"For over a thousand generations the Jedi Knights were the guardians of peace and justice in the Old Republic. Before the dark times. Before the Empire."
TheJedi Order, later known as theOld Jedi Order and referred to as theHoly Order of the Jedi Knights, was an ancient monastic peacekeeping organization unified by its belief and observance ofthe Force, specifically thelight side. TheJedi were the guardians of peace and justice in theGalactic Republic, and became perhaps the most well known of the various groups that relied on the Force for their power. Led by a series ofJedi Councils, the Order grew over the millennia despite facing many trials. Most often these threats were engineered by theSith, the most prominent group of Force sensitives who wielded thedark side of the Force.
During severalGreat Schisms, numerous Jedi broke away from the original Order due to differences in how they believed the Force should be wielded. The various impasses reached by the orthodox Jedi and thedefectors led to several wars, including theHundred-Year Darkness, after whichthe defectors were exiled and founded theSith Empire. The Sith were eventually found by the Republic and their discovery led to theGreat Hyperspace War, and a Sithinvasion of Coruscant. The Jedi on Coruscant, led byJedi GuardianAnavus Svag and Jedi MasterMemit Nadill, successfully defended the planet and defeated the Sith. Again and again however, the Sith would be reborn from within the ranks of the Jedi Order, and many more wars would be fought. Additionally, the ancient Sith Empire had not been as completely destroyed as the Jedi believed and over the next thousand years, it reformed and grew.
A thousand years later, after theGreat Sith War, the Sith Empire manipulated theMandalorians intoattacking the indolent Republic. The Jedi Council forbade the Order's members from participating in the following war, but two Jedi,Revan andMalak, garnered the support of many of their peers and entered the war on the side of the Republic. Prevailing after a long and bloody conflict, Revan and the Jedi who had followed him disappeared after the war's final battle. When they returned, they had turned to the dark side, and during thewar that followed most of the Jedi Order was either destroyed or seduced by Revan's teachings. During theaftermath the Order was left numbering less than one-hundred Jedi. In light of this, the remaining members of the Jedi Council officially disbanded the Order. Shortly thereafter, nearly all the remaining Jedi were consumed byDarth Nihilus when theyconvened on Katar. However, the exiled Jedi KnightMeetra Surik defeated theSith Triumvirate of Darths Nihilus, Sion, and Traya, and reformed the Order with the help of theLost Jedi.
About three hundred years after the Jedi Civil War, the ancient Sith Empire had again become strong enough to directly challenge the Jedi and the Republic for control over the galaxy. The initial onslaught of the Sith Empire saw over half of the Republic's territory fall into Sith hands, but the Republic managed to check the Sith's advance in the Mid-Rim. After a time, the Sith Empire surprised the galaxy by offering a truce, which was accepted by the Republic. However, the Sith used the lull in the war to launch asurprise attack on Coruscant. The capture of the Republic capital allowed the Sith to extort many concessions from the Republic, and the resultingTreaty of Coruscant was slanted heavily in the Empire's favor. This began theCold War, which lasted for about twelve years. Afterwards, the conflict began anew, and the Republic would eventually emerge victorious.
Centuries later, the galaxy was again engulfed in awar between the Republic and the Sith. Led byLordHoth, the Jedi were able to regroup and push back the Sith, who eventually withdrew to the planetRuusan. After seven long battles on Ruusan, the Sith weredefeated and presumed wiped out.One of them managed to survive andreorganize theSith Order. ThoughDarth Bane and theSith Lords thatfollowed in his footsteps remained hidden, they were patient. Millennia later, theyrevealed themselves, determined to have their revenge.
At the height of aseparatist crisis, the Republic was split in two and awar once again engulfed the galaxy. During the Clone Wars, the Republic's armies were once again led by the Jedi. During the war's firstbattle, nearly two hundred Jedi died before MasterYoda and aClone army arrived to assist them. After nearly three years, the course of the war swung in the Republic's favor, and total victory for the Jedi and the Republic seemed in sight. However, the war itself was simply the penultimate stroke of the SithGrand Plan, orchestrated by theSupreme Chancellor of the Republic,Palpatine, who was in fact a Sith Master. The Jedi eventually learned the truth, but could not stop the plan's execution; Palpatine turnedAnakin Skywalker to the dark side and instigated theGreat Jedi Purge. The Order was virtuallyannihilated by the Sith and betrayed by the Republic they had served for nearly all of its existence. Only a few survived theGreat Jedi Purge. However,Anakin Skywalker, with the indirect help of his son, Jedi KnightLuke Skywalker, eventuallydefeated the Sith, and Luke formed theNew Jedi Order during thetime of theNew Republic.
Many ancient and semi-legendary organizations have been proposed to be the forerunners of the Jedi Order, including theOrder of Dai Bendu,[15] theFollowers of Palawa,[12] and theChatos Academy.[15] Of all of the ancient Force traditions, though, the true origin of the Order was found on the lush planetTython in theDeep Core. The galaxy's best philosophers, priests, scientists, and warriors were brought to Tython circa36,453 BBY by mysterious, pyramidal ships calledTho Yor to discuss their discoveries involving the enigmatic and mystical energy known as the Force. These people, known asTythans, eventually came to identify as theJe'daii Order, a group of Force-sensitives determined to keep an internal balance between the light side, orAshla and the dark side, calledBogan.[8]
For millennia the Je'daii Order flourished on Tython, erecting great temples and monuments to the Force and remaining ever vigilant to the lures of both the light and the dark. Ultimately around25,793 BBY, several hundred years before the founding of theGalactic Republic,[10] a conflict arose between the followers of Ashla, who sought knowledge, and the followers of Bogan who wanted to gain power.[16] Known as theForce Wars, the conflict took a terrible toll on the planet, sending Tython out of balance and destroying the ecosystem. In the end, the followers of Bogan were defeated. The more proactive followers of Ashla formed a new organization called theJedi, leaving the planet to liberate other worlds and defend the light .[17][18][19] Among those first Jedi wereJedi MastersRajivari,Garon Jard,Cala Brin andTers Sendon, who helped formulate the tenets of the Order.[20] Rajivari and Jard were known to organize week-longs gatherings, the earliest form ofJedi Council, with many of their peers, to reflect on how to protect the Order from the dark side and to increase the Order's wisdom.[21]
During the Jedi's earliest days, one of its founders, Master Rajivari, broke away and encouraged his followers to abandon the light and look to Bogan for guidance and power. Later Rajivari tried to murder his fellow Jedi and rebuild the Order based on his ideals, but killed during the attempt. His followers barricaded themselves in the fortress of Kaleth but soon wiped out by the Order. Following their victory, the Jedi Order decided to abandon Tython, taking with them all surviving text and scriptures they could find.[6]
"You must remember that there are over a hundred thousand inhabited worlds in the Republic, and there are now only a few thousand of us.Billions of beings have never seen a Jedi. Millions have never even heard of our Order. Or of the Force. When we do appear, we can be killers, but also healers. Thank the Force for that."
The former symbol of the Jedi, before being replaced with later symbols.
Traveling between the stars, the fledgling Jedi Order fled the Deep Core in favor ofWild Space, a wide swath of the galaxy which had yet to be explored. Discovering a verdant planet much like Tython had once been, the Jedi colonized the world and named itOssus. Founding anacademy on the world, the Jedi Order remained in seclusion on Ossus, devoting their time to the study of the Ashla and warning against the evils of Bogan. Having purposely distanced themselves from the newly-formedGalactic Republic, the Jedi Order welcomed members of other Force traditions to Ossus, merging their philosophies and assimilating many other groups into their fold. Carrying over traditions from the old Je'daii Forge, the Great Temple ofVur Tepe, the Jedi continued to craftdurasteel blades as part of initiation ceremonies andimbue them with the Force.[3] While these Force-imbued blades were the primary weapon of choice, the Jedi continued to work in secret to enhance the usability of a new weapon called thelightsaber. In the Order's final years on Tython, amysterious man from beyond the system brought technology called aForcesaber to the world. Through the study of the weapon, basically advanced off-worldlaser technology, the Jedi were able to "freeze" a laser beam which could cut through durasteel.[15][8] By25,000 BBY the Jedi agreed to join the Republic, remaining isolated on Ossus but supporting the Republic's goal of galactic peace.[23]
As the Order welcomed others to Ossus, the leaders of the Jedi began to be influenced by other thinkers who had been involved in galactic affairs much longer than they had. The most prominent influence was a group ofCaamasi who preached the principles of justice laid forth byHespecia Tik'kla; these teachings would lay the framework for the Jedi Order's view of galactic justice and their role as peacekeepers. At the same time, theJedi High Council began to assert its authority over the members of the Order, limiting individuality and crafting several exclusionary regulations. Around this time aKashi Mer exile namedXendor, who showed great interest in the Bogan, gained a large following on Ossus, taking counsel from aSteel Hand of Palawa namedArden Lyn and eventually breaking from the Order to found his own academy onLettow. Members of the so calledLegions of Lettow celebrated their freedom by giving in to their emotions and passions, rejected the concepts of order and structure, and touched the power of the dark side. The outflow of students was deemed theGreat Schism. Sometime in the24,500s BBY an open war erupted between the Legions and the Jedi Order. Sources are divided on which side started the conflict, some say it was the Jedi Order who declared war against the Legions and rose an army first, others say it was Xendor, who attacked the Jedi. Xendor stroke first,landing ships on Ossus before being repelled and driven into the core. Xendor attempted to spread propaganda about the Jedi throughout the Republic as the war broke out, trying to convince the leaders that the Jedi were trying to seize power under the guise of peacekeepers. The Republic saw through Xendor's attempts to discredit the strange monks from Ossus and so began aiding the Jedi in the war effort. As conflict erupted onChandrila,Brentaal,Metellos andCoruscant itself, the war dragged on and on. Finally, Jedi MasterAwdrysta Pina managed to confront Xendor at thebattle ofColumus and slay the leader of the Legions, using a powerfulbattle meld, a practice rejected by the Legionaries, since they saw it as giving up their individuality. In the following months, the rest of the Legions of Lettow were routed and the Great Schism finally ended.[3][24][25][19]
