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Yoda

The Jedi Master known as Yoda (896 BBY–4 ABY), voiced by Frank Oz, is a fictional character in the Star Wars universe. He appears in all of the franchise's installments except for Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. Like many names in Star Wars, the name "Yoda" has been supposed to be etymologically derived from some ancient language - in this case possibly from the Sanskrit yoddha ("warrior") and/or the Hebrew yodea ("one who knows"). Yoda's character is believed by some to have been inspired by the title character in the 1975 Russian-Japanese film Dersu Uzala directed by Akira Kurosawa.

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

History

Early years

Yoda, standing only 2' 2" (66cm) tall, is one of the senior members of the Jedi Council and arguably the wisest and most powerful Jedi of his time, even toward his demise, though the toll of his great age is noticeable. Over his lifetime, Yoda trains several notable Jedi, including Count Dooku, Mace Windu, Obi-Wan Kenobi (partially, before Qui-Gon Jinn took over with Obi-Wan's training), Ki-Adi-Mundi and Luke Skywalker. Moreover, he has trained almost every Jedi in the Galaxy since he instructs all younglings in the Jedi Temple before they are assigned to a master (c. 800 BBY to 19 BBY).

George Lucas has intentionally kept the name of Yoda's race a secret. (Yoda, Yaddle, and Vandar Tokare are sometimes erroneously referred to as Whills, despite Lucas' insistence that they are not.) In fact, very little is reported of Yoda's life before the events of The Phantom Menace. It is speculated from the Expanded Universe that he achieved the status of Jedi Knight at the age of 50 and the rank of Jedi Master at 100. Following his training, Yoda is said to have spent 100 years in self-imposed solitude, attempting to attain a higher level of understanding of the Force. He was one of the Jedi Masters who ran the mobile academy aboard the starship Chu'unthor about 200 years before A New Hope, leaving the ship's data tapes in the care of one of the natives when the vessel crashed on Dathomir.

The Phantom Menace

The new CG Yoda in The Phantom Menace

In 32 BBY (The Phantom Menace), Qui-Gon brings a young slave named Anakin Skywalker to the Jedi Council, claiming that the boy is the Chosen One who will bring balance to the Force, and requests to train him once Obi-Wan has completed the trials necessary to become a Jedi Knight (Jedi can only have one apprentice at a time). Yoda, as the teacher of many of those on the Council, and its most venerable and respected member, plays a key role in that body's initial decision to deny the request. Yoda believes that the boy is clearly affected by his years as a slave, and that he still clings too tightly to the memory of his mother to be trained safely. His future, Yoda thinks, is clouded.

After Qui-Gon's death at the hands of Darth Maul, however, the Council rescinds its previous decision, although the reasons are unclear. Yoda somewhat disagrees with the decision. One possible explanation for this retraction is that Yoda trusts Kenobi more than his notoriously unorthodox teacher. Another reason suggested is that, with Anakin showing such strength in the Force by destroying the droid control ship, the Council feels that it would be a shame and a waste (perhaps also a danger) to not train someone so strong in the Force. It could also be that since it was Qui-Gon's dying request and Obi-Wan said he would train him regardless of what the council said, and losing Obi-Wan would be far worse than the risk of training the boy.

Attack of the Clones

Yoda battling Count Dooku in Attack of the Clones.

In 22 BBY (Attack of the Clones), Yoda is a key Republic general at the Battle of Geonosis, when the clone trooper Army of the Republic is first deployed. He leads the group which rescues Obi-Wan, Anakin and Padmé Amidala from execution at the hands of the Confederacy of Independent Systems, aka the Separatists. At the climax of the battle, Yoda duels with Separatist leader and Sith Lord Count Dooku, who was once Yoda's Jedi apprentice. This confrontation ends with Dooku narrowly escaping by threatening Yoda's injured comrades Anakin and Obi-Wan. Although seemingly frail, the ancient Yoda demonstrates a legendary mastery of lightsaber combat (Form IV lightsaber combat, known for using the Force to achieve extreme acrobatics - see the seven forms of lightsaber combat).

Revenge of the Sith

Master Yoda battling Emperor Palpatine/Darth Sidious in Revenge of the Sith.

