Unveiling the Enigmatic Bond: Discover 6 Intriguing Parallels Between Sabine's and Grogu's Apprentice Journeys
Discover the striking parallels between Sabine and Grogu's apprentice journeys in this captivating article Uncover their shared struggles with dark pasts, attachments, and childhood training, as well as their experiences learning from mentors, working with the New Republic, and ultimately becoming Mandalorian Jedi
Warning! This article contains spoilers for Ahsoka episode 3.
Summary
Sabine and Grogu's parallel journeys as apprentices reflect their battles with their haunting pasts and emotional connections.
They seamlessly merge their Mandalorian expertise with the wisdom acquired from their Jedi instruction, integrating their childhood training into their present ventures.
Sabine's role as Ahsoka's Jedi apprentice in Ahsoka shares similarities with Grogu's path as a Mandalorian apprentice. Although Ahsoka's journey with a Padawan is unfamiliar to audiences, it has been unfolding over several years within the Star Wars timeline. The origins of their connection remain unclear, but Ahsoka distanced herself from Sabine after the events of Star Wars Rebels. The pursuit of Grand Admiral Thrawn has provided an opportunity for them to reunite and embark on a new quest together.
The Mandalorian era in Star Wars is significantly centered on the concept of masters and apprentices. Notably, Sabine, a current Mandalorian, is undergoing training to become a Jedi. Additionally, in the conclusion of The Mandalorian season 3, Grogu, a Jedi, made the definitive choice to embrace the Mandalorian way. Moreover, these two narratives share more similarities than initially evident.
6 Dealing With Dark Pasts
During the tumultuous era of the Clone Wars, Sabine and Grogu both endured challenging childhoods. Sabine was compelled to attend the Imperial Academy, unknowingly contributing to the creation of a deadly weapon that targeted her own people. Eventually, she made the difficult decision to escape the Academy, leaving her family, who had pledged loyalty to the Empire, in disgrace.
Meanwhile, Grogu narrowly survived Order 66 and sought refuge during the oppressive rule of the Empire. It wasn't until approximately five years after the events of Return of the Jedi that he resurfaced, being taken in by Din Djarin after being protected by Niktos. The Mandalorian bounty hunter became a new father figure for Grogu. It is evident that Grogu still carries the scars of his past trauma, as he reflects upon it while observing the Armorer forge beskar in The Mandalorian season 3.
5 Struggling With Attachments
In the first three episodes of Ahsoka, it becomes evident how crucial Ezra Bridger is to the Ghost crew, particularly Sabine. The lightsaber she currently wields was once Ezra's, passed on to her before his disappearance alongside Thrawn. Since then, Sabine's mind and time have been consumed by thoughts of finding Ezra and bringing him back. Ahsoka might have walked away from their training initially due to Sabine's intense attachment to Ezra.
A similar concern influenced Ahsoka when she was asked to train Grogu. Grogu also struggles with a deep emotional bond to his adoptive father. Even before their father-son relationship was acknowledged, Grogu viewed Din as his father and has relentlessly protected him. This attachment could have easily tempted him towards the dark side as a Jedi. However, being a Mandalorian, it aligns with the code of loyalty and solidarity in their Way. Nonetheless, it may still lead Grogu to take unnecessary risks in order to safeguard Din.
4 Using Their Childhood Training
Both Sabine and Grogu have successfully integrated their respective trainings into their chosen paths. In Ahsoka episode 3, Sabine skillfully incorporates her Mandalorian heritage while training to use the Force, utilizing her natural aptitude. Although not inherently strong in the Force, Sabine cleverly leverages her strengths and shows potential for bonding with the kyber crystal within her lightsaber, thereby expanding her connection to the Force. This progression aligns perfectly with her Mandalorian Jedi journey.
Concurrently, Grogu has been actively encouraged by Din to merge his Mandalorian training with his understanding of the Force. In The Mandalorian season 3, episode 4, during his encounter with Ragnar Vizsla, Din instructs Grogu to fully embrace his Force abilities and not hold back. The result is evident when Grogu triumphs in their sparring match by utilizing the Force to leap over his opponent. Consequently, Grogu gains valuable insight on incorporating the Force into his Mandalorian apprenticeship, further deepening his skills and knowledge.
3 Learning From Their Mentors In Action
Padawans have traditionally learned through hands-on experience, accompanying their masters on missions. Sabine is no different, as she learns from Ahsoka while they search for Grand Admiral Thrawn and Ezra Bridger. Every moment of peace presents an opportunity for continued training, as seen in Ahsoka episode 3. If there are no such moments, Sabine must observe and learn from how Ahsoka applies her own Jedi training in real situations, oftentimes at a rapid and dangerous pace. However, even Huyang, who has worked with the Jedi for 25,000 years, is uncertain about the wisdom of this approach.
For Grogu, the process of learning takes place through practical experience as a Mandalorian apprentice. In The Mandalorian season 3 finale, the Armorer asserts that Grogu must accompany his master on apprentice journeys, much like Din was mentored himself. This implies that it is the customary way for young Mandalorian apprentices to learn. When Din proposes his plan to Captain Carson Teva for them to undertake "bounty hunting" missions against Imperial Remnants, he emphasizes the importance of having Grogu by his side. Grogu will then have the opportunity to learn by observing Din in action, as well as receiving closer instruction during any available moments along their journey.
2 Working Alongside The New Republic
While Sabine and Ahsoka undertake their mission to locate Thrawn and Ezra without the New Republic's authorization, they diligently strive to secure the necessary resources and support to ensure a successful retrieval of Thrawn into their galaxy. Intriguingly, Hera Syndulla opted not to disclose to the New Republic Senate Committee that a Jedi provided the evidence of Thrawn's reappearance, implying that Ahsoka and Sabine should operate "off the books."
Similarly, Grogu and Din Djarin, now aligned with the New Republic's Adelphi Rangers, engage in covert dealings with Captain Teva. There is potential for collaboration with other members of the Adelphi Rangers to confront specific Imperial warlords. Grogu will undoubtedly observe his mentor's interactions with the New Republic intently.
1 Becoming Mandalorian Jedi
Sabine, a Mandalorian in Jedi training, and Grogu, a Jedi in Mandalorian training, are on a path to become Mandalorian Jedi. Once they complete their apprenticeships, they will join the esteemed group of Tarre Vizsla and a select few ancestors who have embraced both cultures and religions. Although Grogu currently lacks a lightsaber, there is still a possibility of him obtaining one in the galaxy.
Perhaps Sabine and Grogu will even fight alongside each other as Mandalorian Jedi, united against threats like Thrawn or other galactic enemies in the future. Given Ahsoka's role in introducing Thrawn as the antagonist of The Mandalorian era movie, it is highly likely that Sabine and Grogu will cross paths. It is even possible that their training may still be ongoing, providing further opportunities for their apprentice journeys to intertwine as they continue to develop as Mandalorian Jedi.
Ahsoka releases new episodes Tuesdays at 6 pm PT / 9 pm ET on Disney+.