Despite their brief allegiance with the Republic during the Great Schism, the Order was seldom thought of in the greater galaxy since their abandonment of Tython. Because of this the Order's warnings of impending war went unheeded by the Republic government until theTionese were on their doorstep. As theTionese War erupted across thePerlemian Trade Route, the Order's attempts to divide Tionese allegiances were abandoned and the Jedi withdrew again to Ossus to avoid involvement in the war. From their ancient fortress world, the Jedi contemplated the war, struggling to see how they fit into the galactic crisis at hand. After a long internal debate, the Jedi High Council declared for the Republic and entered into service ascommanders in theRepublic Army to crush the Tionese threat.[3] As the war was all but won, the Republic sterilized the planetDesevro in an event which horrified the Order. Meeting above the ruined world, the Jedi struck a deal with the Republic that, while they could not serve the government, they would establish a network ofwatchmen to protect the Perlemian from theTionese andHutts from a series offortress worlds including Ossus,Falang Minor, andHaashimut.[15] When the war with the Tionese had been resolved, the Republic decided to disband its military and rely on sector- and system-based defense fleets, earning back the trust and allegiance of the Jedi Order.[3]
In11,987 BBY RepublicSupreme ChancellorPers'lya was assassinated and replaced by ChancellorContispex I, a member of thePius Dea faith. During his reign, the fanatical Chancellor began a series ofcrusades which would come in the form of war, purges, and genocide. Officially known as the Recusal, the Jedi Order declared itself independent from the Republic in11,933 BBY and completely withdrew back to Ossus. Throughout the next millennium, the Jedi Order fought an internal struggle regarding the correct response to the insanity of theContispex dynasty and the Pius Dea rule it had established. While the majority of the Order refused to fight against the very government it had protected for millennia, some Jedi served as Knights errant, taking the fight to the cultists without the permission of the High Council. Others declared for the Pius Dea, forming a splinter group called theOrder of the Terrible Glare. It wasn't until the11,100s BBY that the Order was approached by theCaamasi and were finally convinced to end their period of isolationism and intervene. The Jedi High Council joined with theBureau of Ships and Services in seeding thecathedral ships of the Pius Dea with a crippling virus, and plotting to arrest the current Chancellor. In a stunning move, a Jedi strike team boarded ChancellorContispex XIX's flagship, theFlame of Sinthara and arrested him on war crime charges. In accordance to the terms set forth by the Jedi Order at the start of their involvement, the Jedi High Council suspended theGalactic Senate and placedGrand MasterBiel Ductavis in the position of Supreme Chancellor.[3]
A few generations later, the Jedi Order had returned to their peaceful ways on Ossus upon seeing the Republic make a full recovery from thePius Dea Era. However, in7003 BBY, the Jedi suffered aSecond Great Schism, resulting in a time known to history as theHundred-Year Darkness. The schism stemmed from the Order's reaction to a group of hereticalDark Jedi experimenting with forbiddenalchemy, twisting living beings into monstrosities. The creatures which arose were deemed abominations to the Force by the High Council and war was begun to end the practice of these dark arts. By this time the Order had managed to develop the lightsaber in a way in which it was useful in hand-to-hand combat. Used before as a siege weapon due to its massive power pack, the Order's scientists were able to create a transportable power pack which could be worn on the belt of the user. Crossing blades with the heretics, who rose an army of animalistic monsters against them, the Jedi Order finally saw the end of the conflict with the victory at thebattle ofCorbos in6900 BBY. There the Jedi Order arrested the twelve surviving Dark Jedi, led byHigh GeneralAjunta Pall, and banished them to Wild Space. Unknown to the Jedi, theseExiles would land on the planetKorriban, homeworld of theSith species, and posing as god-like beings, conquer the natives, deeming themselves theDark Lords of the Sith.[4] Shortly after settling on Korriban, a splinter group of exiles, led byRemulus Dreypa,returned to Republic space to enact vengeance, but were intercepted by a Jedi patrol. The Jedi pursued those Sith across the galaxy, until both factions crash-landed on the planetKesh. After a period of fighting, the two factions made peace and formed a new organization calledthe Doomed, striving to achieve balance between the light and the dark sides of the Force.[26] Meanwhile, the Korriban Sith would eventually move their headquarters toZiost where they would form the massiveSith Empire, an Order of dark side warriors who would dream of crushing their Jedi oppressors.[12]
"The Republic has grown and expanded for many generations, encountering no worse than a few interplanetary squabbles and civil wars…but if we should confront the fabled Sith Empire, we will experience a war so great, so devastating…it can cross the fabric of hyperspace, a conflagration spanning the Galaxy…"
In5000 BBY an attack on theKoros system by the Sith Empire introduced the Republic and the Jedi Order to the Sith and sparked the beginning of theGreat Hyperspace War. The battle began shortly after aJedi Knight namedOdan-Urr had a nightmarishvision of the death ofSith LordMarka Ragnos, and the war against the Republic that it would cause. He traveled to Coruscant withJedi MasterMemit Nadill andTeta, theempress ofKoros, to voice his concerns in front of theGalactic Senate, though they did not take him seriously, and took no action.[28] Returning to Koros, Jedi Nadill, Odan-Urr and Urr's masterOoroo were present when a young convict namedJori Daragon burst into Teta's chambers, telling the Jedi that she had seen the great Sith Empire, and that they were on their way to attack the Republic. Nadill learned as much as he could about the Sith Empire, then traveled to Coruscant to rally the support of the Jedi Knights.[29]
The newly christened Dark Lord of the Sith,Naga Sadow, deployed his fleets to invade numerous Republic worlds simultaneously while he left his eye-shapedSith Meditation Sphere nearPrimus Goluud and used Sith magic to create thousands of illusory soldiers, which made the Sith army seem far larger than it actually was. The Jedi Order played a huge role in thedefense ofCoruscant, with Memit Nadill leading a team of Jedi Knights, includingTuknatan andSonam-Ha'ar. Meanwhile, another battle was raging on the planet ofKirrek, where Jedi Master Ooroo and his apprentice Odan-Urr were stationed. However, when Naga Sadow's concentration was broken, the illusory Sith forces disappeared and the Republic's forces' morale was bolstered. On Coruscant, the Jedi realized what had happened and launched a massive counterattack, easily defeating the Sith. The Republic also emerged victorious on Kirrek, however only at the expense of the death of Master Ooroo, who sacrificed his life in defeating a large force of Massassi warriors.[29] With the Sith forces routed, Supreme ChancellorPultimo ordered the completeinvasion ofSith Space,[17][3] liberating the Sith from the Dark Lords[30] and ultimately dissolving the Empire.[3] During these events, the Jedi make significant efforts to purge the galaxy from darkness by systematically destroying the Sith texts and dangerous artifacts in order to prevent their use by power hungry dark siders.[31][24]
In4400 BBY, the ambitious PadawanFreedon Nadd was denied Knighthood by his Jedi Masters in order to test his humility. In an attempt to find out the reason of the decision, Nadd went to Jedi MasterMatta Tremayne, who in order to test his patience, ignored him, and when the angered Nadd decided to leave, told him that there are things they cannot simply teach him. When Nadd accused her of keeping secrets from him and proclaimed himself as a Jedi, Tremayne challenged him to a duel to prove to her that he was indeed a Jedi Knight. Not realizing it was another test, Nadd saw this as a threat and decided to attack and kill Tremayne, when she purposefully let her blade down. Blaming the Jedi Masters for murdering his teacher, the furious Nadd went looking for the Sith, because he felt that they were the only ones who would readily accept his apprenticeship and teach him about the Force.[31] During his travels, Nadd discovered the Sith Lord Naga Sadow who was serving out his exile onYavin 4. Awakening from his status chamber, Sadow trained Freedon Nadd in the ways of the dark side only to be killed by Nadd when his training was complete. Following Sadow's death, Nadd abandoned Yavin 4 in favor ofOnderon, located outside Republic space, with hopes of rebuilding a stronger Sith Empire. After Freedon Nadd had made himself the leader of the capital city ofIziz, the Sith Lord began to exile those who questioned him;some of whom managed to survive in the deadly jungles surrounding the city and organize into a tribe of hunter-gatherers. The world of Onderon suffered through the legacy of Nadd even after his death as a cult devoted to his memory, known as theNaddists,wreaked havoc on the people of the planet. When Jedi MasterArca Jeth attempted to move Freedon Nadd's remains to Onderon's moonDxun the Naddists, led by OnderonianKingOmmin, attacked and managed to capture Nadd's remains as well as Jeth himself. Ommin then fled to the city of Iziz. TheRepublic's army converged on the planet and attacked Iziz, but was too strong and devastated the city. After the battle, Freedon Nadd's remains were taken to Dxun and sealed in an armored tomb.[12]
In4250 BBY the Jedi experienced athird Great Schism on Coruscant following Nadd's death, when a group of Jedi fell to the dark side and waged war against the Order. After a brief civil war on Coruscant, the Jedi forced the surviving group of dark siders to retreat to theVultar system, where they discovered that the planets of the system were artificial. Intending to unleash as much destruction as possible, the Dark Jedi tried to use the machines, but could not control the hugeCosmic Turbine that powered the system and quicklyannihilated themselves and the entire system.[12][32]
"Exar was a Jedi who was corrupted by ghosts of the old Sith, or so they say. He attempted to conquer the Republic and create a new Golden Age of the Sith."
