Ahsoka Tano: Unveiling the Path between Jedi and Rebellion in Star Wars

Summary

Ahsoka Tano has consistently maintained that she is not a Jedi, despite her lightsabers and ability to wield the Force.

The Ahsoka series challenges the clarity of Ahsoka's Jedi identity, as it often presents her as both a Jedi and someone who is not. Despite Ahsoka's own denial of being a Jedi, those who interact with her, such as the New Republic and Grand Admiral Thrawn, treat her as if she is one, leading to confusion surrounding her actual identity.

The Ahsoka series has consistently claimed that Rosario Dawson's portrayal of Ahsoka Tano is not a Jedi. However, the Star Wars Disney+ TV show has attempted to disprove this statement. Ahsoka has become one of the most intriguing and beloved characters in the Star Wars universe, particularly after leaving the Jedi Order. While she shares similarities with her master, Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen), she has also forged her own path. Despite wielding lightsabers and possessing Force abilities, Ahsoka has always maintained that she is not a Jedi.

Nonetheless, the Ahsoka series has muddled this belief. At times, it agrees with her designation as a non-Jedi, but at others, it implies the opposite. As a profoundly layered and extensively recognized Star Wars character, determining Ahsoka's true identity should be straightforward. However, this task is becoming increasingly challenging. Is Ahsoka truly a Jedi, or does she continue to distance herself from that former affiliation?

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Ahsoka Left The Jedi During The Clone Wars... And Never Returned

Ahsoka acknowledges her departure from the Jedi Order in Ahsoka, openly admitting to Hera Syndulla (May Elizabeth Winstead) that she never completed her training. This is why Ahsoka rejects the label of being a Jedi, as famously declared to Darth Vader during their intense confrontation on Malachor in Star Wars Rebels. In Ahsoka, when Baylan Skoll portrayed by Ray Stevenson echoes this sentiment with "We are no Jedi," it serves as a reflection of Ahsoka's distorted former Jedi self. Just like Ahsoka, neither Baylan nor Shin identify themselves as Jedi.

Lucasfilm Insists Ahsoka Is Still No Jedi

Leading up to the premiere of Ahsoka, Lucasfilm was eager to convey the message that Ahsoka diverges from traditional Jedi principles. The promotional material extensively highlighted Ahsoka's statements about relinquishing her Jedi training and portrayed her as an "outcast." Ahsoka embraces this perspective throughout the series, firmly believing that she made a conscious decision to part ways with the Jedi Order. She consistently defies conventional Jedi protocol, frequently reminded by Huyang, and demonstrates a willingness to undertake actions that other Jedi would not even contemplate. However, conflicting aspects of the story challenge this perception.

Ahsoka Is Still Treated Like A Jedi In Her Own Show

Ahsoka is still regarded as a Jedi by everyone around her, and she has not made any attempts to correct them. She even takes on a Jedi Padawan, Sabine Wren, and the New Republic continuously sees her as a Jedi. Even Grand Admiral Thrawn, who would have known that she never completed her training, refers to her as a Jedi. Ahsoka even travels in a T-6 Jedi shuttle with Huyang, who has always been surrounded by Jedi and Force-sensitive younglings. After Anakin teaches her one final lesson in the World Between Worlds, does she now consider herself a Jedi? The answer is unclear, but Star Wars must make a decision.

As Ahsoka prepares for the upcoming confrontation with Thrawn, her stance must be understood. While she aids Luke in establishing his Jedi Order by offering guidance on Grogu, she does not stay long enough to witness its progress. Despite having her own Padawan, she does not consider handing her over to an established Jedi. While some view Ahsoka as a Jedi based on various indications, others argue that she is merely a self-made Force-user skilled in lightsaber combat. With the conclusion of Ahsoka season 1, Star Wars faces the task of determining her true identity, knowing that she will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the impending battle against Thrawn.

Stream all episodes of Ahsoka exclusively on Disney+.