The Unprecedented Evolution of Baylan's Lightsaber Form: Uncovering Astounding Parallels to Anakin Skywalker

Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for Ahsoka episode 5.

Summary

Ahsoka Tano's fighting style proved to be too much for Baylan Skoll's impressive lightsaber skills.

Baylan's combat technique, reminiscent of Anakin Skywalker's Djem So, suggests a possible link between the two characters.

Ahsoka's previous inner conflict and negative memories of Anakin greatly hindered her during her fight against Baylan. However, now that she has resolved these issues, there is a possibility that the outcome of their next battle could be different.

In episode 4 of Ahsoka, Baylan Skoll's impressive lightsaber skills were showcased as he skillfully defeated Ahsoka Tano and threw her into the seas of Seatos. Although Baylan faced challenges while fighting Ahsoka, his powerful strikes were ultimately no match for her unique fighting style, especially considering her internal conflicts at the time. It is possible that Baylan's comments about her past with Anakin triggered the vision she experiences in episode 5 of Ahsoka. Nevertheless, it is evident that Baylan possesses formidable training in lightsaber combat. Very few villains in the Star Wars universe have battled Ahsoka and survived to tell the tale.

Baylan Skoll is the ideal antagonist for the show. Adding to the difficulty of Ahsoka's battle, she encounters Anakin Skywalker in the World Between Worlds. Both adversaries, former Jedi, employ forceful and dominant strikes, contrasting with Ahsoka's swift and nimble slices. Ahsoka's skills allow her to momentarily evade Baylan and retrieve the star map. However, this only intensifies Baylan's aggression. Trapped at the edge of the observatory, Ahsoka resorts to using the Force on her own lightsaber in a final attempt to defend against Baylan's overwhelming assault. Unfortunately, Sabine's arrival ultimately distracts Ahsoka, leading to her defeat.

Baylan Uses The Same Aggressive Lightsaber Form As Anakin Skywalker

While it has not been officially confirmed, it appears that Baylan Skoll utilizes a modified version of Form V, also known as Djem So. Anakin Skywalker was renowned for his expertise in Djem So, which implies a connection between Anakin and Baylan. It is possible that Anakin and Baylan knew each other during their time as Jedi, and Baylan may have adopted some of Anakin's techniques during the Clone Wars. Baylan clearly holds a level of respect for Anakin, as he emphasizes to Ahsoka that everyone in the Jedi Order knew him.

Additionally, there is a possibility that Darth Vader took Baylan as a secret apprentice shortly after the Clone Wars, which would explain why Baylan fights with the same powerful strikes as Vader. Djem So focuses on channeling aggression, which aligns perfectly with both Baylan and Vader. In Ahsoka episode 1, Baylan engages the rebels in a corridor scene reminiscent of Vader's massacre in Rogue One. Baylan's style leans more towards Vader's heavy strikes than Anakin's fluid style during the Clone Wars. However, despite their similar fighting techniques, there is one noticeable difference between Baylan and Anakin's styles.

Baylan's Unique Lightsaber Means He's Modified Form V

Ray Stevenson's modification of the pommel on Baylan's lightsaber had a significant impact on its design. As a result, Baylan Skoll's lightsaber boasted one of the longest hilts in the entire Star Wars canon, a feature that Stevenson skillfully utilized during combat. Due to the increased length and weight of the saber, Baylan found it necessary to adapt his fighting style, particularly with the use of Form V, to incorporate more two-handed strokes. In fact, during his duel with Ahsoka, Baylan rarely strikes with just one hand, choosing instead to wield his saber like a two-handed broadsword, much like a medieval knight.

Ahsoka quickly recognizes Baylan's distinctive fighting style and adjusts her own approach accordingly. Rather than engaging with both of her lightsabers, Ahsoka opts to use just one, knowing that wielding both would only provide the strength of one arm for deflecting Baylan's attacks. This would ultimately leave her vulnerable to his superior strength. Instead, Ahsoka makes the wise decision to confront Baylan's single blade with a single one of her own. However, even with just one blade, Ahsoka still finds herself outmatched by Baylan's immense power.

Baylan's Lightsaber Form Makes Him The Perfect Opponent For Ahsoka

Ahsoka's loss to Baylan can be attributed to her internal struggle. She not only grappled with her identity as a warrior, but also battled against the lingering presence of Anakin in her memories. Baylan's use of Form V, the same style as Anakin, only served as a painful reminder of the negative experiences she had with her former master. Additionally, Baylan's comments about Anakin before their duel further contributed to Ahsoka's defeat. Despite her impressive skills in lightsaber combat and a high kill count, Ahsoka needed to be mentally prepared in order to triumph over Baylan.

However, Ahsoka's completion of her inner journey in the World Between Worlds and her confrontation with her vision of Anakin Skywalker have rid her of the inhibitions that hindered her during her previous fight with Baylan. This suggests that the outcome of a future battle between Ahsoka and Baylan could be different. Ahsoka's ability to defeat Anakin in her vision implies that she may now have the capabilities to overcome Baylan as well. Ultimately, it remains uncertain whether Baylan Skoll and Ahsoka Tano will confront each other once again in upcoming episodes of Ahsoka.

Ahsoka releases new episodes Tuesdays at 6pm PT / 9pm ET on Disney+.