Yep exactly. Filoni and Rosario have said that she represents "the best of the Jedi" (Google their Vanity Fair interview). Fans have no idea what they're talking about and think the reason why Ahsoka is special is because she is 50% dark side 50% light side. That's not true - she literally becomes an avatar of the light when she dies and is resurrected in the Clone Wars.
She started essentially as a child soldier. Being thrust into a war as a child has to be traumatizing as it is. Add to the rest, it is lucky she did not turn out like Barriss Offee.
Think it speaks more about the social circle that Ahsoka was lucky to have gained through the likes of Anakin, Rex, Padme, Obi-Wan, etc, which helped provide a sense of stability and found family for her during the bulk of the Clone War. Compared to Barriss who only had her traditionalist master Luminara who more or less passively neglected Offee’s mental needs as a student during a time of war and violence.
I think it is why it is so important that Ahsoka left the Jedi Temple. As difficult a decision as it must have been, I think leaving saved her. If Ahsoka Tano had stayed, I worry that she might have been either killed or turned to the Dark Side. Like Anakin or perhaps Barriss?
The original Star Wars story is taken straight from the Samurai movies of Japanese cinema. George Lucas himself cited the Seven Samurai as a major influence for the original Star Wars movie.
I've been watching Gen Tech for 5 years now and Alan's content is still as interesting and his delivery is still just as quirky, funny, organic, and relatable as ever. You go dude
Ahsoka's demeanor reminds me of some of Tolkiens description of elves. Frodo says at one point "go not to the elves for guidance for they will say yes and no at the same time" (paraphrased) in the akallabeth finrod explains how because elves live forever, they must live with a repercussions of their advice. Knowing that even the best advice at one time may lead to an unfortunate outcome. In the first episode of Asoka she says a line to hera about how decisions made it for the right reasons can still lead to the wrong outcome. Ahsoka has gone through many stages of her life and gained a lot of wisdom and is acting as a wise, experienced jedi. Like Alan says she is not the 15-year-old who won our hearts anymore, that was like 30 years ago. I dig it. I'm glad faloni brought in Sabine as such a major character to have someone impulsive again (so far) and I really am looking forward to seeing her and Ezra reconnect.
I had the same journey with Ahsoka, I remember being in the theater for the clones wars movie and immediately being annoyed by this kid next to my favorite badass. She is now hands down my absolute favorite character in all of Star Wars legends or cannon, and I think it’s fair to say she is by far the most well developed character in anything Star Wars on screen.
@@blacktemplarbrotherlucius1935 You may well have done... er, although I'm not sure how you managed it with Kreia. The point is that considering the movies and shows (with no EU books, comics, games, whatever) it's clear that Ahsoka's character is the most well-developed.
@@Raygo. limiting well developed character to just movies/shows and completely disregarding EU (or whatever they call it now) is selectively bias. Imo it just shows how much people simp for Ashoka, can't compare her to characters that haven't been shown in a movie or show.
I've said from the very beginning Ahsoka is a Rōnin. And If Ahsoka still acted like that rambunctious teenager AT 47 (how about that loose connection to the Forty-seven Rōnin) then people would be complaining that her character hasn't grown any.
It's called a shoto and it's a nod to a traditional Japanese fighting style where the samurai would use two swords, one much shorter than the other. The shorter blade would be used to parry and deflect incoming blows to create openings for quick slashes at fatal body parts with the long sword.
@@GenerationTech but her in the clothes of an onna bugeisha, and draw her in that black n'white Kurosawa homage style, and the difference is nonexistent.
I've often posted on many videos that Ashoka is (episode 5 turned her around) restrain in the beginning of the series. That was because she had lost so much and that was mainly in the men who at one time served her in war. They were turned on her thru no fault of their own.
@blacktemplarbrotherlucius1935 i dont understand how you could be so steadfast in that conclusion. Why do you get to decide how Ahsoka should process her trauma? How do you know she whould have moved on by now? Do you know something about ptsd or trauma others do not? I find your statement to be ridiculous, ignorant and dismissive of the psychological impact war, betrayal and survival had on her.
@@blacktemplarbrotherlucius1935For most of that time past Order 66, she had her memory of Anakin Skywalker to serve as a solid foundation for her to anchor herself to. She had a period of mourning for both Anakin and Padme at the end of the Clone Wars, and through that, spent time processing her Clone Wars trauma. By the time the Inquisitor had come after her, she was mostly emotionally recovered to the point that she was able to get back into the fight with gusto as a wiser version of her former self. The problems for her however, hit when she conclusively determined who Darth Vader was, and this forced her to look at Anakin in an entirely new light, and by proxy, herself. And this just rips the foundation of her worldview right from under her. If he could become that, then she could become that also. This would also force her to confront her warrior-centric nature as a contradiction to what she had been taught the Jedi were supposed to be, and in fact we’re trying to be again. She may very much want to have helped Luke rebuild the Jedi Order… but if he at any point explained the events aboard the Death Star to Ahsoka, she’d likely have concluded that she could teach him nothing that he actually needed to learn, and so went off to where she felt she was most useful, seeking out the enemies of the New Republic and fighting as a warrior. Her failure with Sabine Wren, and her apparent failure to save Mandalore probably further contributed to her apparent detachment we witnessed at the beginning of the season… but after some time with Anakin in TWBW, she seems to be rediscovering her former worldview, and we may see her slowly returning to the Ahsoka we saw in Rebels… and perhaps, just maybe… becoming something more.
@@blacktemplarbrotherlucius1935 My step-mother is French and went thru bombing in WWII and still can't stand hearing thunder because it reminds her of the bombs.
