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The Jedi are the defenders and peacekeepers of the galaxy. Although they value life, and show every being respect and compassion, the Jedi desire to wipe out every Sith Lord, including evidence that they ever existed. The Jedi’s primary weapon is a lightsaber. But, unlike the Sith, the Jedi use a few different color crystals for their lightsabers. They draw their wisdom and skill from the light side of the Force. The Jedi see themselves as servants, and will help anyone in need, if the Force wills it. The Jedi and Sith are different in every way, except one: both Force users adhere to a very strict code. A code that has kept them around for thousands of years:
There is no emotion, there is peace.
There is no ignorance, there is knowledge.
There is no passion, there is serenity.
There is no chaos, there is harmony.
There is no death, there is the Force.
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#25. K’Kruhk
K’Kruhk is of the Whiphid species, and hails from his homeworld of Toola. He was a tough and gritty Jedi Master, which makes sense on why he survived both Clone Wars and Order 66. K’Kruhk went into hiding after the Galactic Empire took full control of the galaxy. He came out of hiding when the Empire was destroyed. He then joined the New Jedi Order, founded by Luke Skywalker.
K’Kruhk was a true student of the Force and the Jedi Order. He was strict on following the Jedi precepts, and living them out. K’Kruhk was thoughtful, kind, and forgiving, unlike many of his kind. Being a true student of the Force, K’Kruhk had a strong Force Sense, which led to abilities that many didn’t have. One of these abilities was being able to heal wounds using the Force.
K’Kruhk was a great Jedi who served the galaxy humbly and selflessly.
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#24. Lilit Twoseas
Lilit Twoseas is a little known female human Jedi Knight from an unknown place. Although this Jedi Knight isn’t well known, there is still much to say about her. Lilit Twoseas was very skilled with the lightsaber, and very strong in the Force. Her relentless, specialized, study of the Force is what gave her such a strong sense in it. But she didn’t keep her Force knowledge to herself. She passed it down to the only apprentice she ever had: K’Kruhk.
One day, while assisting other Jedi, Lilit Twoseas was killed by Yinchorri on the planet of Yinchorr. Her young padawan became surrounded by Yinchorri. Seeing this, Lilit Twoseas rushed over to him and dove in front of a blade strike that was intended for K’Kruhk. The first strike hit her shoulder, but the second strike hit her chest, piercing her heart. Lilit Twoseas sacrificed herself so that her young padawan, K’Kruhk, could live. She left behind a legacy for her young padawan, a legacy that he didn’t take for granted.
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#23. Kao Cen Darach
Kao Cen Darach was a Jedi Knight of the Zabrak species. He was a part of the Jedi Order from the Old Republic era. Kao Cen Darach held a very firm position against all things dark side of the Force. So much in fact that he ruffled the feathers of the political position of the Jedi Order. One of Kao’s Padawans spoke of her Master’s disdain for the dark side:
“I had come to study under Master Kao to learn about the dangers of the dark side, and indeed I did.” –Satele Shan
Not only was Kao fully committed to the light side of the Force, but he was also fully committed to lightsaber combat. Kao was an expert with a lightsaber, which is why he also held the title of Battlemaster, given to him by the Jedi Order. He was so skilled in lightsaber combat that he would only need his green, single-bladed lightsaber to take on a Sith Lord and his apprentice, without breaking a sweat. Kao would also be skillful in using a double-bladed and single-bladed at the same time. This sounds like the definition of ‘poetry in motion.’
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#22. Ahsoka Tano
Ahsoka “Snips” Tano was discovered at having Force abilities by Jedi Master Plo Koon. Plo Koon brought her to the Jedi Temple to receive training. Eventually, Jedi Grand Master Yoda assigned Ahsoka to be the padawan of Anakin Skywalker.
Ahsoka, a female Togruta, was known for her kind-heart, generosity, and bravery. But she could also be, at times, impulsive, stubborn, and reckless. Ahsoka’s loyalty was tested when she was framed for murder. She was crushed when the Jedi Order banished her for the accusations. Ahsoka was eventually cleared of all wrong doing, but when the Jedi Order wanted her to comeback, she declined. She couldn’t bring herself to stand with a group that wouldn’t stand with her. Her faith in the Jedi Order was crushed, and Ahsoka walked away. Even though she left the Order, Ahsoka remained committed to defending the innocent, and living out her convictions.