Over the generations, Ossus had continued to thrive as a Jedi fortress world, holding many treasures and knowledge in Odan-Urr's massive archives known as theGreat Jedi Library. The Jedi High Council began to take a more active role in the operations of the Order, andFour Masters oversaw the construction of a massiveTemple on Coruscant to house members of the Order responsible for working directly with Republic representatives. At the height of Ossus' heyday in3996 BBY, the talented and curious JediExar Kun, having learned about theGolden Age of the Sith, traveled from Ossus to Dxun where he found the tomb of Freedon Nadd. The spirit of Nadd corrupted Kun and the young Jedi surrendered to the dark side of the Force. After first traveling to Korriban, Kun then went toYavin's fourth moon and took over Naga Sadow's ancient fortresses, enslaving theMassassi race to further his ambitious plans. Destroying Nadd's spirit for the last time, Exar Kun staked his claim as the true heir to the ancient Sith legacy, which was thought to have been destroyed. When word of this unsettling turn of events reached the Jedi High Council, aconclave was called onDeneba to discuss the growing foothold of the Sith. During the conclave, the secret dark side society called theKrath attacked the Jedi withwar droids. Led byAleema andSatal Keto, the Krath were able to kill the legendary Master Arca Jeth, who died while saving his studentUlic Qel-Droma's life. When the Krath were repelled, the Jedi regrouped and returned to Ossus.[12]
Seeking retribution for his masters death Qel'Droma planned an unsanctioned mission to infiltrate the Krath in an attempt to destroy them from within. The Krath, suspecting he was a spy, injected him with a Sith poison and eventually Qel'Droma fell to the dark side and became a Krath general. Concurrently Sith acolyte Exar Kun traveled toCinnagar to find and destroy Ulic Qel-Droma. However, their duel was interrupted by the spirit ofMarka Ragnos, who commanded them to stop fighting each other and form an alliance, declaring themDark Lords of the Sith. United, the Dark Lords wagedwar on the Republic, luring young Jedi fromOssus and subverting them to the dark side while in a stunning move, Exar Kun raided the Great Jedi Library and stole theDark Holocron after murdering the legendary Master Odan-Urr. Elsewhere, Qel-Droma defeatedMandalore the Indomitable, the leader of theMandalorians, and with their leader defeated theMandalorian Crusaders agreed to join the Sith.[12]
Qel-Droma's Krath and Mandalorian forceslaid siege to Coruscant in an all out attack at the heart of the Republic. Jedi forces on the capital were few as their temple remained as just a small hermitage but infighting between Qel-Droma and Aleema Keto allowed for the Republic to score a victory through the capture of Qel-Droma and the retreat of his forces. In the custody of the Republic, Qel-Droma wastried before theGalactic Senate on Coruscant for war crimes. During the hearing, Dark Lord Exar Kun walked into theSenate Hall and executed theChancellor before a shocked audience and later struck down the wise MasterVodo-Siosk Baas. Freeing Qel-Droma, Kun contacted his acolytes within the Jedi Order to assassinate their former Masters in a successfuluprising which left many Jedi dead. At the culmination of their attack on the Order, the Sith Lords made the suns of theCron Cluster go supernova using Naga Sadow's Sith flagship, which they had discovered on Yavin 4; the exploding stars sent a devastating shock wave through space directly towards Ossus. Aware of their impending doom, the Jedi desperately tried to save as many of the artifacts stored on the world while a mass evacuation took place. In a stunning move, Exar Kun and Ulic Qel-Droma arrived on Ossus as the Jedi scattered in an effort to loot the Great Jedi Library. In the upper levels, MasterOod Bnar buried several priceless artifacts just before the Sith arrived. As the Sith attempted to strike him down, Bnar called on the Force to transform his body into that of a tree, a technique which came natural to theNeti. Meanwhile Qel-Droma dueled his brotherCay and killed him in his anger. When confronted with the finality of his actions, Qel-Droma's will was shattered and was then cut off from the Force by the JediNomi Sunrider. A broken shell, Qel-Droma surrendered to the Republic and was escorted off of Ossus as it was swept clean by the supernova's shock wave.[12]
With Qel-Droma in the hands of the Jedi Order, Exar Kun knew that his secret forces on Yavin 4 were in peril. To prevent his ultimate defeat, Kun committed a ritual which took the life from every Massassi on the planet to separate his spirit from his body and bind it to histemple. When Jedi forces arrived on the planet they unleashed a Force-assault on the world, trapping Kun's spirit within his temple indefinitely. With both Sith Lords defeated and theMandalorian Crusaders defeated on Onderon, the Jedi Order had finally brought an end to the Great Sith War. With many great Masters dead and the fortress world of Ossus uninhabitable, Master Nomi Sunrider called aconclave onExis Station to formally address the Order and begin the healing process. With the entire Order in attendance, Sunrider accepted the leadership role within the Order and set to rebuild the High Council.[12] Additionally, the headquarters of the Jedi was to be relocated to Coruscant, with major expansions on the existing enclave there to accommodate the entire Order. Relics and texts which had been stored at Exis Station after the destruction of Ossus would be transported to Coruscant as a newJedi Archives was compiled within the Temple.[33] In addition to her work in rebuilding the Order, Master Sunrider ordered the creation of anunderground city on the planet Yavin 4 to aide the recovery of the planet's ecology as well as to ensure that Kun's spirit never returned again.[11]
"It was not your ships or your men or your vaunted 'fight for freedom' that won this, the final battle of the war. It was by the actions of one person–the Jedi Revan–that you prevailed. His strategies and tactics defeated the best of us. Even Mandalore himself was taken aback by the ferocity of his attacks, the tenacity of his defenses, and the subtleties of his plans."
As the Order settled in on Coruscant, the renownedJedi SeerKrynda Draay saw it as her duty to prevent another war like the one that had just plagued the galaxy and taken so many lives, including that of her husband,Barrison Draay. Resigning from the Order and holing herself away within her late husband's massiveGalactic CityEstate, Draay began the lengthy process of training an army of Seers without the knowledge of the High Council. As the Order grew complacent in the eyes of Draay, the respected Master created theCovenant, a shadowy organization devoted to spotting and dealing with anyshatterpoints that could cause the Sith to emerge again. With her own son,Lucien Draay, as head of theFirst WatchCircle, Draay and her faithful retainerHaazen guided their movements onTaris as they sought a dangerous weapon of the Sith called theMuur Talisman.[5]
The events of theMandalorian Wars would begin the decline of the Jedi Order. They coincided with a vision seen by four Jedi Masters—the Consular members of the First WatchCircle of the Draay's Covenant—who saw visions of chaos in the Jedi Order and the Republic as well as signs that the responsible party could be one of their Padawans. The Masters decided to strike, but only succeeded inmurdering four of their own Padawans who were near Knighthood. Their actions also caused massive civil disorder on Taris—which later made the planet easy prey for the Mandalorians—alienated PadawanZayne Carrick from the Order, and inadvertently dissolved even their own group, being split up by the High Council and assigned to different postings aroundthe galaxy. As each of the WatchCircle members began to die through mysterious circumstance which resembled their vision of impending doom, one of their number, MasterXamar, revealed the truth of the Covenant to the High Council and confessed his crime. As the High Council moved to secure the Draay Estate, it became clear that the venerated Master Krynda Draay was no longer in command; Haazen, her retainer and secretSith Acolyte, had taken over and descended into madness. Sending members of the Covenant against the Jedi Temple and hijacking ships from theRepublic Navy, Haazen ultimately and inadvertently destroyed the estate and himself through anorbital bombardment.[5]
TheMandalorians, led byMandalore the Ultimate, began to conquer planets that were left defenseless after the Sith War. By adding the weapons and technology of their victims to their own the Mandalorians soon built a large army, and their territory grew fast. The Republic's efforts to stop the Mandalorians were ineffective, and soon Mandalore took advantage of this weakness by directly attacking Republic space. The Jedi High Council refused to help the Republic, believing that caution was necessary and unwilling to bloody their hands after their heavy losses after last war. However, during this time, the Jedi Council did not hold total control over the Jedi. Jedi Enclaves and training facilities were scattered throughout the galaxy, with many masters and mentors teaching their own versions of Jedi ideals and methodologies. Rivalries extended so far as to foster the formation of secret Jedi groups and covenants that operated independently, either on their own initiative or influenced by members of the Jedi Order and Jedi Council. Such infighting among the Jedi further disrupted the order during the Mandalorian invasions. The Council's decision set poorly with many young Jedi who, under the leadership of Jedi KnightRevan and his friendAlek, openly defied the Council and leading the Republic's forces in battle. Revan used Mandalorian tactics against his enemies: he was willing to sacrifice one planet if it meant securing victory at a more important one.[5] Under the leadership of Revan and Alek the Republic liberated many planets, and the final battle of the war was fought atMalachor V.[34][35]
During thebattle, Revan killed Mandalore in hand-to-hand combat and obliterated the remaining Mandalorian forces. The war with the Mandalorians was over. The Mandalorians had been defeated by a worthy opponent, and destroyed their armor and weapons as a sign of respect.[12] While the Republic hailed Revan and Alek, who went by the name Malak, as heroes the High Council was deeply enraged. Ordering all so calledRevanchists back to the Coruscant Temple for judgment, the High Council's summons were only respected by GeneralMeetra Surik. Appearing before the Council to await judgment, the Council stripped Surik of her titles and banished her for her role in the destruction of Malachor V. In addition, Jedi MasterKreia, Revan's former mentor, was exiled as the Council felt her 'gray' stance on the Force had led her students, most notably Revan, down the path of the dark side.[34]
"The reason the Jedi Civil War was named such was because few in the galaxy can recognize the difference between the Sith and the Jedi. To them, they are both Jedi—with different philosophies."
At the close of the Mandalorian Wars, the Jedi Revan and Malak mysteriously disappeared into theUnknown Regions, supposedly pursuing the last remnants of the Mandalorian fleet. Unknown to the Order or the High Council, the two Jedi had traced clues to the planetDromund Kaas where they discovered that theSith Empire lived on in secret and was ruled by the mysterious and incredibly powerfulSith Emperor. Driven by haste and curiosity, Raven and Malak confronted the Emperor without alerting the Republic. Unable to stop him, the Emperor corrupted the Jedi and sent them back to the Republic as the Sith LordsDarthRevan andDarth Malak. Returning to the Republic with their loyal followers in tow, the newly christened Sith Lords began to wage a second war, preying on a Republic already weakened by the Mandalorians and taking full advantage of the immense number of Jedi who were still willing to follow the pair.[6]
The Dark Lords of the Sith, Malak and Revan.
