Are you confused about why did IG-11 attack Grogu (Baby Yoda) in Mandalorian- The explanation lies in the backstory of the Bounty hunter droid leading him to The Child.
IG-11 is an extremely dangerous and efficient bounty hunter droid. He initially tries to capture and destroy an alien species known as The Child. Which is none other than Grogu (Baby Yoda). However, his murderous attempt is ceased and destroyed due to another bounty hunter Mandalorian.
The IG-11 droid showcases an uncanny resemblance with the IG-88 droid written by George Lucas. So much so that when he was first revealed media and fans mistook him for IG-88. Now, we come to the question of why IG-11 was attacking The Child, Grogu. Read ahead to find out.
Note: The article ahead may contain spoilers for The Mandalorian season 1 and hence reader’s discretion is advised.Â
Why did IG-11 attack The Child
IG-11 made his first appearance in Chapter 1: The Mandalorian in season one. He is a dangerous model of a largely outlawed IG series. Assassination and murderous attacks are part of his programming which he can not run away from.
He joins Mandalorian as a member of the Bounty Hunters’ Guild to hunt a living being detected on planet Arvala-7. Mandalorian doesn’t trust any droids as they destroyed his planet when he was a child. This frequently creates friction between him and IG-11.
Together they approach Arvala-7 which is under the protection of Nikto alien species. Here, IG-11’s straightforward and rash behavior leads to a gunfight that Mandolarian eventually joins. After winning the fight against Nikto soldiers they break into the compound and discover The Child.
Due to his lethal programming made for him to kill and destroy, he attacks The Child. During this, the Mandalarion, who didn’t have the same orders, shoots IG-11 and saves Grogu (Baby Yoda).
  The Nature and Nurture dynamics
The further story of IG-11 touches upon the difference between Nature and Nurture. Following the destruction he suffered, while attempting to assassinate Grogu as per his programming, he is at the Arvala-7. Here, Ugnaught alien Kuiil reprograms him as a nurse droid.
Kuiil teaches him to walk, serve meals and tea, and also how to help Kuiil feed the domesticated Blurrg. This makes IG-11 adapt to a more docile and nurturing personality. Which leads to a change in his basic programming. Nursing and protection replace previous dangerous assassin programming.
Furthermore, in the first season, IG-11 along with Kuiil assists Mandalorian and Cara in the protection of Grogu during their next mission. Thanks to the new programming, IG-11 doesn’t wish to attack Grogu anymore and offers to protect it.
Although, Mandalorian doesn’t trust IG-11 yet and stays wary of him. Eventually, during the battle, IG-11 offers to use his self-destruct mechanism to help in protection. Stating it is a way of fulfilling his duty and he was never alive in the first place so he can’t die.
In such a way IG-11 ends up sacrificing himself for the protection of The Child he once attempted to assassinate. This humane element of IG-11 makes it one of the most beloved droids of The Mandalorian. The series is currently airing its season 3 through Disney+.
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