Unprecedented Star Wars Theory Uncovers Thrawn's Bewildering Plot: The Galaxy Under Invasion

Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Ahsoka episode 6

Summary

Thrawn's loyalty to the Empire and Palpatine has consistently been questionable in light of his initial allegiance to his own people, the Chiss.

The lingering doubt arises from the fact that his surviving forces remain faithful to him instead of the weakened Empire, casting doubt on his true intentions to restore the Empire to its former glory.

The enigmatic cargo aboard Thrawn's Star Destroyer suggests the possible existence of a dangerous Nightsister army, signaling potential repercussions for both Thrawn's true intentions and the destiny of the Imperial Remnant.

A compelling theory within the Star Wars universe proposes that Ahsoka's subordinate Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen) may not fulfill the anticipated role as the heir to the Empire. After enduring years of banishment in a distant galaxy, rumors circulate that the return of this elusive leader could signify the revitalization of the Imperial Remnant's military forces. Dispersed and relegated to obscurity with the rise of the New Republic and the Rebel Alliance, the Empire yearns for Thrawn's resurgence as a beacon of hope. Nevertheless, it is conceivable that Thrawn harbors a clandestine and personal agenda of his own.

In Ahsoka episode 6, it is revealed that Grand Admiral Thrawn, who has been exiled, has been collaborating with the Great Mothers of Peridea. These powerful Nightsisters had a connection with Thrawn's agent, Morgan Elsbeth, in the known galaxy. They guided her to an ancient star map, which ultimately led her to the extragalactic world where Thrawn and his forces were hiding. Jedi Ezra Bridger and a group of star whales assisted in discovering this location. Stranded on Peridea for almost ten years, it appears that the Great Mothers have played a significant role in Thrawn's plans beyond leading the Imperial Remnant.

Thrawn Has Never Been Loyal To The Empire

Firstly, it is crucial to clearly define the nature of Thrawn's unique connection to the Empire and Palpatine. Initially, Thrawn held a position as an officer within the Chiss Ascendancy, his own community situated in the Unknown Regions of space. In the greater Star Wars galaxy, the Chiss were relatively unknown until Thrawn embarked upon a crucial mission that brought him into contact with the Empire.

With the imminent threat posed by the formidable adversaries known as the Grysks, Thrawn recognized their potential danger to both his people and the Galactic Empire. Consequently, he undertook a mission to establish an alliance between the Chiss and the Empire by pledging his services to Palpatine. Nevertheless, Thrawn maintained his loyalty to his own people, exemplified in the canonical novel "Thrawn: Treason" by Timothy Zahn, where it was verified that though Thrawn carried out his duties for Palpatine, he remained emotionally and intellectually connected to his own community.

Thrawn, considered one of Palpatine's most valuable assets alongside Darth Vader, rose through the ranks of the Imperial Navy to become a Grand Admiral. However, doubts about his loyalty to the Emperor began to arise before the Liberation of Lothal, leading to his exile. With both Palpatine and Vader now deceased, it seems that Thrawn is poised to lead the Imperial Remnant and initiate a new galactic conflict, aiming to restore the Empire's former power. However, there are uncertainties about Thrawn's true intentions, despite the beliefs held by the Imperial Shadow Council.

In the sixth episode of Ahsoka, it is revealed that Thrawn's remaining forces enthusiastically support him aboard his Star Destroyer, The Chimaera, chanting his name. Over the years of their exile, it is evident that their loyalty lies with Thrawn rather than the declining Empire. This insight raises questions about Thrawn's ultimate goals. Perhaps it is no longer in his best interest to resurrect the Empire to its previous state, even if it means he would command it as the Heir to the Empire.

Thrawn's Caskets Hint At A Nightsister Army

Thrawn's sinister plans become evident with the mysterious cargo being loaded onto The Chimaera in Ahsoka episode 6. These enigmatic crates, stored in the catacombs of the Great Mothers' temple and requiring considerable effort to transport, likely contain coffins carrying lifeless bodies. These corpses are likely the fallen stormtroopers under Thrawn's command, who have endured significant conflicts during their exile and can be reanimated by the Nightsisters. Thus, Thrawn could amass an army of undead soldiers to fortify the Imperial Remnant, effectively achieving an Imperial Resurrection.

However, there is a possibility that the bodies belong to the Nightsisters themselves, as Thrawn mentions that the crates are part of a deal struck with the Great Mothers to facilitate their departure from Peridea. In this scenario, Thrawn may have promised the Nightsisters passage aboard his starship, enabling their escape from Peridea, in exchange for their assistance and the transportation of their deceased sisters to the wider galaxy.

Nightsisters have previously appeared as undead beings in both The Clone Wars and EA's Jedi: Fallen Order video game, set in the Nightsisters' domain of Dathomir. Additionally, the Great Mothers, by confirming their allegiance to Thrawn through the "threads of destiny," may be hinting at their role in reanimating a formidable Nightsister army for Thrawn upon their return to the known galaxy. The implications of this prospect could potentially be of a sinister nature, shedding light on Thrawn's true intentions following his aforementioned comeback.

The Empire Believes Thrawn Is Coming To Lead Them - But They Could Be Wrong

In The Mandalorian season 3, the Imperial Shadow Council anticipates Thrawn's comeback, relying on Captain Pellaeon's assurances that the Imperial Remnant will grow stronger to reclaim control over the galaxy from the New Republic. Surprisingly, there might be a significant twist, where Thrawn comes back not to salvage the remains of the Empire, but to invade and annihilate them instead. Since it is known that his true loyalty never fully belonged to the Empire, it begs the question as to why he would attempt to save it now when he has other forces at his disposal to counter the threats from the Unknown Regions?

Thrawn's invasion of the galaxy with an army of the undead presents a dark and captivating concept, diverging from the expected path of him becoming the Heir to the Empire. However, this raises questions about the formation of the First Order in the years leading up to the Star Wars sequel trilogy. While completely annihilating the Imperial Remnant may not be feasible, it would be a captivating twist if Grand Admiral Thrawn were to defy expectations and turn against the Empire. Such a development would offer exciting narrative opportunities, akin to Ahsoka's impact on the Imperial Remnant in the aftermath. Catch new episodes of Ahsoka on Disney+ every Tuesday at 6 pm PT / 9 pm ET.