Sabine: Ahsoka's Unlikely Apprentice Unleashing Secrets Beyond the Force

This article contains spoilers for Ahsoka episodes 1 & 2.

Summary

In episodes 1 and 2 of Ahsoka, it is revealed that Ahsoka has accepted Sabine as her apprentice, even though Sabine does not possess a strong connection to the Force.

While Sabine's limited Force sensitivity is recognized, becoming a Jedi is not solely determined by one's power. It embodies a commitment to the Jedi Code and a particular way of life.

Sabine, lacking powerful Force abilities, continues her Jedi training under Ahsoka. This decision may not sit well with others, such as Baylan and his apprentice Shin. In teasers for Ahsoka, viewers were surprised to see Sabine Wren, portrayed by Natasha Liu Bordizzo, as Ahsoka Tano's new Padawan. Even though Sabine had not previously displayed Force sensitivity in Star Wars Rebels, this choice aligns with the thematic focus of "Master and Apprentice," providing Ahsoka the opportunity to become a teacher.

Ahsoka episodes 1 and 2 have confirmed that Ahsoka did indeed become Sabine's mentor after the events of Star Wars Rebels. Unfortunately, their relationship was strained due to their stubbornness, leading them to separate. However, thanks to Hera Syndulla's encouragement, they have decided to give it another try. The question now is how Sabine is being trained as a Jedi in the first place.

Sabine Has A Low Level Of Force Sensitivity

All living beings possess varying levels of interaction with the Force. Luke Skywalker, in The Rise of Kylo Ren (by Charles Soule and Will Sliney), eloquently described this concept, stating, "The Force can manifest in different intensities, ranging from a mere trickle to a powerful flood. It is accessible to anyone who can perceive its presence. Just envision yourself as a doorway. The wider you open, the more freely the Force flows through you. Some individuals naturally have a more open doorway from the start, but every door can be opened wide."

While Luke Skywalker held this perspective, Sabine appears to challenge it due to her limited ability to perceive the Force. The lightsaber droid, Huyang, has faithfully served Jedi for 25,000 years and considers Sabine to possess a notably inadequate aptitude for the Force, even in his extensive experience. However, she is still sensitive enough to detect disturbances in the Force and receive dreams and visions, although her abilities are limited to these aspects.

Being A Jedi Isn't A Matter Of Power

However, being a Jedi is not solely about possessing power. This notion is supported by Yoda himself, as mentioned in the anthology book Stories of Jedi & Sith in the story "What A Jedi Makes" by Michael Kogge. This particular tale, set in the High Republic Era, revolves around a student with minimal ability to tap into the Force, whom Yoda took under his wing. Yoda goes on to draw a comparison between this student and an elder Jedi known as the Farseeker Lyr, who is believed to have authored one of the revered Jedi texts later amassed by Luke Skywalker.

Within the Star Wars universe, there exists a subtle contradiction. While the focus often falls upon the most powerful Jedi, who accomplish extraordinary feats, it is underlined that true greatness is not attained solely through warfare. To be considered a great Jedi necessitates more than just possessing raw power; it entails adhering to their code and way of life. In the context of Sabine, it is true that she would not have been eligible for membership in the Jedi Order during the prequel era. However, this is primarily due to her decision to undertake Jedi training at an age where joining Yoda's order was no longer feasible.

Sabine Doesn't Need The Force To Be A Jedi

Sabine's lack of ability to call on the Force does not hinder her as a Jedi, as Ahsoka recognizes and decides to train her once again as her Padawan. However, there are those who may hold a different opinion, such as Baylan, a former Jedi who has succumbed to the dark side and is solely focused on gaining power. Baylan and his apprentice Shin are likely to dismiss Sabine as a Jedi due to her perceived lack of power. Nevertheless, they will surely come to regret underestimating her by the end of Ahsoka. Tune in to Disney+ for new episodes of Ahsoka every Tuesday at 6pm PT / 9pm ET.