The choice for the MandalorianSabine Wrento become a Jedi Padawan inAhsokawas indeed a controversial one at first, but it has since proven to be an important storyline that’s completely transforming the way we look at both the Jedi and the Force itself. The way the Jedi Order is developed in theStar Warsprequel trilogy completely changed how it was viewed before, providing insight as to the various rules and regulations that were included for Jedi in theJedi Code. This has informed the current view that the Jedi Order is actually quite strict.
This is what made it even more shocking to see a character like Sabine, who had previously shown no aptitude for the Force inStar Wars Rebels, training as a Jedi Padawan in the live-actionAhsokaseries. The fact that she’s also a Mandalorian alone makes it surprising, given the two groups' long history of warring with one another, but the nicer relations built between them ever since the Clone Wars has made that more forgivable. Sabine’s Jedi arc, however, has more significance than building a bridge between Jedi and Mandalorians, and it changes our view on the Force.
Sabine’s Force Plot Means Anyone Can Become A Jedi
A Natural Aptitude For The Force Isn’t A Requirement
When we first see Sabine inAhsoka, she’s not adept in the Force. In fact, she openly struggles to use it, unable to move even a small cup upon a table. Prior to her Jedi training, she also exhibited little to no signs of being Force-sensitive at all, especially as someone who was so rooted in her Mandalorian culture. While she’s able to use the Force by the end ofAhsokaseason 1, doing so to helpEzra BridgerreachGrand Admiral Thrawn’s ship,this greater journey she takes inAhsokaproves that anyone can become a Jedi.
Sabine Wren Is Officially A Jedi Now
After a tumultuous journey connecting with the Force, Ahsoka episode 8 finally confirms Mandalorian Sabine Wren as a fully-fledged Jedi.
This is exactly whatDave Filoni himself said about Sabine’s Force potentialwhen discussingAhsokain 2023. He stated that everyone is a part of the Force, because the Force resides in all living things, but it still takes time, practice, and intense focus to gain the ability to wield it the way the Jedi do.That sheer dedication is what separates those who can become Jedi from those who cannot, and Sabine is a perfect example of that. She’s a talented warrior, but above all else, she’s willing to put in the work required to become a Force wielder.
Being A Jedi Has Never Been About Power
Power Is A Sith Value, Not A Jedi Value
Even if Sabine had never been able to wield the Force at all inAhsoka, she still could have been a Jedi, because being a Jedi is about more than just the power to wield the Force. This is something even Yoda himself recognized, as the short storyWhat A Jedi Makesby Michael Kogge fromStories of Jedi & Sithsees Yoda training a non-Force-sensitive boy to become a Jedi, with the grandmaster even referencing Farseeker Lyr - another non-Force-sensitive Jedi who penned one of the greatest ancient Jedi texts. Yoda knewForce wielding doesn’t determine a Jedi’s greatness.
This is what has always separated the Jedi from other groups like the Sith. The Sith actively seek power, manipulating the Force in unnatural ways to achieve it by any means possible. The Jedi, however, don’t share that same value. Their goal is to protect others and to nurture the Force, allowing it to guide them through their lives. This is what ultimately contributed to the Jedi Order’s fall duringOrder 66; they were using what power they had for something far different from their true purpose. Sabine’s Force arc proves that this power truly isn’t necessary for any Jedi.
Star Wars Has Focused Too Much On Bloodlines - Now It’s Time For Something More
The Jedi Are So Much More Than Powerful Bloodlines
The Jedi inStar Warshave, up until this point, been mainly focused upon bloodlines - most notably those of the Skywalkers and the Palpatines. Sabine, however, is a refreshing look at how someone can become a Jedi even when it wasn’t something she ever thought she could be destined for. There’s no Force power nor any history in her bloodline making it easier for her.Every step of the way, Sabine has to carve her own path to becoming a Jedi, unlearning any Mandalorian lessons that openly resisted the Jedi in the process.
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This is hopefully the first step in a more common thread of this kind of Jedi in futureStar Warsstories, especially as we head intoRey’s upcoming New Jedi Order movie.Star Warshas always been about people seeing themselves within the heroes in these stories, and there’s no better way to prove that than to continually show Jedi who aren’t attached to famous, powerful legacies working hard to become who they want to be.Ahsokahas opened this critical avenue, and hopefully,Star Warswill only continue the trend it set with Sabine.