@@panzer00 Ashoka hasn't shown any signs of PTSD until now including Rebels where Kanan clearly showed signs of PTSD. I don't think less of those suffering from PTSD especially the men an woman that serve our nations(Australia). The point i tried to make was that her PTSD being portrayed now was late to the party since she hasn't shown signs of it in the past. In like she didn't have a problem for nearly 30yrs so why now?.
Damn, Allen. Your vids are always worth watching, but sometimes you just blow it out of the water. This should be required viewing for fans and especially those with a particular love for Ahsoka. The connections you make and the lore you introduce us to here... just wonderful, dude. Thanks.
while the connection of Ahsoka to the Ronin tradition is an obvious one; your dissertation on it was interesting and entertaining. appreciated the quick visual connection to Star Wars Visions; "The Duel" - which I consider to be one of the best pieces of Star Wars animation.
I don’t recall her directly killing any troopers during order 66. Now the fallout of releasing Maul as a distraction certainly did but that was by Mauls own doing.
That is honestly a good description of Ashoka Tano. Ronin, which means "wave" in Japanese, basically describes masterless Samurai who "wash up" at your door or village. They are considered rogues, bandits, and thugs in Japanese Culture. Not that the Samurai didn't have their bad apples as well. Neither all good, or all bad. The legend of the 47 Ronin and their acts of honor and bravery still resonate today with many still visiting the site where the 47 are buried. The "good" Ronin. Which describes Ashoka Tano, and somewhat to a point Cal Kestis as his master Jaro Tapal (no spoilers) did a heroic act for Cal. And both Ashoka and Cal like "waves" find themselves fighting for justice and peace on the shores of distant planets. Also, keep in mind, Ashoka's master IS still alive in a way. But is not suitable to help her. Both find their destinies as rogue Jedi, and are trying to master what they have been taught in a way to lead to their own inner peace. So in conclusion, not just Ashoka is a Jedi Ronin. It could be extended to Ashoka, Cal, and even Ezra Bridger. All three represent the "Jedi Ronin".
Totally cool bro, love the Yamato clip...glade to see your a fan ..made prefect sense in your cultural explanation as well...i am often struck by the differences from our own.
I could definitely see some Kenshin Himura in this. She's not Batosai the Manslayer, but she's a wandering swordsman who didn't fall to crime, is not part of her original order anymore, and still defends the innocent, that she does. It would be kind of hard to make a sakabato lightsaber, though. Now I want to go watch my first, the original Kenshin, again. The overdramatic 90's anime style is just *chef's kiss* nostalgia. I'm surprised they used the title of Daimyo in the Book of Boba Fett. I heard that, and I was like, "Wait a minute." Same with calling the shorter lightsaber a shoto blade. That one also had me quirking an eyebrow. I suppose Ahsoka could be a ronin onna-bugeisha - a warrior woman, a female samurai.
Brilliant Alan!!! Not to many would pick up on this and tie it up so neatly as you've done here! The Baylan vs Ahsoka encounter in epp 5... It reminded me of Zatoichi Meets Yojimbo circa 1970. Shintaro Katsu vs Toshiro Mifune, each one is committed, each one is deadly but which one will survive the perilous road ahead. But that's another story... Well Done!!!
Originally the Emperor was the ruler of in house politics setting disputes, laws and economics, whe the Shogun was the ruler of the military and defence. Over time the Shoguns started taking power from the Emperor since the Shogun had the armies.
Lucas wanted the great Toshiro Mifune for the role of Obi Wan, they even offered him the role of Vader, but Toshiro rejected them thinking that it could give a bad image or ridicule the figure of the samurai and Japanese culture. Ahsoka has delved much deeper into the "Japanese heritage" of Star Wars, it even seems that he is no longer content with just Yojimbo, Kagemusha (Shadow Warrior) or Zatoichi and Filoni is also beginning to flirt with Studio Ghibli.
@@MrDibara Ouch, in Spanish we sometimes use flirt as a kind of synonym for playing. Play with concepts, play with ideas. I don't know if it's the same in English. Chapters 5 and 6 have moments that remind me of Studio Ghibli, and those Miyazaki characters especially connected to nature, like Mononoke or Nausicaa... well, Ezra and Ahsoka have a lot of that.
@@angry_popeye Oh, don't get me wrong, I'm just amused at a new expression I just learned about. Please, don't take my comment as an offense. 😅 I genuinelly wouldn't be surprised if Filoni got a bit of inspiration from Studio Ghibli. A lot of the themes in their movies can easily fit like a glove in the Star Wars setting. Of course, Filoni is no Hayao Miyazaki, but I think he's been doing a pretty decent enough job incorporating that feel.
Alan, another great vid. I deeply enjoy your work. Seems like a lot of the new Star Wars series are taking a nod from Japanese Culture and media. Mandalorian has a very Lone Wolf and Cub vibe, and Book of Boba Fett kind of has some common threads with Seven Samurai.
If we argue that the Force is her true master and she's now following the actual Will of the Force without allowig politics and the dogma of the Jedi Order to stand in the way, does that really make her a Ronin? In a way, Legends had a few Jedi like her. Jedi who wandered the Outer Rim and rarely if ever made contact with the Order on Coruscant and didn't follow the orders of the High Coucil or the Senate. Fay, Jon Antilles, Niko Diath and a few others.