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#21. Aayla Secura
Aayla Secura is one of the most well known female Jedi’s in the galaxy. She was a Jedi Master of the Twi’lek species. She also served as a Jedi General during the Clone Wars. But Aayla saw her end while serving as a general during the Battle of Felucia, she was killed by clone troopers after Order 66 was given.
It didn’t take Aayla long to climb up the Jedi ranks. She became a Jedi Knight before the Clone Wars, and became a Jedi Master after the Clone Wars.
Aayla Secura was a calm and patient Jedi who would go wherever she was needed. She was also very skilled with her bright blue lightsaber. She mastered a form of lightsaber combat known as Form IV. This form of lightsaber combat was best suited for use in bigger spaces, because it focus’ primarily on acrobatics. But it also includes the ability to use the blade of one’s lightsaber to deflect incoming fire.
Aayla’s death was felt by many in the Force, most notably by Grand Master Yoda, who felt her life end while he was on Kashyyyk.
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#20. Luminara Unduli
Luminara Unduli was a skilled and precise Jedi Master from Mirial. The female Mirialan also held the title of Jedi General, but after the Battle of Geonosis, she was given the title of Senior Jedi General.
Like many other Jedi, Unduli was calm, patient, and a very skilled teacher. Unduli was an extremely master in lightsaber combat and knowledge of the Force. She also managed to learn how to be very flexible, which would come in handy when battling a Sith Lord or apprentice.
During her duel against, the Dark Jedi, Asajj Ventress, Unduli’s vision became impaired. Even with this disadvantage, Unduli was able to see, using the Force, how Asajj was fighting.
“Even with my vision clouded, I can recognize the fighting style of Count Dooku. Your vision is unrefined, amateurish, sloppy…”
-Luminara Unduli, while dueling Asajj Ventress
There’s A LOT more that I could write about Unduli. So, instead of me writing it all here, I encourage you to read all about her. You’ll thank me later.
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#19. Shaak Ti
Shaak Ti was a Jedi Master from the world of Shili. She was another notable, female, Jedi to serve as Jedi General during the Clone Wars. And sometime after the Naboo blockade, Shaak Ti was given a seat on the Jedi Council.
Shaak was one of the, many, Jedi to be in the Battle of Geonosis. She was a member of the Jedi strike team put together by Jedi Master Mace Windu. Their mission was to rescue Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, and Amidala from being executed.
Like many other Jedi, Shaak Ti was killed during Order 66, but she wasn’t killed by a stormtrooper. She was killed by Darth Vader when she was meditating at the Jedi Temple. But before Vader killed her, she recorded a message on a Holocron. Shaak Ti wanted to leave behind a legacy, and this is no more evident than what Shaak Ti said in her message:
“Whoever is seeing this… it’s up to you now. Don’t let our deaths have been in vain. Don’t let this be the end of the Jedi.”
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#18. Yarael Poof
Yarael Poof was a Jedi Master from the world of Quermia. He not only had great lightsaber skills, but he also had great wisdom, and many other traits. Poof was an expert in Jedi mind tricks, and illusions. He was also known for being an excellent teacher and diplomat.
Obviously, Yarael Poof isn’t your “normal” looking Jedi. He was a male Quermian with a neck that measured 2.64 meters tall. Poof had a slight advantage over most beings, he had two brains and two sets of arms.
Yarael was a well respected Jedi, and known prankster. He would often play mind tricks on his friends and fellow Jedi.
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#17. Galen Marek
Galen Marek has been on both sides of the Force. He was discovered, as a child, by Darth Vader. Marek lived with his parents on Kashyyyk, who were both Jedi and had strong connections to the Force. His parents married in secret, became pregnant, and left the Jedi Order. After some soul searching they settled on the world of Kashyyyk. But before they could find some peace and rest, the Galactic Empire invaded Kashyyyk, led by Darth Vader.
