Did Grogu choose Jedi?

Grogu, also known as Baby Yoda, is one of the most beloved characters from the Star Wars universe. Introduced in the Disney+ series The Mandalorian, Grogu captured the hearts of Star Wars fans with his adorable appearance and mysterious backstory. One of the biggest unanswered questions about Grogu is whether he will choose to become a Jedi and embrace the ways of the Force.

Grogu’s Background

Grogu was born around the year 41 BBY and raised at the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. He was likely trained as a Jedi youngling before the rise of the Empire and fall of the Republic. During Order 66, when the evil Emperor Palpatine ordered the clone troopers to kill all Jedi, Grogu somehow managed to survive. He went into hiding for decades, his existence unknown to all but a few.

The Mandalorian finds Grogu on the planet Arvala-7 in 9 ABY. At this point, Grogu is around 50 years old but still maintains a childlike appearance due to his slow aging process as a member of the unknown species Yoda belongs to. Grogu exhibits strength with the Force throughout the show, using it to lift objects, choke enemies, and read minds. However, his training had been incomplete, leaving his abilities unrefined and wild.

Grogu’s Bond with Din Djarin

Throughout the first two seasons of The Mandalorian, Grogu forms a close bond with the show’s protagonist, a bounty hunter known as Din Djarin or “Mando.” Though Mando’s original mission is to transport Grogu to the remnant of the Empire for nefarious reasons, Mando soon realizes Grogu’s sensitivity with the Force and becomes determined to protect him from harm.

Their relationship grows into a father-son dynamic as Mando cares for Grogu and seeks to reunite him with the Jedi. Mando’s priority becomes finding Grogu a safe home where he can develop his talents with the Force, away from those who might exploit him. This parental affection challenges Mando’s otherwise stoic and hardened outer demeanor as a battle-worn bounty hunter.

Key Moments of Their Bond

There are several key moments that define the development of their relationship:

  • When Mando risks his life to protect Grogu from a mudhorn creature and then goes back to save Grogu after initially leaving him behind.
  • When Grogu uses the Force to save Mando from a beast while Mando is unconscious and defenseless.
  • When Mando removes his helmet, breaking a sacred Mandalorian creed, in order to comfort the frightened Grogu.
  • When Grogu reaches for Mando as he’s taken away by Jedi Master Luke Skywalker, not wanting to leave his guardian’s side.

These moments demonstrate the caring connection between battle-hardened Mando and innocent Grogu, making their relationship one of the most beloved parts of the show.

Ahsoka Tano’s Guidance

In Season 2 of The Mandalorian, Mando seeks guidance from Ahsoka Tano, another popular Star Wars character who was once a Jedi Padawan. Ahsoka is able to communicate with Grogu using the Force and learn more about his past.

Ahsoka informs Mando that Grogu was raised at the Jedi Temple and received some training in the ways of the Force. However, during the dangerous era of the Empire, Grogu hid his abilities and suppressed his powers in order to survive. This explains why his Force abilities are still underdeveloped compared to other Jedi of a similar age.

Sensing the strong bond between Mando and Grogu, Ahsoka declines to train Grogu herself. She fears that Grogu’s attachment to Mando could lead him down a darker path if their bond is broken. Instead, she advises Mando to take Grogu to Tython and place him on a seeing stone so that other Jedi might sense his presence and come seeking him.

The Force Connection

When Mando takes Grogu to Tython as Ahsoka suggested, Grogu sits on the ancient seeing stone and connects with the Force. He reaches out in search of a Jedi who might sense his presence and come find him. As he uses the Force, the seeing stone begins to crack and emit energy as Grogu makes contact with a Jedi across the galaxy.

This moment represents an important step in Grogu’s development, showing his willingness and initiative to make an effort reaching out to connect with the Jedi. Grogu takes Ahsoka’s advice and puts trust in the Force to guide him towards a teacher.

