Are Midichlorians Still Canon in Star Wars?
Are Midichlorians Still Canon in Star Wars?
The enigmatic midichlorians continue to hold a significant place in the Star Wars universe. These microbial life-forms, introduced in The Phantom Menace, were once a source of great debate among fans, but their status within the official canon remains unaltered. This article explores the current standing of midichlorians in the Star Wars lore, drawing from recent developments and notable mentions in both films and series.
Official Stance on Midichlorians
Midichlorians are unequivocally considered canon within the Star Wars universe. As mentioned in the original films, they are the core canon from which everything else derives. Despite Disney's acquisitions and George Lucas's return to Lucasfilm, no significant changes to the official canon have been announced. Thus, the existence of midichlorians remains an integral part of the Star Wars lore.
Recent Mentions and Adaptations
Recent media related to Star Wars has continued to reference midichlorians. For instance, in The Mandalorian season 2, Doctor Pershing mentions a character’s “M-count,” a term often used as a shorthand for midichlorian count.
However, it is noteworthy that modern adaptations tend to reinterpret the Force in more mystical or spiritual terms, rather than in scientific ones. This shift was exemplified in films like The Last Jedi, where the Force was portrayed in a more ethereal manner, focusing on the mystical energies that bind the universe together.
Yoda’s Perspective and the Transcendence of the Force
Yoda, the legendary Jedi Master, provided a timeless definition of the Force, emphasizing its mystical and life-creating nature. In The Empire Strikes Back, Yoda states:
“[M]y ally is the Force and a powerful ally it is. Life creates it makes it grow. Its energy surrounds us binds us. Luminous beings are we not this crude matter. You must feel the Force flow around you. Here between you me the tree the rock yes even between the land and the ship.”
This passage underscores the idea that the Force transcends mundane scientific explanations, aligning with the original vision of George Lucas. Despite these attempts to reframe the Force, midichlorians themselves remained a point of contention for many fans.
The Legacy of Midichlorians
While midichlorians were referenced in The Phantom Menace, they are much more prominently featured in The Last Jedi. The film initially included a mention of midichlorians, leading to a significant backlash from fans. However, years later, the character of Rey’s training under the tutelage of Luke Skywalker has softening the impact. Rey’s journey to understand and control the Force is portrayed as an intuitive and mystical process rather than a scientific one.
George Lucas, when addressing midichlorians, unintentionally diminished the Force's transcendence. His explanation of midichlorians to Anakin in The Phantom Menace was perceived as taking away from the Force’s mystique. However, Lucas himself made only a single additional reference to midichlorians in the recollection of Darth Plagueis the Wise. This mention was met with cringe-worthy reactions from fans, further emphasizing their continued relevance.
Conclusion
Midichlorians undoubtedly remain a part of Star Wars canon, though their presence continues to generate significant debate. From their initial introduction in The Phantom Menace to their current status in The Mandalorian and The Last Jedi, midichlorians have left an indelible mark on the Star Wars universe. While new adaptations may choose to downplay the scientific aspects associated with midichlorians, their role in the Force remains an integral and fascinating aspect of the greater Star Wars story.