Why Does Yoda Mourn the Jedi After Order 66?

In The Phantom Menace, As Jedi Master Yoda has been training Jedi for over 800 years, he has developed deep bonds not only as a teacher but also as a personal friend. The Jedi Order is more than just a collection of warriors to Yoda; it is a family, a community of individuals who share a common purpose and destiny. Order 66, however, is a tragic turning point in the fate of the Jedi, tearing apart the very fabric of their relationships and trust.

The Bonds of the Jedi Order

The Jedi Order is characterized by a strong sense of community and brotherhood. Yoda, as one of the most experienced Jedi Masters, has a deep understanding of the emotions and bonds that hold the Jedi together. His training spanned centuries, during which he formed close friendships and mentor relationships with many Jedi. These connections were not just professional but also familial, as he saw the younger Jedi as both pupils and (to a certain extent) sons and daughters.

The Emotional Impact of Order 66

Understanding the emotional impact of Order 66 on Yoda requires delving into the mechanics of the Force. The Force is a substantial conduit for emotions, and through it, Jedi can sense the pain, fear, and distress of others. When the Empire issued Order 66 to all Jedi across the galaxy, not only did it instantly cut off the Jedi from their peers, but it also initiated a torrent of emotions that Yoda was intimately familiar with.

Consider the words of A New Hope, where Obi-Wan Kenobi recounts his experience when the Death Star destroyed Alderaan. He felt a great disturbance in the Force, as if millions of voices cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced. This haunting scene vividly illustrates the range of emotions that can be felt through the Force, from joy to despair. Yoda, who was deeply connected to the Jedi and their daily lives, would have experienced a similar wave of grief.

The only difference is the personal nature of the loss Yoda faced. While Obi-Wan felt the terror and fear of a population, Yoda felt the loss of his close companions and friends, one by one. Each Jedi, known and loved to him, faced a gruesome and swift demise. The cumulative effect of losing so many individuals close to him was overwhelming, and it is no wonder that Yoda mourns.

The Tragic Loss of Kenobi and Skywalker

Two of Yoda's closest companions in the Jedi Order were Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Anakin's turn to the dark side and subsequent betrayal left Yoda devastated. As the Chancellor, Palpatine had deceived Anakin, leading him to believe that he could serve both the Jedi and the Republic. Yoda, having known Anakin since the boy was 9 and trained him from childhood, deeply regretted his failure to turn Anakin back from the dark side.

Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin's former master, also served as a confidante and mentor to Yoda. Yoda relied on Obi-Wan's wisdom and guidance, particularly in matters of policy and strategy. The loss of both Kenobi and Skywalker fueled Yoda's grief, as he had every reason to believe that they were the pillars of the new Republic.

Conclusion: The Last of the Jedi

After Order 66, Yoda emerged as the sole survivor of the Jedi Order. The weight of his grief and the magnitude of the loss he faced led to his decision to go into hiding on the planet forest of Dagobah. Yoda's mourning is a testament to the emotional depth and personal bonds that defined the Jedi Order. It is a profound reminder of the human and individual cost of the conflict between the Jedi and the Empire.

Yoda's sorrow is palpable and deeply moving. It adds a layer of realism and vulnerability to a character that, despite his power, is still a profound figure of loss and love in the Star Wars universe. Yoda's journey is one of emotional resilience and the unbreakable bonds of friendship and family that unite even the mightiest of warriors.