Galen’s father, Kento Marek, was killed by Darth Vader in a lightsaber duel. After the duel, Vader looked over and saw Galen. And even though Galen was very young, Vader could feel how strong he was in the Force. Vader kidnapped him to, eventually, make him his apprentice. Vader did all of this in secret, because he wanted to, someday, overthrow Emperor Palpatine.
Years later, Galen Marek, now named Starkiller, was sent by Vader to kill Jedi Master Rahm Kota. They gave each other their best in the duel. Matching blow for blow, but in the midst of all this, Rham Kota sensed a greater purpose in the dark apprentice:
“Vader thinks he’s turned you. But I can sense your future. And Vader won’t always be your Master. I sense only… Me?” -Rham Kota to Starkiller during their duel
Ditching the name ‘Starkiller,’ Galen Marek embraced his Jedi heritage. He was outraged at Vader for not willing to the challenge the Emperor with his help. Eventually, Marek confronted his former Master and defeated him in a duel. The Emperor, who never lets an opportunity pass him by, tried to recruit Marek as his new apprentice, but that didn’t work. Marek attacked the Emperor enough to allow his new allies to escape the Death Star, his plan worked. Galen Marek sacrificed himself for the Rebel’s, and became immortalized in their eyes.
There’s A LOT more Galen Marek. I encourage you to read more about him.
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#16. Rahm Kota
Rahm Kota was a well respected Jedi Master and Jedi General. Unlike many other Jedi who served as a General, Kota had been fighting in wars since he was ten. But eight years later, Kota’s force potential was discovered by Jedi Master Mace Windu, who took Kota to Coruscant to begin Jedi training at the Jedi temple.
Kota survived Order 66, and would soon after build an alliance with Senator Bail Organa. After some time of attacking Imperial bases, Kota met an apprentice of Darth Vader: Starkiller. Starkiller (Galen Marek) would eventually become Kota’s padawan.
Rahm Kota was a thick-skinned soldier and flawless commander. He was militant in a lot of ways, not always agreeing with how the Jedi Order did things. Although this was true, Kota was extremely loyal to the Jedi Order. Kota had a lot of anger and hate in him. Other Jedi sensed this in him and tried to help him let it go, but Kota was passed letting anything go. Unlike many other Jedi who lost their way, Kota never fell to the dark side of the force. He saw his anger and hate as weapons to be used on the battlefield.
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#15. Kit Fisto
Kit Fisto was a well-known name during the Clone Wars. He not only was a Jedi Master, but also a Jedi General. He was also one of the Jedi who fought in the famed Battle of Geonosis, out of the 200 Jedi that started in the battle, Fitso was one of the few to survive.
Kit Fitso was a male Nautolan from the world of Glee Anselm. During his time as a Jedi Master, Fitso accepted a seat on the Jedi Council. He was also one of few Jedi to hold his one against the Jedi hunter in General Grievous.
Although Fitso had success against one dark figure, he would eventually fall to another. When the Jedi Order came to realize that Chancellor Palpatine was the secret Sith Lord, Jedi Master Mace Windu took Fitso, and a few other Jedi, to arrest the Sith Lord. But the power of Darth Sidious overtook Fitso, and the other Jedi, quickly. But Fitso lasted the longest, he was able to defend a few of Sidious’ lightsaber blows.
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#14. Depa Billaba
Depa Billaba is not as well-known as she should be. She was a Jedi Master and sat on the Jedi Council. She also had the pleasure of observing Anakin Skywalker when Qui-Gon Jinn brought him before the council.
Billaba was your “cookie-cutter” Jedi Master (I don’t mean that in a bad way). She was known for being wise and spiritual. Not only that, but her lightsaber skills was so renowned that they were documented in the records at the Jedi Temple. Billaba was a well-rounded Jedi who was deeply committed to the Jedi Order.
Like thousands of other Jedi, Depa Billaba saw her end during the execution of Order 66. Billaba was with her padawan on Kaller. In a force vision, Billaba saw some of her fellow Jedi killed during Order 66. After coming under fire, Billaba told her padawan, Dume, to run and that she’ll be right behind him. As Dume ran up the hill, he turned to see his Master’s death. She had intention of following Dume up the hill. She sacrificed herself so her padawan could live.
