Exploring the Untold Mysteries of Baylan & Shin Post Ahsoka's Finale

Warning! This article contians spoilers for Ahsoka episode 8.

Summary

Baylan and Shin wield lightsabers in an unprecedented orange hue, suggesting a profound symbolism within the Star Wars canon. Baylan's affiliation with the Jedi Order remains ambiguous, as he disclaims being a Jedi yet maintains a Padawan and exhibits extensive knowledge of Jedi lore.

Baylan's survival of Order 66 is still a mystery, leaving us curious about his past and how he successfully evaded capture. Both Ray Stevenson's Baylan Skoll and Ivanna Sahkno's Shin Hati have captivated viewers with their intriguing characters in the Star Wars Disney+ TV show. Despite the finale leaving many questions unanswered, Baylan and Shin have quickly become fan favorites. The talented performances by the actors and the ongoing mystery surrounding these dark Jedi make them standout highlights in the Ahsoka series.

Baylan and Shin have remained elusive despite this. The 8-episode series was filled with an expansive, intergalactic narrative, leaving little room to delve deeper into their dynamic. However, the conclusion of Ahsoka's story leaves us with numerous unanswered questions about Baylan and Shin. Here, we have compiled ten of those pressing inquiries.

10 Why Are Baylan & Shin's Lightsabers Orange?

The lightsabers of Baylan and Shin have always been a subject of great intrigue since their introduction in early promotional material. Uniquely orange in color, these lightsabers have sparked curiosity among fans and even garnered confirmation from none other than Dave Filoni himself. The significance behind this unconventional choice goes beyond mere aesthetics, as the absence of orange lightsabers in the Star Wars canon hints at a hidden, underlying meaning. Traditionally, red lightsabers symbolize corrupted kyber crystals, while other colors beckon to the Jedi who master them. Could this suggest that Baylan and Shin are a mixture of Jedi and Sith, blending the yellow hue of the Jedi with the crimson shade of the Sith?

9 Does Baylan Consider Himself A Jedi?

In Ahsoka, Baylan's first declaration to the New Republic is "We are no Jedi," suggesting that he and Shin behave more akin to the Sith. Yet, other aspects of his character imply that he might still identify himself as a Jedi. Previously, he held the title during the Clone Wars as a general and shares the history of the Jedi Order with Shin. His current allegiance remains uncertain. It becomes peculiar that Baylan mentors a Padawan if he no longer considers himself a Jedi, especially considering Shin's use of the distinctive Padawan braid exclusively associated with Jedi.

8 How Did Baylan Survive Order 66?

7 What Is Baylan's Goal On Peridea?

Having served during the Clone Wars and being raised in the Jedi Order, Baylan's survival of Order 66 is quite remarkable, considering its rarity. It is important to note that Baylan did not become a full Sith, and as a result, he was relentlessly hunted in the aftermath of the Order's downfall. The question arises: how did Baylan manage to survive? Was his disillusionment with the Jedi Order already in motion before the execution of Order 66, similar to Count Dooku? One possibility is that Baylan chose to conceal his identity and lay low as a means of evading capture. However, given his exceptional aptitude in the Force and his proficiency with a lightsaber, it is highly probable that he somehow continued his Jedi training and honed his abilities over the passing years.

Baylan's intentions on Peridea in the Ahsoka series are far from transparent, leaving much room for speculation. Even as the series concludes with Baylan amidst the Mortis gods' statues, his true objective remains elusive. Is he aspiring to emulate the Father, or is he in search of a gateway to the enigmatic World Between Worlds? All we know is that something beckons him, something promising an unprecedented level of power. Baylan confides in Shin his desire to break the relentless cycle of Jedi-Sith conflict, yet the specifics of his envisioned resolution and the path he will tread to achieve it remain shrouded in mystery.

6 How Did Baylan And Shin Meet?

When Ahsoka begins, the master-and-apprentice relationship between Baylan and Shin is already firmly established. Both of their backstories remain unexplored, including the details of their initial meeting. In the current state of the galaxy, it is increasingly difficult to encounter individuals with a connection to the Force. Yet somehow, Baylan managed to discover Shin and took her under his wing as his Padawan. It is unclear whether they shared the same planet or if Shin is somehow related to Baylan. Considering Baylan's departure from the Jedi's traditional principles, it is possible that he disregarded the prohibition on attachments, and it is probable that Shin is connected to him by blood.

5 Will Shin Accept Ahsoka's Offer For Redemption?

Just before the end of Ahsoka episode 7, Ahsoka extended an offer of redemption to Shin. However, Shin declined the offer and seized control as the leader of the Peridean bandits. Despite this, Shin remains stranded on the planet with Ahsoka and Sabine. It is highly likely that if their paths cross again, Ahsoka will once again propose redemption to Shin. Will Shin finally accept this time? Ahsoka must have sensed a glimmer of hope surrounding Shin in the Force to initially extend such an offer. Thus, the possibility of Shin's redemption remains a mystery for now.

4 Why Did Baylan Take Shin To Peridea?

3 Why Is Baylan Targeting The Skywalkers?

Evidently, it is customary for a Padawan to accompany their master in order to learn from them. However, Baylan's decision to bring Shin all the way to Peridea only to abandon her raises questions. What was the purpose of taking her along in the first place? Perhaps Baylan believed that being in Peridea would trigger a realization in Shin, but upon witnessing her resolute stance, he made the choice to part ways with her. Despite Baylan's apparent wisdom, Shin has harbored doubts about his true intentions ever since they began working closely with Nightsister Morgan Elsbeth. The reason behind Baylan's initial decision to bring his Padawan to a different galaxy remains unknown.

The wrist of Baylan is adorned with a device bearing the names of the Skywalkers and their closest companions in Aurebesh, such as C-3PO, R2-D2, and even Chewie. Initially perceived as a playful Easter egg, the Ahsoka character poster belonging to Baylan revealed that this very device is labelled as "TRGT DAT," signifying target data. Interestingly, this aspect remains unnoticed and unaddressed throughout the Ahsoka series. So, why does Baylan possess a list of targets involving the Skywalker family? Is he perceiving them as a threat to the power and new beginning he strives for on Peridea? It is plausible that if Baylan possesses a means to manipulate the course of events, he may attempt to eradicate the existence of the Skywalkers entirely.

2 What Was Baylan's Original Agenda When He Started Working For Morgan?

Baylan was oblivious to the fact that Peridea was the place he needed to be until Morgan disclosed it using the star map. Why did he commence working for her initially? It might have been the urging of the Force or perhaps Morgan divulged something intriguing about the whereabouts of Grand Admiral Thrawn in relation to the Nightsisters, captivating Baylan's curiosity. Nonetheless, much remains unknown about Baylan's early motivations, and it is improbable that he already knew from the beginning that he would eventually discover any power he would become associated with in the other galaxy.

1 What Exactly Is Calling To Baylan Through The Force?

Was it really the statues of the Mortis gods that Baylan was drawn to, or was there something else tugging at his heart all along? The Ahsoka finale never quite clarifies whether Baylan has found the true source of his calling or not. While the Mortis gods are expected to have a significant role, especially with Ahsoka remaining on the planet as the embodiment of the Daughter, it is entirely possible that they are not the ones beckoning Baylan. Peridea remains shrouded in mystery, as does Baylan and his quest within the Force. In the upcoming seasons of Ahsoka and other Star Wars tales, his story will unfold, revealing the truth.

All episodes of Ahsoka are now streaming on Disney+.