1:35 Yeaaah and we need Zeb to show up in Ahsoka.. Hopefully S01E08 the Season 1 finale if not on S01E07 that arrives tomorrow & wednesday. It was so so nice to see him in Mandalorian S03 ^^ [Three Years Non Stop M+ Sub & Goes On.] 🙂
@@JackFromWyoming Well, Ashoka has more development than most main females. You just got to watch the rest to understand. Compared to like Rye who's what you described from the start.
@@JackFromWyoming *"All female cast"* >ignores Baylan, Thrawn, Huyang, Carson Teva, etc< *"with zero flaws"* >ignores the screw ups and dillemas that not only Ahsoka and Sabine are facing, but ALL characters are with their own issues and goals< So basically, you didn't even watch Ahsoka at all and simply jumbled it together with the actual woke bullcrap that had come before. Sorry to burst your bubble, but Dave Filoni is cooking something FAR REMOVED from any of that crap. You would know if you had watched it, this isn't another Sequel Trilogy. *But of course, I'm sure me saying this won't change anything, since your comment already betrays how radicalized you've become on your stance.* -_- Ironically, that's not very different than the wokes and their radical enforcing of their so called "culture".
I would LOVE to see Ahsoka eventually mirror the rule of two but in a sort of "Grey "Jedi" way. She knows Luke is building the next Jedi order (regardless of what happens I don't think Ahsoka would create a separate order apart from Luke's. So if she doesn't join the Jedi again but continues to take on an Apprentice, It would be awesome to have her learn to be more of a force for good than a teacher or one to pass on her teachings to many. You can do so many stories in the future where her Rule of Two was passed down for hundreds or even thousands of years. Look at what the Sith Rule of Two did to the entire galaxy (Several Times). Now imagine what a Gery Jedi version of the Rule of Two could do.
I'm really enjoying how they've made Ahsoka into a ronin. It's definitely what I thought of her when she appeared on The Mandolorian. Baylan called her a Bokken Jedi since her formal training was incomplete.
HI ALLAN!!!!!!! This is the first time I've gotten to one of your videos when it was first released. If you like this comment or even respond it would mean the world to me. My padawan and I are currently fighting a guerilla war against a Sith-Dolphin coalition in the unknown regions, and we have very little access to holonet connection. If you could give us a shoutout, despite our remote location on the planet of Delphoria (don't tell the Dolphins we're there or it will spoil our element of surprise) it would mean a lot to us. THANK YOU! Our allegience is to the Repuplic, to Democracy. Lord Apollyon out.
I'd really summarize Ahsoka's new attitude as "Someone who's had far too many "worst day of my life"'s in her life. Zombie-worm infected friend, framed for bombing her home, having to leave the order, coming back back to the whole mandalore/order66 thing, then being on the run for years.
The inventor of Japanese dual-wielding was also a ronin, Miyamoto Musashi. He was not a killer, and would dishonor his opponents by leaving them alive after he had defeated them (and yes, that sounds insane), because he was even more zealously dedicated to Zen Buddhism than the average samurai despite being a ronin.
Allen, I've said it before, I would love to buy you lunch and share a long and random conversation. Your videos, knowledge, presentation and quips are amongst the best online. Keep up the great work.
I don't get why so many people who claim to "Know" Ahsoka's character, are upset iwth the way she was acting in the first few episodes of her show. You know she was a child thrust into war. You know she was pushed harder than any other Jedi because of who her master was and what HE had to do to earn what little respect he did have (Not including younger Jedi after him who saw him as a great Jedi Warrior during the Clone Wars) With the Jedi Order as a whole. You know her world betrayed her and accused her of wrong doings she did not commit. You know she turned her back on the Jedi. You know she wandered till she help to liberate Mandalore and her own troops turned on her and she had to kill her own (soldiers she shed blood and tears for) to survive. You know she was hunted till it finally brought her back to the fight. You know she fought Vader and learned of what her master became as he nearly stuck her down. And you all think she is supposed to be that snippy little spitfire 14-18 year old kid in the show that takes place when she is 47? That was just one small cut out of her entire life of trauma. Not many who live normal lives retain their child like natures by 47. Why can't Ahsoka be hurting and lost after everything she has been thought? Heroes who are ALWAYS Heroes and never show weakness are flat and shallow characters. It's why everyone love Luke so much. He was headstrong and made dumb choices just to save his friends and it cost him his hand and nearly his life. So why does everyone love that in Luke, Hate Ray for being a shallow "Marry Sue" character, but at the same time want and expect Ahsoka to follow the Marry Sue archetype of just being strong and wholesome and together? What is it about this show that has turned all of the haters that complained about Ray and the ST and would talk about "well written Women" being what they(Lucasfilm) needed then when a well written woman is used, completely flip the script talk as if Ahsoka is no better than Ray? It's fine to critique a character and the actors who play them, but anyone who is lumping this with the ST and especially likens Ahsoka's character to just another Ray just hates that they have to follow another "Wah-man" around just to try and enjoy THEIR version of Star Wars.
I'd say Baylan would be more of your typical Ronin than Ahsoka. Ahsoka became was redeemed from the Ronin's path when she took on a new master with the Rebellion. She left that master only though her own death (averted by the World Between Worlds), in line with the traditional Samurai code. Baylan on the other hand lives as a mercenary, quite clearly following his own code but following and attempting to follow no master, a true Ronin to the core.
Tagruta live up to 200 years old so she's a fair bit younger than she is being portrayed in live action. Despite that still love the depiction of the character.
@Valkanna.Nublet that is true but there is speculation that they could live up to 200 years if very force attuned. I'm not aware of any humans living g that long.
