Unveiling the Mystery: The Real Reason Sabine is Missing from The Mandalorian

Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for Ahsoka episode 3.

Summary

Sabine Wren's absence in The Mandalorian can be attributed to her tumultuous history with Mandalore. She has distanced herself from the Mandalorian culture, evident in her decision to abandon Mandalore and her profound sorrow over the devastation inflicted upon her loved ones and homeland.

In episode 3 of Ahsoka, Sabine's struggle to protect what she loves is revealed, showcasing her ongoing journey of overcoming loss and discovering her place. Natasha Liu Bordizzo brings to life the vibrant character of Sabine Wren, one of the notable Mandalorians in the Star Wars universe, in the Ahsoka series. However, despite her Mandalorian heritage and past experiences with Mandalore, Sabine has yet to make an appearance or be mentioned in the immensely popular series, The Mandalorian. Unlike Din Djarin, who was embraced by the Mandalorian religion through adoption by the Children of the Watch, Sabine was born on Mandalore towards the end of the Clone Wars. In Star Wars Rebels, Sabine even joined forces with Bo-Katan Kryze to reunite the fractured Mandalorian clans and attempt to reclaim Mandalore prior to the devastating Great Purge.

Throughout Rebels, Sabine always wore her Mandalorian armor, which she personally redesigned and repainted to suit her preferences. However, Sabine's history with Mandalore is considerably complex. At the start of Ahsoka, Sabine is seen without her armor and instead opts for casual attire while on Lothal. Judging by her long hair, it can be assumed that she hadn't worn her helmet in years. Sabine's absence of armor provided one of the many clues as to why she never made an appearance in The Mandalorian, as well as why she never appeared in the original trilogy.

Sabine Has Retreated From Her Mandalorian Heritage After So Much Loss

Sabine Wren lost the support of her family when she first joined the Rebellion. However, after redeeming herself and fighting for Mandalore, she managed to reconcile with them. Unfortunately, her happiness was short-lived, as the Empire's bombing of Mandalore likely resulted in the death of the rest of Clan Wren. This devastating event not only claimed the lives of thousands of Mandalorians but also destroyed the progress Sabine and Bo-Katan had made in reclaiming Mandalore. The loss of her fellow Rebel, Ezra, and the abandonment of her by Ahsoka further compounded Sabine's distress, leading her to distance herself from her Mandalorian heritage and seek solitude.

In the third episode of Ahsoka, Ahsoka acknowledges Sabine's natural aptitude for weapons due to her Mandalorian background, but warns that skill alone will not be enough to defeat their enemies. Responding with a bleak tone, Sabine agrees, hinting at the hardships she has endured and the losses she has suffered throughout her journey. In a similar vein, Bo-Katan also experiences bitterness and desolation in the third season of The Mandalorian, as her allies have deserted her. On the planet Lothal, Sabine takes time to reflect on the friends and family she has lost, adding to her melancholy.

Sabine Is Defined By Her Inability To Deal With Loss

In both Rebels and Ahsoka, Sabine grapples with the sorrow of her losses. Continuously, she battles to safeguard what she holds dear, only for it to be cruelly snatched away from her in the end. Therefore, while Din Djarin and Bo-Katan strive to reclaim Mandalore in The Mandalorian, Sabine questions the extent of Mandalore that remains worth fighting for. The Empire seized her homeland and separated her from her family during the original trilogy, which explains why she chose to defend Lothal in Ahsoka; it represents the sole remaining place she calls home.

Ahsoka airs new episodes on Disney+ every Tuesday at 6pm PT / 9pm ET.