Explosive Star Wars Theory Unveils Thrawn's Secret Weapon Tied to the High Republic Era!
Unveiling Thrawn's Secret Weapon: The Mysterious Connection Between The High Republic and The Ysalamiri - Could This Be the Reason Behind Thrawn's Threats to Ahsoka?
Grand Admiral Thrawn, the main villain of The Mandalorian era, is rumored to be utilizing a secret weapon connected to the High Republic. Lucasfilm unveiled their future plans for the Star Wars franchise at Star Wars Celebration 2023, adopting a Marvel-like approach with interconnected stories leading up to a climactic cinematic event. Originally introduced in the old Star Wars Expanded Universe, Grand Admiral Thrawn has now become a significant canon villain.
In the canon version, Grand Admiral Thrawn first appeared in Star Wars Rebels as a ruthless and intelligent alien military leader. His objective was to crush a rebellion on Lothal, but his plans were foiled by Jedi Padawan Ezra Bridger. With the help of the Force, Ezra managed to trap Thrawn's flagship using space whales known as purrgils, and they disappeared into the Unknown Regions. Years later, Thrawn is set to make a comeback in Ahsoka, portrayed by Lars Mikkelsen in live-action. As the self-proclaimed heir to the Empire, Thrawn poses a formidable threat to Jedi like Ahsoka and the enigmatic Order 66 survivor portrayed by Jude Law.
Grand Admiral Thrawn's Force Weapon, The Ysalamiri, Explained
Grand Admiral Thrawn, introduced in Timothy Zahn's "Thrawn trilogy," presented a unique type of Star Wars antagonist. Unlike others, his threat stemmed from his military brilliance rather than Force abilities. However, Thrawn posed a challenge for Force-sensitive individuals like Luke Skywalker due to his possession of a weapon that could counter them. This weapon was none other than the ysalamiri, creatures capable of repelling the Force. Evolving on the planet Myrkr, the ysalamiri developed a defense mechanism in the form of Force-repelling bubbles, specifically to fend off predators called vornskr who relied on the Force for hunting. Thrawn harnessed the power of the ysalamiri to disrupt the Force abilities of Luke and other Force-sensitive beings. Although the ysalamiri played a pivotal role in the Thrawn trilogy within the Legends continuity, they have yet to make an appearance in the Star Wars canon. However, Star Wars Rebels subtly hinted at their existence and their connection to Grand Admiral Thrawn. Notably, Thrawn, known for his appreciation of art, was depicted standing before sculptures of ysalamiri, implying their significance to him. Recognizing his limitations when facing the Force, as demonstrated by his encounter with the formidable creature known as the Bendu and his ultimate defeat in Star Wars Rebels, Thrawn would have had a compelling motive to explore ways of safeguarding himself against Force-sensitives. Considering that the Mandalorian era has already confirmed the presence of at least three survivors of Order 66 - Ahsoka Tano, Grogu, and an enigmatic character portrayed by Jude Law - the inclusion of ysalamiri would prove highly advantageous for Thrawn.
Star Wars: The High Republic Has Potentially Set Up A New Ysalamiri Homeworld
Planet X, situated in the Unknown Regions, remains shrouded in mystery. This enigmatic world serves as the home of the Nameless, formidable Force predators that possess a insatiable appetite for the Force. Throughout the High Republic Era, these monstrous creatures were employed by the Path of the Open Hand cult and the Nihil pirates, proving to be a formidable menace to the Jedi. Although the Nameless do not appear to have survived beyond this era, with references to a "Nameless Purge," it is plausible that they could have coexisted with the ysalamiri on the same planet. Given that both vornskrs and ysalamiri utilize the Force for hunting, it is reasonable to assume that the ysalamiri's innate defenses would have been effective against the Nameless as well.
Grand Admiral Thrawn Could Have Discovered The Ysalamiri On Planet X
Planet X is located in the Unknown Regions, an expansive and uncharted area of space. Grand Admiral Thrawn, who hails from the Chiss, an alien race in the Unknown Regions, may have a deeper understanding of Planet X compared to others in the Star Wars galaxy. It is believed that Thrawn has been stranded on this planet since Star Wars Rebels season 4, as the Unknown Regions are notoriously difficult to navigate due to the destabilizing effects of chained supernova explosions on hyperspace. Thus, it is plausible that it took Thrawn several years to find his way back. During this time, he could have explored Planet X and sought ysalamiri, creatures that nullify the Force, to use against Force-sensitives.
Although ysalamiri are not originally associated with Planet X in the Legends canon, this new approach presents a clever retcon that harmonizes the different narrative elements of Star Wars. The success of Star Wars: The High Republic, a transmedia project, suggests that Lucasfilm should subtly connect it to the overall Star Wars canon. Additionally, ysalamiri would elevate Thrawn from being solely a military adversary to a genuine threat to Jedi like Ahsoka and Jude Law's character by virtue of their mere presence. This exciting direction for the Star Wars universe incorporates a beloved aspect of the old Expanded Universe while adapting it to align with the newer canon. It remains to be seen whether this theory will prove accurate and whether ysalamiri will make their live-action debut in Ahsoka or future projects.