None of that is actually canonical. Unless it shows up in live-action, TCW, or Rebels, it's all subject to change, even if it appeared in a so-called canon novel. Hell, even stuff that appeared in animation is easily retconned. There is no lifespan given on 'Canon' part of Wookipedia (which, remember, is a fan creation, and not official), and 'Legends' actually lists 95 years as a typical lifespan. 47 is the literal midpoint.....
I really want Ashoka Tano to be the first truly grey Jedi in canon. Someone who treads the line between light and dark without being corrupted by the dark. I always loved the knights of the Fel empire. They were force users employed by a mostly morally good continuation of the empire, trained to draw from both the light and the dark. However if one of them fell fully to the dark side, they were instructed to kill them. They also had white lightsabers… just sayin…
Are you conspiring with Grand admiral Thrawn against the New republic , You both recognised Ahsoka as Ronin , if so wait for I'm stealing a Star hawk with its tractor beam cannon replaced with 3 of Onagers 2 particle beam bombardment cannons , fully automated with a Spa . I was with the rebellion but the New rep politics is shat
It will never be forgotten how the Jedi willingly placed themselves under the Republic's jurisdiction turned out to be the greatest mistake they ever done. Even before having a Sith Lord for Chancellor, the Republic has become the very thing the Jedi supposed to fight against. But yet, nobody bothered to pick up a lightsaber to free slaves and take down corrupted senators who only interested in money. Not until those like Count Dooku and Ahsoka came along.
Can't believe Grand Admiral Thrawn himself watches Generation tech, He clearly had some spare time while on Peridea.
Ahsoka like many have said prioritizes the core teachings of the jedi over tradition and procedure.
Yep exactly. Filoni and Rosario have said that she represents "the best of the Jedi" (Google their Vanity Fair interview).
Fans have no idea what they're talking about and think the reason why Ahsoka is special is because she is 50% dark side 50% light side.
That's not true - she literally becomes an avatar of the light when she dies and is resurrected in the Clone Wars.
@@matthewk4912 She carries the spirit of the Jedi Order without the trappings of dogma and bureaucracy. Except for Huyang.
@@andyb1653 Yep despite having good intentions the Jedi fell into those traps. They got too attached to a failing Republic instead of the Force.
@@matthewk4912
I don't think she's an Avatar of the light. The Daughter healed her, didn't make her a Demigod 😅
@@andyb1653
Huyang is chill though, he's cool
She started essentially as a child soldier. Being thrust into a war as a child has to be traumatizing as it is. Add to the rest, it is lucky she did not turn out like Barriss Offee.
Think it speaks more about the social circle that Ahsoka was lucky to have gained through the likes of Anakin, Rex, Padme, Obi-Wan, etc, which helped provide a sense of stability and found family for her during the bulk of the Clone War. Compared to Barriss who only had her traditionalist master Luminara who more or less passively neglected Offee’s mental needs as a student during a time of war and violence.
Exactly. @@manofmercy1500
I think it is why it is so important that Ahsoka left the Jedi Temple. As difficult a decision as it must have been, I think leaving saved her. If Ahsoka Tano had stayed, I worry that she might have been either killed or turned to the Dark Side. Like Anakin or perhaps Barriss?
That’s one way to start a video
Indeed it is
Indeed
Correct!
the best way 😂
Glorious
Never thought I would learn so much about Japanese history through Star Wars
The original Star Wars story is taken straight from the Samurai movies of Japanese cinema. George Lucas himself cited the Seven Samurai as a major influence for the original Star Wars movie.
@@jarrodbright5231that and old spaghetti Westerns which are just influenced by old Japanese samurai movies lol
spaghetti western cowboys/gunslingers are one of the most popular western archetypes in Japan because of their similarity to samurai.@@tdnavy1066
Here after the Thrawn ronin reference! Well done Generation Tech!
I've been watching Gen Tech for 5 years now and Alan's content is still as interesting and his delivery is still just as quirky, funny, organic, and relatable as ever. You go dude
Ahsoka's demeanor reminds me of some of Tolkiens description of elves. Frodo says at one point "go not to the elves for guidance for they will say yes and no at the same time" (paraphrased) in the akallabeth finrod explains how because elves live forever, they must live with a repercussions of their advice. Knowing that even the best advice at one time may lead to an unfortunate outcome.
In the first episode of Asoka she says a line to hera about how decisions made it for the right reasons can still lead to the wrong outcome.
Ahsoka has gone through many stages of her life and gained a lot of wisdom and is acting as a wise, experienced jedi. Like Alan says she is not the 15-year-old who won our hearts anymore, that was like 30 years ago.
I dig it. I'm glad faloni brought in Sabine as such a major character to have someone impulsive again (so far) and I really am looking forward to seeing her and Ezra reconnect.
I had the same journey with Ahsoka, I remember being in the theater for the clones wars movie and immediately being annoyed by this kid next to my favorite badass. She is now hands down my absolute favorite character in all of Star Wars legends or cannon, and I think it’s fair to say she is by far the most well developed character in anything Star Wars on screen.
Darth Vader, Kreia and Maul would like a word with you.
@@blacktemplarbrotherlucius1935 "the most well developed character in anything Star Wars on screen" - and even those 3 would have to agree with that.
@@Raygo. I saw all these characters on a screen.
@@blacktemplarbrotherlucius1935 You may well have done... er, although I'm not sure how you managed it with Kreia. The point is that considering the movies and shows (with no EU books, comics, games, whatever) it's clear that Ahsoka's character is the most well-developed.
@@Raygo. limiting well developed character to just movies/shows and completely disregarding EU (or whatever they call it now) is selectively bias. Imo it just shows how much people simp for Ashoka, can't compare her to characters that haven't been shown in a movie or show.
