Unveiling Ahsoka's Unexpected Twist: Is the Jedi's First Teacher Really a Droid?

Warning! This article contains spoilers for Ahsoka episodes 1 and 2.

Summary

In the show Ahsoka, David Tennant portrays Huyang, who serves as a primary instructor for young Jedi apprentices, specializing in teaching them the intricacies of lightsaber construction. Through Huyang's expertise and his role in guiding Sabine, it becomes apparent that even a droid can fulfill the role of a mentor to those aspiring to become Jedi.

In Ahsoka, David Tennant's portrayal of Huyang sheds light on the intriguing aspect of a droid being able to offer insight on Sabine's Force aptitude. This emphasizes the unique nature of his character within the story.

Huyang made his debut in Star Wars: The Clone Wars and was voiced by Tennant in the animated series. Despite not having a role in Star Wars Rebels, the character made a surprising return in the first trailer for Ahsoka. Through episodes 1 and 2 of Ahsoka, Huyang's bond with Ahsoka, Hera, and Sabine was strengthened, as seen through their engaging conversations. It became evident that Huyang, the droid, was actually the Jedi's first teacher.

Professor Huyang Is One Of The First Instructors For Jedi Younglings

Despite being reaffirmed in Ahsoka, Star Wars: The Clone Wars revealed that Professor Huyang served as a mentor to Jedi younglings, making him one of their first mentors. His primary role within the Jedi Order, before Order 66, was to guide younglings in constructing their lightsabers after completing the Gathering on the planet Ilum, where they obtained their first Kyber crystal.

Huyang held this position within the Jedi Order for thousands of years, implying his presence during the High Republic era, and even mentored Jedi masters like Yoda in the art of building Kyber-based weaponry. David Tennant's character in Ahsoka further expands on this knowledge, providing references to Huyang's past in episodes 1 and 2. His expertise and mentoring of Sabine demonstrate that even a droid can serve as one of the first teachers for aspiring Jedi.

Huyang Comments On Sabine's Force Sensitivity... But He's A Droid

In Ahsoka episodes 1 and 2, David Tennant's portrayal of Huyang included intriguing exchanges with Sabine. One prevailing theory about Sabine in Ahsoka was that her training under the titular Jedi would reveal her as Force-sensitive. However, in episode 2, Huyang dismissively suggests that her aptitude in the Force is far inferior to any Jedi he has mentored.

What makes this even more fascinating is the fact that droids are incapable of possessing Force sensitivity. The connection to the Force is established through microscopic organisms called Midi-chlorians, which droids lack. Therefore, Huyang's ability to discern Force aptitude, coupled with his teaching of young Jedi in lightsaber construction using Force-related Kyber crystals, adds an extra layer of intrigue to Ahsoka. It is hoped that David Tennant's character will further explore these elements in future episodes.

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