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Grogu’s unexpected introduction in “The Mandalorian,” affectionately dubbed Baby Yoda by fans, ignited a fervor within the Star Wars community. His enigmatic origins and potential significance have captivated audiences across the show’s two seasons, leading to widespread speculation about his role in both the series’ narrative and the broader Star Wars mythology. One intriguing fan theory, originating from Reddit, posits that Grogu, also known as “The Child,” could play a pivotal role in a longstanding cycle wherein a child rises to save the Chosen One from succumbing to darkness.
According to this theory, Grogu might have been trained by Ahsoka Tano, potentially positioning him to mentor a new Chosen One in a future phase of the Star Wars timeline. This speculation gains traction, especially considering Ahsoka’s appearance in the second season of “The Mandalorian.” It’s suggested that Grogu could have been instrumental in guiding Rey in “The Last Jedi” or “The Rise of Skywalker,” steering her away from the path of darkness and towards fulfilling her destiny as the universe’s savior. However, this raises the perplexing question: where was Grogu during the sequel trilogy? One possibility is that the sequel trilogy was already finalized before the conception of “The Mandalorian,” implying that Grogu was merely a concept in Jon Favreau’s mind. Alternatively, it’s conceivable that Grogu met his demise between “The Mandalorian” and “The Force Awakens,” disrupting the cycle he may have been destined to continue.
The notion of Grogu’s potential demise presents a significant narrative challenge. However, what if his death ultimately serves a greater purpose — sacrificing himself to prevent someone from descending into darkness? This sacrificial act could be directed towards characters like Din Djarin, whose rumored Force sensitivity makes him a viable candidate. Alternatively, given Grogu’s connection to Luke Skywalker and the events leading up to “The Force Awakens,” it’s plausible that Grogu sacrifices himself to save Luke, thereby enabling Luke to play a crucial role in once again safeguarding the galaxy.
While fans have primarily focused on Ben Solo/Kylo Ren regarding the destruction of the Jedi Temple, it’s conceivable that Grogu intervened to rescue Luke Skywalker, setting off a chain of events wherein Luke later aids Rey, empowering her to liberate the galaxy from Palpatine’s grasp.
For Grogu to resume his training under Luke Skywalker, he must come to terms with his decision to abandon his Jedi training, as depicted in “The Book of Boba Fett.” Despite the poignant reunion between Grogu and Mando, it’s evident that Grogu is straying from his destiny by choosing to remain with his paternal figure rather than pursue the Jedi path. As demonstrated in “The Mandalorian” Season 3, Grogu’s Force abilities continue to evolve, presenting a significant risk due to his lack of formal instruction from Skywalker. The youngling is in dire need of guidance to harness his powers responsibly. Although fraught with potential consequences, it seems inevitable that he will eventually return to Luke for training.
Grogu’s potential sacrifice mirrors precedents set in the Star Wars universe, wherein characters of immense potential sacrifice themselves to aid the Chosen One in preserving the galaxy. This act could signify a departure from the established pattern, culminating in Grogu’s sacrifice paving the way for Ben Solo’s momentous sacrifice in “The Rise of Skywalker.” With Palpatine’s defeat and this notable sacrifice, Star Wars may conclude its tradition of sacrificing key characters to ensure the survival of the main protagonists.
Grogu’s growing strength after completing his Jedi training raises questions about his absence during the events of the Sequel Trilogy if he were still alive at that point. It would be more narratively coherent for Grogu to have passed away before “The Force Awakens.” While his demise would be tragic, it could provide a poignant conclusion to “The Mandalorian.” Embracing a somber ending akin to “Revenge of the Sith” could amplify the emotional impact of the series, especially considering the looming threat of conflict with the resurgent Imperial Remnant.
Concluding with Grogu’s sacrifice to rescue Luke Skywalker allows “The Mandalorian” to delve into the darker aspects of the Star Wars universe while also laying the groundwork for hope in future installments. Despite not witnessing the subsequent positive changes firsthand, Grogu’s sacrifice would significantly contribute to the galaxy’s redemption, ensuring his legacy endures beyond his physical existence.