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#13. Adi Gallia
Adi Gallia was born on Coruscant. She was raised in a well-known, diplomatic family. Eventually, she was discovered to be sensitive to the Force. She was then brought to the Jedi Order and trained to become a Jedi Master.
If you were a bad guy, Gallia was the kind of Jedi that you wouldn’t want to meet in a dark alley. Not only was she a Jedi Master, but she was also a General in the Grand Army of the Republic. It was documented that she fought many battles over time in the Clone Wars.
Adi Gallia was known for being aggressive, but also strict and focused. She was extremely skilled in the lightsaber fighting technique known as Form V.
Gallia met the end while her and Obi-Wan Kenobi fought Darth Maul and Savage Opress on Florrum.
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#12. Agen Kolar
Agen Kolar was a Jedi Master of the Zabrak species. He was one of the survivors of the Battle of Geonosis.
Kolar was a unique Jedi. He had many traits that separated him from his fellow Jedi. He had a reputation striking first, and asking questions later. This trait didn’t seem to bother other Jedi, he was still viewed as a great asset of the Jedi Council.
Kolar also had something not many other Jedi had: two crystals in his lightsaber. That’s right. Kolar had two different crystals in his lightsaber. That would allow him to choose either blue or green as the color of his lightsaber blade. Kolar also had exceptional skills in lightsaber combat, which Kolar took very seriously.
But despite Kolar’s skills and aggressiveness, Kolar fell to the blade of Darth Sidious. Kolar was one of the Jedi that was with Mace Windu when they tried to arrest Chancellor Palpatine.
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#11. Saesee Tiin
Saesee Tiin was a Jedi Master, and sat on the Jedi High Council. He was a male of the Iktotchi species from the moon planet of Iktotch.
Tiin had may titles, accomplishments, and skills under his belt: starfighter pilot, expert in lightsaber combat, and a veteran general in the Clone Wars. Although Tiin was a well-rounded, well respected Jedi, but it wasn’t always this way.
Saesee Tiin was, somewhat of, an outcast by his peers, due to his telepathic abilities. This caused Tiin to be a loner, and only spoke when spoken to, which continued through his training.
Tiin met his end as he was one of the Jedi to go with Mace Windu to arrest Chancellor Palpatine.
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#10. An’ya Kuro
An’ya Kuro is probably one of the most underrated, and interesting Jedi in the Star Wars universe. She was so dedicated to the Force that she disregarded her old name, and took on a new one: Dark Woman. Many within the Jedi Order would often question her teaching methods.
Although her new name probably raised some eyebrows, that still didn’t stop the Jedi Order from sending troubled padawans her way. Dark Woman trained the likes of Aurra Sing and A’Sharad Hett. Her teaching would become to be known as brutal and unconventional. All of this came to light shortly after her, former, padawan Aurra Sing had gone rogue. Sing would describe her former master as brutal and mean.
Although Kuro learned some traits that seemed more from the dark side, her commitment to the light side of the Force never wavered. This can be summed up in the fact that she became a Force ghost after being killed by Darth Vader.
I’ve said with a few others on the list, there is a lot more to An’ya Kuro than what I can put on here. Read up on her when you have a chance.
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#9. Ki-Adi-Mundi
Ki-Adi-Mundi, like many other Jedi during the last years of the Galactic Republic, was a Jedi Master and a Jedi General. He’s a Cerean male from the world of Cerea. Mundi oversaw many battles during the Clone Wars, including the invasion of Mygeeto. He also one of the Jedi involved in the Battle of Geonosis.
Mundi was a well respected Jedi, he was known for being extremely wise and steady. He had great courage, and strong judgment. Many within the Jedi Order thought of him as being one of the best with a lightsaber. His lightsaber skills came in handy when he dueled General Grievous. Only six Jedi have survived a duel with Grievous, and Mundi is one of them.
Like many upon many of other Jedi, Mundi was gunned down by clone troopers during Order 66.