My favorite starwars youtuber. Perfectly balanced, based, and chad-pilled.
Based and Chad-pilled?
Yeah, except for the Ukraine shilling
@@schitflowsdwnhil🤡
@@schitflowsdwnhil Ukraine shilling?
@@ALLMINDmercenarysupportsystemApparently supporting Ukraine as they fight against Russian instigators is considered shilling.
@@Burning-Twilight Apparently.
I've said from the very beginning Ahsoka is a Rōnin. And If Ahsoka still acted like that rambunctious teenager AT 47 (how about that loose connection to the Forty-seven Rōnin) then people would be complaining that her character hasn't grown any.
A Jedi Ronin, fits Ahsoka to the letter.
Just coming back to this video to say not only was this spot on, but Thrawn straight up referred to her as a ronin in the season finale. Well done
Imagine this being the first Generation Tech video you’ve ever seen and seeing that first jump scare lol
It's called a shoto and it's a nod to a traditional Japanese fighting style where the samurai would use two swords, one much shorter than the other. The shorter blade would be used to parry and deflect incoming blows to create openings for quick slashes at fatal body parts with the long sword.
Alan nice job keeping those intros fresh brother ... well done 👍
I have a feeling that in the very long history of the Jedi order, she wasn't the first.
cal kestis could sort of be a ronin too, his master was killed and he went into exile and is now a wandering soldier
although with a lot less Japanese influence
And Kanan. He lost his master too.
I would argue that the 1st Sith Ronin is the guy from the very first visions short.
hehe ok he kind of looks even more like a ronin
Is that canon tho
@@aydanmull It's canon. Confirmed. By science.
@@GenerationTech but her in the clothes of an onna bugeisha, and draw her in that black n'white Kurosawa homage style, and the difference is nonexistent.
@@STARGATE9 Yes
I'm sure you just film whenever you can, but hot damn I love how your videos look when you film them at night.
Thus begins Generation Tech's japanese history arc
You just taught me a LOT about Japanese culture and I am all for it! It's crazy how much it is linked to star wars!
Love the intro! Good to see you being your true self for a change.
My partner and I thought this was one of the best video essays to date on Ahsoka and her samurai roots,
I like this channel. It takes it seriously how not to take itself seriously.
The whole time you were talking, I was having flashbacks to 'A Samurai's Tale', and the sequel, 'The Boy and the Samurai'.
Great content Alan!!
I appreciate your insights, examination of historical context, and exploration of culture in your videos. That appreciation grows with each new post.
It was evident when she first appeared in live action in The Mandalorian that she was a Ronin Samurai. It was like watching Jedi "Kill Bill."
I love this Ashoka version! She is heroic and stoic
I've often posted on many videos that Ashoka is (episode 5 turned her around) restrain in the beginning of the series. That was because she had lost so much and that was mainly in the men who at one time served her in war. They were turned on her thru no fault of their own.
Yet she showed no such restraint in Rebels. Its been 30 years since Order 66 she would have moved on since then.
@blacktemplarbrotherlucius1935 i dont understand how you could be so steadfast in that conclusion.
Why do you get to decide how Ahsoka should process her trauma? How do you know she whould have moved on by now? Do you know something about ptsd or trauma others do not?
I find your statement to be ridiculous, ignorant and dismissive of the psychological impact war, betrayal and survival had on her.
@@blacktemplarbrotherlucius1935For most of that time past Order 66, she had her memory of Anakin Skywalker to serve as a solid foundation for her to anchor herself to. She had a period of mourning for both Anakin and Padme at the end of the Clone Wars, and through that, spent time processing her Clone Wars trauma. By the time the Inquisitor had come after her, she was mostly emotionally recovered to the point that she was able to get back into the fight with gusto as a wiser version of her former self.
The problems for her however, hit when she conclusively determined who Darth Vader was, and this forced her to look at Anakin in an entirely new light, and by proxy, herself. And this just rips the foundation of her worldview right from under her. If he could become that, then she could become that also.
This would also force her to confront her warrior-centric nature as a contradiction to what she had been taught the Jedi were supposed to be, and in fact we’re trying to be again. She may very much want to have helped Luke rebuild the Jedi Order… but if he at any point explained the events aboard the Death Star to Ahsoka, she’d likely have concluded that she could teach him nothing that he actually needed to learn, and so went off to where she felt she was most useful, seeking out the enemies of the New Republic and fighting as a warrior.
Her failure with Sabine Wren, and her apparent failure to save Mandalore probably further contributed to her apparent detachment we witnessed at the beginning of the season… but after some time with Anakin in TWBW, she seems to be rediscovering her former worldview, and we may see her slowly returning to the Ahsoka we saw in Rebels… and perhaps, just maybe… becoming something more.
@@blacktemplarbrotherlucius1935 My step-mother is French and went thru bombing in WWII and still can't stand hearing thunder because it reminds her of the bombs.
@@panzer00 Ashoka hasn't shown any signs of PTSD until now including Rebels where Kanan clearly showed signs of PTSD.
I don't think less of those suffering from PTSD especially the men an woman that serve our nations(Australia).
The point i tried to make was that her PTSD being portrayed now was late to the party since she hasn't shown signs of it in the past. In like she didn't have a problem for nearly 30yrs so why now?.
I clicked prepared to say you were wrong but the intro gave me relief that this was just a comedy sketch.
Dude you forgot, ashoka's last appearance in the clone Wars was in the last season. When she has deal with order 66 and Captain Rex.