Luke Skywalker’s Arrival

In the climactic season 2 finale of The Mandalorian, a mysterious hooded Jedi arrives on Moff Gideon’s cruiser in response to Grogu’s call through the Force. This Jedi engages in an epic lightsaber battle against Gideon’s Dark Troopers, effortlessly destroying the lethal droids with the power of the Force.

When the Jedi removes his hood, he is revealed to be none other than the legendary Luke Skywalker. Decades after the events of Return of the Jedi, Luke has begun seeking out Force-sensitive beings to pass on his Jedi training and rebuild the order. He has come for Grogu, sensing the child’s strong connection to the Force.

Saying Goodbye

Luke asks Mando for permission to take Grogu for training, assuring Mando that Grogu will be safe. In an emotional goodbye, Mando removes his helmet so he can look at Grogu without barriers between them one last time. Though Grogu reaches for Mando, reluctant to be separated, Mando insists this is what’s best for Grogu’s future as a Jedi.

This is a bittersweet moment between father and son. Mando is prioritizing Grogu’s wellbeing and need for Jedi training over their attachment. He encourages Grogu to go with Luke down the Jedi path, though it pains him to say farewell.

Will Grogu Complete His Training?

Now that Grogu has departed with Luke Skywalker to receive Jedi training, the question remains whether he will fully commit himself to the Jedi way of life. There are arguments on both sides for whether Grogu will complete his training or eventually return to Mando.

Arguments He Will Complete Training

  • Grogu called out to a Jedi through the seeing stone, showing he desires guidance and training.
  • He used the Force to defend Mando on several occasions, indicating his instincts to help others.
  • Luke Skywalker sees great potential in Grogu and will provide the best possible training.
  • Attaching oneself to others is forbidden by Jedi orthodoxy, so Grogu must move past his bond with Mando.

Arguments Against Completing Training

  • Grogu’s advanced age makes Jedi training more challenging than starting as a youngling.
  • Grogu has a strong attachment to Mando that may distract him during training.
  • He has already suppressed his powers for years to survive, making further suppression possible.
  • Grogu values his personal connections, as seen through his relationships with Mando, Ahsoka Tano and others.

Overall, Grogu clearly has an affinity for the light side of the Force and a high midi-chlorian count indicating his potential. However, his emotional attachments and advanced age could make dedicating himself fully to the strict Jedi path more difficult. Only time will tell where his true destiny lies.

What If Grogu Becomes a Jedi?

If Grogu commits himself to completing his Jedi training under Luke Skywalker, what might that look like for his future? Becoming a Jedi Knight would fundamentally transform Grogu’s life and abilities.

Potential Outcomes

  • Grogu could become an incredibly wise and powerful Jedi Master on par with Yoda, given his natural Force talents and centuries of life ahead.
  • He may choose a path more akin to Ahsoka Tano, walking away from the Jedi Order if he disagrees with their doctrine.
  • Grogu could help establish a new Jedi academy to train Force sensitives in Luke Skywalker’s vision for a reformed Jedi Order.
  • With his connection to Mandalorian culture through Din Djarin, he could serve as a bridge between the Mandalorians and Jedi.
  • With enough training, Grogu could eventually surpass even Luke Skywalker’s strength with the Force.

Challenges Grogu May Face

  • Suppressing emotional attachments and memories of Mando in order to fully embrace Jedi non-attachment.
  • Catching up on decades of late Jedi training to master various skills and techniques.
  • Controlling his innate impulsiveness and impatience, which a fully trained Jedi must overcome.
  • Deciding whether to follow Jedi doctrine or leave if he disagrees with traditions like forbidding attachment.
  • Living up to his potential as one of the last hopes for the Jedi Order’s survival and revival.

With discipline and commitment to the Jedi path, Grogu could go on to have an extraordinarily impactful life guided by the light side of the Force. But the road of Jedi training will be a long and difficult one for someone with Grogu’s conflicted past.

What If Grogu Leaves to Reunite with Mando?