In 19 BBY (Revenge of the Sith), Chancellor Palpatine, who by now has near-absolute power in the Galactic Senate, appoints Anakin to the Jedi Council as his own representative. Again, the Council is hesitant about Anakin's temperament but acquiesces to the request. Yoda and Mace Windu continue to be powerful forces in the young Jedi's ascension in the order, as they deny him the rank of Jedi Master. They know that to give him the rank of Master will also give him a vote in all Council matters, and would be the same as giving Palpatine a vote in the Council — something they were not willing to allow.

It is at about this time that Yoda leads the Council in pursuing the mysterious Sith Lord Darth Sidious. Yoda uses his incredible sensitivity and power with the Force to sense the Sith Lord's presence, finally concluding that Sidious is someone within Palpatine's inner circle. For all his mastery of the Force, however, Yoda does not foresee Anakin's fall to the dark side of the Force.

Yoda absorbing Palpatine's blue lightning.

When Palpatine, now self-appointed Emperor of the Galactic Empire, implements Order 66, Yoda is on Kashyyyk, overseeing the battle between the Separatist forces and a combined command of clone troopers and Wookiees. He feels the deaths of each of the Jedi as they are cut down by the very troops they led. This gives him ample warning, and he swiftly kills the clone troopers sent to dispatch him, escapes with the help of Wookiee leaders Tarfful and Chewbacca, and returns to Coruscant, where he and Obi-Wan fight their way into the Jedi Temple to stop a trap for any Jedi who also survived Order 66. Upon discovering a holographic recording revealing Anakin as the assassin, Yoda sends Kenobi to kill his former Padawan. Kenobi wants to switch opponents, as he would rather not have to fight with his beloved pupil. Yoda refuses, saying, "To fight this Lord Sidious, strong enough you are not."

Subsequently, Yoda battles Palpatine in a titanic struggle that wrecks the Senate building. The fight seems evenly matched between the two patriarchs of both sides of the Force, with neither Form IV master able to overcome the other. In an attempt to end the contest, Palpatine takes the higher ground, and uses the Force to hurl heavy Senate pods at Yoda, who in turn deftly dodges most of them, and sends one back at Palpatine, forcing the latter to jump to a lower level. As Palpatine lands, Yoda reappears suddenly with a Force Jump, brandishing his lightsaber. Palpatine counters with a barrage of Force Lightning, taking the elderly Jedi Master off guard, and disarming him. Without his lightsaber, Yoda resorts to using his palms to absorb the dark energy, managing to even reflect some of its power back at a surprised Palpatine. Just as it seems that Yoda is about to gain the upperhand however, the fight ends in a stalemate, an explosion caused by the clash of energies hurling Palpatine and Yoda apart. Both Masters are able to grasp the edge of nearby Senate pods, with Palpatine barely managing to hold on. Yoda, unable to maintain his grasp, falls to the floor of the Senate chamber. With Clone Troopers about to arrive and the Sith's near-destruction of the Jedi Order, Yoda is weakened and realizes that he cannot defeat Palpatine. Yoda then goes into exile to hide from the Empire and to wait for another opportunity to destroy the Sith.

Anakin, meanwhile, loses his limbs and nearly burns to death while battling Obi-Wan; these injuries cost him much of his Force-potential, and the cybernetic enhancements Palpatine administers to save his life render him (seemingly) less than human. His transformation into a fearsome cyborg serves as a grim fulfillment to Yoda's words to Obi-Wan upon learning of Anakin's fall from grace: "The boy you trained, gone he is, consumed by Darth Vader."

At the end, it is revealed that Yoda has been in contact with Qui-Gon's spirit. Although this is given little attention in the film, in the novelization it is revealed that Yoda actually becomes Padawan to the deceased Jedi Master's Force ghost, learning the secret of immortality from him and passing it onto Obi-Wan.

He is also instrumental in deciding the fate of the Skywalker children after Padmé dies in childbirth, recommending that Luke and Leia be hidden from Darth Vader and his Emperor in unsuspecting and remote locations. Other than the ancient Jedi Master, only the Organas, the Lars, and Obi-Wan know of their placement (it is unlikely that the Lars were fully aware of Leia's existence, however.) Originally, Obi-Wan wants to have both Yoda and himself take one child each to separate spots and train the children in the ways of the Force, but Yoda realizes that there are other ways to learn discipline than just Jedi training, and that Luke and Leia will need to be trained differently if they are going to defeat the Empire. In addition, the twins' anonymity would be more difficult to protect if the Sith were to discover the remaining Jedi Knights before Luke and/or Leia were ready. As we know from later films, this strategy certainly pays off.

