Ahsoka: Easter egg hints that Baylan Skoll is hunting the Skywalkers

There have been many Easter eggs this season in Ahsoka. Some have been cool callbacks or subtle nods to shows, books, and comics from the past. Some point to the future. And some reveal some underlying tidbits that make this galaxy far, far away even more intriguing.

One such Easter egg has been discovered on the wrists of Baylan Skoll, played by the late Ray Stevenson. Written in Aurebesh is a list of names, almost resembling a hit list. It’s a list of Skywalkers and those around the Skywalker family.

Why does this matter?

On the surface, this could be easily ignored and even overlooked. But this Easter egg possibly reveals something about Baylan Skoll and what he was really looking for when he joined forces with Morgan Elsbeth in her search for Grand Admiral Thrawn.

Translated by @StarWars0nly on Twitter, the list of names on his wrist include Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, Han Solo, Chewie, R2-D2, C-3PO, and Ben Solo.

What’s of interest is the ones close to the Skywalker family, like Chewie, and that the nickname has been used instead of Chewbacca. Also, perhaps most worrisome and interesting is the inclusion of the approximately 4-year-old Ben Solo. It raises questions about Baylan’s intent and what exactly he is hunting.

Why is Baylan looking for them?

Baylan made it clear to Ahsoka that he knew Anakin Skywalker. He knew that Anakin had become Darth Vader. He was most likely aware of the prophecy surrounding Anakin bringing balance to the force.

Baylan made it clear to his apprentice Shin Hati before they left on the Eye of Sion that he was looking for power. He assured Shin that finding Thrawn would give her power like she had never dreamed of. When Baylan separated from Shin on Peridea during the hunt for Ezra Bridger, he also made it clear that he was looking for something else—a power of legends and children’s stories.

It is possible that Baylan believes the Skywalkers either possess or can lead him to this power of legends and children’s stories. After all, Anakin was the most powerful Jedi at the time, with a higher midi-chlorian count than even Master Yoda. Anakin’s powers and actions would have made him legendary around the Jedi Temple. If Baylan discovered that Anakin had children and even grandchildren, he would be right to assume that those Force powers would transmit genetically to his offspring.

This list on his wrist would be his way to the power. Think of it like GPS directions. One stop after another, and he would reach his destination. Each of those names on the list would bring him even that much closer to his goal.

The real question is whether he wants to kill them all, including 4-year-old Ben. Or is he just looking for information or confirmation of what he already knows or thinks he knows?

Although Baylan looks to be a man of honor, as shown by his agreement with Sabine Wren, he also has a dark morality to him. Yes, he agreed not to harm her but also hunted her after she left the Chimaera. It would be well within his personality traits to look for information from each and kill them as he finds them and is done with them.

Some parting theories

Baylan may blame the Republic’s fall and the Empire’s rise on the Skywalkers. He may feel that to bring balance to the Force, the Skywalkers and their closest found family must be removed. This would explain his search.

Another theory is that he’s looking for the things of legends and that the Skywalkers, being powerful in the Force, could help him in his journey. What is he looking for? Well, since so much of this season has been a love letter to Star Wars Rebels, why not the Bendu? The Bendu is a powerful force wielded and may be able to point Baylan in a correct path. After all, look at how the Bendu helped Kanan Jarrus and Ezra Bridger.

And if nothing else, it would be cool to have the voice of the 4th Doctor (Tom Baker)  and the 10th Doctor (David Tennant) from Doctor Who in the same Star Wars episode.

Episode 8 concludes the first season of Ahsoka on Disney+. That episode goes live on 10/3/23 at 9pm EST. Stay tuned to Dork Side of the Force for more Star Wars content and breaking news!