It’s also quite possible Grogu will choose to leave his Jedi training prematurely and reunite with Mando. Luke Skywalker may sense that Grogu’s heart is not fully committed to the Jedi path. Or Grogu may grow homesick and conflicted, longing to see his adopted father again. If this happens, what might Grogu’s future look like if he departs the Jedi and returns to Mando?

Potential Outcomes

  • Grogu could use the Force abilities he learned from Luke to become an asset in Mando’s future adventures and battles.
  • He may continue training independently to control his powers better while still accompanying Mando on his travels.
  • Grogu might settle down peacefully with Mando, leaving his Jedi past behind entirely.
  • Mando could help Grogu hide from Luke Skywalker and other Jedi if they disapprove of him abandoning training.
  • Grogu may struggle with regret and second-guess his decision to leave the Jedi path.

Challenges Grogu May Face

  • His incomplete training could leave Grogu’s powers uncontrolled and dangerous.
  • Emotional turmoil from feeling he abandoned his destiny as a Jedi.
  • Threats from Jedi who refuse to accept his departure from their Order.
  • Conflict over using his powers offensively as a bounty hunter against the Jedi code.
  • Suppressing his Force abilities to stay hidden if he wants a normal life.

Leaving behind the Jedi path could lead to a simpler but more conflicted life for Grogu. He would regain the emotional connections forbidden by the Jedi but have to sacrifice reaching his full potential with the Force. Grogu may wrestle with this difficult choice for many years to come after parting ways with Luke Skywalker.

How Might Grogu’s Choices Affect the Galaxy?

As one of the only known beings able to connect with the light side of the Force in the post-Empire era, Grogu’s actions could have huge ramifications on the galaxy at large:

If Grogu Becomes a Jedi

  • He could serve as a crucial mentor and teacher for Luke Skywalker’s new Jedi Order.
  • Grogu might help unite the galaxy and resolve conflicts through the wisdom of the light side.
  • His presence could inspire hope in the Force and the return of the Jedi guardians of peace.
  • Grogu may defend the helpless and weak against the lingering remnants of the Empire.
  • As a long-lived member of Yoda’s species, he could pass down Jedi history, philosophy and teachings for generations to come.

If Grogu Leaves the Jedi

  • The new Jedi Order could falter without Grogu’s latent potential and connection to beloved Old Republic Jedi like Yoda.
  • Peace and justice in the galaxy may be compromised without enough Jedi to uphold these ideals.
  • Grogu’s inability to control his powers could be dangerous if he follows a chaotic path.
  • Luke Skywalker’s plan to rebuild the Jedi may fail if students like Grogu are swayed away.
  • The light side of the Force could dim in influence without Grogu there to pass on what he has learned.

Based on this, it’s clear Grogu represents great hope for stability and peace as he follows the light side of the Force. If corrupted, however, his powers could be turned to dangerous ends that continue cycles of violence. The moral direction Grogu takes could shape the very fate of the Force itself.

Conclusion

Grogu’s choice about completing his Jedi training and embracing his destiny with the Force will have profound implications for his own life and the entire Star Wars galaxy. His innate talent creates great potential for him to become an influential Jedi Master who passes down teachings for generations to come. But Grogu’s emotional attachments, particularly to Mando, may conflict with rigid Jedi principles and doctrine.

Ultimately, both paths represent a sacrifice for Grogu. Choosing Jedi means sacrificing personal connections and accepting a life of contemplation and service. Choosing Mando means sacrificing the chance to reach his full power and abandoning his purpose as a light side wielder. Yet there is hope that perhaps a middle path exists that allows Grogu to do good in the galaxy while still honoring the individual he has become on his unique life journey.

The beloved character of Grogu represents the future of the Force. His actions will shape not just his own destiny, but also that of the Jedi, the Republic, and civilization itself. Wherever Grogu’s path leads, one thing is certain – the Force will be with him, always.

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