What If Uncle Iroh Trained Anakin Skywalker? Let’s explore the depths of this scenario in the video.
Yoda sits peacefully atop the ruins of an ancient temple, practicing his breathing exercises until he sees a figure approaching. An old man appears from the rocks, holding a pai sho board.
General Iroh smiles and sets it down. Yoda picks up a White Lotus tile and places it down at the center of the table.
Yoda: I see you favor the White Lotus Gambit. Not many still cling to the ancient ways.
Iroh: Welcome brother, the White Lotus opens wide to those who know her secrets.
As they finish the exchange, the two friends smile and embrace. They begin playing their game, but Iroh senses something is off with Yoda and clears his throat between moves.
Iroh: Something tells me that there is more on your mind than this game.
Yoda: Troubled, I am. Though your world is at peace, much turmoil there is in the galaxy. More complicated things have become since Qui-Gon returned with this boy.
Iroh: Boy?
Yoda explains how Qui-Gon Jinn found a boy on Tatooine who he believes is the Chosen One. But he is reckless and too old to be a youngling.
If it's true, he needs to learn more than just using the Force or handling a lightsaber. Anakin requires spiritual nourishment and wisdom.
Yoda: A master, this boy needs. One thing it was when Qui-Gon was alive, but without him...
Iroh: You want me to train him.
Yoda:reminds me of zuko, he does. Ashamed I am to ask you this but troubled this galaxy is.
Iroh sits back in his chair and sighs. The Hundred Year War had just ended, and he hopes to live out his days in the Jasmine Dragon. But as he looks at the worry in his friend's eyes, he understands that Yoda would not make this request lightly.
Slowly, Iroh reaches out and grips his friend's shoulder, promising him that he will help.
Together, the two begin planning Anakin’s training. Anakin will be trained by Obi-Wan, but Iroh will be a spiritual guide for him.
This creates a healthier balance for him. Obi-Wan is stern, sarcastic, and traditional, pushing Anakin hard to surpass both him and his master. This means drilling Anakin relentlessly in both the Force and lightsaber combat.
In contrast, Iroh takes a more patient and casual approach with Anakin. While obiwan puts Anakin through physical training, they usually meditate or learn about chi and spirituality.
Iroh explains that he comes from a world with an unusual relationship with the Force where most Force-sensitive individuals harness the Living Force through the elements.
He teaches Anakin that while most people can only harness one element, learning should not be limited to one area. The same is true with using the Light and Dark Side of the Force.
Anakin: Are you saying I should harness the dark side?
Iroh: Not quite. I’m saying there is something to gain by understanding it. Your emotions will always be there, even the less pleasant ones. Only by facing them can you truly conquer them.
Iroh channels lightning and launches it across the sky to prove his point. Though he pants heavily, he appears untouched by the dark side.
Watching this, Anakin develops a deep respect for his master. In many ways, it helps validate Anakin’s feelings, allowing him to feel comfortable expressing himself, at least to Iroh. While Obi-Wan might be his older brother figure, Iroh behaves more like a surrogate father to him.
This plays an important role as Anakin's next mission is to protect Padme, an old friend. As they spend more time together, the two begin to develop feelings for each other. Although Obi-Wan remains adamant about focusing on the mission, Anakin feels comfortable enough to confide in Iroh about it.
To his surprise, the general is supportive of Anakin’s feelings.
Iroh: Perfection and power are overrated. I think you are very wise to choose happiness and love.
Anakin: Y-you really believe so?
Iroh: I am no Jedi so I am not familiar with the dogma they follow, but I do know that joy is something rare in the galaxy and one should never be shamed for pursuing it.
Anakin: But what about my duty? What about my role in bringing balance?
Iroh: Are you dedicated to this mission?
Anakin: I am.
Iroh: Then you will find a way.
Iroh: I don’t know the answer. Sometimes life is like this dark tunnel. You can’t always see the light at the end of the tunnel. But if you keep on moving, you will come to a better place.
The two of them embrace and Anakin secretly marries Padme with Iroh as a witness. Although he feels attached to Padme, his talk with Iroh resolves him to carry out his mission, and none too soon, as shortly after, the Clone Wars begin .
Although not a Jedi, Iroh still offers his help as a strategist and leader. He proves to be a brilliant general. His strategies and connections to the White Lotus helps him lead Republic armies across several worlds. When he does enter the battlefield, Iroh’s fire bending is unmatched by anyone.