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#8. Plo Koon
Plo Koon is one of my favorites. I mean, come on, his goggles and facemask look awesome, right? Anyways, Plo Koon was a Jedi Master, Jedi General, and sat on the Jedi High Council. He played a part in many battles during the Clone Wars, such as the Battle of Abregado and the Battle of Felucia. He was a male Kel Dor from the world of Dorin.
One of the things Plo Koon is most known for is discovering Ahsoka Tano. Even after her training was finished, Ahsoka and Plo Koon maintained a friendship, and always stayed in touch. But this Jedi Master is no one hit wonder. Koon was a part of the Battle of Geonosis.
Koon was one of the most powerful Jedi in the galaxy. This can be found in the fact the likes of Darth Maul called Koon “one of the greatest Jedi warriors of his time.” Koon was also a master of a technique that many Jedi frowned upon: Electric Judgment. The reason for this is because it resembled the force lighting technique that Sith Lords often used.
Plo Koon’s met his fate during Order 66. He was shot down by clone troopers while flying over Cato Neimoidia.
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#7. Mace Windu
Mace Windu was a lot of things: Jedi Master, sat on the Jedi High Council, Jedi General, and the only Jedi in the prequels who didn’t like Anakin ( just kidding). Windu was the kind of Jedi that could enter a room, and make his presence known without saying a word. He was revered. Windu is, seemingly, the only one to go toe-to-toe with Darth Sidious for a long period of time. One must wonder if Windu would’ve taken down Sidious if it wasn’t for Anakin’s betrayal.
Mace Windu didn’t mince words, he was upfront and honest. He had little patience for political corruption and any Jedi who didn’t want to follow the Jedi Code. He was all about “doing by the book.” Although he seemed grim, and emotionless most of the time, Mace Windu was passionate about protecting innocent people:
“Isn’t protecting the innocent the very definition of what it means to be a Jedi? We are failing the Republic and its citizens. We must stop this-now.”
-Mace Windu
There’s is a lot more to Mace Windu than the prequels and Clone Wars series. I encourage you to learn more about this revered Jedi Master.
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#6. Revan
Revan is one of few who has spent time in the light and dark side of the Force. He’s also one the most interesting characters in the Star Wars universe. Revan was accepted into the Jedi Order as a child, and although he had a few Jedi Masters, Kreia is believed to have been his first.
During the Mandalorian Wars, Revan became critical of the Jedi Order. After the Mandalorian Wars, Revan and his friend Malak went soul searching. They stumbled upon on what they believed to be the new Sith Empire. They found the Sith Emperor, but instead of fighting them, the Sith Emperor twisted their minds and made them into his servants.
After a while of being Darth Revan, parts of his mind were erased by the Jedi Order. Thus, turning him from the Dark Side. Revan was one of the most powerful beings in the Force. In one instance, while fighting Sith forces, Revan used the Force to grab a few big pieces of asteroids, and threw them at the Sith forces.
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#5. Qui-Gon Jinn
Although he was often snarky towards the Jedi Council, Jinn was viewed as extremely wise and one of the greatest Jedi to ever live. He didn’t fear any task before him, nor did he back down from his personal convictions.
Although Jinn’s defiant did play a part in wanting to train Anakin Skywalker, it wasn’t the full motive of Jinn. Qui-Gon Jinn always saw something special in all life forms, and this was always followed with compassion.
Qui-Gon Jinn was so admired and respected that Count Dooku decided to leave the Jedi Order because the Order covered up Jinn’s death. Although there were a few other reasons why Dooku left the Jedi Order. Even his former apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi stood in defiance against the Jedi Order by fulfilling a promise to his fallen master: train the boy.
There’s no question that although rebellious in some ways, Qui-Gon Jinn was one of the most respected and revered Jedi in history.
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#4. Anakin Skywalker
All of us know this story, if you don’t, then I’m not sure what you’ve been doing with your life. Anakin Skywalker was special, very special. He was an extremely powerful Force user, and an excellent fighter pilot.
It is said that he was conceived by midi-chlorians, which has never happened to anyone else. Anakin’s midi-chlorian count was higher than that of Grand Master Yoda, which has also never happened to anyone else.