Yoda then retreats to Dagobah, a swampy and deserted planet, patiently waiting for a new hope.

A New Hope

Yoda does not appear and isn't even mentioned in A New Hope.

The Empire Strikes Back

Yoda trains Luke Skywalker on Dagobah.

22 years after Yoda's exile, in 3 ABY (The Empire Strikes Back), Luke Skywalker arrives at Dagobah to seek Yoda's guidance after being told by the ghost of Obi-Wan Kenobi, who died during a duel with Darth Vader in A New Hope. After initial reluctance, Yoda agrees to teach him in the ways of the Force. Prior to finishing his training, however, Luke chooses to leave Dagobah in order to confront Darth Vader and save his friends from the Empire's grasp at Bespin. Luke promises to return to complete his training.

Return of the Jedi

When Luke returns to Dagobah in 4 ABY (Return of the Jedi), Yoda, sick and greatly weakened by old age, informs Luke that he has completed his training but will not be a Jedi until he defeats his father, Darth Vader. Yoda then dies at the age of 900 and becomes "one with the Force." Yoda's death is unique within the Star Wars universe as he is the only character to die peacefully from natural causes. Every single death before and after occurs violently and unnaturally.

Yoda, one with the Force after 900 years, looks upon Luke with pride, along with the spirits of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker.

Yoda's teachings eventually save Luke from giving in to his anger and falling to the dark side; he remembers to control his feelings just as he is seconds away from killing Vader and becoming the Emperor's new apprentice. When the Emperor tries to kill Luke with Force lightning, Vader redeems himself, and once again becomes Anakin Skywalker, by killing his master to save his son. Anakin dies in his son's arms as the Empire crumbles around them. Later that night, Luke sees his father's spirit looking at him with pride and gratitude, in the company of Obi-Wan Kenobi and their once and future master, Yoda.

Powers and abilities

Yoda, having mastered all seven forms of lightsaber combat, is considered one of the best duelists in the Jedi Order of his day; Jedi Master Mace Windu seems to be the only Jedi who can equal Yoda in that regard. His mastery in Form IV Ataru lightsaber combat enables him to overcome the limitations of his height and reach. He is an exceptional swordsman, displaying amazing speed and dexterity, leaping through the air and twirling as he batters at an opponent's defenses. Yoda is a great contributor to the highest level of Jedi strategy, and is also a worldly diplomat comparable to Windu. Master Yoda can dissipate and deflect Force Lightning, telekinetically lift enormous objects, including an X-wing starfighter, and use Force Push to an untold degree. Yoda is even able to use Battle Meditation to win battles by lifting the morale of thousands of companions while simultaneously dampening the spirits of thousands of his opponents. He can purge dark side manifestations through the use of Force Light and feel the deaths of individual people and can identify them. These skills, in particular, show a far more profound knowledge of the Force than most Jedi Masters or Sith Lords of his time possess.

Personality and traits

Yoda performing a hip hop dance in an Easter egg from the Revenge of the Sith DVD

To his students, the elfin Yoda can appear as either very strict or like a grandfather, testing them to mental and physical extremes one moment and showing warmth the next. (In the beginning of their training, students may not see eye-to-eye with him, but eventually come to see the significance of his teachings.) Among his colleagues on the Jedi Council, he is known to have a penchant for mischief and practical jokes. To all of them, the humble Yoda, who offers enlightened leadership, epitomizes the ideals of the Jedi Order; the grandmaster of that august body is widely known as a sage instructor.

Yoda speaks "Galactic Basic" in a distinctive manner by placing verbs (and more frequently, auxiliary verbs) after the object and subject. In linguistic typology this is the "Object Subject Verb" format. A typical example of Yoda's speech pattern is from Return of the Jedi: "When 900 years old you reach, look as good you will not." This speech pattern has been the source of much parody.

For Italian fans of the Star Wars series, especially children, Yoda is often referred as "The Sardinian One" or "The One Who Speaks Sardinian". This is due to the fact that once translated into Italian, Yoda's manner of speaking is very close to the Sardinian accent that in Italy is considered humorous, even slightly ridiculous.

When not actively using the Force, the elderly Yoda walks with a cane. In the Expanded Universe, it is revealed that one of his canes is a gift from the Wookiees, and that his gimer stick cane contains nutrients that can sustain him were he to chew on it.

