The Ultimate Revelation: Baylan's Hidden Agenda to Revolutionize the Jedi Order

Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for the Ahsoka finale.

Summary

Baylan Skoll embarks on a quest to discover the secretive Mortis gods concealed within Peridea, with the aim of potentially reshaping the Force.

Although Baylan's intentions in Ahsoka remain uncertain, his encounter with Order 66 and his unwavering dedication to Jedi customs imply that he hasn't entirely forsaken the Jedi Order.

Baylan Skoll believes that the cycle of light and dark originated on Peridea and his true objective is to prevent a recurrence of the tragedy of Order 66 by reconstructing the Jedi Order to its intended state.

The true intention behind Baylan Skoll's departure from Thrawn in Ahsoka remains a major enigma, but his connection to the Jedi may provide some insight into his motivations. Rather than pretending to be Thrawn's ally, Ray Stevenson's Baylan decides to search for the concealed Mortis gods on Peridea in the concluding episode of Ahsoka. These ancient deities are among the most formidable beings in the Star Wars universe. In Star Wars: The Clone Wars, the Mortis gods were depicted as the ones who governed the flow of the Force. If Baylan has indeed discovered their abode on Peridea, it is plausible that he could alter the very essence of the Force.

Thus far, Baylan Skoll’s plan in Ahsoka has been increasingly vague. While talking to his apprentice, Shin Hati, he drops a few hints of his thought process but remains hesitant to reveal his true intentions. Baylan expresses his desire to put an end to the constant battle between light and dark, yet he provides little information on how he plans to achieve this. Despite this, it is evident that Baylan's experience during Order 66 influenced the path he is currently on. Although he emphasizes that neither he nor Shin are Jedi, it is possible that he has not completely abandoned the Order just yet.

Baylan Likes The "Idea" Of The Jedi

In a conversation with Shin, Baylan reflects on the "concept" of the Jedi Order. While acknowledging their weaknesses, Baylan holds a certain fondness for what the Jedi represented. Despite claiming to have distanced himself from the Jedi long ago, Baylan continues to uphold certain Jedi traditions. As evidence, Shin Hati wears the traditional Padawan braid and Huyang seems to have constructed her lightsaber, likely under Baylan's guidance, just as many other Jedi have done.

Baylan clings to the traditions and narratives instilled in him by the Jedi. Though he no longer identifies as a Jedi, his behavior contradicts this claim. He hasn't entirely abandoned the principles upheld by the Order, which is a driving force behind his quest for the Mortis gods. In essence, he is returning to his origins, endeavoring to unveil the depths of the Jedi's teachings. If the stories he was taught hold truth, he may have the capability to avert the Order's future demise.

Baylan Seems To Believe The Cycle Of Light & Dark Began On Peridea

The Mortis gods potentially have a connection with the origin of the Jedi, as suggested by Baylan, who believes that the cycle begins on Peridea. While The Last Jedi states that the first Jedi Temple was founded on Ahch-To, it is possible that the Jedi Order actually originated from a distant galaxy. If this is the case, Baylan is not only searching for the beginning of the cycle but also the origins of the Jedi Order itself. He personally witnessed the demise of the Jedi Order during its decline, but as his name implies in Norse mythology, he may be pursuing the "sun" - the dawn of the Jedi.

If the Jedi indeed originated on Peridea, then Baylan could potentially be one of the first Jedi to return to the Order's beginnings in thousands of years. Similar to how the Purrgil go to Peridea to perish, Baylan may be instinctively drawn to the planet due to his connection with the Jedi. His desire to end the cycle of light and dark can only be realized if he replaces it with something else. Baylan's ultimate objective may be to prevent the recurrence of the atrocity of Order 66 in the galaxy.

Is Baylan Attempting To Begin Again With The Jedi?

It is possible that Baylan Skoll intends to redefine and reinvent the Jedi by utilizing the Mortis gods on Peridea. He often reflects on what the Order could have become and continues to pursue this vision through Shin Hati. According to him, Shin is intended to surpass the Jedi in some way. Baylan only imparts the best teachings of the Jedi to her. However, she is enticed by the potential for power offered by Grand Admiral Thrawn. Baylan decides to part ways with her, partly because he wants to search for the Mortis gods alone, but also because he recognizes that their desires do not align.

Shin succumbs to the same desire for power that led to the downfall of the Jedi, but Baylan strives to eliminate the impediments holding her back. If he succeeds in finding Mortis, he may be able to access the very essence of the Force and potentially manipulate its workings. Should his objective be to create a flawless Jedi Order, he might just achieve his quest. In any case, the second season of Ahsoka will likely provide further insight into Baylan's true intentions on Peridea and whether he truly aims to reinvent the Jedi.

All episodes of Ahsoka now streaming on Disney+.