Maz Kanata, played by Lupita Nyong’o, is one of the most mysterious figures introduced in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Known as the thousand-year-old pirate queen with deep knowledge of the Force, Maz has a unique role in the galaxy. Despite never being referred to as a Jedi, Maz displays wisdom, intuition, and even a connection to Jedi relics—most notably, Anakin Skywalker’s lightsaber. This has led many fans to wonder: Could Maz Kanata have trained as a Jedi?
Maz Kanata’s Connection to the Force
Maz openly acknowledges a deep connection to the Force. When speaking to Rey in The Force Awakens, she describes the Force as surrounding and binding the galaxy, a perspective similar to what Yoda once taught Luke Skywalker. Unlike Jedi or Sith, Maz does not wield the Force as a weapon but instead uses it as a guide.
During the battle on Takodana, Maz senses the right moment to entrust Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber to Rey. While not explicitly using Force abilities like telekinesis or mind tricks, Maz demonstrates an understanding of the Force that suggests long-term study and experience. Her words indicate a level of spiritual insight that goes beyond common knowledge, raising the possibility that she could have trained as a Jedi in her past.
Did Maz Ever Receive Jedi Training?
If Maz Kanata ever trained as a Jedi, the question becomes: when and where did this happen? Born over a thousand years before the events of The Force Awakens, Maz would have existed during multiple significant eras of the Jedi Order.
- The High Republic Era: This was a time when the Jedi Order was at its peak. If Maz was Force-sensitive, she might have been discovered by the Jedi and trained in their ways. However, there is no record of her being a Jedi Knight or even a Padawan.
- The Fall of the Jedi Order: If she was once trained, Maz might have left the Jedi Order long before the Clone Wars. Given her long lifespan, she could have walked away from the Jedi path, choosing to live as a neutral Force-sensitive being.
- Jedi Artifacts and Knowledge: Maz’s castle is filled with relics and objects of historical significance. The fact that she possesses Anakin’s lightsaber suggests she has connections to people who recover lost Jedi artifacts. This further supports the idea that Maz was once deeply involved in Jedi affairs or studied their teachings.
Why Didn’t Maz Become a Jedi?
If Maz Kanata had the potential to be a Jedi, why didn’t she become one? There are several possible reasons:
- She Chose a Different Path – The Jedi way requires strict discipline, detachment, and a commitment to serving the Republic. Maz, known for her pirate lifestyle and deep love of freedom, might have rejected the structured life of a Jedi.
- She Was Never Trained – It’s possible that, despite her Force sensitivity, Maz was never formally trained by the Jedi. Instead, she could have studied the Force independently, much like Chirrut Îmwe of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
- She Left the Order – If Maz was trained at some point, she might have left the Jedi Order voluntarily, similar to Ahsoka Tano. This could explain her extensive knowledge while also justifying why she never appears in Jedi records.
- She Avoided Conflict – The Clone Wars and the fall of the Jedi Order led to the near-extinction of Jedi. Maz might have chosen to avoid these conflicts, staying hidden and focusing on her own pursuits.
The Mystery of Maz Kanata’s Abilities
Even without traditional Jedi training, Maz exhibits an impressive understanding of the Force. While she never wields a lightsaber or engages in combat like Jedi Masters, her insight and wisdom rival some of the most powerful Force users in the galaxy.
One of the most intriguing moments in The Force Awakens is her ability to guide Rey without any apparent Jedi techniques. While she does not claim to be a Jedi, her ability to recognize Rey’s potential suggests a deep understanding of Force sensitivity.
Additionally, Maz survives for over a thousand years, witnessing the rise and fall of numerous galactic governments. Unlike Jedi who often meet tragic fates, Maz endures, adapting to the ever-changing galaxy. If she had trained as a Jedi, she likely abandoned that path long ago in favor of a different way of life.
Maz Kanata’s Legacy in the Star Wars Universe
Whether or not Maz Kanata trained as a Jedi, her role in the Star Wars saga remains significant. As a mentor figure, she helps guide Rey toward embracing the Force, much like Yoda did for Luke. Her possession of Anakin’s lightsaber connects her to the history of the Jedi, even if she was never one herself.
Maz’s knowledge of the Force, her collection of ancient artifacts, and her ability to sense events beyond normal perception make her one of the most enigmatic Force-sensitive characters in the galaxy. While there is no direct confirmation that she trained as a Jedi, her wisdom and connection to the Force suggest that she has studied its mysteries for centuries, possibly learning from Jedi without officially becoming one.
In the end, Maz Kanata may not have been a Jedi, but her influence on the Star Wars story proves that one does not need to wield a lightsaber to be strong with the Force.