ThisJedi Civil War pitted masters against students, fathers against sons, and friends against best friends, making it one of the most emotionally powerful wars in galactic history. While the early stages of the war were indecisive, it soon became apparent thatRevan's Sith armada was growing at a steady rate, and in a short time the Republic was overwhelmed with the seemingly limitless forces of the enemy. World after world fell to Revan's vast fleets and masterful strategies. Determined not to make the same mistakes they had in the Mandalorian Wars, the High Council devised a plan to eliminate the enemy at its source: Revan. During one fateful battle a small Jedi strike team led byBastila Shan, a young Jedi Padawan with the remarkable gift ofbattle meditation, infiltrated Darth Revan's command ship to capture the Dark Lord. During the confrontation, Darth Malak, who was stationed aboard a different ship, realized that Revan could be easily defeated and that he could then assume the title of Dark Lord of the Sith, fired upon his own master's vessel in the hope of killing both Revan and the Jedi fighting him. The Jedi managed to escape with the injured Revan's body, but Malak had achieved a crucial victory, for he was now the Dark Lord of the Sith and commander of the entire Sith armada.[9]
Malak continued to wage war against the Republic, relying exclusively on brute force as opposed to subtle strategies. Following the Sith tradition, he took an apprentice of his own: former JediDarth Bandon. As the situation for the Republic and the Jedi became more desperate, they began to rely more and more on the battle meditation of Bastila Shan to gain an advantage over the ever-growing Sith Empire. Consequently, Darth Malak began to target Shan specifically, hoping to crush the Republic's last chance of standing against his armies. During one battle in orbit above the world ofTaris, Shan's vessel, theEndar Spire, was crippled beyond recovery, and the young Jedi was forced to evacuate to the planet below. As fate would have it, two other survivors eventually caught up with Shan on Taris:Carth Onasi, a decorated soldier and war hero of the Republic, and another lowly officer who Shan recently had transferred to her command. The key to the rest of the war, however, lay in the identity of this single, seemingly insignificant foot soldier.[9]
Onasi and Shan continued to gain more companions, managed to escape thedestruction of Taris, and fled toDantooine'ssecret Jedi Enclave, where their third companion was inducted into the Order and they discovered the existence of theStar Forge. The Jedi Council commissioned their small band to seek outStar Maps from various planets in order to discover the location of the Star Forge, which they believed was the key to Malak's power. During their quest, the group encountered and defeated many Sith minions, including Darth Bandon. The biggest interruption to their mission was the groups capture by one of the Sith fleet's command ships. After a frantic escape attempt, Onasi, Shan, and the new Jedi Padawan encountered Darth Malak himself. This confrontation revealed a startling truth: that Darth Revan had not been killed, but had instead been renderedcomatose by Malak's attack and saved by the Jedi, specifically Shan. The Jedi Council had inserted over his destroyed mind a new identity, that of a lowly officer who was now a Jedi Padawan. Darth Revan had been traveling with Shan and Onasi the entire time.[9]
Upon escaping Malak and realizing his true identity, Revan was determined to complete his mission and destroy his old apprentice. Eventually, he and his companions discovered the location of the Star Forge and launched an attack in collaboration with the Republic against it. Revan managed to infiltrate the giant factory, which was the source of the Sith's limitless armada, anddefeated his old apprentice Malak once and for all. Despite the victory over Malak and the apparent defeat of the Sith, the High Council and the Order in general kept Revan and his wife, Bastila Shan, at a distance. Regarded as outsiders, Revan and Shan remained outside of the walls of the Jedi Temple on Coruscant while an increasingly strained relationship with the Order wore on them. Revan, suffering from crippling Force visions, eventually left for theUnknown Regions in search of answers.[34]
First Jedi Purge and aftermath[]
The Jedi Civil War took a huge toll on the Jedi and the Republic, leaving them incredibly vulnerable to attack. In the wake of the war, the High Council called aconclave on the planetKatarr to regroup and refocus the Order. It was at this conclave thatDarth Nihilus, a member of theSith Triumvirate, attacked the world and wiped all life from the planet's surface. The attack on the conclave would see the near-destruction and death of the Order, with all but a hundred individual Jedi surviving throughout the galaxy. Immediately after, TriumvirDarth Sion committed his legions ofSith assassins to hunting down the surviving Jedi in thefirst Jedi Purge. Realizing that the threat was greater when Jedi gathered in numbers, the surviving members of the High Council disbanded the Order, with the remaining Jedi Masters going into hiding on planets across the galaxy in the hopes that this would allow them to discover the true origins of the new Sith threat without endangering everyone around them. TheJedi Temple onCoruscant was completely abandoned, and the badly damagedJedi Enclave onDantooine was left nothing but a hollow shell.[34]
A former Jedi,Meetra Surik, also known as the Jedi Exile who had been cut off from the Force and exiled by the High Council years earlier, sought out the remaining Councilors who were in hiding, in an attempt to form a group to defeat the threat of the Sith Triumvirate, who were threatening to annihilate the Jedi completely. As she traveled the galaxy in search of the hidden Jedi, Surik trained several of her companions in the ways of the Force. She foundVrook Lamar onDantooine,Zez-Kai Ell onNar Shaddaa andKavar onOnderon. The three former Councilors then met with Surik once again in the rebuiltJedi Enclave on Dantooine. They decided to once again exile her, as well as sever her completely from the Force, as they felt she was a threat to all living beings around her. As they attempted to carry out their plan, Kreia, Surik's mentor, killed them, and after revealing herself as the third Sith Lord, Darth Traya, she left Surik on Dantooine. Surik's revival corresponded with the Sith attack on the Republic, and she traveled toTelos IV to fight the Sith LordDarth Nihilus. Surik defeated Nihilus on his flagship above Telos, before traveling toMalachor V to kill Darths Traya and Sion, the two remaining Sith Lords.[34]
Jedi Order in the period between The First Jedi Purge and Great Galactic War
Eventually, the group of individuals Surik trained, known as theLost Jedi, would, as Darth Traya prophesied, come together to re-establish another Jedi Order. As the Order was slowly reformed, Surik was able to convince Masters Shan andAtris to return to Coruscant and the abandoned Jedi Temple there and slowly rebuild. Training a new generation of Jedi, Surik reestablished the High Council with the assistance of her companions from the war and the Order and the Galactic Republic began the long, slow process of rebuilding. Within time, Surik saw the Jedi Order flourish once more, but was haunted by reoccurring dreams and a beckoning from beyond known space. Leaving the Republic and the Order behind, Surik departed Coruscant to search for Master Revan and the darkness he had sought to find beyond the galactic rim.[34]
Resurgence of the Sith Empire[]
"Our time has come. For 300 years, we prepared. We grew stronger. While you rested in your cradle of power, believing your people were safe… protected. You were trusted to lead the Republic but you were deceived, as our powers over the dark side had blinded you. You assumed no force could challenge you and now… finally… we have returned."
The Republic and the Order had thought that the Sith Empire had been completely destroyed in the aftermath of the Great Hyperspace War; unknown to them a singleSith Lord managed to escape ChancellorPultimo's attack on Korriban and established himself as the newSith Emperor and continued the rule of theSith Empire in theUnknown Regions.[10] It was this Emperor who had corrupted Revan and Malak, the same Emperor who would imprison Revan for a second time after his return to Dromund Kaas following the Jedi Civil War. In3681 BBY the Sith Empire came out of hiding and attacked the Republic and the Jedi, taking both by complete surprise.[36] Unknown to the Republic, the Sith had already infiltrated several planetary governments, the Republic and the Order itself, allowing itseveralvictories.[37] As Jedi and Republic forcesfought[38] back, theMandalorians, under the leader ship ofMandalore the Lesser,[39]entered the conflict on the side of the Empire.[40] The war would eventually last 28 standard years. In3653 BBY withpeace talks commencing onAlderaan, the Sith launched asurprise attack on Coruscant, devastating the planet, killing the Chancellor and nearly destroying the Jedi Temple. With Coruscant in their hands, the Sith presented the Republic with theTreaty of Coruscant.[41] The Treaty sued for peace but was heavily biased towards the Sith, demanding that the Republic turn over several long time territories[10] and Republic forces had to withdraw from current battlefields leaving the planets defenseless to Imperial occupation. With little choice, the Republic accepted ending the Great War.[42]
The Cold War officially was only border skirmishes between rogue elements of the Republic and Sith Empire, yet all across the galaxy both sides were supporting coups, revolutions, assassinations and even all out civil war. Without the Temple on Coruscant, the Order drifted homeless for a short period before Jedi KnightSatele Shan returned from theDeep Core with coordinates to the lost planetTython. AsJedi scouts prepared the planet for recolonization, the Order dealt with the loss ofGrand MasterZym over the ruins of the Coruscant Temple and the defection of MasterDar'Nala to terrorism. As a newTemple emerged on Tython, the Jedi resettled their ancient homeworld and began to slowly rebuild. As Shan was appointed Grand Master, Jedi explored Tython forests and ruins, reconnecting with their roots and growing stronger in the Force. Elsewhere in the Republic, planets likeBalmorra andAlderaan were major battlegrounds where both sides suffered from treaty-breaking, but unofficial backing; all across the galaxy the Great Galactic War was igniting a second time.[6]
Severalnewheroesemergedinthistimeperiod; these heroes were both of the Republic and the Sith Empire, and they grew more powerful and significant over time, eventually becoming the main fighters for their respective sides, as many significant ones fell in the Cold War. Members of the Jedi Order who remained on Coruscant made up a special Jedi delegation within the Senate, while others tried to protect the ruins of the Jedi Temple and protect any of its remaining treasures. The new heroes which emerged were believed to be the ones that would lead the Republic and Sith Empire to anall-out war that would be more devastating and dangerous than any other in the past.[6]
The ravaged remains of Corellia, one of the planets attacked in the Second Great War.
