Ahsoka Tano’s journey in the Star Wars universe has been one of the most captivating stories for fans. Her narrative is still unfolding, especially with her appearance in the ‘Ahsoka’ series on Disney+. The pivotal moment in her life occurred when the Jedi Order expelled her, later reinstating her, only for her to choose to leave on her own terms. When and why did Ahsoka decide to part ways with the Jedi Order?
Why did Ahsoka become disillusioned by the Jedi Order?
One of the standout characters introduced in ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ was Ahsoka Tano, initially portrayed as the Padawan of Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker. Throughout the Clone Wars, she partook in numerous missions alongside Anakin and Obi-Wan, and also embarked on solo missions. While unwaveringly loyal to the Jedi Order, she remained perceptive to the diverse challenges faced by individuals amidst the power struggle of war.
Ahsoka witnessed the intricate political maneuvers executed by Republic and Separatist leaders. Additionally, she observed firsthand the impact of the war on the most vulnerable and ordinary citizens across the galaxy. Her experiences allowed her to glean perspectives from various individuals regarding the Jedi and their role in the Clone Wars.
While Ahsoka empathized with the struggles of ordinary people and comprehended the diverse perspectives across the galaxy, she steadfastly remained devoted to the cause of the Jedi Order and the Republic. The actions of the Separatists, in her view, demanded attention. However, loyalty didn’t yield the expected rewards.
In the latter stages of the Clone War, Anakin and Ahsoka were summoned back to the Jedi Temple after an unidentified assailant bombed it. Investigating, they discovered a tragic scheme: a temple worker, manipulated by his wife, had been turned into a living bomb. Upon arresting the wife, she revealed that she was framed within the Jedi Order and wished to confide in Ahsoka. However, before she could disclose the true culprit, she was mysteriously killed by the actual mastermind, who used the Force. Ahsoka, framed for the murder, had to flee.
On the run, she encountered the rogue Asajj Ventress, willing to assist Ahsoka for a price. With the help of Barriss Offee, they traced the nanobot bombs to a location, only for Ahsoka to be ambushed by a masked assailant wielding Ventress’ lightsabers.
Left alone with incriminating evidence, Ahsoka faced accusations when Anakin and the authorities arrived. The evidence suggested she masterminded the Jedi Temple bombing, leading to her arrest and trial before the Jedi High Council.
Despite being an internal matter, Chancellor Palpatine insisted on intervening, citing the Republic’s interest due to the loss of clones—considered “property” of the Republic—in Ahsoka’s actions.
Ahsoka left the Jedi Order in the final episode of Season 5 of ‘Star Wars: Clone Wars’
Without a doubt, Ahsoka Tano was innocent of the charges leveled against her. Throughout her trial, Anakin tirelessly sought the true culprit and the one who framed his Padawan. His investigation led him to Ventress, who revealed that an unknown Force user had attacked her, having stolen her lightsabers. When Ventress mentioned Ahsoka’s connection to Barriss, Anakin grew suspicious of the Jedi whom his Padawan considered a friend.
Anakin interrogated Barriss and discovered that she possessed Ventress’ red lightsabers. Consequently, he compelled her to confess to her wrongdoing and swiftly defeated her in a duel, intending to present her as the true perpetrator during the trial. Before the Chancellor and the Jedi High Council, Barriss admitted her guilt, expressing her belief that the Jedi Order itself was the true evil in the galaxy, engaging in an oppressive war. Her confession exonerated Ahsoka from the charges brought against her.
The Council saw Ahsoka’s ordeal as her definitive Jedi Trial, deeming her prepared to ascend to the status of a true Jedi Knight. However, Ahsoka turned down the opportunity for reinstatement into the Jedi Order. Her decision stemmed from the belief that the Council had not placed enough trust in her. Their unanimous vote for her expulsion, without giving her a chance to present her perspective, left her feeling unsupported.
In light of this, Ahsoka felt compelled to forge her own path in life, opting not to remain devoted to a group that seemed to lack faith in her. She recognized, to some extent, the flaws within the Jedi Order. Instead of opposing the Jedi, Ahsoka chose to depart from the order, seeking to carve out a new existence detached from the Clone War and the Jedi. Her departure occurred in the 20th episode of season 5 of ‘Clone Wars.’
Why did Anakin remain in the Jedi Order?
Anakin attempted to persuade his Padawan to remain within the Jedi Order, arguing that it was the only life she had ever known. Ahsoka had been brought to the Jedi Temple early, her Force sensitivity apparent even in infancy. Consequently, her understanding of the world was largely confined to the life of a Jedi.
Despite Anakin’s efforts, Ahsoka chose to forge her own path. It became evident that Anakin, despite their strong bond, would not follow his Padawan. This was because Anakin’s allegiance remained with the Republic, even though he didn’t entirely align with the Jedi Council’s decisions.
Like Ahsoka and even Count Dooku, Anakin harbored disagreements with the Jedi Order. Nevertheless, his loyalty extended to the Republic and its leader, Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, with whom he shared a close connection. Witnessing the events of the Clone Wars from its inception, Anakin believed that staying with the Jedi and fighting for the Republic was the path to achieving true peace in the galaxy.
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