The latest episode of The Mandalorian, Chapter 13: The Jedi, directed by Dave Filoni might be arguably the best and most important episode not just for the show, but for the Star Wars universe too. After introducing the fan-favorite Ahsoka Tano, the episode also revealed a few important elements from Star Wars Rebels, including Grand Admiral Thawne. But apart from that, The Jedi also revealed the Child’s real name: Grogu. Though it’s too late to change the more popular name Baby Yoda, the importance of Grogu might have a long-lasting impact on the future of Star Wars.
In The Jedi, Mando and the Child reach the planet of Calodan to seek out Ahsoka Tano. However, Mando first strikes a deal with the tyrant Magistrate Morgan Elsbeth to hunt down Ahsoka in exchange for a spear made of pure Beskar. As Mando searches for Ahsoka in the scorched forests, he is surprised by the Jedi padawan and both the warriors engage in a brief skirmish. But as soon as Mando states his purpose, the former Jedi backs off and holds a conversation.
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As it was earlier established that Baby Yoda is Force-Sensitive, Ahsoka converses with him using the ways of the Force. There it is revealed that the Child’s real name is Grogu, and he was undergoing training at the Jedi Temple before the sinister Order 66 wiped out most of the Jedi masters. Though it seems Grogu survived, his memory went dark after that event. Despite such overwhelming revelations, how does Grogu’s backstory fits in the larger Star Wars universe?
Grogu and The Clone Wars
The Clone Wars is one of the most important events in the Star Wars universe. As the Clone Wars neared its end, Supreme Chancellor Sheev Palpatine executed his sinister Order 66 to wipe out the Jedi Order and establish the Sith Order in the entire galaxy. After tempting Anakin Skywalker to join the Dark Side, he ensured that the Chosen One massacre all the Jedi foundlings. But somehow, Grogu has managed to survive. It is unclear how Grogu escaped, but rest assured, the foundling received assistance.
Grogu and The Jedi Temple on Tython
In The Jedi, Ahsoka Tano refused to train Grogu as he was quite attached to Mando. Having witnessed the consequences of attachment first-hand and having a high ‘m-count‘, it is undoubtedly a huge risk to train Grogu in the ways of the Force. However, Ahsoka did manage to point Mando towards Tython, the planet where the Je’daii Order was founded, which later became the Jedi Order. Particularly strong with the Force, Tython holds a special place among Force users.
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After reaching Tython, it would be up to Grogu if he wishes to train as a Jedi, or let his powers fade away. But in case he does wish to be a Jedi, he would need a Jedi master. The first Jedi master who can train Grogu in the ways of the Force is Ezra Bridger, a former pupil of Ahsoka Tano. As The Mandalorian has embraced the elements of The Clone Wars and Rebels, it would make perfect sense if Ezra Bridger makes his appearance after his last face-off against Grand Admiral Thrawn.
However, considering the timeline of The Mandalorian, another popular Jedi master can also sense Grogu and take him as his disciple. Yes, Luke Skywalker. As The Mandalorian is based after the events of The Return of the Jedi, Luke Skywalker is traveling across the galaxy and collecting Jedi artifacts. But if Luke really takes Grogu under his wing, a dark future awaits the youngling. In Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Luke’s Jedi Temple was burned to the ground by Kylo Ren, which killed many Jedi disciples. If Grogu is found by Luke on Tython, then death awaits him in the future.
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But fortunately, a third alternative also lies for the future of Grogu. Instead of staying with Luke/Ezra for a long time, what if Grogu decides to also train in the ways of Mandalore? As Grogu is quite attached to Mando, it won’t be surprising to see him become the second Mandalorian-Jedi.