The sham known as the Cold War came to an inevitable end and theGalactic War erupted on galactic scale, but was even more brutal than any other war in the past. The Jedi Order quickly mobilized to compete with the Sith Empire and various third parties, all of whom where at their peak and with many mighty heroes. Engaging each other in full-scale war once again, Sith and Republic forces clashed, while the constant specter of betrayal loomed over everyone. Yet despite the copious amounts of traitors and third parties, they did little to stop the Republic and Empire from continuing their war. The Great War saw some of the Republic and Empire's bravest and mightiest heroes emerge, and this only created more tension and alarm, adding to the chaos already generated by the Great War.[6]
The immense clash would lead to the defeat of various third parties and their leaders, such asDarth Malgus, leader of his ownrebellion, andBouris Ulgo, leader ofHouse Ulgo ofAlderaan. TheDread Masters of the Sith Empire would be freed, and the destructive nature of this new war would radiate throughout the galaxy, slowly ravaging it. After a long, drawn out conflict, the Jedi Order and the Galactic Republic proved victorious and the Sith Empire of old was finally defeated. The Jedi Order would return to Coruscant, abandoning Tython indefinitely, and rebuild the Jedi Temple slowly with financial aid from the recovering Republic. A new era of peace began, but was to be short lived.[6]
The horrors of the Old Sith Wars and the near extinction of the Jedi Order that had resulted from the conflict were remembered in the Republic for generations. Few could have guessed, however, that amuch larger conflict would soon engulf the galaxy. From within the Order's ranks Jedi MasterPhanius, one of the Order's brightest members, became entranced with the forbidden knowledge of the Sith and, defying the High Council, absconded into deep space with aSith holocron stolen from theJedi Archives. Phanius took up the long vacant title of Dark Lord of the Sith as well as a new name and identity:Darth Ruin. In the ensuing years, Ruin gathered together a large number of dark side followers and surviving Sith clans and founded theNew Sith Empire. With this army Ruin planned to bring the Republic, and the Jedi who served it, to their knees. Beginning what would be a thousand year war, Ruin's empire quickly became fractured, tearing down the Republic and the Jedi Order while ravaging itself from the inside out. The Order was plagued by ineffectual leadership throughout the conflict, constantly held back by a politically-minded High Council. To counter the poor management of Order, several Jedi left Coruscant to establish baronies and kingdoms on the Rim, protecting their subjects while demanding fealty and military service. These so-calledJedi Lords established a loose confederation under the guidance of aJedi Grand Council made up of the most powerful Lords, waging wars against the Sith Empire and killing any Sith minions who intruded on Jedi space.[3]
In1010 BBY, the High Council raised their protegeSkere Kaan to the rank of Master, dispatching him into the galaxy to cripple the Sith Empire; the High Council did this despite their knowledge of Kaan's extremist views and his belief that the Order and the Republic were responsible for the state of the galaxy. Taking with him a group of like-minded Jedi, Kaan declared himself Dark Lord and organized aBrotherhood of Darkness, issuing a warning to all surviving Sith: join the Brotherhood and bend the knee or die. Holding true to his promise of death to all who did not join the Brotherhood, the High Council sent their congratulations to Kaan for his swift work of the worst of the Sith Lords. Kaan openly mocked the Order and the thanks, declaring war on them and promising to burn their Temple to the ground. Furious at the Council ineptitude,Lord Hoth rallied the banners of those loyal to him and raised a great host called theArmy of Light. Gaining the support of the last Grand Council of the Jedi and every last lord, Hoth harried the Brotherhood alongits flank until the Army of Light had enough practice at warfare to strike at the Brotherhood's heart. Meeting the Brotherhood in open combat during a series ofcampaigns at the planetRuusan, the conflict ground on for seven fierce battles costing many lives on both sides. At the conclusion of theseventh battle, Lord Kaan—near defeat and driven insane by the power of the dark side—unleashed the horrors of thethought bomb in a cave system, engulfing every single Force-user on the world.[3]
The New Sith Wars were over. The Jedi Order had survived once again despite the deaths of nearly every member of the Army of Light on Ruusan, and the Sith were presumed wiped out to the last individual. One, however, had survived:Darth Bane. He and his successors would hide from the Republic and the Jedi, planning revenge in utter secrecy under theRule of Two..[43]
Ruusan Reformation[]
With the Sith presumed extinct, the Jedi believed that they had at last forged a long-lasting peace in the galaxy. With theRuusan Reformation passing the Senate and receiving the High Council's blessings, both the Jedi Order and the Republic renounced militarism, disbanding their vast armies and navies. From that point on, the galaxy would rely on smallerPlanetary Security Forces and theJudicial Department to help the Jedi keep the peace.[12]
The wave of change sweeping the Republic enabled forward-thinking Jedi to make vast strides in the Order' setup during the first years of peace. Under the leadership ofGrand MasterFae Coven, the Jedi High Council became more influential, and many loose rules were codified. Adults were banned from entering into the Order after Ruusan proved them to be too volatile and susceptible to the dark side's sway. They would renounce all ties to the outside world—to wealth, material possessions, and even family. Training would now be undertaken on a strict one-to-one basis and centralized on Coruscant. With the far-flung academies of the past, the temptation of delving into forbidden knowledge was considered too great for members of the order. Many far-flung, satellite training facilities were closed and the Temple on Coruscant became the heart of the Order. TheTrials of Knighthood were firmly put in place to ensure all Knights were tested on a fair and equal scale. Coven was also ensured that her changes would be known by every Jedi by drafting and putting into circulation throughout the Order personal copies ofThe Jedi Path: A Manual for Students of the Force, a guidebook given to each and every member of the Order.[1]
Along with Master Coven's quest to set the Order on a firm footing,Caretaker of First KnowledgeRestelly Quist and the other members of theCouncil of First Knowledge were determined to completely eradicate all memory of the Sith to ensure they never returned. DispatchingShadows to find and locate all Sith artifacts, relics, and even history books detailing past Jedi-Sith conflicts; the Order essentially erased all memory of the Sith in under five decades.[1]
The Sith return[]
"At last we will reveal ourselves to the Jedi. At last we will have revenge."
Over the ensuing millennium, the Jedi Order enjoyed a Golden Age in which training flourished and the Galactic Republic enjoyed peace. Following the disaster onAlmas involving fallen PadawanKibh Jeen, the Order was made aware that a Sith had survived Ruusan and a new Rule of Two had been established. Believing the Sith to be a minor threat, it wasn't until the machinations ofDarth Tenebrous and his apprenticeDarth Plagueis in theFobosi District circa53 BBY, that the Jedi Order felt thedark side of the Force onCoruscant for the first time in nearly one thousand years.[45]
In32 BBY, the presence of the Sith once again became clear by the Jedi. The Sith LordDarth Sidious had secretly contacted members of theTrade Federation, includingNute Gunray andDaultay Dofine, and saw to it that Gunray was madeViceroy of the Federation by using a specialbattle droid, in conjunction with the Federation Ruling Council's battle droids, to kill the members of the Ruling Council. Along with a series of other devious plots, Sidious was responsible for manipulating Gunray to show the Republic that they could not bully him with trade embargoes byblockading the remote planet ofNaboo. The Supreme Chancellor dispatched MasterQui-Gon Jinn and hisapprentice,Obi-Wan Kenobi, to negotiate a Trade Federation withdrawal.[44]
However, theNeimoidians attempted tomurder the Jedi, and so the pair was forced to hide on an invasion craft which carried them down to the planet. There Jinn met and rescued aGungan by the name ofJar Jar Binks. Binks led Jinn and Kenobi to the Gungan city ofOtoh Gunga. TheGungan High Council, while rather difficult at first, at last allowed Jedi to take abongo to the capital city of Naboo,Theed. There the Jedi rescuedQueenPadmé Amidala from a droid escort. The group then fled toTatooine, where they repaired the Queen's ship, and from there toCoruscant. When Amidala realized that the Senate could not solve her problem, she returned to Naboo. There, with the help of theGungan Grand Army and a young boy namedAnakin Skywalker, the Queen and her Jedi protectors defeated the Federation'sDroid Army; however, in a climactic lightsaber duel between Jinn, Kenobi, and Sidious's apprentice,Darth Maul, Jinn was killed. Stung by his master's death, Kenobi threw himself at theSith, seemingly killing him. After Darth Maul was defeated, the Jedi knew that there was still at least one member of the Sith active, but they were unaware of the identity of Sidious.[44]
In22 BBY, Jedi KnightObi-Wan Kenobi, his PadawanAnakin Skywalker andPadmé Amidala, a youngSenator fromNaboo, were captured by Dooku onGeonosis in theOuter Rim. The trio were scheduled for execution; however, they were saved when agroup of over two hundred Jedi arrived, led byMace Windu. In thePetranaki arena most of the Jedi perished, and the few remaining formed a circle in the center of the arena, surrounded by hundreds of Confederacy droids. However, before they could be killed,Grand MasterYoda arrived with thousands ofclone troopers,[46] who had secretly been ordered by Jedi MasterSifo-Dyas.[47] The clones rescued the remaining Jedi, and so theFirst Battle of Geonosis, and thus theClone Wars, began. The Jedi attempted to stop Count Dooku from leaving Geonosis. Obi-Wan Kenobi was injured in a duel with Dooku, and Kenobi's apprentice, Anakin Skywalker, lost his arm. Master Yoda led the clones and the Jedi to victory, and when the battle was all but won he traveled to meet Dooku. After a short duel with Dooku, Yoda was forced to let the Separatist leader escape in order to save Kenobi and Skywalker. Of the hundreds of Jedi in the rescue team, less than fifty survived the opening salvo of the war.[46]
The Clone Wars escalated into one of the largest wars in galactic history in a matter of weeks. The members of the Jedi Order played a pivotal part in the war, acting asgenerals to the vastGrand Army of the Republic; an act which troubled the Order and caused the deaths of thousands of Jedi during the war.[12] This change created other shifts within the Jedi Order as well. While some viewed the Clone Wars as opportunity to help save the Republic from destruction, others saw their involvement in the war as a perversion of their basic beliefs. Some members splintered away to from their own groups that maintained their ideals without compromise. Still others felt that the Jedi Order approached the war from wrong direction, leading them to create their own factions that fought the war as they saw fit.[48] TheJedi Schism also threatened the unity of the Order, as some Jedi did not want to fight.[12] Those Jedi who accepted their new responsibilities faced considerable challenges. Some struggled with the ethical implications of leading clone soldiers bred for war, while others witnessed Padawans and younger Jedi Knights grappling with impatience and strong emotions, burning with a desire for revenge against the Separatists and their leaders.[3] To combat the Force abilities of the Jedi, Dooku enlisted the help of several Dark Jedi, as well asGen'Dai bounty hunterDurge. Dooku had manyForce-using subordinates, though the most feared of them wereSora Bulq,[49]Aurra Sing,[50]Asajj Ventress, as well asQuinlan Vos, who served as a double-agent.[51]
Four months after Geonosis, the Jedi Order faced their biggest threat in the war against the Confederacy: General Grievous. OnHypori, Grievous was revealed to the Republic and the Order as a killing machine, slaying several Jedi and wounding several other high ranking members of the Order.[52] OnJabiim, the Jedi suffered heavy losses, and although they managed to evacuate the planet, all except one of thePadawan Pack, a group of Padawans orphaned when their Masters either were killed or disappeared, perished. The sole survivor was Anakin Skywalker, who was slowly becoming more famous.[53]
Towards the end of the war, the Separatists retreated from many of their bases in theCore Worlds and theColonies, toFortress worlds in theMid and Outer Rim, after being defeated by the Republic in a series of battles. This boosted the morale of the Republic, and Chancellor Palpatine and the Jedi deployed almost every fleet available to CIS worlds in the Outer Rim, laying siege to the Separatist strongholds in an attempt to force the Confederacy to surrender; however, the Sieges left many senior Jedi dead.[12] OnBoz Pity, the Order lost several members but were able to remove Asajj Ventress from the war while[54] Sora Bulq and hisMorgukai Shadow Army were defeated onSaleucami.[55] The citizens of the Core were led to believe that the end of the war was near, and that the Confederacy would be brought to justice in the near future. In truth, the Sieges were the work of Darth Sidious, intended to lure forces away from Coruscant[47]
The Battle of Coruscant.
In19 BBY, with most of the Republic's army and the Jedi fighting in theOuter Rim Sieges, the Separatist fleet, led by Grievous and Dooku, launched a week-long siege against Coruscant.[12] Thousands ofVulture droids andDroid tri-fighters rained down on the capital, and ConfederacyC-9979 landing craft unleashed hundreds of millions of battle droids and tank droids on the capital's streets, causing much damage to lives and property. In response, the Republic deployed its clone forces against the CIS droids. With the battle raging on in space, Grievous and hisIG-100 MagnaGuards kidnapped the Supreme Chancellor, after defeating several Jedi and wounding Council memberShaak Ti. Grievous then transported Palpatine to his flagship, theInvisible Hand. Several Jedi piloting starfighters attempted to intercept Grievous on his way to the flagship, but they failed. After realizing that they had been lured away from Coruscant, Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi returned fromTythe to join in the attempt to rescue Palpatine, who was being held aboard Grievous' flagship, theInvisible Hand.[47] Although Dooku injured Kenobi, Skywalker disarmed him, and at the Chancellor's command, the young Jedi Knight ruthlessly beheaded the Dark Lord, and released Palpatine, dealing a tremendous blow to the Confederacy.[7]
"In the name of the Galactic Senate of the Republic, you're under arrest, Chancellor." "Are you threatening me, Master Jedi?" "The Senate will decide your fate." "Iam the Senate!" "Not yet." "It's treason then."
