Yoda

Yoda was a Force-sensitive male of an ancient and mysterious species who served as Grand Master of the Jedi Order for much of his long life. Renowned for his wisdom and his mastery of the Force, he trained Jedi for some eight centuries, taught generations of younglings, and led the Order through the Clone Wars. After the fall of the Republic he went into exile on the swamp world of Dagobah, where he trained Luke Skywalker and helped set in motion the redemption of the galaxy.

The Grand Master#

Yoda belonged to an ancient species whose origins he never revealed, and he spoke little of his own early life. As a youngling he trained with a practice lightsaber and, after undergoing the rite known as the Gathering to obtain his kyber crystal, built his first blade with the help of the architect droid Professor Huyang. He rose to the rank of Jedi Master, gained a seat on the Jedi High Council, and was named Grand Master of the Order.

By the time of the High Republic Era, Yoda was already an old and revered figure. He devoted much of his attention to teaching younglings, guiding the youngest initiates of the Order through their fears and their first lessons in the Force. He counseled the Republic's chancellors during crises across the galaxy and was held in respect by friend and foe alike for his power and his insight.

The Clone Wars#

When war erupted between the Republic and the Separatists, Yoda took up the role of a general in the Grand Army of the Republic while continuing to guide the Jedi Order from the High Council. He led clone forces in the field and advised the Jedi Generals deployed across the galaxy, balancing the demands of command against his unease at the Order's growing entanglement in war.

As the conflict drew toward its end, the young Anakin Skywalker came to Yoda for counsel, troubled by visions of a loved one's death. Yoda warned him that fear was a path to the dark side and urged him to train himself to let go of all that he feared to lose. The advice did not satisfy the young Jedi, who could not bear the thought of loss, and his fear left him open to the corruption that would soon follow.

Order 66 and the fall of the Order#

The war ended in the Republic's transformation into the Galactic Empire and the destruction of the Jedi Order. Yoda was present on Kashyyyk, fighting alongside the Wookiees Chewbacca and Tarfful, when the clone troopers turned on their Jedi commanders under Order 66. He sensed the betrayal an instant before the killing blow, struck down the troopers who attacked him, and escaped the planet with the Wookiees' help.

Yoda confronted the Emperor in a duel and was unable to defeat him, a failure that weighed on him for the rest of his life. Recognizing that the age of the Jedi had passed, he chose to withdraw and wait, charging Obi-Wan Kenobi with watching over the children of Anakin Skywalker. He took for himself a refuge on the remote and Force-shrouded world of Dagobah.

Exile on Dagobah#

On Dagobah Yoda lived in seclusion near a cave strong in the dark side, his own presence keeping its influence in check and the world's ecosystem in balance. He kept watch over the Force across the galaxy, at times reaching out anonymously to surviving Jedi and their students. He learned from the spirit of his old master, Qui-Gon Jinn, the technique of retaining consciousness after death, a power he would later pass on to others.

When Luke Skywalker came to Dagobah seeking instruction at Kenobi's urging, Yoda was reluctant to take so impatient a student, but agreed to train him. He taught Luke through telekinetic exercises and sent him into the dark side cave to confront the danger of his own anger. Luke broke off his training to rush to the aid of his friends, and Yoda reminded a distraught Kenobi that there was still another of Anakin Skywalker's children who might yet be the Jedi's hope.

Death and legacy#

Yoda died of old age on Dagobah at around 900 years, becoming one with the Force after confirming to Luke that Darth Vader was his father. He returned afterward as a Force spirit, and the techniques he had mastered allowed the redeemed Anakin Skywalker to do the same. He offered guidance to Luke's sister Leia Organa over the years, teachings she would in turn pass to Rey.

Long after his death, when a disillusioned Luke sought to end the Jedi forever on the island world of Ahch-To, Yoda appeared to him one last time. He reminded his old student that failure and mistakes were among a Master's most important lessons, and helped Luke forgive himself for the fall of his nephew. The meeting inspired Luke to act in defense of the Resistance at the Battle of Crait, ensuring that Yoda's teaching outlived him.