Another item unique to Master Yoda is a blissl, an instrument similar to a panflute, which he wears around his neck while on Dagobah.

When we first meet Yoda, he cooks up a stew of roots and leaves to share with Luke Skywalker. Though he lives in a world teeming with animal life, his choice of food has led some to believe that he adheres to a vegetarian or vegan diet. Some have suggested that this is due to the strong empathy he feels with all living beings through the Force. Yoda is never shown eating what is easily recognizable as a meat product; however, we only see Yoda for a relatively short period of time in the Star Wars films, and in that time, see him eat only twice. Yoda is seen eating in the Clone Wars novel Yoda: Dark Rendezvous. His food is never named but it is mentioned as a stew, but it is also said there was "stewed tendon" in it.

The basis for Yoda's character may be derived as a duality between two, since passed, Japanese martial masters. Basis for this assumption points to the late Sokaku Takeda and Gozo Shioda. Takeda is credited with introducing the once privately practiced martial-art of the Takeda samurai family to the world. This art, Daito-ryu, is accepted as the primary ancestral art to Aikido. The master swordsman Takeda, standing just under 4'11", earned the nickname Aizu no Kotengu (the little goblin). Similarly, Gozo, martial-master of Yoshinkan Aikido, stood just under 4'11". Like Yoda, they were very short; this did not hinder their extraordinary martial ability, however. Their arts both centered on Aiki and the ever present ki (the Force) in their techniques. Moreover, like Yoda, they were master teachers and devoted their lives to preserving the ways of their martial-arts for the good of mankind.

Animating Yoda

Yoda's appearance was originally designed by British makeup artist Stuart Freeborn, who based Yoda's face partly on his own and partly on Albert Einstein's, as his eyes are supposedly inspired by the latter. Yoda is voiced by Frank Oz. In the original Star Wars trilogy, he is realized as a puppet (controlled by Oz).

In The Phantom Menace, he was redesigned to look younger. He was computer-generated for two distant shots, but remained mostly a puppet.

Rendered with computer animation in Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, Yoda appeared in ways not previously possible, including his participation in elaborate fight scenes. In Revenge of the Sith his face appears in several big close-ups, demanding highly-detailed CGI work. Despite the use of advanced technology, his performance was deliberately designed to match the puppet version, with some "mistakes" made such as the occasional ear-jiggling.

According to many Lucasfilm reports, Yoda has been redone in CGI for a later release of The Phantom Menace. This edition will most likely be part of a prequel trilogy pack.

Parody

The comedy musician "Weird Al" Yankovic parodied the song "Lola" by the Kinks with a remake titled "Yoda", included on the album Dare to Be Stupid (1985). Todd Downing parodies Ricky Martin's "Livin' La Vida Loca" with the song "Livin' La Vida Yoda." More recently, "The Great Luke Ski" parodied the song "YMCA" by the Village People with a version titled "Y.O.D.A." included on the albums Fanboys ‘n Da Hood (1996) and Carpe Dementia (1999).

Dave Chappelle did a Parody on Chappelle's Show that accused the Jedi Masters of sexually assaulting their traineees, featuring Yoda as a prime offender. The footage showed Yoda denying the allegations, and then being shown in a videotape using cocaine and making indecent sexual proposals to a young Jedi student.

In the Mel Brooks movie Spaceballs, the character Yogurt, who is played by Mel Brooks himself, is an obvious spoof on Yoda, but is also considered to be a spoof on Obi-Wan Kenobi. Yogurt teaches Lone Star the ways of the "Schwartz" (parody of the Force; "Schwartz" is a common Ashkenazi Jewish surname).


