Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for Star Wars: The Acolyte episode 1.
Summary
One of the most obscure parts of the Jedi Code fromStar WarsLegends makes an unexpected return inThe Acolyte. The Jedi Code, as its name suggests, is the guiding code of conduct for members of the Jedi Order. While the Code’s mantra is by far its most famous element, the Jedi Code is quite vast, detailing the various rules and responsibilities of Jedi, as well as changing throughout the Jedi Order’s long history.
The Jedi Code taught Jedi to value all life, serve the people of the galaxy and the will of the Force as protectors, and act with honor and integrity. Rather infamously, the Jedi Code forbade attachments, making Jedi romances and marriage exceptionally rare for much of the Order’s history. One obscure rule, however, was rarely followed by even the most dogmatic Jedi, yet it was acknowledged in a key moment inThe Acolyteepisode 1.
Luke Skywalker’s New Jedi Order in theStar WarsLegends continuity revised the Jedi Code in many ways, including allowing Jedi to form romantic relationships.
Star Wars: The Acolyte Episode Guide - Cast Members, Biggest Takeaways & Easter Eggs
Here’s everything you need to follow along with Star Wars: The Acolyte, from references and trivia to main takeaways from each new episode.
The Acolyte’s Lightsaber Rule Is Straight From Legends
The pilot episode ofThe Acolyte, “Lost/Found,” has the mysterious assassinMaenote thata Jedi only draws their weapon when prepared to kill. This, notably, is an obscure portion of the Jedi Code in theStar WarsLegendscontinuity. The 2013Star Wars Day-at-a-Time Calendarincluded some Legends-era lore not found in any otherStar Warsmaterials, including a portion of the Jedi Code that states a Jedi must be prepared to take a life if they ignite their lightsaber.
Star Wars Has Never Followed This Rule Consistently
Fascinatingly,many Jedi ignore this part of the Code, as shown throughout both theStar Warscanon and Legends continuities. A lightsaber is one of the galaxy’s deadliest personal weapons, yet it is only as deadly as a well-trained user needs it to be. An experienced Jedi can easily use their lightsaber to simply incapacitate an enemy, as Obi-Wan did when he dismembered Ponda Baba and non-lethally cut Cornelius Evazan inA New Hope. Kenobi similarly only sliced off Zam Wesell’s arm inStar Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, wishing to only capture the bounty hunter.
A lightsaber is one of the galaxy’s deadliest personal weapons, yet it is only as deadly as a well-trained user needs it to be.
Jedi also use lightsabers in non-combat situations, with characters like Rey and Kyle Katarn using the weapons as flashlights in dark areas. Anakin Skywalker frequently used his lightsabers as cutting tools, and Luke nearly used his to escape an Ewok net inReturn of the Jedi. Of course, the Jedi Code portion may have simply been meant to stress the importance of being combat-ready as a Jedi. AsThe Acolytedemonstrates, the Jedi still encountered deadly enemies, even in the relative peace ofthe High Republic era.
The Acolyte
Cast
The Acolyte is a television series set in the Star Wars universe at the end of the High Republic Era, where both the Jedi and the Galactic Empire were at the height of their influence. This sci-fi thriller sees a former Padawan reunite with her former Jedi Master as they investigate several crimes - all leading to darkness erupting from beneath the surface and preparing to bring about the end of the High Republic.