After thebattle over Coruscant concluded, the Jedi learned from Anakin Skywalker that Palpatine was in fact Darth Sidious, the Dark Lord of the Sith, and had been responsible for the war to begin with.Mace Windu led a group of Jedi Mastersto arrest Sidious, but Sidious managed to kill all four Masters with the help of Anakin Skywalker, who fell to the dark side and becameDarth Vader. This was later propagandized by Palpatine as an attempted coup by the Jedi and provided the reason for the start of theGreat Jedi Purge in which most of the Jedi were killed.[7]
Just afterOrder 66 was issued, telling all clones to kill their Jedi commanders, Darth Vader went to theJedi Temple tokill the remaining Jedi situated there. Accompanied by the501st Legion, Vader killed all of the Jedi, including the younglings, and changed the signal given off by the Temple's emergencybeacon to tell Jedi to return to the Temple. Then, Sidious sent Vader toMustafar towipe out the last of the Confederacy's leaders, then ordered him to send a deactivation signal to shut down the droid forces, ending the war. Order 66 was successful in wiping out 99% of the entire Order and wiping out the High Council, officially concluding the Order's position as the dominant Force tradition in the galaxy and destroying nearly all of their temples and academies across the galaxy.[7]
In a final attempt to save the Republic and the Jedi Order from complete extinction, Jedi Masters Yoda and Obi-Wan Kenobi, two of the most notable survivors of Order 66, embarked on a desperate mission to destroy the Sith. Master Kenobiwent to fight Darth Vader on Mustafar while Yodawent after Darth Sidious within the bowels of theSenate building (the latter of whom had justdeclared himselfEmperor of theGalactic Empire). Vader was defeated, losing much of his organic limbs after suffering grievous lightsaber injuries, necessitating the majority of Vader's body being kept in amobile life-support system to keep him alive. The battle between Yoda and Sidious ended in a stalemate: Yoda was forced to flee with Sidious keeping his life. With Grand Master Yoda and Master Kenobi going into exile, Darth Sidious saw the Sith rise to galactic dominance again.[7]
Jedi Beyghor Sahdett flees the battlefront after defeating a squad of clone troopers.
Despite the fact that many of the most senior Jedi had been killed, many Jedi survived Order 66. Sidious, now the Emperor of the galaxy, used Darth Vader and theInquisitorius to hunt down and kill the remaining Jedi. Some Jedi decided to fight the Empire, such asRoan Shryne[56] and those at theConclave on Kessel.[57] Some hid, like Obi-Wan Kenobi and Grand Master Yoda.[7] Many Jedi fell to Vader,[57][56]Inquisitors,[58]Emperor's Hands,[59] and evenbounty hunters who were bent on ending the Order's grip on the galaxy.[60] Sidious, in his guise as Palpatine, used the rumors of what had occurred at MasterShadday Potkin's failedconclave on the planetKessel to cement the image of Vader as a symbol of the Empire to fear, and a further warning to all who stood in his way.[57] The official report regarding the events on Kessel prepared bySate Pestage stated that a large group of Jedi had attempted to kill Vader but descended into madness and killed each other in a power struggle while the others were executed for numerous crimes.[61]
Despite the great loss of life, the former Grand Master had set in motion a plan, a final hope for the Order. Unknown to the Sith, Anakin Skywalker had fathered two extremely powerful children. His son,Luke Skywalker, was trained in the Force by Master Kenobi and Grand Master Yoda, eventually sending him to defeat the Sith. In a climatic battle, Skywalkerdefeated his father and the Emperor over theSanctuary Moon ofEndor, and brought an end to Darth Bane's line of Sith. In the decades following the Sith defeat, Skywalker would begin the slow rebuilding process as he gathered together the last remnants of the Order's membership and artifacts. Training a new generation of Jedi, Skywalker'sOrder materialized, struggling to gain a foothold in a galaxy rife with war and violence.[12]
During theForce Wars, the first Jedi formed a central political entity called theJedi High Council.[6] The High Council was a gathering of great minds that acted as a governing body for the Order, eventually serving as an advisory board for theOffice of the Supreme Chancellor following the Order's joining the Republic.[1] The High Council was made up of twelve members at a time, a tradition established as early as the Great Hyperspace War.[68]
Membership on the Jedi High Council was decided by the standing Council and was made up of a series of different terms. Consisting of five lifetime members, four members who stayed on the Council until they chose to step down, and three short term members, who changed regularly and sat on the Council for a relatively short period of time, this method kept the voices and opinions of the Council fresh and focused.[68] While membership was usually restricted toJedi Masters, exemptions were sometimes made; allowing a Knight to sit on the Council should certain insight be needed or if they are in the transitional stage before formal elevation. A notable example was Anakin Skywalker, who was appointed by Supreme Chancellor Palpatine in19 BBY during theClone Wars. While the Council accepted the appointment, they refused to make him a Master.[7]
The Jedi High Council in 22 BBY.
For several generations, the Order was overseen by three additional Councils that oversaw various responsibilities within the Order. TheCouncil of First Knowledge oversaw theJedi academy housed within the Coruscant Temple, in addition to direct oversight of satellite training academies and libraries. The members of the Council of First Knowledge were looked upon for advice in situations needing to be contrasted with the past. Jedi on this Council were sometimes former members of the High Council, and could give a different perspective on current events based on past decisions and mistakes.[15][69][1] Instead of advising the Supreme Chancellor, theCouncil of Reconciliation worked closely with theRepublic Diplomatic Corps in order to assist in the acquisition of new member worlds in the Senate. AssigningJedi Diplomats andAmbassadors to implement treaties and welcome new people into the Republic, the Reconciliation Council's members worked very closely with the Senators on Coruscant.[70][1] Finally, theCouncil of Reassignment oversaw theJedi Service Corps and the placement of individuals who failed theJedi Trials or were deemed unfit to continue along the standard path of the Jedi Knights.[71][15][1]
The decisions of these four Councils have shaped the progress of the Republic as well as the Order. When the High Council of the era refused to enter theMandalorian Wars and took a more passive stance on the issue until they could assess it, a group of disenchanted Jedi known as theRevanchists rose up and incited theJedi Civil War nearly wiping out the Order.[9] When the Order had managed to recover, the Council took a slightly more aggressive stance, culminating in theNew Sith Wars where they actively ruled the Republic as a quasi-military dictatorship. The First Knowledge Council took the time following theRuusan Reformation to purge all references to the Sith from the minds of the galactic populace, ensuring that within a few years of the war, the darksiders' legacy was all but forgotten. A millennia later during the Clone Wars, the twilight years of the Galactic Republic, the Jedi acted as generals, soldiers and military advisers in the conflict before being nearly destroyed once again, by the newly resurgent Sith menace.[7]
Jedi Initiate (orYoungling or "Jedi Hopeful") – The youngest members of the Order, theseForce-sensitive child were given the rank of Initiate when they began their communal training in clans.Jedi seekers search worlds throughout the galaxy for force sensitive children where blood testing was required upon discovery, Initiates were either in few cases taken from their families or were mostly found orphaned and brought to a Jedi academy for formal training.[1]
Jedi Padawan – After being selected for individual tutelage under a single Jedi Knight or Jedi Master, Initiates were given the title of Padawan; a word derived from theJe'daii Order. Eligible for this rank following the successful completion of theInitiate Trials, Padawans were typically taken at adolescence and completed their training away from the academy. Per tradition, Padawans of a hair-growing species would wear a long braid of hair behind their ear; non-haired Padawans were encouraged to wear a type of jewelry, a tattoo, or other body modification. A Jedi Knight or Jedi Master could have only one apprentice at a time. The Padawan had to be promoted to the rank of Jedi Knight before another apprentice could be chosen, a practice that was formalized following theGreat Sith War. While in place, the policy could be revoked should the Order see a decline in number, and necessity forces the apprenticeship of several students to a single master. Following several unsuccessful attempts at the Initiate Trials or if a student is not chosen by a Master, the Council of Reconciliation would place the student within theJedi Service Corps. Depending on where the student's talents lay, this might be theAgricultural Corps, theMedical Corps, theEducational Corps or theExploration Corps. If this role did not suit a particular student, they could choose to leave the Order entirely.[1]
Jedi Knight – Following a period of nearly a decade of one-on-one training with a master, a disciplined Padawan was eligible to attempt theJedi Trials. Upon successfully completing all tests put forth, a Padawan's braid was severed by the High Council and their life as a Knight began. No longer attached to a master, Knights were free to accept missions from the Council, pursue specialized training on one of the three branches of Knighthood, or take their own Padawan.[1]
Jedi Master – A Knight who showed great understanding of the Force and managed to instruct a Padawan and train them successfully to the level of a Jedi Knight was elevated to the rank of Master by the High Council. Self-declaration of the title was frowned upon and rare practice in the latter days of the Order, but not uncommon during war times or periods of disbandment. Amongst the Order's Masters, only a select few were appointed to one of the Jedi Councils. Made up exclusively of wise, experienced Masters, the Councils of the Order had different levels of membership, ensuring fresh perspectives were expressed as new events occurred. The High Council was made up of 12 masters, five of them holding life terms, four holding long-terms, and three holding short-terms. The elected leader of the Council was known as theMaster of the Order and was often bestowed upon the actingGrand Master; the recognized leader of the entire Order.[1]
Jedi Service Corps[]
TheJedi Service Corps was a group of organizations overseen by theCouncil of Reconciliation that was maintained as an alternative or a supplement to traditional mission assignments from the High Council. While the majority of the Corps was indeed made up of Initiates who had failed to pass theJedi Initiate Trials, there were many Padawans, Knights, and Masters whose specializations brought them to the Corps.[1]
Agricultural Corps TheAgricultural Corps was the largest of these organizations. Members of the AgriCorps would use theirForce powers to care for crops all over the galaxy, aiding in the feeding of several million citizens of the Republic. Working with theRepublic Agricultural Administration, the AgriCorps spread the idea that the Living Force can overcome the horrors of drought and famine. Made up mostly of life-long members that had failed their trials, the AgriCorps had bases onSalliche,Taanab, andUkio.[1]
Medical Corps In theMedical Corps, young Jedi learners who were not chosen as Padawans used their healing powers to tend for sick beings in the galaxy. Unlike the AgriCorps, the MedCorps maintained only a few dozen students and their instructors at any given time. Maintaining an infirmary in theHalls of Healing on Coruscant, MedCorps members worked alongside theGalactic City Medical Center's doctors and specialists as they helped treat citizens of the planet-city.[1]
Educational Corps ThisEducational Corps consisted of students who were still in training. Overseen by theChief Librarian, the EduCorps members stationed at the Temple on Coruscant cataloged and translated data within the Archives.[1]
Exploration Corps TheExploration Corps was responsible for exploring theUnknown Regions as well as the study the history of the Jedi andthe galaxy. With refueling centers on nearly every Republic Ordnance or Regional Depots, the galaxy was their territory for exploration. Working closely with theRepublic Survey Corps and theIntergalactic Zoological Society, the ExplorCorps had the highest number of Knights and Masters working in its ranks.[1]
Jedi sub-sects[]
The Jedi Order during its history has often been confronted with schisms regarding the interpretation of the Jedi Code, which sometimes created new thinking minority within the Order. These currents for the most marginalized and ostracized were sometimes tolerated, despite the fear of the return of the Sith and the Dark Side.
