The Unprecedented Journey of Grogu: Could He Master the Ways of the Mandalorian Jedi?

Warning! This article contains spoilers for Ahsoka episode 6.

Summary

Sabine Wren's journey in Ahsoka involves her training to become a Mandalorian Jedi, allowing her to ultimately tap into the Force despite her Mandalorian heritage.

One distinguishing factor between Grogu and Sabine is their interaction with various Jedi. Ahsoka embraces the concept of Mandalorian Jedi training, whereas Luke remains committed to the strict adherence of the Jedi Code.

Grogu's motivation to train as a Jedi stems from his desire to protect his adoptive father, rather than a genuine aspiration to become a Jedi. Additionally, his traumatic experiences as a Jedi have led him to favor the Mandalorian creed over the Jedi Code.

In a surprising twist, Sabine Wren, portrayed by Natasha Liu Bordizzo in live-action, is currently undergoing training to become a Mandalorian Jedi in Ahsoka. This raises questions about why Grogu has not been able to pursue the same path in The Mandalorian. According to the ancient droid Huyang, Sabine possesses less aptitude for the Force compared to any Padawan he has encountered in the last 500 years. However, there is a clear progression as Ahsoka is guiding her towards eventually harnessing the power of the Force.

Star Wars has been hinting at the presence of another Mandalorian Jedi for a while now. At first, it appeared that Grogu would be the chosen one, but to everyone's surprise, The Book of Boba Fett presented Grogu with a choice between two paths. As Grogu's journey differs greatly from Sabine's, it begs the question: why can't he also transform into a Mandalorian Jedi?

Sabine’s Master Isn’t Technically A Jedi

The first difference between Grogu and Sabine lies in the Jedi they have encountered. Ahsoka, who is Sabine's master, does not consider herself a full-fledged Jedi. She never completed her own training and left the Jedi Order after losing faith in their principles. This fact was candidly acknowledged by Ahsoka in her encounter with Huyang in episode 1. Ahsoka's perspective would make her more receptive to the idea of training a Mandalorian in the ways of the Jedi, as she would not confine herself or her student to the traditional Jedi teachings. In fact, her knowledge and experience with Mandalore would likely make her even more accommodating.

On the other hand, Luke Skywalker is focused on establishing a new Jedi Order. To achieve this, he must closely adhere to the Jedi Code and only accept students who are committed to following it faithfully. Grogu's attachment to Din Djarin already deviates from the Jedi Code, and training him as a Mandalorian after he becomes a Jedi would only reinforce that attachment. Even Ahsoka hesitated to train Grogu due to the strength of his bond with Din Djarin.

Grogu Was Only Willing To Train As A Jedi To Protect Din Djarin

The Mandalorian season 2 made it evident that Grogu's decision to continue his Jedi training with Luke was solely influenced by his adoptive father. Contrary to Din's expectations, Grogu did not display the same enthusiasm to reunite with the Jedi. He only agreed to accompany Luke because the Jedi assured him it would keep him safe. Grogu understood that by being able to protect himself, he was also safeguarding his father, who had already risked his life to save him.

Interestingly, Grogu only utilized his Force abilities when Din's safety was at stake. Ahsoka revealed to Din that Grogu had concealed his powers for years after Order 66, but his deep affection and bond with Din were the driving factors behind his decision to overcome his fears and reveal his abilities for the purpose of protecting his guardian. This indicates that Grogu has primarily utilized his Jedi training as a means of ensuring Din's safety, rather than having a genuine desire to embrace the Jedi path and wield a lightsaber.

Grogu Has Been Traumatized By His Jedi Identity

Due to his Jedi identity, Grogu has faced numerous hardships, such as surviving Order 66 and being pursued by the Empire for his blood. As a result, he harbors negative feelings towards further involvement with the identity that has caused him so much pain. The Mandalorian way of life, with its principles of loyalty, solidarity, and honor, resonates more with Grogu considering all that he has endured, offering him a more fitting path than the teachings of the Jedi Code.

After Order 66, Grogu never truly desired to become a Jedi. Din's mission to find Jedi to train Grogu solely arose from the Armorer's instruction. Luke accurately observed that Grogu never displayed true dedication to his training. When Din inquired why Ahsoka was fine with Luke taking on Grogu's training, she honestly admitted that she couldn't control the desires of others, implying her understanding of Grogu's lack of interest in becoming a Jedi.

Can Grogu Still Become A Mandalorian Jedi?

Grogu still has ample time to fulfill his dream of becoming a Mandalorian Jedi in the vast Star Wars galaxy. With many years ahead of him, he can eventually complete his Jedi training and earn the esteemed title of Mandalorian Jedi, once he finishes his apprenticeship with Din. Alternatively, Grogu may choose to join Rey's new Jedi Order and train alongside her, allowing him more time to process the challenges he faced as a Jedi.

In contrast to Sabine, who is undergoing a reverse journey by transitioning from Mandalorian to Jedi, Grogu's path towards becoming a Mandalorian Jedi presents its own complexities. While Sabine has already received her Mandalorian training and acquired weapons, armor, and other necessities, Grogu is embarking on this training while also adhering to the Jedi Code. Though both seek the same ultimate goal of attaining the title of Mandalorian Jedi, their approaches to reaching it are fundamentally different.

Sabine's motivations for becoming a Jedi Padawan were likely less dangerous compared to Grogu's. Ahsoka first highlighted the risks associated with Grogu's attachments, which may have led to Ahsoka distancing herself from Sabine initially. Ahsoka only agreed to train Sabine again once she was certain Sabine genuinely desired to be a Jedi, a commitment that Grogu has yet to demonstrate. If Grogu can prove that his Jedi training is driven by more than just protecting his loved ones, he could potentially join Sabine as one of the most powerful and memorable Mandalorian Jedi in the history of Star Wars.

New episodes of Ahsoka are released on Disney+ every Tuesday at 6 pm PT / 9 pm ET.