References

  • The Jedi Apprentice series by Dave Wolverton and Jude Watson
  • Episode I: The Phantom Menace, 1st edition paperback, 1999. Terry Brooks, George Lucas, ISBN 0-345-43411-0
  • Episode III: Revenge of the Sith - Novelisation, 1st edition hardcover, 2005. Matthew Woodring Stover, George Lucas, ISBN 0-7126-8427-1
  • The Annotated Screenplays, softcover, 1997. George Lucas, Leigh Brackett, Lawrence Kasdan, Laurent Bouzereau, ISBN 0-345-40981-7
  • The Courtship of Princess Leia, 1995. Dave Wolverton, ISBN 0-553-56937-6
  • Mission from Mount Yoda, 1993. Paul Davids, Hollace Davids, ISBN 0-553-15890-2
  • A Guide to the Star Wars Universe, 2nd edition, 1994. Bill Slavicsek, ISBN 0-345-38625-6
  • The Essential guide to Characters (Star Wars), 1st edition, 1995. Andy Mangels, ISBN 0-245-39535-2
  • The New Essential Guide to Characters, 1st edition, 2002. Daniel Wallace, Michael Sutfin, ISBN 0-345-44900-2
  • Star Wars: The Visual Dictionary, hardcover, 1998. David West Reynolds, ISBN 0-789-43481-4
  • Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith: The Visual Dictionary, hardcover, 2005. James Luceno, ISBN 0-756-61128-8
  • Star Wars Roleplaying Game: Revised Core Rulebook, hardcover, 2002. Bill Slavicsek, Andy Collins, J.D. Wiker, ISBN 0-786-92876-X
  • Star Wars Roleplaying Game: Power of the Jedi Sourcebook, hardcover, 2002. Michael Mikaelian, Jeff Grubb, Owen K.C. Stephens, James Maliszewski, ISBN 0-786-92781-X

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. Slipknot can refer to several things:. Yogurt teaches Lone Star the ways of the "Schwartz" (parody of the Force; "Schwartz" is a common Ashkenazi Jewish surname). SlipKnot, an early World Wide Web browser. In the Mel Brooks movie Spaceballs, the character Yogurt, who is played by Mel Brooks himself, is an obvious spoof on Yoda, but is also considered to be a spoof on Obi-Wan Kenobi. Slipknot, first song on the Slipknot Mate.Feed.Kill.Repeat album. The footage showed Yoda denying the allegations, and then being shown in a videotape using cocaine and making indecent sexual proposals to a young Jedi student. Slipknot, the second album by said band.

Dave Chappelle did a Parody on Chappelle's Show that accused the Jedi Masters of sexually assaulting their traineees, featuring Yoda as a prime offender. Slipknot, nine-piece musical group from Des Moines, Iowa, Iowa. Todd Downing parodies Ricky Martin's "Livin' La Vida Loca" with the song "Livin' La Vida Yoda." More recently, "The Great Luke Ski" parodied the song "YMCA" by the Village People with a version titled "Y.O.D.A." included on the albums Fanboys ‘n Da Hood (1996) and Carpe Dementia (1999). Slip knot, a kind of knot. The comedy musician "Weird Al" Yankovic parodied the song "Lola" by the Kinks with a remake titled "Yoda", included on the album Dare to Be Stupid (1985). According to many Lucasfilm reports, Yoda has been redone in CGI for a later release of The Phantom Menace. This edition will most likely be part of a prequel trilogy pack.

Despite the use of advanced technology, his performance was deliberately designed to match the puppet version, with some "mistakes" made such as the occasional ear-jiggling. In Revenge of the Sith his face appears in several big close-ups, demanding highly-detailed CGI work. Rendered with computer animation in Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, Yoda appeared in ways not previously possible, including his participation in elaborate fight scenes. He was computer-generated for two distant shots, but remained mostly a puppet.

In The Phantom Menace, he was redesigned to look younger. In the original Star Wars trilogy, he is realized as a puppet (controlled by Oz). Yoda is voiced by Frank Oz. Yoda's appearance was originally designed by British makeup artist Stuart Freeborn, who based Yoda's face partly on his own and partly on Albert Einstein's, as his eyes are supposedly inspired by the latter.

Moreover, like Yoda, they were master teachers and devoted their lives to preserving the ways of their martial-arts for the good of mankind. Their arts both centered on Aiki and the ever present ki (the Force) in their techniques. Like Yoda, they were very short; this did not hinder their extraordinary martial ability, however. Similarly, Gozo, martial-master of Yoshinkan Aikido, stood just under 4'11".

The master swordsman Takeda, standing just under 4'11", earned the nickname Aizu no Kotengu (the little goblin). This art, Daito-ryu, is accepted as the primary ancestral art to Aikido. Takeda is credited with introducing the once privately practiced martial-art of the Takeda samurai family to the world. Basis for this assumption points to the late Sokaku Takeda and Gozo Shioda.

