Excitement continues to rise for Ahsoka, the upcoming Star Wars series on Disney Plus. With Rosario Dawson reprising her role as Ahsoka Tano, the marketing has focused on her portrayal as a Jedi, possibly to draw those unfamiliar with Andor, The Bad Batch, and The Mandalorian. However, there’s a twist in the tale — Ahsoka isn’t a Jedi, not in the traditional sense. This distinction from the Jedi Order is a pivotal part of her narrative, making her stand out in the Star Wars universe.
Ahsoka’s Journey in Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Introduced in Star Wars: The Clone Wars film and series, Ahsoka was voiced by Ashley Eckstein. She was the unexpected apprentice to Anakin Skywalker, which led to initial conflicts between the two. However, their journey through the Clone Wars saw them forming an unbreakable bond.
Why Ahsoka Parted Ways with the Jedi Order
Ahsoka’s evolving beliefs, influenced by her non-Jedi mentors like Padmé Amidala and Satine Kryze and her own war experiences, often clashed with the traditional ways of the Jedi Order. The breaking point came when she was wrongly accused of bombing the Jedi temple on Coruscant. Despite her eventual acquittal, the damage was done. Disappointed by their lack of trust, she left the Order, affecting the dynamics of the Star Wars narrative, including playing a part in Anakin’s transformation into Darth Vader.
Ahsoka’s Life Post-Jedi Order
Following her departure, Ahsoka made her presence felt in Star Wars: Rebels, set during the Galactic Civil War. While actively battling against the Empire, she remained steadfast in her identity — she wasn’t a Jedi. Her duels, especially one against Vader, reaffirmed this belief.
Despite not identifying as a Jedi, Ahsoka epitomized the Order’s purest ideals, untouched by political motivations or arrogance. Characters like Qui-Gon Jinn and Luke Skywalker follow her example of what a true Jedi should represent.
In her live-action appearance in The Mandalorian, Ahsoka’s refusal to train Grogu, given his close bond with Din Djarin, showed that she still grapples with the outdated ideologies of the Jedi Order. A similar sentiment is echoed when Luke Skywalker faces a similar decision concerning Grogu in The Book of Boba Fett.
Ahsoka’s Future in Star Wars
The promotional material for the Ahsoka series suggests a reunion with Sabine Wren, indicating a potential realization for Ahsoka. She might come to terms with her true identity, embracing the essence of a Jedi. As she influences the next generation, including figures like Luke Skywalker, it is hoped that she will introduce a more holistic view of the Force, addressing the flaws of the past.
The future of the Star Wars narrative could see Rey Skywalker setting up a new Jedi Order after the events of the sequel trilogy. With inspirations from progressive Jedi like Luke and Ahsoka, there’s hope that Rey’s interpretation of the Jedi way will strike a balance, ensuring a prosperous and harmonious future for the galaxy.
Conclusion
Ahsoka Tano’s journey through the Star Wars universe has been one of evolution and self-realization. From her introduction as Anakin Skywalker’s apprentice to her separation from the Jedi Order and her potential acknowledgment of her true essence, her story offers a fresh perspective on the traditional Jedi path. As the Star Wars saga unfolds, characters like Ahsoka provide hope for a more balanced future, free from past prejudices. The new series promises to further explore her complexities, reaffirming her unique place in the Star Wars canon.
