STAR WARS: Comparing the Jedi in Exile

The end of the Clone Wars forced the few Jedi that survived Order 66 to scatter across the galaxy. Vader and his Inquisitors hunted them down like prey until only a very few Jedi remained in existence. As Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda did during those times, Luke Skywalker ultimately found himself in seclusion as well. Today we’ll dive into the Star Wars universe to compare the paths of these three Jedi in exile.

Jedi in Exile: Yoda

The end of the Clone Wars was perhaps the most difficult for Yoda out of all the Jedi. For over 800 years Yoda had trained Jedi, imparting his wisdom and sharing his experience. Those centuries clearly took their toll, and Yoda barely survived his confrontation with Darth Sidious. As a result Yoda found himself a Jedi in exile, seeking time to heal, contemplate and survive.

Obi-Wan Kenobi also became a Jedi in exile for survival. In his case, though, the survival he meant to ensure with his exile was not just his. After entrusting an infant Luke Skywalker to Luke’s Uncle Lars and Aunt Beru, Obi-Wan remained on Tatooine. There he would watch over a young Luke from the shadows, protecting him and his uncle’s farm.

Yoda and Ob-Wan lived in exile for specific and almost divine purposes. The reasons for Luke acting as a Jedi in Exile are not nearly as clear. We know the when: Han Solo told Rey that Luke disappeared after Ben/Kylo destroyed Luke’s new Jedi Order. Beyond that, we never really discover the true reasons for his self-imposed exile.

We can only assume that his perceived failure with Ben Solo devastated him so greatly that he felt exile was the only solution. Then again, that reason makes little sense. If Kylo Ren was as powerful as Luke had imagined, why would he not do whatever he could to ensure that power didn’t harm the galaxy?

Ultimately Luke’s exile would provide Rey various aspects of training and self-evaluation that she needed. Perhaps there was purpose to Luke’s exile, even if he himself could never articulate it. Maybe we’ll learn more in Star Wars: Episode IX.

So which Jedi in exile do you think had the greatest purpose in seclusion?