Yautja Prime and fought Njohrr, defeating him in a duel. Soon after the death of Njohrr, Dek's mother arrived in a large ship, visibly upsetting the young Predator.

Njohrr Predator Unmasked

The ending of Predator: Badlands finally revealed Njohrr Predator without his mask. During the duel, Dek Predator stabbed his father through the bio-mask and tore it off, leaving a small wound on Njohrr's forehead that bled green. Njohrr's face was shown to be that of an elderly Yautja, with white dreadlocks and eyebrows, deep wrinkles, and a weathered appearance. He also sported a small beard, a feature absent in younger Predators. Unlike Dek, Njohrr had a much broader forehead, with his dreadlocks set farther back on his head. In the end, Njohrr's severed head was devoured by Bud, the child of the feared Kalisk.

Armor And Weapons

Njohrr's appearance reflected his high status within the clan. He wore heavy ceremonial armor featuring dark metallic plating and engraved designs that signified his rank and experience. The armor was complemented by crimson energy lines and gold detailing, elements that suggested both prestige and seniority. Njohrr's helmet had a distinct shape with horn-like extensions, and his white dreadlocks were an indication of his age and veteran status. His weapons included traditional Yautja tools such as wristblades, a plasma caster, and a Predator sword. He was 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. Njohrr (especially the antlers and cape) resembled 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 were multiple father-figures whose roles resembled 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 had to survive to earn honor. 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 showed how Yautja fathers may have used sibling rivalry in service of clan power dynamics.

Conclusion

Njohrr was depicted as an elder Yautja clan leader and the father of Dek and Kwei in Predator: Badlands. His design and name drew inspiration from Nordic mythology. He upheld 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, Predator: Badlands Characters