Unlocking the Enigmatic Star Wars Rebels Timeline: Unveiling the Perfect Sequence of Each Season
Star Wars Rebels explores a captivating timeline spanning years Beginning in 5BBY, the series progresses through Season 2 (4BBY), Season 3 (2BBY), and Season 4 (1BBY) Finally, the epilogue, set around 9ABY, features an intriguing encounter with Ahsoka
Summary
Star Wars Rebels takes place during the "dark times", although most of the series takes place before the original Star Wars trilogy.
Each season of Rebels takes place at different times in the Star Wars timeline. The first season begins 5 years prior to the events of A New Hope.
The epilogue of Rebels occurs approximately in 9 ABY and has been further explored in the series Ahsoka.
Star Wars Rebels is set in a crucial period of the Star Wars timeline, linking events from the original trilogy and live-action shows like The Mandalorian and Ahsoka. Serving as a spiritual successor to Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Rebels takes place more than ten years after the downfall of the Jedi Order. Disney's initial major Star Wars venture introduces a distinct group of rebels who navigate the "dark times" mentioned by Obi-Wan Kenobi in A New Hope, during the Age of the Empire.
The premiere of Star Wars Rebels occurred in 2013, while its conclusion aired in 2018. Prior to Luke Skywalker's involvement with the Rebel Alliance and the destruction of the Death Star, other heroes were emerging throughout the galaxy. The Ghost crew, the main characters of Rebels, played a significant role in this. To understand the timeline of Star Wars Rebels, it is important to consider the Battle of Yavin as the starting point, which takes place in A New Hope. Consequently, "BBY" denotes "before the Battle of Yavin." Here is how each season of Rebels fits into the larger saga's timeline.
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Star Wars Rebels Opens In 5BBY
The first season of Star Wars Rebels commences in 5 BBY, portraying events five years prior to A New Hope. The Rebel Alliance, as seen in the original Star Wars film, had not yet been established, although the Empire had become increasingly aware of more organized rebel activities. One notable rebel cell causing constant trouble for the Empire was led by Saw Gerrera. It is during this time that Saw Gerrera abandons Jyn Erso, as seen in the flashbacks of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Season 1 of Rebels takes place concurrently with the first season of Andor, both commencing in 5 BBY.
Star Wars Rebels Season 2 Opens In 4BBY
The political landscape of the Star Wars galaxy in Andor season 1 and Rebels season 1 bears many similarities. In Rebels, the crew of the Ghost was seen as just one small rebel cell among many that the Empire was dealing with. This is something that Andor also addresses. However, Andor reveals that a more formidable rebellion was being formed by influential figures like Mon Mothma and Luthen Rael. As for Rebels season 1’s finale, it uncovers Hera's involvement in a larger operation, thus establishing Phoenix Squadron's role in the Galactic Civil War during Rebels season 2. By doing so, Andor alters certain aspects of Rebels, particularly the origins of the Rebel Alliance.
The final episodes of Star Wars Rebels season 1 are set in 4BBY, as evidenced by the commemoration of the 15th Empire Day. Consequently, the demise of the Grand Inquisitor and the aftermath of the rebels' escape all occurred in 4 BBY, signifying that Star Wars Rebels season 2 commences four years prior to A New Hope. It is during this time, in 4 BBY, that Leia Organa assumes the role of a junior senator and covertly aids rebel cells in her father's name, Bail Organa. Subsequently, Leia makes an appearance in episode 12 of Star Wars Rebels season 2, acting as a junior senator embarking on what was initially a diplomatic mission to Lothal.
The political landscape of the galaxy remained relatively unchanged four years before the events of A New Hope, similar to the situation in 5 BBY. However, the presence of a coordinated rebellion became much more evident. Ahsoka Tano, a prominent figure, joined the Phoenix Squadron and became a crucial ally of the Rebellion. Darth Vader briefly involved himself in the pursuit of the rebels on Lothal. Following the demise of the Grand Inquisitor, Vader dispatched two new Jedi Hunters, namely the Fifth Brother and the Seventh Sister, to track down the crew of the ghost. Significantly, the intense confrontation between Ahsoka and Vader, along with the elimination of three Inquisitors on Malachor, unfolded in 4 BBY.
