The Rise of Bokken Jedi: Unveiling a New Era Post Order 66
The Bokken Jedi: Unveiling a New Guardian in Star Wars, where the ancient art of Bokken finds its place amidst a new generation of Jedi post Order 66 Explore the significance of this unique lineage and how Star Wars defies expectations, proving the power of the Bokken Jedi
Warning! This article contains spoilers for Ahsoka episode 6.
Summary
In Ahsoka episode 6, the concept of "Bokken Jedi" is introduced to refer to Jedi who received training in the wilderness following Order 66, alluding to their utilization of Bokken swords during their training.
According to Baylan Skoll, individuals such as Ezra Bridger and Luke Skywalker who fall under the Bokken Jedi categorization are deemed as counterfeit Jedi due to their training occurring outside the Jedi Order. However, Star Wars has subsequently disproven this viewpoint.
Luke Skywalker, Ezra Bridger, and Rey Skywalker's triumphs as Jedi demonstrate that straying from rigid Jedi teachings can result in victory, challenging Baylan's dismissive perspective on Bokken Jedi. In episode 6 of Ahsoka, the term Bokken Jedi is introduced, prompting questions about its significance in the broader Star Wars universe. Since its inception, the show has delved into the various interpretations of being a Jedi. Ahsoka Tano's personal journey has revealed that she is not just a warrior Jedi, but a protector of peace embodying the true essence of the Jedi Order. Additionally, we encounter characters like Baylan Skoll and Shin Hati, who have deviated from the light side and now represent dark Jedi.
By the time Ahsoka episode 6's ending arrives, Star Wars lore unveils a new breed of Jedi. During a conversation with Shin Hati about Ezra Bridger, Baylan Skoll mentions a unique classification for the Force-wielder in exile - a Bokken Jedi. This term signifies a Jedi who received training in the untamed wilderness following Order 66. Interestingly, the mention of Bokken in the Star Wars canon aligns with this fresh concept of a Bokken Jedi, as evident in numerous instances throughout the Skywalker Saga.
The Real World Meaning Of Bokken & Its Use In Star Wars
The term Bokken Jedi is an interesting Easter egg in Ahsoka episode 6, referencing the real-world meaning and historical usage of the word in the Star Wars franchise. In actuality, a Bokken is a wooden sword used for training in the art of kenjutsu. Resembling a real katana in size and shape, the Bokken serves as a substitute for genuine weapons during sparring sessions.
Within the Star Wars universe,
Baylan Skoll's "Bokken Jedi" Line Applies To Ezra, Luke & More
Ahsoka episode 3 began with the eponymous character and Sabine practicing their skills using Bokken swords as substitutes for lightsabers. This decision aligns with George Lucas' original inspiration for the Star Wars franchise, as the Jedi initially drew inspiration from samurai warriors. Throughout history, samurai have utilized Bokken in their training for countless centuries, making it a logical choice for Jedi to train with Bokken instead of the more perilous lightsabers.
Baylan's perspective on Jedi, particularly characters like Ezra and even Luke Skywalker, can be understood through his usage of the term Bokken Jedi. By equating Bokken with a fake sword, Baylan essentially sees Bokken Jedi as fake Jedi. According to Baylan, these Jedi who train independently without the guidance of the Jedi Order during its prime are considered inferior, a sentiment that applies to various Star Wars characters throughout the years.
Star Wars Has Proved Baylan's "Bokken Jedi" Insult Wrong
One of the most obvious examples of a Bokken Jedi can be seen in the character of Ezra Bridger, as mentioned in Ahsoka episode 6. During the Dark Times of the Empire's rule, Ezra received training from Kanan Jarrus, as seen in the series Star Wars Rebels. Another notable Bokken Jedi is Luke Skywalker, the iconic hero of the Rebellion, who was mentored by Yoda and Obi-Wan after the Jedi Order's downfall. Additionally, characters like Leia Organa and Rey Skywalker could also be considered as Bokken Jedi, having received training after the fall of the Republic. Not to be forgotten are the likes of Grogu and Ben Solo, who underwent training once the Republic had already collapsed.
Baylan Skoll's somewhat insulting categorization of these characters as Bokken Jedi becomes even more ludicrous when considering that Star Wars has already proved it wrong. It is unreasonable to view Luke Skywalker and Ezra Bridger as fake Jedi, considering that their power stems directly from their non-traditional training outside the confines of the Republic-era Jedi Order. By breaking free from the dogmatic and narrow-minded beliefs of the prequel era Jedi, Luke Skywalker was able to rise as the hero necessary for the Rebellion, bring redemption to Anakin Skywalker, and ultimately bring down the Empire.
Luke rejected Yoda's teachings and the failures of the Jedi Order, choosing instead to embrace his attachments. It was through this "Bokken" mindset that he was able to save the galaxy. Ezra Bridger, too, followed a similar path. His strong bond with the crew of the Ghost and his love for the people of Lothal propelled him to become a remarkable Jedi. He sacrificed his own place in the galaxy to defeat Thrawn and protect others, even if only temporarily. Both Luke and Ezra's successes prove that the dismissal of the Bokken ways by Baylan is misguided.
Rey Skywalker is another prime example of a Bokken Jedi. Growing up on the remote planet of Jakku and later joining the battle against the First Order, she became a unique kind of Jedi, just like Luke. Her Master advised her to stray from the strict tenets of the Jedi Order in order to achieve victory. By doing so, Rey ultimately defeated Palpatine and saved the galaxy once again. Through Rey's triumph, Ahsoka's categorization of post-Order 66 Jedi as Bokken Jedi is clearly incorrect. This realization may dawn upon Baylan by the end of the series.
New episodes of Ahsoka release every Tuesday at 6pm PT / 9pm ET on Disney+.