The basis for Yoda's character may be derived as a duality between two, since passed, Japanese martial masters. His food is never named but it is mentioned as a stew, but it is also said there was "stewed tendon" in it. Yoda is seen eating in the Clone Wars novel Yoda: Dark Rendezvous. Yoda is never shown eating what is easily recognizable as a meat product; however, we only see Yoda for a relatively short period of time in the Star Wars films, and in that time, see him eat only twice.

Some have suggested that this is due to the strong empathy he feels with all living beings through the Force. Though he lives in a world teeming with animal life, his choice of food has led some to believe that he adheres to a vegetarian or vegan diet. When we first meet Yoda, he cooks up a stew of roots and leaves to share with Luke Skywalker. Another item unique to Master Yoda is a blissl, an instrument similar to a panflute, which he wears around his neck while on Dagobah.

In the Expanded Universe, it is revealed that one of his canes is a gift from the Wookiees, and that his gimer stick cane contains nutrients that can sustain him were he to chew on it. When not actively using the Force, the elderly Yoda walks with a cane. This is due to the fact that once translated into Italian, Yoda's manner of speaking is very close to the Sardinian accent that in Italy is considered humorous, even slightly ridiculous. For Italian fans of the Star Wars series, especially children, Yoda is often referred as "The Sardinian One" or "The One Who Speaks Sardinian".

A typical example of Yoda's speech pattern is from Return of the Jedi: "When 900 years old you reach, look as good you will not." This speech pattern has been the source of much parody. In linguistic typology this is the "Object Subject Verb" format. Yoda speaks "Galactic Basic" in a distinctive manner by placing verbs (and more frequently, auxiliary verbs) after the object and subject. To all of them, the humble Yoda, who offers enlightened leadership, epitomizes the ideals of the Jedi Order; the grandmaster of that august body is widely known as a sage instructor.

(In the beginning of their training, students may not see eye-to-eye with him, but eventually come to see the significance of his teachings.) Among his colleagues on the Jedi Council, he is known to have a penchant for mischief and practical jokes. To his students, the elfin Yoda can appear as either very strict or like a grandfather, testing them to mental and physical extremes one moment and showing warmth the next. These skills, in particular, show a far more profound knowledge of the Force than most Jedi Masters or Sith Lords of his time possess. He can purge dark side manifestations through the use of Force Light and feel the deaths of individual people and can identify them.

Yoda is even able to use Battle Meditation to win battles by lifting the morale of thousands of companions while simultaneously dampening the spirits of thousands of his opponents. Master Yoda can dissipate and deflect Force Lightning, telekinetically lift enormous objects, including an X-wing starfighter, and use Force Push to an untold degree. Yoda is a great contributor to the highest level of Jedi strategy, and is also a worldly diplomat comparable to Windu. He is an exceptional swordsman, displaying amazing speed and dexterity, leaping through the air and twirling as he batters at an opponent's defenses.

His mastery in Form IV Ataru lightsaber combat enables him to overcome the limitations of his height and reach. Yoda, having mastered all seven forms of lightsaber combat, is considered one of the best duelists in the Jedi Order of his day; Jedi Master Mace Windu seems to be the only Jedi who can equal Yoda in that regard. Later that night, Luke sees his father's spirit looking at him with pride and gratitude, in the company of Obi-Wan Kenobi and their once and future master, Yoda. Anakin dies in his son's arms as the Empire crumbles around them.

When the Emperor tries to kill Luke with Force lightning, Vader redeems himself, and once again becomes Anakin Skywalker, by killing his master to save his son. Yoda's teachings eventually save Luke from giving in to his anger and falling to the dark side; he remembers to control his feelings just as he is seconds away from killing Vader and becoming the Emperor's new apprentice. Every single death before and after occurs violently and unnaturally. Yoda then dies at the age of 900 and becomes "one with the Force." Yoda's death is unique within the Star Wars universe as he is the only character to die peacefully from natural causes.

When Luke returns to Dagobah in 4 ABY (Return of the Jedi), Yoda, sick and greatly weakened by old age, informs Luke that he has completed his training but will not be a Jedi until he defeats his father, Darth Vader. Luke promises to return to complete his training. Prior to finishing his training, however, Luke chooses to leave Dagobah in order to confront Darth Vader and save his friends from the Empire's grasp at Bespin. After initial reluctance, Yoda agrees to teach him in the ways of the Force.

