Unveiling the Extraordinary Journey of Baylan Skoll: Igniting the Legacy of Two Exceptional Jedi Masters
Baylan Skoll surpasses his predecessors, embodying qualities of both Qui-Gon and Dooku As a unique force, he bridges the gap between their visions, propelling him towards the creation of the Jedi Order of their dreams
Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for the Ahsoka finale.
Summary
Baylan Skoll aims to revolutionize the Jedi Order and dismantle the prevailing system of power in the galaxy, having been deeply affected by the catastrophic events of Order 66 and the subsequent downfall of the Jedi Order. While Baylan bears resemblances to two other renegade Jedi, his methodology sets him apart.
Baylan Skoll, a captivating character in the Ahsoka series, strives to establish a unique group of nonconformist Jedi who seek power while avoiding its corruptive grip, with the ultimate goal of rejuvenating the Jedi Order. The enigmatic portrayal by the late Ray Stevenson enthralled many, making it a challenging task for any new actor to assume the role in Ahsoka season 2. Baylan teeters on the edge of an extraordinary revelation, poised to reshape the very essence of the Force in the galaxy. However, his yearning for transformation stems from the harrowing impact of Order 66 and the downfall of the Jedi Order.
Having discovered the statues in the Ahsoka finale, Baylan embarks on a quest to locate the Mortis gods. These enigmatic entities have made appearances in both Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels, and possess ultimate control over the Force. Baylan expresses his intention to put an end to the perpetual cycle of power within the galaxy to his apprentice, Shin Hati. Frustrated with the failures within the Jedi Order, Baylan seeks to redefine it and, although he is not explicit about his plans, it seems likely that they involve discovering the origins of the Force.
Why Baylan Is Similar To Qui-Gon
Qui-Gon Jinn, much like Baylan, shared a belief that the Jedi Order could surpass its current limitations. Qui-Gon's rebellious nature and radical ideals prevented him from joining the Jedi Council, despite his wisdom, according to Obi-Wan. However, this did not diminish Qui-Gon's love for the Order and its underlying principles. He became fixated on the prophecy of the Chosen One, believing that Anakin Skywalker would restore balance to the Force.
Similarly, Baylan also endeavors to restore harmony to the Force. However, instead of focusing on the Chosen One, Baylan seeks to understand the true origin of the Force itself. Both Qui-Gon and Baylan are drawn to the same individual, Anakin's ghost, as a potential means of achieving their goals. While Qui-Gon saw Anakin as a savior who could reform the Jedi Order, Baylan perceives him as responsible for the Order's downfall and thus pursues a personal mission to bring about its reformation. Despite their differing approaches, both Qui-Gon and Baylan are unorthodox Jedi who possess an affection for the Order while believing it has the potential to be improved.
Why Baylan Is Similar To Dooku
Besides Qui-Gon, Baylan also bears a striking resemblance to Dooku. Dooku felt personally let down by the Order, as it was unable to fulfill his hunger for power and prestige, leading him to seek power elsewhere. However, there was still a part of him that sought to reform the Order and expose its flaws to the Council. One individual he clashed with was Yaddle, who shared his belief that the Jedi Order had strayed from its former ideals. Like Baylan, Dooku made the decision to depart from the Order and forge his own path to power.
Although both Dooku and Baylan severed their ties with the Order, Dooku foresaw what Baylan was unable to. Long before the fall of the Jedi, Dooku had departed in search of something greater than being a Jedi. On the other hand, Baylan only recognized the arrogance and failures of the Jedi after their downfall. The events of Order 66 caused Baylan to reconsider his loyalty to the Order, while Dooku gave up on the Jedi due to his frustration with envisioning a different future for them. If Baylan had witnessed the darkness within the Order prior to the Jedi Purge, it is highly likely that he would have followed a similar path to Dooku.
Baylan Is In-Between Qui-Gon And Dooku
Star Wars has presented three distinct iterations of the same character. Qui-Gon Jinn, a nonconformist Jedi, chose to stay within the Order in an attempt to reform and revitalize it from the inside. In contrast, Dooku turned to the dark side as a Sith, intending to overpower the Order and implement changes from the outside. Positioned between these two extreme approaches is Baylan, who still holds onto the concept of the Jedi Order, evident in his permission for Shin Hati to possess a Padawan braid, a traditional Jedi symbol.
However, Baylan has explicitly stated that he is no longer a Jedi, a choice that Qui-Gon would not have made. While Qui-Gon remained loyal to the Order and Dooku departed from it, Baylan carries forward their legacy by aspiring to redefine what it means to be a Jedi. He yearns to establish a stronger force than the one he perceives as weak and flawed. Each of these maverick characters recognized the issues with the Order and pursued distinct paths to address them. Tragically, Qui-Gon and Dooku both perished at the hands of the Sith, while Baylan has made more progress in his efforts to revolutionize the Jedi order.
How Baylan Can Create The Order Qui-Gon and Dooku Dreamed Of
Regardless of whether Baylan discovers the Mortis gods, Anakin's Force ghost, or Abeloth from Star Wars Legends, he is poised to alter the very essence of the Force. By following the same path, he has the potential to revolutionize and redefine the Jedi in ways that Qui-Gon and Dooku could only imagine. While Luke Skywalker aims to rebuild the Jedi, this will ultimately lead to its downfall once again. Baylan, however, seeks to embrace the finest aspects of the Order and compel it to evolve for the better. He envisions the creation of an entirely new group of Force-users.
In Baylan's new Order of maverick Jedi, there will exist a balance between the light and dark, creating a unique blend that transcends traditional Jedi and Sith philosophy. They will pursue power without succumbing to the temptations that come with it, all in the name of maintaining harmony and tranquility. Although the sequel trilogy suggests that Baylan does not impact the current Star Wars galaxy, he has a vast expanse in Peridea's galaxy where he can establish his own Order. If Baylan succeeds in tapping into the power of Mortis as depicted in Ahsoka season 2, he will possess the freedom to recreate the Jedi Order according to the visions of himself, Qui-Gon, and Dooku.
All episodes of Ahsoka now streaming on Disney+.
