Ahsoka: Anakin’s training videos prove he was a great mentor
This article contains spoilers for Ahsoka Episode 7, “Dreams and Madness.”
At the beginning of The Clone Wars movie, Anakin Skywalker is far from happy about being assigned a Padawan. He had never pictured himself taking on the responsibilities and challenges of mentoring a young Jedi in training, but Yoda had other plans. Although Anakin’s relationship with Ahsoka Tano got off to a rocky start, they soon learned how to work together and learn from each other.
Through this bond, Anakin stepped into the role of a master and discovered how to pass on his considerable skills. Throughout the animated universe, we have seen many examples of how far this devotion went. Of course, The Clone Wars show is the most apparent portrayal as Anakin and Ahsoka’s relationship was the center of the show. Ahsoka often credits Anakin’s lessons to her continued growth and survival in the face of danger.
Furthermore, fans gained insight into Anakin’s rigorous training methods in Episode 5 of Tales of the Jedi, where his insistence on having Ahsoka train against clone attacks ends up saving her life during Order 66. He was never satisfied with the bare minimum but demanded that Ahsoka reach her full potential under his tutelage.
Later, in Star Wars Rebels, Ezra uncovers a series of training videos on basic lightsaber techniques that he uses to improve his skills as a new lightsaber user. Anakin clearly gained an interest in instruction further than mentoring a padawan. He loved being a Jedi and wanted to pass along that enthusiasm to others. His videos ensured that the methods of Jedi combat would not be lost despite the fall of the Order.
Now, in the most recent episode of Ahsoka, we learned that he didn’t stop with those training videos for younglings. Anakin’s passion for teaching has now been taken a step further, as he made a series of videos just for Ahsoka. In the videos, he mentions that he wanted to make them in case something happened to separate them. His continued foresight and care for Ahsoka led him to do everything within his power to support her training no matter the circumstances.
He provided not only encouragement but also useful tips so that Ahsoka could continue to improve her combat abilities. Although he didn’t know it at the time, his videos have kept Ahsoka company in the long years since her departure from the Jedi Order. Even when she knew her old master was gone, he would always be there with her, a trustworthy guide.
When Ahsoka reminds Huyang how great her master was, her love for him flows through her voice. Anakin was truly a wonderful master, not only to Ahsoka but to many others in the Jedi Temple as well. Anakin’s legacy is certainly marred by the horrors of his turn to the Dark Side, but his warmth and commitment to teaching prove that, at one time, he was someone worthy of following, someone whose passion for mentorship protected and preserved the Jedi way.