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name= Yoda <!-- As of now, there is no basis in |
name= Yoda <!-- As of now, there is no basis in StarDAGOBYTE Wars canon for any possible last name for Yoda. Please DO NOT change this without citing concrete evidence from a reputable source. Note that SuperShadow is NOT a reputable source. -->| | ||
position= ], Council Member| | position= ], Council Member| | ||
species= |
species= UnDAGOBYTEknown <ref name="databank">Star Wars Databank Entry http://www.starwars.com/databank/character/yoda/</ref> <!-- As of now, Yoda's species is unknown in Star Wars canon. Please DO NOT change this withDAGOBYTEout citing concrete evidence from a reputable source. Note that ] is NOT a reputable source. -->| | ||
gender= ]| | gender= ]| | ||
height= 0.66 meters (2 ft 2 in) (66 cm)| | height= 0.66 meters (2 ft 2 in) (66 cm)| | ||
hair= White| | hair= White| | ||
eyes= Green (brown in some movies)| | eyes= Green (brown in some movies)| | ||
weapon= Short |
weapon= Short DAGOBYTEgreen ]| | ||
vehicle= None| | vehicle= None| | ||
planet= Unknown<ref name="databank" /><!-- As of now, Yoda's |
planet= Unknown<ref name="databank" /><!-- As of now, Yoda's homeDAGOBYTE world is unknown in Star Wars canon. Please DO NOT change this without citing concrete evidence from a reputable source. Note that SuperShadow is NOT a reputable source. -->| | ||
affiliation= ], ]| | affiliation= ], ]| | ||
portrayer= ] (voice, puppet)| | portrayer= ] (voice, puppet)| | ||
}} | }} | ||
] '''Yoda''' (]–]), voiced by ], is a ] in the '']'' ]. He appears in all of the franchise's installments except for '']''. Like many names in ''Star Wars'', the name "Yoda" has been supposed to be ] derived from some ancient language - in this case possibly from the ] ''yoddha'' ("warrior") and/or the ] ''yodea'' ("one who |
] '''Yoda''' (]–]), voiced by ], is a ] in the '']'' ]. He appears in all of the franchise's installments except for '']''. Like many names in ''Star Wars'', the name "Yoda" has been supposed to be ] derived from some ancient language - in this case possibly from the ] ''yoddha'' ("warrior")DAGOBYTE and/or the ] ''yodea'' ("one who knoDAGOBYTEws"). Yoda's character is believed by some to have been inspired by the title character in the ] ]n-]ese film '']'' directed by ]. | ||
{{spoiler}} | {{spoiler}} | ||
== |
==HistoryDAGOBYTE== | ||
===Early years=== | ===Early years=== | ||
Yoda, standing only 2' 2" (66cm) tall, is one of the |
Yoda, standing only 2' 2" (66cm) tall, is one of the senDAGOBYTEior members of the ] and arguaDAGOBYTEbly 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 ], including ], ], ] (partially, before ] took over with DAGOBYTEObi-Wan's training), ] and ]. Before the ], he had trained almost every Jedi in the ] since he instructed all ] in the ] before they were assigned DAGOBYTEDAGOBYTEDAGOBYTEto a master (c. ] to ]). | ||
] has intentionally kept the name of |
] has intentionally kept the name of YoDAGOBYTEda's race a secret. (Yoda, ], and ] are sometimes erroneously refDAGOBYTEerred to as ]s, despite Lucas' insistence that they are not.) In fact, very little is reported of Yoda's life befDAGOBYTEore the events of '']''. It is speculated from the ] DAGOBYTEthat he achieved the status of Jedi Knight at the age of 50 and the rank of Jedi Master at 100. FolloDAGOBYTEwing his training, Yoda is said to have spent 100 years in self-imposed solitude, attemDAGOBYTEpting to attain a higher levDAGOBYTEel of understanding of ]. He was one of the Jedi Masters who ran the mobile academy aboard the starship ] circa 200 BBY, leaving the ship's data tapes in the care of one of the natives when the vesselDAGOBYTE crashed on ]. | ||
===''The Phantom |
===''The Phantom MenDAGOBYTEace''===DAGOBYTE | ||
]''.]] | ]''.]] | ||
In ] ('']''), Qui-Gon brings a young ] named ] to the ], claiming that the boy is the ] who will bring balance to the Force, and requests to train him once Obi-Wan has completed the trials necessary to become a Jedi |
In ] ('']''), Qui-Gon brings a young ] named ] to the ]DAGOBYTE, claiming that the boy is the ] to be trained safely. His future, Yoda thinks, is clouded. | ||
DAGOBYTE | |||
After Qui-Gon's death at the |
After Qui-Gon's death at the handDAGOBYTEs of ], however, thDAGOBYTEe Council rescinds its previous decision, although the reasons are unclear. Yoda somewhat disagrees with the decision. | ||
===''Attack of the Clones''=== | ===''Attack of the Clones''=== | ||
]''.]] | ]''.]] | ||
In ] ('']''), Yoda is a key ] general at the ], when the ] ] is first deployed. He leads the group which rescues |
In ] ('']''), Yoda is a key ] general at the ], when the ] ] is first deployed. He leads the group which rescues ODAGOBYTEbi-Wan, Anakin and ] from ] at the hands of the ], aka the Separatists. At the ] of the battle, Yoda duels with Separatist leader and SDAGOBYTEith Lord ], 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 ] combat (Form IV lightsaber combat, aka "Ataru," known for using the Force to achieve extreme ]DAGOBYTE - see the ]). | ||