Altisian JediFounded by the Jedi MasterDjinn Altis, the Altisian faction held several precepts frowned upon by the orthodox Jedi Order, including the taking of multiple apprentices by one master, initiating adult Padawans, and allowing families. Leaving the Jedi Temple during the last decades of the Temple, Altis and his followers moved about the galaxy serving as relief workers on underdeveloped worlds and backwaters.
Corellian JediFaithful to the reputation of rebels of their people, Corellian Jedi were strongly attached to their natal star system and unwilling to respect the rules of emotional detachment of the Order. So a waiver was granted to them, allowing them to remain in the Corellian system, to raise families and take their own children as Padawans. They soon developed their own cultural identity within the Jedi Order, with traditional green robes, commemorative medals and famous dynasties like theHalcyon family.
A Shard Iron Knight with his lightsaber.
PaladinsFounded by the Jedi MasterTeepo during theNew Sith Wars, theTeepo Paladins and later theGray Paladins acknowledged that a Jedi could be no more independent of the Force than of nourishment or air; nevertheless, they had developed skills and techniques that did not utilize the Force's "flashier" aspects. They didn't eschew the use of lightsabers completely, they simply believed that a Jedi should use which ever weapon he or she felt the most comfortable with, but many chose instead to rely on proficiency with blasters and other forms of combat, both armed, and unarmed. They became Masters in various forms of martial arts likeTeräs Käsi, as well as esoteric weaponry such asspinsticks, rather than rely on Force-augmented gymnastics and speed. Teepo and his followers were ostracized as potential darksiders. Though not a formal part of the Order, some still maintained residence at the Jedi Temple.
Iron KnightsFounded by the Jedi MasterAqinos, they were Force-sensitive crystallineShards trained as Jedi, who required droid bodies as their hosts to interact with the world. The Jedi Council, however, was horrified that Aqinos had taught inorganic crystals about the Force, and felt that they could not truly understand the Force. Aqinos was excommunicated, and the Iron Knights went with him.
PotentiumFounded by the Jedi MasterLeor Hal, the Potentium claimed that there was no inherent evil in viewing the Force. They claimed that what others called the light side was actually just the Force itself, which is inherently good. What others therefore called the dark side was a perversion of the Force, twisted by those who used it. Believers of Potentium said that the potential for light and dark sides resided in the user, not the Force itself. And since there was no dark side, there were no dark side actions or Force techniques; in effect any action, good or evil, could be performed without risk as long as the intent was not evil. The followers of Potentium were expelled from the Jedi Order and some of the outcast followers colonizedZonama Sekot.
Funding[]
During the modern era of the Galactic Republic, the Jedi Order received its funding from the Republic Senate. In exchange, the Jedi offered their services to the Supreme Chancellor and other Republic institutions. This financial support covered the needs of the Order, including the maintenance of the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, operational staff, basic provisions for the Jedi themselves, and a modest fleet of vehicles and starships reserved for their use, along with other incidental expenses.[15]
Jedi assigned to missions were provided with funds tailored to the expected scope of their assignment. While the Temple handled its resources with care, it was not overly restrictive. A Jedi Knight might receive a reasonable amount of credits deemed sufficient for the mission. Padawans, however, were not entrusted with funds directly; any necessities they required were managed by their Masters, who distributed resources as needed.[15]
Because the Order emphasized modesty and discipline, Jedi were expected to limit their expenses—favoring public transportation, simple meals, and minimal lodgings. On Republic-aligned worlds, Jedi could often rely on cooperation from local authorities. However, when operating covertly or in regions beyond Republic jurisdiction, they were often required to adapt and rely on improvisation.[15]
Any unused funds, along with any credits obtained during a mission, were expected to be returned to the Temple. In many cases, Jedi found that they required little financial support while in the field, trusting instead that the Force would provide what was truly necessary.[15]
Members of the Jedi Order, from Jedi Masters to Padawans, were encouraged to follow a set of guidelines, including self-discipline, responsibility, and public service. These principles were put simply yet effectively in the Jedi Code:[72]
"Jedi are the guardians of peace in the galaxy.
Jedi use their powers to defend and protect, never to attack others.
Jedi respect all life, in any form.
Jedi serve others rather than ruling over them, for the good of the galaxy.
Jedi seek to improve themselves through knowledge and training."
The Code was not necessarily a strict set of rules, but a general set of guidelines that Jedi were encouraged to keep in mind as they went about the business of the Order. Numerous Jedi teachings interpreted and expounded on the Code in subsequent millennia. These rules, created and embraced by the Jedi Masters, were essential tools in a Jedi's growth. In them, Jedi were encouraged to overcome personal obstacles such as pride and materialism, to understand their small yet important place in the galaxy, and to give every being and point of view equal consideration.[15]
Public perception[]
For much of Republic history, the Jedi commanded a great deal of respect among the Senate and the populace. Though they often shouldered the blame for ancient struggles and galactic-scale wars with the Sith, centuries of duty to the Republic built them a reputation for fairness and loyalty. As the Republic descended into corruption and division in its last decades, the Jedi struggled to maintain the ideals the Republic's own leadership disregarded or twisted to their own profit.[35]
While this high regard made it easy for Jedi to work within the Republic, that popularity created its own problems. During theGreat Peace of the Republic, a period marked by relative stability and minimal open conflict, the Jedi were idealized by the public. Legendary tales and holographic entertainments often depicted them as flawless champions—swift, strong, and wise beyond measure. These stories, which frequently began with the greatest heroes of the Order and expanded upon their feats, created nearly impossible standards for Jedi to live up to. As a result, Jedi of this era found themselves burdened by the weight of myth. Disappointed supporters and disillusioned followers became regular hazards for those whose real-world actions could not match the legend.[15]
In the past, when the Jedi began taking active roles in government during theNew Sith Wars, their public image began to tarnish. Despite their noble intentions, the public never fully trusted them.[19]
Following the Ruusan Reformations, the Jedi Order’s policy of recruiting Force-sensitive children at a very young age remained a cornerstone of its continuity. While this practice was sanctioned under the laws of the Galactic Republic, some Masters argued that the presence of the Force within a child could be interpreted as a natural willingness to undertake Jedi training; however, it was not without controversy.[18]
For many families, having a child chosen by the Jedi was considered a profound honor, representing both prestige and the opportunity for the child to serve the galaxy. Others, however, found the separation deeply difficult, and some regarded it with resentment. Jedi teachings required initiates to cultivate detachment from personal attachments, including familial bonds. Critics sometimes described the process as coercive, and accusations of kidnapping occasionally circulated, particularly in sensationalizedHolonet coverage.[18]
Within the Order,Recruiters were acknowledged as performing an essential but often thankless duty, balancing the preservation of Jedi traditions with the emotional complexities of their mission. Nonetheless, limited public outreach and the fact that some Jedi Recruiters, such asMoreit Ch'ghally, recognized they did not always do enough to burnish the Order’s reputation, contributed to negative sentiment and misunderstandings. Jedi were advised not to engage in arguments in such situations, but instead to set examples of selflessness and service.[18]
The average citizen never met a Jedi. Many learned of the Jedi through school and history, or inevitably heard of their exploits in the news; however, Jedi numbers were too few compared to the vastness of the Republic and its billions of beings to be particularly visible. Further, the Jedi tended to seclude themselves in their temples and training centers, away from public view. Most citizens simply had no personal connection to, or experience with, a Jedi, and understood the Force even less.[35]
Individual perceptions of the Jedi Order, ranging from positive to negative, often varied depending on personal experience or the Order's established practices and policies. One negative example wasLorn Pavan, a former clerk at the Jedi Temple, who agreed to let his son,Jax Pavan, be trained as a Jedi. However, due to the Order's strict policy of non-attachment, he was dismissed, which caused him to grow resentful toward the Order and feel that the decision was unjust.[74]
Beyond the borders of the Republic, the Jedi face suspicion and distrust. Some believe their legends to be nothing more than Republic propaganda, while others see them as spies and agents of the Republic itself. In these areas, the Jedi are greeted with hostility as often as with praise.[15]
The Clone Wars brought the Jedi to the daily public news, as they took command of clone military units and battled the Separatists. Jedi Masters commanded entire armies during the conflict, and the public viewed them as powerful and the wisest of the Order. The worlds they saved regarded them as heroes. The Separatists saw them as one more problem with the Republic. Jedi commanders became a hated enemy of Separatist forces. The public saw Jedi exploits daily—the good and the bad—but the Jedi still stood apart and aloof from most.[35]
Chancellor Palpatine manipulated Jedi missions during the war, sometimes setting them up for failure or exposing less honorable Jedi actions in the process. As the Jedi changed from peacekeepers to warriors over the years, they lost some of their luster in the public eye. Palpatine's master stroke manipulated the Jedi attempt to arrest and expose him as a Sith Lord into the appearance of an attempted coup, and he used it as the final justification for declaring himself Emperor. Close Jedi allies were shocked by the accusation and watched, unable to stop Palpatine from achieving his long-suspected goals—total power and control over the galaxy.[35]
The public, however, was more than willing to believe his tales. Scenes of clone troopers willingly firing on their own Jedi commanders convinced many that Palpatine's accusations must be true.[35]
During theImperial Era, in the Outer Rim Territories, the Jedi were remembered as tragic figures, caught in the same currents of greed and apathy that had come to characterize the final years of the Republic. Among those who recalled the Jedi at the height of their influence, their memory evoked a sense of a bygone era.[15]
Decades of Imperial rule and relentless propaganda vilified the Jedi Order, branding them as traitors and enemies of peace. For many citizens born after the fall of the Republic, the Jedi were distant myths—figures of suspicion rather than heroes. The Empire worked hard to erase their legacy, purging public records and discouraging even belief in the Force. On some worlds, knowledge of the Jedi and the Force faded almost entirely.