You notice after the Night sisters appeared the episodes after, in the Clone Wars, were the Mortis episodes of Season Three
Love being part of your peanut gallery. I learn so much!
I loved her character from the start of her first appearance.
I knew she would be an amazing part of the whole adventure.
I figured already. The signs were there that she fit a ronin.
Damn, Allen. Your vids are always worth watching, but sometimes you just blow it out of the water. This should be required viewing for fans and especially those with a particular love for Ahsoka. The connections you make and the lore you introduce us to here... just wonderful, dude. Thanks.
while the connection of Ahsoka to the Ronin tradition is an obvious one; your dissertation on it was interesting and entertaining.
appreciated the quick visual connection to Star Wars Visions; "The Duel" - which I consider to be one of the best pieces of Star Wars animation.
Holy crap that was so interesting thanks so much ❤
Yes this is a great concept comparison. Ashoka even after order 66 was seen on a farm helping until the boy sold there village out.
I don’t recall her directly killing any troopers during order 66. Now the fallout of releasing Maul as a distraction certainly did but that was by Mauls own doing.
I second this. Thank you for the comment.
GREAT analysis Allen! Thanks, that was fun.
3:59 I love that they used this. Not many people realize there’s a sequel to Yojimbo^^
That is honestly a good description of Ashoka Tano. Ronin, which means "wave" in Japanese, basically describes masterless Samurai who "wash up" at your door or village. They are considered rogues, bandits, and thugs in Japanese Culture. Not that the Samurai didn't have their bad apples as well. Neither all good, or all bad. The legend of the 47 Ronin and their acts of honor and bravery still resonate today with many still visiting the site where the 47 are buried. The "good" Ronin.
Which describes Ashoka Tano, and somewhat to a point Cal Kestis as his master Jaro Tapal (no spoilers) did a heroic act for Cal. And both Ashoka and Cal like "waves" find themselves fighting for justice and peace on the shores of distant planets. Also, keep in mind, Ashoka's master IS still alive in a way. But is not suitable to help her. Both find their destinies as rogue Jedi, and are trying to master what they have been taught in a way to lead to their own inner peace. So in conclusion, not just Ashoka is a Jedi Ronin. It could be extended to Ashoka, Cal, and even Ezra Bridger. All three represent the "Jedi Ronin".
Totally cool bro, love the Yamato clip...glade to see your a fan ..made prefect sense in your cultural explanation as well...i am often struck by the differences from our own.
Omg thank you! Exactly why I have loved the way Ahsoka has been thus far. Thanks Alan!
Great context for Jedi and especially Ahsoka
I could definitely see some Kenshin Himura in this. She's not Batosai the Manslayer, but she's a wandering swordsman who didn't fall to crime, is not part of her original order anymore, and still defends the innocent, that she does. It would be kind of hard to make a sakabato lightsaber, though.
Now I want to go watch my first, the original Kenshin, again. The overdramatic 90's anime style is just *chef's kiss* nostalgia.
I'm surprised they used the title of Daimyo in the Book of Boba Fett. I heard that, and I was like, "Wait a minute." Same with calling the shorter lightsaber a shoto blade. That one also had me quirking an eyebrow.
I suppose Ahsoka could be a ronin onna-bugeisha - a warrior woman, a female samurai.
Great video man! So excited for tomorrow's new episode
Brilliant Alan!!! Not to many would pick up on this and tie it up so neatly as you've done here! The Baylan vs Ahsoka encounter in epp 5... It reminded me of Zatoichi Meets Yojimbo circa 1970. Shintaro Katsu vs Toshiro Mifune, each one is committed, each one is deadly but which one will survive the perilous road ahead. But that's another story... Well Done!!!
In feudal era japan the "emperor" was nothing more than a state figure head (as is still the case today)...it was the Shogun who held the real power
Originally the Emperor was the ruler of in house politics setting disputes, laws and economics, whe the Shogun was the ruler of the military and defence.
Over time the Shoguns started taking power from the Emperor since the Shogun had the armies.
@@blacktemplarbrotherlucius1935 i said REAL power.
I'm surprised that it was the betrayal by the Council that broke her when she'd seen staggering amounts of violence that'd get to a lot of people.
Thanks Alan for connecting a Ronin to Ahsoka, I never saw the connection even though it has been right in front of me.
I cannot wait for Alan to make a video of him calling this lol.
Even Thrawn said she was a Ronin
Boba Fett had a big mouth full of attitude and we don't see peeps complaining about his stoic nature as an adult.
Alan, your analysis is enlightened. I will, from this day forward refer to Ahsoka as Ronin.
It’s really cool you have the opportunity to do all the research & thinking it takes to create content like this!
Love your view, too!
Stay Good.
🤠
I do think that the Ronin can be an honorable man/ woman, like in Ghost of Tsushima
Neat video, I have never even considered Ahsoka a Ronin 🤔
I absolutely enjoyed this video!
Thank You ❤
Lucas wanted the great Toshiro Mifune for the role of Obi Wan, they even offered him the role of Vader, but Toshiro rejected them thinking that it could give a bad image or ridicule the figure of the samurai and Japanese culture.
Ahsoka has delved much deeper into the "Japanese heritage" of Star Wars, it even seems that he is no longer content with just Yojimbo, Kagemusha (Shadow Warrior) or Zatoichi and Filoni is also beginning to flirt with Studio Ghibli.
Kagemusha blew my mind.
"Flirt with Studio Ghibli", never thought I'd hear that one before, but here we are.
@@MrDibara Ouch, in Spanish we sometimes use flirt as a kind of synonym for playing. Play with concepts, play with ideas. I don't know if it's the same in English.
