Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Ahsoka episode 3
While Luke Skywalker learned and passed on one of Yoda’s most important lessons in the Star Wars timeline, Anakin did not which means the jury’s still out regarding Ahsoka now that she’s become a master herself. As seen in Ahsoka thus far, the titular former Jedi (played by Rosario Dawson) has reunited with Sabine Wren (Natasha Lui Bordizzo), having agreed to resume the Mandalorian warrior’s training to become Jedi. However, Ahsoka’s initial training techniques could be indicative of her own training under Anakin Skywalker.
In Ahsoka episode 3, Tano resumes Sabine’s training while the duo is en route to prevent the return of Imperial leader Grand Admiral Thrawn. To that end, it’s important to note the specific focus Ahsoka puts on Wren’s training, especially in relation to how she was trained by Anakin Skywalker. It’s also interesting to compare it to Luke Skywalker’s training of Grogu and later Rey in Star Wars’ sequel trilogy, forming the key question as to whether Ahaoka ever learned one of Yoda’s greatest lessons.
Ahsoka’s Training Mirrors Anakin’s Approach – Lightsabers First
Despite having significant weapons training as a Mandalorian and even some basic lightsaber training from Jedi survivor Kanan Jarrus in Star Wars Rebels, Sabine is quite rusty in Ahsoka. Having been out of practice for quite some time after Ahsoka walked away from Sabine’s training, lightsaber combat is a key focus Ahsoka chooses to start with now that they’ve reunited. This is likely due to the dire circumstances and a desire from Tano to ensure that Wren will be able to protect herself during the imminent dangers to come.
This is also very similar to Ahsoka’s own Jedi training during the chaos of the Clone Wars. Becoming Anakin Skywalker’s Padawan during the Battle of Christophsis, Ahsoka’s path to becoming a Jedi always had the backdrop of war. As such, a key focus in Anakin’s training of Ahsoka was for her to become incredibly efficient with lightsabers and having all that she needed to protect herself regardless of the constant danger. A focus on lightsaber techniques was undoubtedly where Anakin was most comfortable as a teacher, himself being a gifted duelist and warrior during the Clone Wars.
Luke’s Training Of Grogu & Rey Shows He Learned Yoda’s Most Important Lesson
Interestingly enough, Luke Skywalker’s training from Jedi Master Yoda was very different in that wielding the lightsaber was not a primary focus. To that end, one of Yoda’s first and greatest lessons he shared with Luke in The Empire Strikes Back was that “Wars not make one great.” This is something Luke clearly held on to as evidenced by his own teaching once he became a Jedi Master. With both Grogu and Rey, Luke’s initial focus was on building a greater connection to the Force, rather than heroically wielding a lightsaber with the understanding that that’s only part of what being a Jedi is all about.
Despite being a Jedi trained during the backdrop of war himself, Luke benefitted from the key teachings of both Obi-Wan and Yoda, learning how to defend himself as a Jedi while also receiving greater instruction beyond the ways of a warrior. As such, his initial focus as a teacher was on the Force itself, particularly in Luke’s training of Grogu as the galaxy had entered an era of peace with the New Republic. However, Luke’s years as a hermit following the fall of his Jedi Academy motivated his teaching of Rey as well, having a greater focus on meditation and truly understanding the role of what the Jedi should have been and still could be.
Has Ahsoka Ever Learned The Lesson Anakin Couldn’t?
Now, the true question is whether Ahsoka ever learned anything similar to Yoda’s lesson about war once she left the Jedi Order and survived Order 66. As Anakin’s Padawan during wartime, Ahsoka naturally learned how to be a warrior first, something she’s seemingly impressing upon Sabine by starting with lightsaber training. Likely seeing herself foremost as a warrior, it follows that lightsaber combat was the primary default for Tano. However, it’s very likely that Ahsoka learned more during her time apart from Anakin and the Jedi Order once she chose to walk her own path, seeking to become something more than a Jedi in the Star Wars galaxy.
Ahsoka releases new episodes Tuesdays at 6pm PT / 9pm ET on Disney+.