Loyal Imperial citizens were encouraged to denounce suspected Jedi and Force users, contributing to an atmosphere of fear and distrust. Jedi exploits were rewritten or mocked, further turning the public against them.[35]
Yet not all were convinced. Older individuals who remembered the Clone Wars or the Jedi Order firsthand often noticed clear discrepancies in the Empire’s narrative. In some, this bred doubt toward Imperial rule; in others, it sparked quiet resistance.[35]
Pockets of belief endured. Dissidents, anti-Imperial activists, and underground movements sought to preserve the truth. Stories of Jedi heroism were whispered in secret, especially among those who suffered under Imperial oppression. Many hoped that some Jedi had survived—and that one day, they would return to challenge the Empire and restore justice.[35]
Relations with the Galactic Republic[]
Throughout its history, the Jedi Order alternated between maintaining independence from the Republic’s political structures and becoming closely tied to them. Originating as protectors against dangers beyond the galactic frontier, the Jedi dedicated themselves to safeguarding civilization—and for all its flaws, the Republic stood for millennia as its chief representative. From their earliest days, the Jedi resisted assuming authority over others, believing such control could lead toward the dark side. They preferred to act as guardians and observers rather than as rulers, commanders, or power-brokers.[3]
Over the centuries, the Republic occasionally descended into corruption or was steered by leaders who exploited its institutions for personal gain. At other times it faced grave outside threats, most prominently the Sith, whose influence rose and fell across the ages. In such moments, when the stability of civilization seemed at risk, the Jedi were compelled to decide whether direct involvement in the Republic’s affairs was necessary.[3]
At several points in galactic history, the Order chose to intervene. They acted to prevent the destruction of the Tionese, secretly conspired to bring down the Pius Dea regime, and in the turbulent centuries before Ruusan even assumed the office of Supreme Chancellor while administering large portions of Republic space. After each episode, the Jedi relinquished the authority they had taken on, returning to their role as protectors rather than governors. In the later centuries, as the Republic weakened and the Separatist movement grew, the Order again faced debate over whether greater involvement in political and military affairs was necessary.[3]
Jedi Order relations with other Force traditions[]
In addition to the Jedi and Sith, numerous species and cultures across the galaxy developed their own unique Force traditions. These traditions were often deeply rooted in local customs, philosophies, or spiritual beliefs, and operated independently of the Jedi Order.[35]
The Jedi generally pursued diplomatic relations with such groups and occasionally sought to bring them into alignment with Jedi teachings. However, many preferred to remain autonomous. As long as these traditions did not engage in dark side practices or threaten galactic stability, the Jedi typically adopted a policy of cautious non-interference, allowing them to follow their own path.[35]
Most of these groups had relatively few Force-sensitive individuals, and even fewer who could rival a fully trained Jedi Knight or Master. Nonetheless, the Jedi maintained occasional contact and monitored them—sometimes through conventional means, other times through farseeing—stepping in if signs of danger emerged.[35]
Examples include dark side groups such as theSorcerers of Tund, whom the Order observed closely. In more serious cases, the Jedi were prepared to take direct action, as they did against theEmber of Vahl, a cult they deemed dangerous due to its dark and destructive tendencies—and which the Jedi ultimately decimated.[18][75]
Locations[]
"Don't the Jedi have this reputation for, well, austerity?" "They like you to think that, yes! But have big honking Temple on Coruscant! Not come cheap!"
From a historical context, theCoruscantJedi Temple was the Order's last great headquarters, serving as its governmental center and home to the largest activeJedi academy in the galaxy and the greatJedi Archives. In addition to the Coruscant Temple, the Order had been headquartered on Ossus for the greatest number of years before the planet's devastation during theGreat Sith War, and only briefly on the Order's homeworld Tython, both at the Order's conception and during theCold War. In addition to the main academy the Jedi Order had outposts on many worlds and operated mobile academies throughout its history.
Coruscant[]
"This was our tower of guard: our fortress watch upon the dark. This was the Jedi Temple."
TheJedi Temple onCoruscant was the main Jedi headquarters from the end of theGreat Sith War in3996 BBY until the beginning of theGreat Jedi Purge in19 BBY. Despite its impressive appearance, the Jedi Temple was a relatively modern building in comparison to some of Coruscant's others—the temple was built on a plot of land which had been awarded to the Jedi Order by the Senate afterNaga Sadow's attemptedinvasion of the capital in5000 BBY. The Senate hoped that having such a large Jedi presence on the capital would leave the planet less susceptible to invasions. From this site, the fourJedi Councils took care of the administrative, strategic, and spiritual needs of the Jedi Order, ensuring that it met the needs of theRepublic and its vast multitudes of citizens.[15]
When the land was awarded to the Order by the Senate, the Jedi were at first reluctant to build a citadel there—they held the belief that the Order was not a military organization, and that a military-oriented building would be a contradiction to their code. Instead of taking the Senate's proposition, the Council authorized the construction of a meditative and training center instead, some of which helped preserve the rapidly diminishing nature of Coruscant. Eventually, the original meditative and training center grew vastly in size and complexity, until it began to resemble the sprawling world on which it was located.[15] New chambers within the Jedi Temple included theRoom of a Thousand Fountains, which contained a huge greenhouse, flowing waters and cascades. Also included in the expansive temple werelightsaber training areas as well as areas which provided views of vast holographic star maps.[78]
The Jedi Temple had five spires; one for each of its four Councils, and a larger spire which contained the sacred manuscripts of the founding Jedi.[78] The Jedi High Council chambers were located in the southwest tower, while theCouncil of Reconciliation chambers were located in the southeast tower. The northeast and northwest towers were occupied by theCouncil of Reassignment and theCouncil of First Knowledge.[15] While the Temple was sacked many times throughout the Order long history, the facility was last abandoned by the Old Jedi Order followingOperation: Knightfall. As part of the execution ofOrder 66,Darth Vader led the501st Legion into theJedi Temple, intent on destroying the Jedi. Although the Jedi Temple was not destroyed, it was badly damaged, with smoke billowing out for all to see.[7] The structure proved to be the most virulent of all Jedi temples, as it would continue to be the Order's home followingLuke Skywalker's rebuilding of theOrder. Therebuilt Temple would serve as home to the Order on an off for several generations until finally being occupied by theOne Sith at the end of theSith–Imperial War.
Ossus[]
The Great Jedi Library on Ossus
The greatfortress world ofOssus was the home of the Jedi for the longest, continuous time span; beginning with the Jedi migration from Tython circa25,000 BBY until the world's ruination during theGreat Sith War. The crown jewel of the Jedi-controlled planet was theGreat Jedi Library, an immense library for Jedi students constructed under the direction ofOdan-Urr around5000 BBY. The library was a repository for knowledge of all kinds, while the world served as a training center for many Jedi students. The vast amounts of information the library contained were sorted in various different ways, depending on age and importance. Most of the data was contained on reader tapes and holographic media, although some of the more ancient knowledge was stored on traditional paper scrolls and books. Although the ancient books and scrolls were eventually translated onto electronic forms, theChamber of Antiquities preserved the ancient writing for historical purposes.[15]
The library also held knowledge forbidden to the Jedi, such as ancientSith holocrons, which Odan-Urr had decided to keep. TheDraethos Jedi Master's reasoning was that all knowledge—even knowledge of evil—would be useful in the defense of justice. Only those who had been approved by the Jedi Council, as well as Odan-Urr (as theKeeper of Antiquities), were allowed access to theseholocrons, and even then they were only permitted to do so under strict supervision. During the height of theGreat Sith War in3996 BBY, fallen JediExar Kun visited Ossus to recruit new members to his cause. While there, he entered the Chamber of Antiquities, slaying Odan-Urr to get to one of the Sith holocrons. Afterwards, Ossus became a battlefield for the Jedi/Republic army, which eventually defeated the Sith Empire. Meanwhile, a supernova was threatening to devastate the planet. After Ossus had been evacuated, Exar Kun and his apprentice,Ulic Qel-Droma, arrived at the Great Jedi Library, looking to plunder the remaining artifacts before the supernova's shockwave destroyed them. However,NetiJedi MasterOod Bnar managed to foil the twodarksiders, metamorphosing into a powerful tree; he sacrificed his life to protect a vault oflightsabers from Kun and his apprentice.[15]
Dantooine[]
TheJedi Enclave onDantooine was a secret Jedi training center located onDantooine prior to theJedi Civil War. The Enclave consisted of several levels, the first of which included a council chamber, sparring rooms, and dormitories,[9] while the sublevel consisted of common rooms, classrooms, and a medical bay, as well as an archive room only accessible by Jedi Masters.[34] The Enclave was built upon a courtyard, which led out into Dantooine'splains. At the center of the building was a circular open-air room, with several trees at the center of a walkway.[9]
The Jedi Enclave during the Jedi Civil War.
TheDantooine Jedi Enclave Council held its meetings in a small council chamber, similar to the one on Coruscant and had jurisdiction over the Jedi in the part of the Outer Rim that included Dantooine and Taris.[79] Around the time of theJedi Civil War, the Council was responsible for healing Darth Revan's destroyed mind and inserting a new identity into his brain, and after thedestruction of Taris, retraining him in the ways of the Jedi. The Council was dissolved after Darth Malak's bombardment of the Jedi Enclave during the Jedi Civil War, which left the Enclave as ruins which would be abandoned and reoccupied over the next few centuries.[34]
Tython[]
The birthplace of the Jedi Order, Tython was devastated at the close of theForce Wars and swiftly abandoned by a Jedi Order which wanted nothing to do with a growing Galactic Republic. Tython would not be revisited for many long millennium as the Order grew on Ossus and later Coruscant. Forgotten by many, it wasn't until theCold War that JediSatele Shan repaved thehyperlanes to the lost world and established a newTemple there. As the Jedi Order relocated form Coruscant to their lush new home, Tython's mysteries were explored in depth by eager youngPadawans and curiousJedi archaeologists. Despite an enormous recolonization effort by the Jedi during the Cold War, Tython was eventually abandoned once more and left an ash-covered waste.[6]
Behind the scenes[]
The Jedi Order originated in the rough draft as theGalactic Emperor's bodyguard.[68] They became affiliated with theRepublica Galactica in the second draft.[80] Later, when composing background information for licensees in1977,George Lucas described the Jedi Order as being "several hundred thousand" strong before the Purge.[81]
For the word "Jedi," Lucas took inspiration from theJapanese term "Jidaigeki," which refers to a drama set set during theEdo period of Japanese history, whensamurai were still in activity.[72]
↑KNIGHTS of the OLD REPUBLIC #5 -- All this over a dream!? byJohn Jackson Miller onDark HorseMessage Boards (June 3,2006):"The satellite council on Dantooine has a degree of local jurisdiction over affairs in the part of the Outer Rim where Taris can be found. This is their backyard, so to speak. Further, it's been established that the Padawans started on Dantooine before being assigned to the Taris satellite academy -- another reason for a particular interest in events."(original site is defunct)
Main article:Old Sith Wars
