The Significance of Order 66 in Baylan's Star Wars Narrative

Article Overview

Order 66 shattered Baylan Skoll's faith in the Jedi, causing him to view them as weak and flawed.

In Baylan's perspective, Anakin Skywalker's descent during Order 66 embodies the fundamental flaws within the Jedi Order. Baylan endeavors to restore equilibrium to the Force and shatter the perpetual cycle of good and evil, diligently seeking untapped potential to forge a brighter galaxy.

Order 66 holds significant importance in Baylan Skoll's motivations and backstory within the Star Wars canon. Initially introduced in Ahsoka, this former Jedi turned mercenary has evolved beyond being considered a mere "Dark Jedi". He has also imparted a higher purpose onto his apprentice, Shin Hati. While his ultimate trajectory remains somewhat unclear, Ahsoka witnessed Baylan's revelation of his dreams and motivations for the galaxy, all of which originate from the Jedi Purge during the prequel era.

In the premiere of Ahsoka, we observe Baylan and Shin serving under Morgan Elsbeth. Together, they aid her in the mission to venture to another galaxy and retrieve the exiled former Imperial leader, Grand Admiral Thrawn, from the planet Peridea. However, it becomes evident that Baylan has his own hidden agenda. Within Ahsoka, he strives to obtain an enigmatic power on Peridea, believing it will liberate the galaxy from what he perceives as an unending cycle of conflict. This solidifies the crucial role that Order 66 plays in shaping Baylan Skoll's past actions and his foreseeable endeavors within the Star Wars canon.

Baylan Lost Faith In The Jedi Because Of Order 66

The Jedi Purge Exposed The Order's Weakness

When Shin Hati asked her master if he missed the fallen Jedi Order, Baylan's response in Ahsoka episode 6 was extremely telling:

I long for... the concept. However, not for the reality, the vulnerability. There was no prospect in that situation.

Baylan Came To Believe Anakin Skywalker Caused Only Destruction

With the implementation of Order 66 by Emperor Palpatine, the Jedi Purge was set into motion. The clone troopers who had formerly served under the Republic turned against their Jedi commanders, resulting in the overwhelming slaughter of most individuals residing within the Jedi Temple. Being one of the scarce survivors, Baylan was profoundly affected by the consequences of Order 66. It became evident that this tragedy had deeply transformed him. Baylan started perceiving the Jedi Order as flawed and feeble, devoid of any potential for a prosperous future. His faith in the institution he had once been a part of was lost entirely.

Anakin's Failure Represented The Entire Jedi Order

Anakin Skywalker played a central role in Order 66, as he was corrupted by Palpatine and became his Sith apprentice, Darth Vader. He led the brutal attack on the Jedi Temple, mercilessly killing numerous Jedi Knights. This tragic event greatly impacted Baylan Skoll, who shared with Ahsoka his knowledge about the Chosen One's transformation. As a renowned figure in the Clone Wars and believed to be the prophesied Chosen One, Anakin's descent to the dark side was particularly devastating for Baylan, as he personally knew him.

Baylan seemingly perceived Anakin's downfall as a representation of all the flaws within the Jedi Order. He saw it as a demonstration of the Order's inherent faults. This change in perspective led Baylan to train Shin in a manner that surpassed traditional Jedi teachings, going beyond even being a "Dark Jedi," a term that applied to both of them. Baylan's vision extended beyond the Jedi and Sith, as he sought hidden powers that were only spoken of in myths and legends. Consequently, his motivations stemmed from the failures of the Jedi that ultimately led to the Purge itself.

Baylan Seems To Be Seeking To Balance The Force

Will Baylan Find The Mortis Gods?

At the conclusion of Ahsoka, Shin was abandoned by Baylan Skoll, who appeared to be unimpressed by Shin's limited ambitions in aligning with Thrawn and the Imperial Remnant. In contrast, Baylan aspires for greater influence in order to break the seemingly endless cycle of light and darkness in the galaxy. His ultimate goal is to construct something superior by shattering this cycle. This is precisely what makes Baylan an intriguing character in the Star Wars universe. He is driven by the pursuit of balance, aiming to create a better future for the entire galaxy. The Clone Wars and Order 66 have enlightened him on the insufficiency of the Jedi as they existed in the prequel era.

Upon discovering a trio of impressive statues portraying the Mortis Gods in the concluding episode of Ahsoka, it is evident that the power emanating from Peridea has a considerable magnitude. This power has the potential to exceed Baylan's expectations, revealing more than he initially anticipated. Notably, Baylan's decision to stand upon the statue of the Father signifies his clear intention to prioritize equilibrium. He aspires to rise above the perpetual conflict between light and dark in the Star Wars galaxy, which has inflicted extensive devastation throughout countless ages.

Editor's P/S

Order 66 was a pivotal moment in the Star Wars saga, and it had a profound impact on Baylan Skoll. As a Jedi, Baylan believed in the Jedi Order and its mission to protect the galaxy. However, after Order 66, he lost faith in the Jedi and came to see them as weak and flawed. This led him to seek out alternative sources of power, including the mysterious Mortis Gods.

I believe that Baylan's journey is a cautionary tale about the dangers of extremism. After losing faith in the Jedi, he became obsessed with finding a way to balance the Force, even if it meant using dark side powers. This ultimately led him down a path of destruction, and he became a threat to the galaxy.