The Intriguing Connection Between Thrawn and Ahsoka: Unveiling the True Meaning of 'Ronin'

Warning! This article contains spoilers for Ahsoka episode 8.

Summary

Ahsoka episode 8 prompts inquiries into Thrawn's use of the term "Ronin" when referring to Ahsoka, igniting curiosity surrounding its significance and implications. A Ronin, in essence, is a traveling Samurai who lacks a master, perfectly mirroring Ahsoka's predicament as she has been without a Jedi Master for a significant duration in the Star Wars timeline.

In spite of Thrawn's insistence, the conclusion of Ahsoka disproves his claims as she is not alone; she is accompanied by Anakin's Force ghost and has taken on Sabine as her Padawan.

Episode 8 of Ahsoka serves as the culmination of Dave Filoni's latest Star Wars series, leaving viewers with numerous unanswered questions. One of these questions pertains to Thrawn's reference to Ahsoka as a Ronin. Continuing from the previous episode's events, episode 8 follows Ahsoka, Ezra, and Sabine as they desperately race to prevent Thrawn from completing his cargo transfer. This thrilling finale features an array of exciting elements such as resurrected stormtroopers, Thrawn's tactical expertise, and an enticing rematch between Ahsoka and Morgan Elsbeth.

At the end of Ahsoka episode 8, Thrawn prepares to leave Peridea using the Eye of Sion, with Sabine and Ahsoka following closely behind in the T-6 shuttle. This marks the first encounter between Grand Admiral Thrawn and Ahsoka, which may also be the last, until a potential second season of Ahsoka. During their conversation, Thrawn refers to Ahsoka in a unique manner, describing her as a "Ronin" who belongs on Peridea. This prompts us to ponder the meaning of a Ronin and, more importantly, how it relates to Ahsoka.

A Ronin Is A Samurai With No Master - Which Fits Ahsoka

In Japanese culture, a Ronin is a wandering Samurai with no master. This is why Thrawn refers to Ahsoka as such in Ahsoka episode 8. Due to Anakin's death in Return of the Jedi and the absence of any connection to the Jedi Order for decades, Ahsoka has been without a Master for quite some time. This is particularly pronounced in Ahsoka's place on the Star Wars timeline.

Ahsoka Really Proves Thrawn Wrong - She's More Than A Ronin

Thrawn's "Ronin" Reference Continues Ahsoka's Samurai Influences

Contrary to Thrawn's assumption, the conclusion of Ahsoka proves him wrong. This is evident with the appearance of Anakin Skywalker's Force ghost in the final scene, establishing that Ahsoka's Master is indeed by her side, even though she is unaware of it. Furthermore, Ahsoka fully embraces Sabine as her Padawan, dispelling Thrawn's notion of her being a solitary fighter. Though Ahsoka has traversed as a wanderer, she is far from being alone as Thrawn suggests.

Thrawn's use of the term Ronin perpetuates Ahsoka's connection to Samurai influences. While Samurai cinema has always been an inspiration for George Lucas in the creation of Star Wars, Ahsoka seems to embrace these influences more prominently than previous projects within the franchise. Whether it's her utilization of terms like Bokken Jedi, derived from the Bokken training sword used by Samurai, or the clear presence of Samurai influences in her action sequences, Thrawn's labeling of Ahsoka as a Ronin further solidifies the incorporation of Eastern elements in the show's visual and auditory aesthetics.

All episodes of Ahsoka can be streamed on Disney+.