Article Key Points
The Star Wars canon timeline has undergone numerous modifications, undergoing a complete overhaul and incorporating selected components from the previous Expanded Universe following Disney's acquisition.
The Battle Meditation Force power featured in Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic has now become part of the official Star Wars visual encyclopedia, allowing Jedi to connect their minds and pilot starships in perfect formation. This integration of Knights of the Old Republic elements into the canon timeline hints at the potential inclusion of additional characters and storylines from the game in the future of Star Wars.
The Star Wars timeline has undergone several changes over the years. Initially, only the original trilogy was considered part of the timeline, while the numerous novels and comics that followed were categorized under the Expanded Universe. However, with the release of the prequel trilogy, certain Expanded Universe material was deemed non-canon. Video games, like Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, existed outside the timeline but had a few exceptions. In 2012, Disney reset the entire timeline, initially stating that only the movies were canon. However, this has since expanded to include animated shows like The Clone Wars. Presently, the current canon Star Wars timeline is incorporating elements from the old Expanded Universe, such as the canonization of the Battle Meditation from Knights of the Old Republic.
How Star Wars KOTOR's Battle Meditation Has Just Been Canonized
What Star Wars KOTOR's Battle Meditation Power Is
Introduced in Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, the Battle Meditation Force power lacks a comprehensive explanation in its original format. Jedi Knight Bastila Shan, a renowned expert in Battle Meditation, possesses a rare ability that is even considered exceptional in an era with millions of Force-users. According to Bastila, her Battle Meditation enables her to connect the minds of all her comrades on the battlefield, ensuring optimum performance. Although somewhat puzzling and uncertain, Battle Meditation has the capacity to alter the course of a losing battle, making it an invaluable asset for the Jedi.
Star Wars Has Just Canonized Battle Meditation in The High Republic
Despite being considered non-canon, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic has still managed to have an impact on the official Star Wars timeline. The Battle Meditation Force power from KOTOR has now been referenced and incorporated into the canon universe. This was revealed during a Lucasfilm publishing panel at the recent New York Comic Con, where the upcoming Star Wars: The High Republic Character Encyclopedia was unveiled. The encyclopedia provides details on important characters from this new canon era, including Jedi Master Porter Engle, also known as the "Blade of Bardotta." Porter Engle is renowned as one of the galaxy's best duelists and wields a unique cutlass-like lightsaber. Additionally, he possesses exceptional piloting skills. Notably, the encyclopedia casually mentions that Porter Engle used the Battle Meditation power to unite the minds of other Jedi, allowing them to fly their starships in perfect formation with him.
Technically, the Battle Meditation Force ability was first canonically mentioned in the Star Wars: Legion miniatures board game on an upgrade card. However, it is worth noting that the card depicts Luke Skywalker utilizing the ability, rather than Bastila Shan or any character from the Old Republic/High Republic era.
What The Canonization of Battle Meditation Could Mean for the Future of Star Wars
Though the game itself and its narrative will likely never be fully canonized, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is gradually seeping into the official Star Wars timeline, whether it's through subtle references to the Rakata species in Andor or the incorporation of the Battle Meditation Force power into the canon. If Grand Admiral Thrawn can regain his canonical status and potentially even have his own series based on the Heir to the Empire novels, then it doesn't seem far-fetched to imagine characters like Darth Revan making their way into the canon timeline in the near future.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
In Knights of the Old Republic, players have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the captivating Star Wars universe and embark on an exciting Sci-Fi adventure. They have the freedom to create their own unique character, choosing from a wide range of iconic Star Wars races. Along their journey, players can acquire proficiency in various skills and abilities, and even craft their very own lightsaber.
Star Wars Franchise
Platform(s): Xbox (Original), iOS, Android, Switch, PC, macOS
Release Date: July 15, 2003
Developer(s): BioWare
Publisher(s): LucasArts
Genre(s): MMORPG
ESRB Rating: T for Teen (Violence)
Estimated Gameplay Time: 30 Hours according to How Long To Beat.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z netizen, I am excited about the potential for the Star Wars canon to expand to include elements from the Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR) game. The Battle Meditation Force power is a fascinating ability that could have significant implications for the future of the Star Wars universe.
The fact that this power has been referenced in the new Star Wars: The High Republic Character Encyclopedia suggests that Lucasfilm is open to incorporating more elements from KOTOR into the canon. This is a positive development, as KOTOR is a beloved game with a rich story and memorable characters. I would love to see more of the Old Republic era explored in future Star Wars projects.