Star Wars Rebels Season 3 Opens In 2BBY
The transition from the conclusion of Rebels season 2 to the commencement of Rebels season 3 exhibits a significant time lapse. This particular season takes place in 2 BBY, a consequential year not only for the Rebels team and the Rebel Alliance, but also for the entire Star Wars universe. During this period, 2 BBY, the rebellion faces the entrance of Grand Admiral Thrawn, who assumes the role of the primary antagonist in Rebels season 3. Additionally, it is noteworthy that Wedge Antilles, an influential pilot within the rebellion, departs the Imperial Academy during this year.
In 2 BBY, Mon Mothma's transformation from a senator to a rebel leader is documented in Rebels season 3. Following the Ghorman massacre, Mon Mothma openly criticized Emperor Palpatine and urged people to rise against the Empire. Leaving her home planet of Chandrila, Mon Mothma became one of the leaders of the rebellion. As the events of the original Star Wars movie drew near, the scattered rebel cells were reorganized into the Rebel Alliance, also known as the Alliance to Restore the Republic. This pivotal moment officially marked the beginning of the war depicted in the original trilogy.
In the same year, 2 BBY, Maul met his demise on Tatooine. After more than 17 years following the Clone Wars, the former Sith finally tracked down Obi-Wan Kenobi. Their rematch was quick, and the exiled Jedi Master emerged victorious, killing his old adversary. After the Battle of Atollon, Thrawn temporarily diverted his attention from the Galactic Civil War to investigate the Grysks alongside Darth Vader. Lastly, the Mandalorian Civil War erupted in 2 BBY. This conflict pitted Imperial loyalist Mandalorians, led by Clan Saxon, against rebel Mandalorians, led by Clan Wren. Although the rebels emerged victorious, the Empire would soon retaliate with the Great Purge of Mandalore.
Star Wars Rebels Season 4 Opens In 1BBY
With only one year remaining until the Death Star obliterates Alderaan, Star Wars Rebels ventured into the storyline of the original trilogy during season 4. Despite the release of Rogue One in theaters, the majority of Rebels season 4 takes place prior to the events portrayed in the 2016 film. For instance, Rebels season 4 showcases one of the last appearances of Saw Gerrera before his demise in Rogue One. The Rebel Alliance's High Command chooses Yavin-4 as their base, a location that made its debut in the original Star Wars movie. Following the resolution of the Mandalorian Civil War, Sabine Wren decides to pass on the Darksaber to Bo-Katan Kryze, despite Mandalorian customs.
Most of the crucial moments seen in Rogue One occur in close proximity to the end of 1 BBY. This includes the destruction of Jedha during the Death Star's trial, Saw Gerrera's demise, Jyn Erso joining the Rebellion, Galen Erso's death, and the Battle of Scarif. Chopper and Hera Syndulla find themselves on Yavin-4 during the final stages of Rogue One, occurring after the deaths of Kanan Jarrus and the Battle of Lothal. Disregarding the epilogue, Star Wars Rebels 4 commences and concludes in 1 BBY. The pursuit of Leia's ship by Darth Vader initiates the events leading up to A New Hope, ultimately culminating in the Battle of Yavin.
Star Wars Rebels' Epilogue Takes Place C. 9ABY, In Ahsoka
The timeline of Star Wars Rebels' epilogue has been a mystery, as it was unclear when it took place in relation to the finale. Sabine Wren narrated the rebellion's success and the Empire's fall after the Battle of Endor. However, determining the timeframe between Return of the Jedi and the epilogue was challenging. Jacen Syndulla, Hera's son born in 1 BBY, was a young child in the epilogue. Furthermore, Ahsoka searching for Thrawn without Sabine in The Mandalorian season 2 added to the complexity of the post-Return of the Jedi timeline.
Ahsoka provided new information that retconned the epilogue of Star Wars Rebels. It was revealed that the reunion between Tano and Wren occurred after the initial events of the live-action series. Ahsoka's storyline begins around 9 ABY, which is approximately five years after Return of the Jedi. Therefore, a minimum of nine years passed between the Battle of Lothal in Star Wars Rebels, where Ezra Bridger and Grand Admiral Thrawn disappeared, and the reunion between Sabine and Ahsoka. The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett also take place in 9 ABY, although the position of The Mandalorian season 3 in the Star Wars timeline is still uncertain.
