Why Ahsoka Tano is the Greatest Star Wars Character of All

It’s 2008. I am sitting in the movie theater waiting for The Clone Wars movie to start, excited as I can be. A 7 year old kid, who grew up on the prequel trilogy of Star Wars, waiting to see the fully animated feature length film set in that era.

The film begins, action starts, and out walks from a republic dropship, her.

A young, orange Togruta, with short headtails to show she is still in the beginning of her journey. Little did I know it was only the beginning of mine, as well with this character. My fondness for Ahsoka had begun.

Ahsoka’s Origins

As far as canon goes, Ahsoka was born on the planet of Shili, and was discovered here by Jedi Master Plo Koon while he was on a mission to the planet. Brought back to Coruscant and given a new home at the Jedi Temple, she was assigned to the Clawmouse Clan of young Padawans and trained from then on.

Making her debut in Star Wars she was assigned to be the trainee of the young and great Jedi Knight, Anakin Skywalker. (Without notice)

From here on, she would learn and grow from Anakin, being shown to trust only in the force, even if that meant having to go against what the Jedi code said. This, would eventually be her catalyst, and as well as the downfall of the Jedi Order.

Appearances in Star Wars Media

Since her debut in 2008. Ahsoka has made countless appearances in Star Wars media.

This includes:

• Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Film)
• Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Series)
• Star Wars: Rebels
• Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker *Voice Only
• The Mandalorian Season 2
• The Book of Boba Fett
• Ahsoka (Book)
• Upcoming Ahsoka Series

Voiced my the absolutely excellent Ashley Eckstein, and played in live-action by the popular fancast of Rosario Dawson, any form of media you decide to enjoy with Ahsoka in it is to be a pleasure.

The Importance of Ahsoka’s Characterization

I could argue that Ahsoka was as much a part of Anakin’s journey as much as Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon’s were. Other than Anakin Skywalker himself, I do not think I have seen a greater character arc in Star Wars.

Ahsoka saw early on just as Anakin did, the flaws and hypocrisy of the Jedi Order. An order that denied the ability to attachment, no matter how positive it could be for the individual. An order that acted as soldiers and generals in a war, an order that took a side in a civil war where there were no sides.

They were no longer peacekeepers, they were tools of the government, and Ahsoka saw this. The broken ways of the Jedi Order, blinded by the dark-side and blind to the fact the Sith were returning.

This all came to a climax, when Ahsoka was framed for a terrorist attack and was banished by the Jedi order immediately without any investigation. It came out that it was actually the Padawan of Luminara Unduli, Bariss Offee.

The order tried to explain and offered Ahsoka a chance to come back, but it was too far gone. The hypocrisy of how they banished and treated her, with no apology. She was no longer a Jedi, and that was the best thing that could’ve happened to her.

“I’m no Jedi”

Little do most people know, Ahsoka was a very key player in igniting the rebel movement against the empire. Using the codename “Fulcrum”, she helped every early sect of the rebellion coordinate and communicate clearly.

Jumpstarting her adventure in Rebels and continuing it in The Mandalorian Season 2 and soon the Ahsoka Series, it is clear Ahsoka is not a jedi.

Wielding white lightsabers, she follows her own rules and trusts only in the force and the morality of good people left in the galaxy. She picks no sides, she protects those who need it, and fights evil wherever it shall be.

With a deeper connection to the force than before, she also helped Luke Skywalker start his New Jedi Order. From here on, we have no idea where her story goes, but it will be going somewhere soon.

Best Ahsoka Moments

If you want a quick list of episodes to check out that show who Ahsoka truly is, enjoy these in no particular ranking or order:

• Cloak of Darkness (The Clone Wars S1E9)
• The Clone Wars Movie
• Assassin (The Clone Wars S3E7)
• Lightsaber Lost (The Clone Wars S2E11)
• The Mortis Trilogy (The Clone Wars S3E15-17)
• The Wrong Jedi (The Clone Wars S5E20)
• The Siege of Mandalore (The Clone Wars S7E9-12)
• Star Wars: Ahsoka
• Twilight of the Apprentice (Rebels S2E21-22)
• Family Reunion and Farewell (Rebels S4E15-16)

And this is just to name a few. Highlights are definitely The Siege of Mandalore and The Twilight of the Apprentice.

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