Anakin was extremely loyal, but he wasn’t loyal to principles, he was loyal to friends, to people. Which is probably the reason he didn’t listen to any Jedi Masters concerning his wife, Amidala.
Although he turned to the dark side of the Force, Anakin left behind a great legacy for his children. His son, Luke, became an extremely powerful Jedi ever. His daughter, Leia, became the greatest Rebel leader/general ever.
There’s, obviously, a lot more to Anakin Skywalker. I mean A LOT more. So, get comfy and dig deep when you decide to learn more about him.
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#3. Obi-Wan Kenobi
Obi-Wan Kenobi trained Anakin Skywalker, and also cut off most of his limbs on a lava planet. Obi-Wan is one of the most well-rounded Jedi Master’s to ever pick up a lightsaber. He’s also the only Jedi to defeat a Sith Lord, when he defeated Darth Maul, in a millennium.
Obi-Wan Kenobi was a dedicated servant to the Jedi Order. He was strict on their codes and precepts. He also wasn’t bad with a lightsaber. He was the one to take out General Grievous, and he seemed to have fun doing it. But after Anakin became Darth Vader, a lot of what Obi-Wan was disappeared.
When Obi-Wan was talking with Luke in A New Hope he told Luke that Obi-Wan Kenobi died shortly after his (Luke’s) father died. Which, if you think about it, is true. When Luke first met Obi-Wan, he told Luke that he hadn’t gone by that name in years. Obi-Wan changed his name to just Ben Kenobi after he went into hiding (after Revenge of the Sith).
Mind blown, right?
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#2. Luke Skywalker
Luke Skywalker is the heartbeat that brought the Jedi back to life. Like his father, Luke could be reckless, impatient, and complain about everything. He cared more the future than the present. But that changed as time what went on.
He allowed himself to mature, to gain experience, to make mistakes, he allowed himself to listen to the Force, rather than himself. There was a lot to overcome for Luke. He had just about every trait his father had.
Luke Skywalker was the center of the large body that defeated the Emperor and the Empire. Luke helped form the New Republic shortly after Return of the Jedi. But decades later Luke would fall to the dark side of the Force by one of the clones of Darth Sidious. But this was very brief, Luke’s friends helped him back to the light side of the Force.
After that Luke founded the New Jedi Order, and began training different beings in the ways of the Force.
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#1. Yoda
Yoda is the greatest Jedi (in my opinion) to have ever lived. What he has done, how many he’s taught, the force ability, it’s all second to none. He’s one of only a few Jedi to ever receive the title of Grand Master.
Yoda trained (or had a hand in training) the likes of Dooku, Mace Windu, Cin Drallig, Ikrit, Qu Rahn, Rahm Kota, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Kit Fitso, Ki-Adi-Mundi, Oppo Rancisis, Luke Skywalker, and Most Jedi younglings. Since he was mostly trained by Yoda, Luke Skywalker took what he learned from him and used it as the basis for the New Jedi Order he founded.
Yoda cherished life, especially young life. That’s why he was so passionate about teaching Jedi younglings. Yoda could come off as confusing to a lot of beings. One minute he would strict and demanding, and then the next minute he would be patient and kind.
As great as he was, Yoda held the belief that when someone falls prey to the dark side of the Force, they are set on that path for the rest of their lives. Although evidence would suggest that’s not entirely true. Yoda’s failures left him bitter: not being able to redeem Count Dooku, and not being able to prevent the rise of the Galactic Empire took huge tolls on him. When he went into exile on the world of Dagobah, he took the stance of sitting back and watching the Empire rule. He lost all hope in the concept of redemption.
Yoda had a connection to the Force that no one else had (except for Anakin). He was flawless in his knowledge and use of the Force, and exceptional in lightsaber combat. My two favorite moments from the prequels both involve Yoda. His duel with Count Dooku and his duel with Darth Sidious were pure pieces of art.
After he fell to the dark side, Dooku believed that if Yoda followed his same path to the dark, he (Yoda) would be able to destroy Darth Sidious in an instant.