Younglings in Star Wars hold a special place in the journey of becoming a Jedi. These are Force-sensitive children, taken at a very young age to the Jedi Temple, primarily on Coruscant. Their journey as Younglings is the first step toward becoming full-fledged Jedi Knights. The role of Younglings is most prominently explored during the prequel trilogy, offering insight into the earliest stages of Jedi training. In Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, the Younglings’ training is guided by Jedi Masters such as Yoda, who personally leads their early lessons.
The Early Steps of Jedi Training
The Jedi Order often discovers these Force-sensitive children across the galaxy. After being brought to the Jedi Temple, Younglings begin their formal training in the ways of the Force. Their early education focuses on understanding and connecting with the Force, as well as learning the Jedi Code. These teachings are crucial because the Jedi Order places high importance on self-discipline, mindfulness, and emotional control. These values are the foundation for the Jedi’s connection to the Force.
In the Temple, Younglings are divided into groups called clans, where they train together in the basics of Force usage and lightsaber combat. Each Youngling undergoes rigorous mental and physical training to harness their Force abilities, much of which is supervised by experienced Jedi Knights and Masters. This training serves to strengthen their connection with the Living Force and helps them understand the weight of responsibility that comes with their power.
The Gathering: Crafting the First Lightsaber
One of the most significant rites of passage for Younglings is “The Gathering,” where they travel to the planet Ilum, an ancient place strong in the Force. Here, they must find and retrieve kyber crystals, which power their future lightsabers. This trial is more than a physical challenge—it requires them to trust in the Force, showing the growth of their connection to it.
Once a kyber crystal is obtained, the next step is for the Youngling to construct a lightsaber. This process symbolizes their development and readiness for the more advanced stages of training. Jedi Younglings build their first lightsabers based on their personal connection with the Force. While most Younglings use standard blue or green lightsabers—colors traditionally associated with Jedi Guardians and Consulars, respectively—there have been instances of other colors emerging based on the individual’s unique bond with the Force. Ahsoka Tano, for instance, famously wielded dual white lightsabers later in the journey.
The Role of Lightsaber Combat
Lightsaber training plays a crucial role in a Youngling’s development. Under the guidance of Jedi Masters like Yoda and Obi-Wan Kenobi, Younglings learn the basics of lightsaber combat. They are taught to wield lightsabers in various forms of combat, with Form I (Shii-Cho) being the first style they master. Shii-Cho emphasizes basic movements and strikes, ideal for beginners as they develop control over their weapons.
Training sessions often include mock duels, where Younglings face one another in controlled combat to develop their defensive and offensive techniques. The goal isn’t to defeat their opponent but to practice balance, precision, and control—key components of Jedi training. These duels help the Younglings understand that the lightsaber is not merely a weapon but an extension of their connection to the Force.
Trials and Progression
While still in their Youngling phase, these potential Jedi must prove themselves through a series of trials and tests. These trials are designed to evaluate their mastery of the Force, their ability to handle a lightsaber, and their understanding of the Jedi Code. Only after passing these trials can a Youngling advance to the next stage of Jedi training: becoming a Padawan.
The bond between a Padawan and their Jedi Master is critical. Once chosen, a Padawan receives one-on-one training with their Master, taking on more responsibilities, including missions across the galaxy. The end goal for every Youngling is to complete the rigorous training and ascend to the rank of Jedi Knight. Yet, the Youngling years remain essential in shaping their core values and ensuring that the child grows into a disciplined and wise Jedi.
The Fall of the Younglings
The fate of many Younglings was tragically sealed during the events of Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, when Darth Vader carried out Order 66 under the directive of Emperor Palpatine. The Jedi Temple became a place of violence as the clones, under Palpatine’s control, stormed the Temple. The Younglings, caught in the chaos, sought refuge within the Temple’s halls but were ultimately discovered by Anakin Skywalker, who had fallen to the dark side and taken the name Darth Vader.
In one of the most heart-wrenching moments of the Star Wars saga, Vader turned the blade against the defenseless Younglings. The massacre of these Jedi-in-training symbolizes the devastating collapse of the Jedi Order. Despite their potential, many of these Younglings perished before they could become Padawans or Knights, marking the end of their journey.
Legacy of the Younglings
Despite their tragic end, the legacy of the Younglings continues to echo throughout the galaxy. Luke Skywalker later attempted to rebuild the Jedi Order, training a new generation of Force-sensitive children. Although Luke’s efforts faced their own set of challenges, with his pupil Ben Solo turning to the dark side, the idea of training Younglings to carry on the Jedi Order remains a key theme in Star Wars.
Another notable figure who upheld the importance of training Force-sensitive children is Ahsoka Tano. Though leaving the Jedi Order, Ahsoka continued to act as a mentor and protector of Force-sensitive individuals, ensuring that the next generation could still flourish in the ways of the Force.
In addition, Grogu, a Force-sensitive being introduced in The Mandalorian, shows the significance of Youngling training. Though Grogu was present during the fall of the Jedi Temple, Grogu’s future hints at the possibility of preserving and passing down Jedi traditions even in the face of overwhelming adversity. The training, connection to the Force, and construction of a lightsaber remain central elements in how future generations can uphold the legacy of the Jedi.
The journey of a Youngling may begin in the safety of the Jedi Temple, but it carries the potential to span across the galaxy. From learning the basics of the Force to wielding a lightsaber for the first time, these children symbolize hope, potential, and the future of the Jedi Order.