22 years after Yoda's exile, in 3 ABY (The Empire Strikes Back), Luke Skywalker arrives at Dagobah to seek Yoda's guidance after being told by the ghost of Obi-Wan Kenobi, who died during a duel with Darth Vader in A New Hope. Yoda does not appear and isn't even mentioned in A New Hope. Yoda then retreats to Dagobah, a swampy and deserted planet, patiently waiting for a new hope. As we know from later films, this strategy certainly pays off.

In addition, the twins' anonymity would be more difficult to protect if the Sith were to discover the remaining Jedi Knights before Luke and/or Leia were ready. Other than the ancient Jedi Master, only the Organas, the Lars, and Obi-Wan know of their placement (it is unlikely that the Lars were fully aware of Leia's existence, however.) Originally, Obi-Wan wants to have both Yoda and himself take one child each to separate spots and train the children in the ways of the Force, but Yoda realizes that there are other ways to learn discipline than just Jedi training, and that Luke and Leia will need to be trained differently if they are going to defeat the Empire. He is also instrumental in deciding the fate of the Skywalker children after Padmé dies in childbirth, recommending that Luke and Leia be hidden from Darth Vader and his Emperor in unsuspecting and remote locations. Although this is given little attention in the film, in the novelization it is revealed that Yoda actually becomes Padawan to the deceased Jedi Master's Force ghost, learning the secret of immortality from him and passing it onto Obi-Wan.

At the end, it is revealed that Yoda has been in contact with Qui-Gon's spirit. His transformation into a fearsome cyborg serves as a grim fulfillment to Yoda's words to Obi-Wan upon learning of Anakin's fall from grace: "The boy you trained, gone he is, consumed by Darth Vader.". Anakin, meanwhile, loses his limbs and nearly burns to death while battling Obi-Wan; these injuries cost him much of his Force-potential, and the cybernetic enhancements Palpatine administers to save his life render him (seemingly) less than human. Yoda then goes into exile to hide from the Empire and to wait for another opportunity to destroy the Sith.

With Clone Troopers about to arrive and the Sith's near-destruction of the Jedi Order, Yoda is weakened and realizes that he cannot defeat Palpatine. Yoda, unable to maintain his grasp, falls to the floor of the Senate chamber. Both Masters are able to grasp the edge of nearby Senate pods, with Palpatine barely managing to hold on. Just as it seems that Yoda is about to gain the upperhand however, the fight ends in a stalemate, an explosion caused by the clash of energies hurling Palpatine and Yoda apart.

Without his lightsaber, Yoda resorts to using his palms to absorb the dark energy, managing to even reflect some of its power back at a surprised Palpatine. Palpatine counters with a barrage of Force Lightning, taking the elderly Jedi Master off guard, and disarming him. As Palpatine lands, Yoda reappears suddenly with a Force Jump, brandishing his lightsaber. In an attempt to end the contest, Palpatine takes the higher ground, and uses the Force to hurl heavy Senate pods at Yoda, who in turn deftly dodges most of them, and sends one back at Palpatine, forcing the latter to jump to a lower level.

The fight seems evenly matched between the two patriarchs of both sides of the Force, with neither Form IV master able to overcome the other. Subsequently, Yoda battles Palpatine in a titanic struggle that wrecks the Senate building. Yoda refuses, saying, "To fight this Lord Sidious, strong enough you are not.". Kenobi wants to switch opponents, as he would rather not have to fight with his beloved pupil.

Upon discovering a holographic recording revealing Anakin as the assassin, Yoda sends Kenobi to kill his former Padawan. This gives him ample warning, and he swiftly kills the clone troopers sent to dispatch him, escapes with the help of Wookiee leaders Tarfful and Chewbacca, and returns to Coruscant, where he and Obi-Wan fight their way into the Jedi Temple to stop a trap for any Jedi who also survived Order 66. He feels the deaths of each of the Jedi as they are cut down by the very troops they led. When Palpatine, now self-appointed Emperor of the Galactic Empire, implements Order 66, Yoda is on Kashyyyk, overseeing the battle between the Separatist forces and a combined command of clone troopers and Wookiees.

For all his mastery of the Force, however, Yoda does not foresee Anakin's fall to the dark side of the Force. Yoda uses his incredible sensitivity and power with the Force to sense the Sith Lord's presence, finally concluding that Sidious is someone within Palpatine's inner circle. It is at about this time that Yoda leads the Council in pursuing the mysterious Sith Lord Darth Sidious. They know that to give him the rank of Master will also give him a vote in all Council matters, and would be the same as giving Palpatine a vote in the Council — something they were not willing to allow.

