More Than Just The Skywalker Saga: The Early Jedi Religion
Image Source: WallpaperCave
In this third installment of More Than Just the Skywalker Saga, we will look at the potential for a Star Wars film or series set at the dawn of the formal Jedi religion. In the previous installments, I outlined the issues in Disney's current approach to the Star Wars IP and suggested some media around the discovery of the Force. Much of what I'm basing this mostly on much of the lore and material found in the Legends universe, incredibly well-fleshed-out lore that was previously canon but was cut off once Disney took over. So what would a series revolving around the origins of the Jedi religion look like?
In Legends, the history of the Jedi order started from the ashes of the Force Wars on Tython. After the followers of Ashla (light side) defeated the followers of Bogan (dark side), the Jedi Order was established, dedicated to bringing light to other worlds. Some early Jedi Masters held weeks-long meetings, which would have been the predecessors to the Jedi Council. These masters were also the ones that established the tenets on which the Jedi Order was based. One of these masters, Master Rajivari, attempted to have the rest of the council killed so he and his followers could pursue the dark side but was killed in the efforts.
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After leaving Tython in 25,783 BBY, the Jedi order left the Deep Core planets to explore Wild Space, where they discovered a hospitable world named Ossus. Secluded from the newly-formed Galactic Republic, the Jedi set up an academy where they devoted themselves to the light side and stayed away from the dark. They welcomed other groups that had also discovered the Force, set up the temple of Ver Tepe, and continued forging the durasteel blades imbued with the Force. However, the Jedi also worked to create what would also be the earliest iteration of the lightsaber based off of a prototype called a Forcesaber that had been brought to them in the final years on Tython. Around 25000 BBY, the Jedi had joined the Republic, who shared their goal of bringing peace to the galaxy.
While this history as it's written might not make a compelling story, the beauty of the Legends lore is that it's not canon and so it can be modified as needed, and they could set it on Ahch-To in alignment with current canon for the first temple or retcon it as required. The timeframe would need to be condensed so that leaving Tython to join the Republic took a matter of years instead of centuries. The Order could be altered slightly as well. An ideal candidate for a protagonist would be a Padawan in Master Rajivari's following, beginning with the formation of the Order as well as the decision to leave Tython.
Image Source: Wookieepedia
From there, we could follow the early tenets, and the trials are established. The Order would also be grappling with how much they want to keep their distance from the Republic, the more monastic aspects such as disavowing possessions, family, etc., and to what extent study of the dark side should be allowed even if to prepare against it. In the background, the development of lightsabers could be underway with a dive into kyber crystals and the science behind lightsabers. As the story progresses, there are more and more hints toward Master Rajivari's slow turn. As our protagonist develops from Padawan to Knight after being one of the first to pass the newly established trials, they can wrestle with their allegiance to their Master and mentor while aligning themself with the light side and ultimately against Rajivari. The culminating battle of force powers and durasteel blades can escalate to the use of the first lightsaber prototype to either give our protagonist the upper hand and defeat their former Master or to turn into the first lightsaber battle ever.
As I usually mention, I am not the one who makes these decisions, and many people writing these stories make a good deal more than me. However, it is more fear than lack of talent on Disney's part, and they are leaning too hard on familiarity rather than daring to flesh out new stories while still being supported by the familiar.
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Source(s): Wookieepedia
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