We know the Jedi are flawed – Star Wars has examined the Order’s issues thoroughly, including their unnatural fear of the dark side, their restrictive adherence to the Jedi Code, and their unwillingness to learn from their past mistakes. And yet, throughout all of Star Wars’ previous stories, the Jedi are the ultimate force for good. They may be flawed, but in the context of the story, they are always morally right. The High Republic books and spinoffs like Star Wars: The Acolyte challenge that notion, however, and I believe that Star Wars is all the more compelling for it.
The Jedi Are Scattered Across The Galaxy During The High Republic Era
During the High Republic era, there are Jedi Temples and outposts on dozens if not hundreds of different planets, many within the Mid and Outer Rims. In the early days of the High Republic, the Jedi were also part of an effort to scout the outermost reaches of the galaxy, hoping to open up trade routes between neighboring planets and provide diplomatic assistance whenever it was needed. This is a starkly different Jedi Order than the one we see in the prequels – those Jedi had retreated to the imagined safety of Coruscant, lending a hand only when called upon.
We as the audience know that the Jedi always try to do the right thing, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are always actually doing the right thing.
Because the Jedi are so much more visible during this era, The High Republic books, comics, and shows also provide an understanding of how other cultures and communities view the Jedi, something which, in my opinion, has been sorely lacking within the franchise. We as the audience know that the Jedi always try to do the right thing, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are always actually doing the right thing. During the Clone Wars, the Jedi were liberators. During the original trilogy, they were legendary knights and peacekeepers. But to some, they might have been something else entirely.
Depending on cultural context, other groups may be justifiably wary of the Jedi. In a galaxy with trillions of life forms, the Sith could not possibly be the only ones to disagree with the Jedi and their beliefs. These other groups may not hate the Jedi as much as the Sith do, but they can disagree with them all the same, and some of the disagreements that are woven throughout the High Republic era are genuinely understandable.
The Path Of The Open Hand Viewed The Jedi As Abusers Of The Force
The High Republic Phase II takes place 350 years before the events of the Star Wars prequel trilogy. This is a time of exploration for the Jedi, as they traverse the outermost reaches of the galaxy, helping those who cannot help themselves wherever they go. One such planet is Dalna, where a seemingly peaceful farming community inhabits a large stretch of land. These farmers aren’t what they seem, however. They’re actually members of a group known as the Path of the Open Hand, who believe that the Force should, above all else, be free.
The Path was led to believe that the Jedi abuse the Force. According to them, whenever a Jedi uses their abilities to levitate an object or jump across a ravine, it causes a ripple effect somewhere else, potentially endangering another person’s life. We know this isn’t true, and the Jedi know this isn’t true, but that doesn’t mean their beliefs are inherently any less valid. Though some of the Path’s leaders used their followers’ naivety to coerce and manipulate them, on the whole, many innocently believed that their interpretation of the Force was correct.
They weren’t outright hostile to the Jedi until the Path’s leader, the Mother, told them to be. Hypothetically, however, if the Mother hadn’t been in charge, could the Jedi have justified their distrust of the Path? Would they have left them alone, or would the Jedi have forced their own beliefs and rules onto them, compelling them to change their ways? The High Republic’s first live-action show, The Acolyte, certainly makes that seem very plausible.
The Acolyte Proves The Jedi Weren’t Always Welcomed With Open Arms
Custom Image by Debanjana ChowdhuryIn Star Wars: The Acolyte episode 3, “Destiny,” we are introduced to a new coven of Force-sensitive witches, much like the Nightsisters of Dathomir. It’s clear that these witches are powerful – it’s insinuated that they were able to manipulate the Force and create life, resulting in the births of twin sisters, Osha and Mae. It is also implied that these witches draw on the dark side of the Force. Understandably, the Jedi are wary of them, but what happens in the episode isn’t simply the Jedi treating these witches with caution.
Instead, four Jedi essentially break into the coven’s homestead, imposing their will upon them without any real evidence of actual wrongdoing. Mae and Osha are to be tested by the Jedi, and their mother isn’t given any room to argue. This is the Jedi’s law, and they will abide by it; otherwise, the consequences could be drastic. Is that truly the will of the Force? Are the Jedi so sure of their moral standing in the galaxy and their understanding of the Force that they won’t even take the time to truly learn what kind of magic the witches practice?
News
Meghan Markle warning as insider reveals ‘gloves are off’ with rumours of next bombshell
The Sussexes were snubbed from an invite to Balmoral Castle, which may have been the last straw for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. The couple may have hit their last straw (Image: Getty) Meghan Markle has been open with struggles of mental…
Prince William and Harry’s feud continues leaving King Charles with a tough decision to make
It appears that Prince William and Harry are no closer to reconciling their bitter feud, despite their father, King Charles, holding onto hope. A well-known royal author has revealed that King Charles is “extremely sad” over the ongoing rift between his sons. As he continues cancer treatment, King Charles is more…
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal titles at risk as King convenes Balmoral summit
If Harry were to lose his Prince title that would mean Archie and Lilibet could also lose theirs, but they would be able to use the Dumbarton titles while their parents will be known simply as the Sussexes. Prince Harry and Meghan…
Ultra rare footage of King Charles’ Christening from 1948 showing four generations of the royal family is found at thrift shop for less than £7
A man has revealed how he discovered ultra rare footage of King Charles‘ Christening in a thrift shop – for less than £7. Ronald Baxter Jr, 59, from Charleston, South Carolina, has been collecting since he was 10 years old and…
Kate Middleton ‘made phone call’ to Meghan at King’s request to ‘clear the air’ after Royal racism claims
Kate Middleton contacted Meghan Markle to address racism allegations after Omid Scobie’s book, claims insider. Kate Middleton reportedly contacted Meghan Markle following the explosive allegations of racism levelled against the royal family including her. The Duchess of Sussex had claimed that…
Prince William Just Sported a New Look That Was Previously Discouraged — and Sparked Tension with Prince Harry
The Prince of Wales, who appeared in a new video with Princess Kate, hasn’t been seen with facial hair since 2008 Prince William is experimenting with a new look this summer, one that has been at the center of a hairy…
End of content
No more pages to load