Yoda and Mace Windu continue to be powerful forces in the young Jedi's ascension in the order, as they deny him the rank of Jedi Master. Again, the Council is hesitant about Anakin's temperament but acquiesces to the request. In 19 BBY (Revenge of the Sith), Chancellor Palpatine, who by now has near-absolute power in the Galactic Senate, appoints Anakin to the Jedi Council as his own representative. Although seemingly frail, the ancient Yoda demonstrates a legendary mastery of lightsaber combat (Form IV lightsaber combat, known for using the Force to achieve extreme acrobatics - see the seven forms of lightsaber combat).

This confrontation ends with Dooku narrowly escaping by threatening Yoda's injured comrades Anakin and Obi-Wan. At the climax of the battle, Yoda duels with Separatist leader and Sith Lord Count Dooku, who was once Yoda's Jedi apprentice. He leads the group which rescues Obi-Wan, Anakin and Padmé Amidala from execution at the hands of the Confederacy of Independent Systems, aka the Separatists. In 22 BBY (Attack of the Clones), Yoda is a key Republic general at the Battle of Geonosis, when the clone trooper Army of the Republic is first deployed.

It could also be that since it was Qui-Gon's dying request and Obi-Wan said he would train him regardless of what the council said, and losing Obi-Wan would be far worse than the risk of training the boy. Another reason suggested is that, with Anakin showing such strength in the Force by destroying the droid control ship, the Council feels that it would be a shame and a waste (perhaps also a danger) to not train someone so strong in the Force. One possible explanation for this retraction is that Yoda trusts Kenobi more than his notoriously unorthodox teacher. Yoda somewhat disagrees with the decision.

After Qui-Gon's death at the hands of Darth Maul, however, the Council rescinds its previous decision, although the reasons are unclear. His future, Yoda thinks, is clouded. Yoda believes that the boy is clearly affected by his years as a slave, and that he still clings too tightly to the memory of his mother to be trained safely. Yoda, as the teacher of many of those on the Council, and its most venerable and respected member, plays a key role in that body's initial decision to deny the request.

In 32 BBY (The Phantom Menace), Qui-Gon brings a young slave named Anakin Skywalker to the Jedi Council, claiming that the boy is the Chosen One who will bring balance to the Force, and requests to train him once Obi-Wan has completed the trials necessary to become a Jedi Knight (Jedi can only have one apprentice at a time). He was one of the Jedi Masters who ran the mobile academy aboard the starship Chu'unthor about 200 years before A New Hope, leaving the ship's data tapes in the care of one of the natives when the vessel crashed on Dathomir. Following his training, Yoda is said to have spent 100 years in self-imposed solitude, attempting to attain a higher level of understanding of the Force. It is speculated from the Expanded Universe that he achieved the status of Jedi Knight at the age of 50 and the rank of Jedi Master at 100.

(Yoda, Yaddle, and Vandar Tokare are sometimes erroneously referred to as Whills, despite Lucas' insistence that they are not.) In fact, very little is reported of Yoda's life before the events of The Phantom Menace. George Lucas has intentionally kept the name of Yoda's race a secret. 800 BBY to 19 BBY). Moreover, he has trained almost every Jedi in the Galaxy since he instructs all younglings in the Jedi Temple before they are assigned to a master (c.

Over his lifetime, Yoda trains several notable Jedi, including Count Dooku, Mace Windu, Obi-Wan Kenobi (partially, before Qui-Gon Jinn took over with Obi-Wan's training), Ki-Adi-Mundi and Luke Skywalker. Yoda, standing only 2' 2" (66cm) tall, is one of the senior members of the Jedi Council and arguably the wisest and most powerful Jedi of his time, even toward his demise, though the toll of his great age is noticeable. . Yoda's character is believed by some to have been inspired by the title character in the 1975 Russian-Japanese film Dersu Uzala directed by Akira Kurosawa.

Like many names in Star Wars, the name "Yoda" has been supposed to be etymologically derived from some ancient language - in this case possibly from the Sanskrit yoddha ("warrior") and/or the Hebrew yodea ("one who knows"). He appears in all of the franchise's installments except for Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. The Jedi Master known as Yoda (896 BBY–4 ABY), voiced by Frank Oz, is a fictional character in the Star Wars universe. Stephens, James Maliszewski, ISBN 0-786-92781-X.

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