Chapters 5 and 6 have moments that remind me of Studio Ghibli, and those Miyazaki characters especially connected to nature, like Mononoke or Nausicaa... well, Ezra and Ahsoka have a lot of that.
@@angry_popeye Oh, don't get me wrong, I'm just amused at a new expression I just learned about. Please, don't take my comment as an offense. 😅
I genuinelly wouldn't be surprised if Filoni got a bit of inspiration from Studio Ghibli. A lot of the themes in their movies can easily fit like a glove in the Star Wars setting.
Of course, Filoni is no Hayao Miyazaki, but I think he's been doing a pretty decent enough job incorporating that feel.
@@MrDibara Don't worry. I didn't take as an offense
You were right
Alan, another great vid. I deeply enjoy your work. Seems like a lot of the new Star Wars series are taking a nod from Japanese Culture and media. Mandalorian has a very Lone Wolf and Cub vibe, and Book of Boba Fett kind of has some common threads with Seven Samurai.
If we argue that the Force is her true master and she's now following the actual Will of the Force without allowig politics and the dogma of the Jedi Order to stand in the way, does that really make her a Ronin?
In a way, Legends had a few Jedi like her. Jedi who wandered the Outer Rim and rarely if ever made contact with the Order on Coruscant and didn't follow the orders of the High Coucil or the Senate. Fay, Jon Antilles, Niko Diath and a few others.
finally something fresh, its good to see alan actually enjoying it again for once... :+)
1:35 Yeaaah and we need Zeb to show up in Ahsoka.. Hopefully S01E08 the Season 1 finale if not on S01E07 that arrives tomorrow & wednesday. It was so so nice to see him in Mandalorian S03 ^^ [Three Years Non Stop M+ Sub & Goes On.] 🙂
Is Asage Ventris’s death Cannon? Or could she still show up in Ahsoka? She could be in Ahsoka in a flashback.
It's canon, but her lover, Master Quinlan Vos, is confirmed to have survived Order 66 and is alive in canon.
I mean they wrote in a way of Asajj Ventris returning with the Nightsister necromancy.
when did she die?
Filoni has wanted to retcon her death since the final seasons of the Clone Wars were canceled. He even suggested doing it in Resistance.
Ahsoka is one of the greatest Star Wars characters
If not the best!
@@JackFromWyoming Explain?
@@JackFromWyoming Well, Ashoka has more development than most main females. You just got to watch the rest to understand. Compared to like Rye who's what you described from the start.
@@JackFromWyoming *"All female cast"* >ignores Baylan, Thrawn, Huyang, Carson Teva, etc< *"with zero flaws"* >ignores the screw ups and dillemas that not only Ahsoka and Sabine are facing, but ALL characters are with their own issues and goals<
So basically, you didn't even watch Ahsoka at all and simply jumbled it together with the actual woke bullcrap that had come before.
Sorry to burst your bubble, but Dave Filoni is cooking something FAR REMOVED from any of that crap. You would know if you had watched it, this isn't another Sequel Trilogy. *But of course, I'm sure me saying this won't change anything, since your comment already betrays how radicalized you've become on your stance.* -_-
Ironically, that's not very different than the wokes and their radical enforcing of their so called "culture".
@@JackFromWyoming Uh, the Witches, Morgan? Don't tell me seeing those Witches didn't send a cold down your spine?
Loved the video. You have a great demeanor and are very knowledgeable on many topics. Were you a fan of the 47 Ronin movie with Keanu?
Great stuff, as always!
Quick question so when yoda says "there is another" in the Empire strikes back movie are they now saying he ment Asoka cause I was sure it was Leia.
Interesting
Just realized that the Mandalorians have a bunch of ninja inspiration with their code and focus on unconventional weapons for taking on Jedi (Samurai)
Loved the new intro❤
Dude… @0:33 you just made me think up the phrase “Bro-bi-wan-Kenobi”
Ha! I love it!
Always appreciate your dissertations
I would LOVE to see Ahsoka eventually mirror the rule of two but in a sort of "Grey "Jedi" way. She knows Luke is building the next Jedi order (regardless of what happens I don't think Ahsoka would create a separate order apart from Luke's. So if she doesn't join the Jedi again but continues to take on an Apprentice, It would be awesome to have her learn to be more of a force for good than a teacher or one to pass on her teachings to many. You can do so many stories in the future where her Rule of Two was passed down for hundreds or even thousands of years. Look at what the Sith Rule of Two did to the entire galaxy (Several Times). Now imagine what a Gery Jedi version of the Rule of Two could do.
I'm really enjoying how they've made Ahsoka into a ronin. It's definitely what I thought of her when she appeared on The Mandolorian. Baylan called her a Bokken Jedi since her formal training was incomplete.
He was referring to Ezra because he was trained in the wild. He never called Ahsoka a Bokken
Ahsoka is a ronin. Thrawn verified that. He called her a Ronin while taunting her before he escaped.
HI ALLAN!!!!!!! This is the first time I've gotten to one of your videos when it was first released. If you like this comment or even respond it would mean the world to me. My padawan and I are currently fighting a guerilla war against a Sith-Dolphin coalition in the unknown regions, and we have very little access to holonet connection. If you could give us a shoutout, despite our remote location on the planet of Delphoria (don't tell the Dolphins we're there or it will spoil our element of surprise) it would mean a lot to us. THANK YOU! Our allegience is to the Repuplic, to Democracy. Lord Apollyon out.
I wondered where Quentin Tarantino got the inspiration for fountains of blood spurting out.
