Star Wars: How did Yoda die?

Jedi Master Yoda, an ancient member of a mysterious Force-sensitive species, was widely revered as the wisest member of the Jedi Council. For 800 years, he trained Jedi. Yoda found himself overpowered in battle against Darth Sidious, who would become Emperor Palpatine, but his wise retreat gave him time to mentor a new hope before ultimately succumbing to old age and passing into the Living Force on the planet Dagobah.

Yoda survived many battles that threatened the Jedi, dueling his former apprentice on Geonosis and striking down his guards on Kashyyyk during the execution of Order 66. He even went head to head with the nascent Emperor, only to be forced into exile at the end of the Clone Wars.

During the Clone Wars, however, Yoda began hearing the voice of the dead Qui-Gon Jinn. The fallen Jedi Master led him to Dagobah, a planet rich in the power of the Living Force. It is here that he found a path to the Wellspring of Life, and Yoda faced his own inner demons to learn the secrets of retaining part of himself even after death.

In Return of the Jedi, Following the rescue of Han Solo, Luke Skywalker returned to Yoda as promised. The ancient master informed Luke that soon “night must fall,” alluding to his imminent death. Even Yoda was not strong enough in the Force to stave off that inevitability. It is the way of the Force. He died of old age on Dagobah.

Fans of Jedi Master Yoda likely know that he retains much of his power even after passing into the Living Force. In The Last Jedi, he appears to Luke Skywalker as a Force Ghost after the fall of the Empire, coming to his aid even decades later as the human struggles with his choice regarding the First Jedi Temple on Ahch-to. Other members of his race include Jedi Master Yaddle, whose fate following the Great Jedi Purge is unknown and “the Child,” Grogu.