Star Wars is arguably the most popular sci-fi franchise of all time. The existence of Jedi Order, their ranks, and the Force has sparked fan imagination.
Star Wars has long since been one of the most popular sci-fi series of all time. A large part of its appeal comes from the concept of the Force. In the words of Obi-Wan Kenobi to Luke Skywalker: “The Force is what gives a Jedi his power. It’s an energy created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates up; it binds us to the galaxy.”
The Force has many other names in the Star Wars universe: the Ashla, It, the Life Current, the Tide, the Sight, the Life Wind, the Great Presence, the Luminous Wind, Unity, and the Beyond. This life power is especially strong in certain individuals, deemed as Force-Sensitive and can harness the Force. Droids and other artificial constructs exist outside the force, unlike humanoids.
There are two main groups shown in the Star Wars universe who can wield the force: Jedi and Sith. Jedi devote themselves to the ways of the Jedi Order – an ancient order of protectors who follow a Code that favours the light side of the Force. A Jedi aims to achieve inner peace through calmness and meditation, avoiding the emotions of anger and hatred. Jedi are not forbidden from acting in self-defense or in the defense of others. Typically, their lightsabers are blue or green, though Mace Windu’s is purple. The Jedi’s commitment to peace and democracy often brings them into conflict with the Sith, who seek power over all things.
In Star Wars’s Jedi Order, there are six official ranks. Each rank relates to a different stage of a Jedi’s training and advancement. All of these have appeared on the big screen. Before Order 66, the Jedi were plentiful, striving to cooperate with others. The Jedi Code – a.k.a. their beliefs – has been adapted and evolved over time, with Master Yoda making the Code seen in the Star Wars prequel trilogy. For example, a Master can only take on 1 apprentice at a time, and romantic relationships are forbidden. The official ranks of the Jedi Order, known as the “Jedi Path,” indicate the experience of a Jedi in training.
6) Initiate
To begin training, a young Jedi must be recruited. Initiates are typically toddler-aged and show a connection to the Force. Young initiates are specifically chosen, as they have yet to form strong personal attachments to their families. Anakin Skywalker was older and had already formed a strong connection with his mother, which led to his initially denied entry into The Phantom Menace.
5) Youngling
After joining the Order, initiates are separated into two clans and given the title of Youngling. Younglings learn and take classes together within their clan. 3 clans have been named in the “Dooku: Jedi Lost” audiobook – the Hawkbat, Heliost, and Thranta clans. When all clan members have reached a certain age, they are taken to the planet Ilum. Here, they acquire the kyber crystals for their first lightsabers.
Some adolescent Jedi are selected or paired with a Master or Knight for training. Prior to the Clone Wars, this involved a Padawan and their Master doing various off-world missions. This way, the Padawan could gain real-world experience. During the Clone Wars, Padawans were assigned rather than chosen by their Masters. The increasing galactic conflict made Padawans more of a military resource for the Republic.
3) Knight
For a Padawan to graduate, they have to pass the Jedi Trials – which vary from Jedi to Jedi. When a Padawan overcomes a series of difficulties, the Council officially recognise them as a Jedi Knight. Anakin became a Knight after “Attack of the Clones,” with the Council viewing Padawans who had survived the Battle of Geonosis as ready. Ahsoka Tano technically passed her trials once acquitted of terrorist acts, though the young Jedi refused after seeing how far the Order had fallen.
2) Master
Jedi value cooperation over competition, so the rank of Master was given to those who trained a Padawan to Knighthood. A Knight has to prove that they can teach others what they have learned, but also learn to let go of their Padawans – the Jedi Code discourages close emotional attachments.
As Anakin never truly let Ahsoka go, the Council was hesitant to award him the Master rank. It is uncommon for any Jedi below the rank of Master to be granted a Council seat, with Anaking being a rare exception to the rules.
1) Grand Master
Many Jedi who climb the ranks end their careers as Masters. The Grand Master is held by the one considered to be the wisest Jedi Master of all. Yoda was the Grand Master of the Jedi Order during the prequels. The Jedi Path is not one for power seekers, but rather wisdom. This directly opposes the Sith mentality, where the acquisition of power is their supreme goal.
Which is your favourite Jedi ranking and why? Do you agree that Yoda was the wisest Jedi of all during the prequels? Join us for more Star Wars news.