I'd really summarize Ahsoka's new attitude as "Someone who's had far too many "worst day of my life"'s in her life.
Zombie-worm infected friend, framed for bombing her home, having to leave the order, coming back back to the whole mandalore/order66 thing, then being on the run for years.
Technically, wouldn’t post Return of the Jedi Luke be a Ronin too,since his masters had died?
The inventor of Japanese dual-wielding was also a ronin, Miyamoto Musashi. He was not a killer, and would dishonor his opponents by leaving them alive after he had defeated them (and yes, that sounds insane), because he was even more zealously dedicated to Zen Buddhism than the average samurai despite being a ronin.
Allen, I've said it before, I would love to buy you lunch and share a long and random conversation. Your videos, knowledge, presentation and quips are amongst the best online. Keep up the great work.
One of your best videos and I've been watching for years now
I love that you sneak in something educational into every video. Like wrapping a dog's medicine in cheese. Keep it up.
I don't get why so many people who claim to "Know" Ahsoka's character, are upset iwth the way she was acting in the first few episodes of her show. You know she was a child thrust into war. You know she was pushed harder than any other Jedi because of who her master was and what HE had to do to earn what little respect he did have (Not including younger Jedi after him who saw him as a great Jedi Warrior during the Clone Wars) With the Jedi Order as a whole. You know her world betrayed her and accused her of wrong doings she did not commit. You know she turned her back on the Jedi. You know she wandered till she help to liberate Mandalore and her own troops turned on her and she had to kill her own (soldiers she shed blood and tears for) to survive. You know she was hunted till it finally brought her back to the fight. You know she fought Vader and learned of what her master became as he nearly stuck her down.
And you all think she is supposed to be that snippy little spitfire 14-18 year old kid in the show that takes place when she is 47? That was just one small cut out of her entire life of trauma. Not many who live normal lives retain their child like natures by 47. Why can't Ahsoka be hurting and lost after everything she has been thought? Heroes who are ALWAYS Heroes and never show weakness are flat and shallow characters. It's why everyone love Luke so much. He was headstrong and made dumb choices just to save his friends and it cost him his hand and nearly his life. So why does everyone love that in Luke, Hate Ray for being a shallow "Marry Sue" character, but at the same time want and expect Ahsoka to follow the Marry Sue archetype of just being strong and wholesome and together? What is it about this show that has turned all of the haters that complained about Ray and the ST and would talk about "well written Women" being what they(Lucasfilm) needed then when a well written woman is used, completely flip the script talk as if Ahsoka is no better than Ray?
It's fine to critique a character and the actors who play them, but anyone who is lumping this with the ST and especially likens Ahsoka's character to just another Ray just hates that they have to follow another "Wah-man" around just to try and enjoy THEIR version of Star Wars.
I'd say Baylan would be more of your typical Ronin than Ahsoka. Ahsoka became was redeemed from the Ronin's path when she took on a new master with the Rebellion. She left that master only though her own death (averted by the World Between Worlds), in line with the traditional Samurai code. Baylan on the other hand lives as a mercenary, quite clearly following his own code but following and attempting to follow no master, a true Ronin to the core.
Ahsokha is the spiritual successor to qui gon jin i am so sad he died before she was even born
Knight Kerra Holt is literally a Knight Errant.
Another banger Allen thanks ... can't wait for tomorrow 😃
Tagruta live up to 200 years old so she's a fair bit younger than she is being portrayed in live action. Despite that still love the depiction of the character.
Where is your source on that? I keep seeing people say togruta live up to 200 years. I never seen that.
According to wookieepedia they have around the same lifespan as humans.
@Valkanna.Nublet that is true but there is speculation that they could live up to 200 years if very force attuned. I'm not aware of any humans living g that long.
None of that is actually canonical. Unless it shows up in live-action, TCW, or Rebels, it's all subject to change, even if it appeared in a so-called canon novel. Hell, even stuff that appeared in animation is easily retconned. There is no lifespan given on 'Canon' part of Wookipedia (which, remember, is a fan creation, and not official), and 'Legends' actually lists 95 years as a typical lifespan. 47 is the literal midpoint.....
I really want Ashoka Tano to be the first truly grey Jedi in canon. Someone who treads the line between light and dark without being corrupted by the dark. I always loved the knights of the Fel empire.
They were force users employed by a mostly morally good continuation of the empire, trained to draw from both the light and the dark. However if one of them fell fully to the dark side, they were instructed to kill them. They also had white lightsabers… just sayin…
I mean.... the thumbnail and title was enough to pull me in.
The intro is what got me to.stick around
Sith be like: "We follow the Rule of Two".
Ahsoka be like: "I follow the Rule of One".
Ahsoka : I follow The Rule of breaking it
Anakin : I am breaking Rule
Are you conspiring with Grand admiral Thrawn against the New republic , You both recognised Ahsoka as Ronin , if so wait for I'm stealing a Star hawk with its tractor beam cannon replaced with 3 of Onagers 2 particle beam bombardment cannons , fully automated with a Spa . I was with the rebellion but the New rep politics is shat
5:27 "he also really likes tube tops"
...almost spewed out my coffee
Haha lolz that 'intro' for this one 😆 👍
It will never be forgotten how the Jedi willingly placed themselves under the Republic's jurisdiction turned out to be the greatest mistake they ever done. Even before having a Sith Lord for Chancellor, the Republic has become the very thing the Jedi supposed to fight against. But yet, nobody bothered to pick up a lightsaber to free slaves and take down corrupted senators who only interested in money. Not until those like Count Dooku and Ahsoka came along.