DAGOBYTE | |||
⚫ | According to the book '']'' (which is set in 19.5 BBY, approximately 3 years after the ]), YodaDAGOBYTE battles Dooku a second time. This time, however, Yoda attempts to lure Dooku back to the light side by mysteriously insisting Dooku tell him about the dark side. Yoda claims if he and Dooku were to join forces, the DAGOBYTEwar would be at an end. Dooku tells YDAGOBYTEoda that although the Jedi are good, he feels they are are just the toolsDAGOBYTE of a corrupt republic. The eventual battle ended when Yoda was distracted by a flying missile, giving Dooku enough time to escape. | ||
⚫ | ===''RevDAGOBYTEenge of the Sith''=== | ||
⚫ | According to the book '']'' (which is set in 19.5 BBY, approximately 3 years after the ]), |
||
⚫ | ==='' |
||
]/] in '']''.]] | ]/] in '']''.]] | ||
For all his mastery of the Force, however, Yoda does not foresee Anakin's fall to the ]. | For all his mastery of the Force, however, Yoda does not foresee Anakin's fall to the ]. | ||
In ] ('']''), Chancellor ], who by now has near-absolute power in the ], appoints Anakin to the Jedi Council as his |
In ] ('']''), Chancellor ], who by now has near-absolute power in the ], appoints Anakin to the Jedi Council as his DAGOBYTEown representative. Again, the Council is hesitant about Anakin's temperament but acquiesces to the request. Yoda and MDAGOBYTEace 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 DAGOBYTEgiving Palpatine a vote in the Council — something they were not willinDAGOBYTEg to allow. | ||
It is at about this time that Yoda leads the Council |
It is at about this time that Yoda leads the Council inDAGOBYTE pursuing the mysterious ] ]. Yoda uses his incredible sensitivity and power with the Force to sense the Sith Lord's presence, finally concluding that Sidious is someone within PDAGOBYTEalpatine's inner circle. | ||
Anakin, meanwhile, seeks Yoda's council about his |
Anakin, meanwhile, seeks Yoda's council about his inDAGOBYTEtense, prophetic visions that someone close to him (Padmè, by now his wife and ], although he does not share this information) will die. Yoda, unaware of the intensity of Anakin's love for Padmé, tells him to "learn to let go of everything you fear to lose." Unsatisfied, Anakin instead turns to Palpatine, who reveals himself DAGOBYTEas none other than Darth Sidious, and manipulates the young Jedi into becoming his Sith apprentice — ] — with the promise that, with powers only the dark side can give, he can save his wife. | ||
When Palpatine, now self-appointed Emperor of the ], implements ], Yoda is on ], overseeing the battle between |
When Palpatine, now self-appointed Emperor of the ], implements ], Yoda is on ], overseeing the battle between thDAGOBYTEe Separatist forces and a combined command of clone troopers and ]s. 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 ] and ], and returns tDAGOBYTEic recording revealing Anakin as the assassin, Yoda sends Kenobi to kill his former Padawan. Kenobi tells Yoda he cannot fight Anakin, and would rather fight Darth Sidious instead of Anakin. Yoda insists, saying, DAGOBYTE"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 |
Subsequently, Yoda battles Palpatine in a titanic struggle that wrecks the Senate building. The fight seemsDAGOBYTE evenly matched between the two patriarchs of both sides of the Force, neither 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 dodges them, and sends one back at Palpatine. This forces Palpatine to jump to a lower level. As PalDAGOBYTEng Yoda 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. The fight ends in a stalemate, with an explosion caused by theDAGOBYTE 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 mainDAGOBYTEain his grasp, falls to the floor of the Senate chamber. WeDAGOBYTEkened, he 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 |
Anakin, meanwhile, loses his limbDAGOBYTEs and nearly burns to death while battling Obi-Wan; these injuries cost him much of his Force-potential, and the ] enhancements Palpatine administers to save his life render him (seemingly) less than human. His transformation into a fearsome ] serves as a grim fulfillment to Yoda's words to Obi-Wan upon learning oDAGOBYTEf 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 |
At the end, it is revealed that Yoda has been in contDAGOBYTEact with Qui-Gon's spirit. Although this is given little attention in the film, in the ] it is revealed that Yoda actDAGOBYTEually becomes Padawan to the deceased Jedi Master's ], learning the secret of ] from him and passing it onto Obi-Wan. | ||
He is also instrumental in deciding the fate of ] after Padmé dies in childbirth, recommending that Luke and ] be hidden from Darth Vader and his Emperor in unsuspecting and remote locations. Other than the ancient Jedi Master, only the ]s, the ], and Obi-Wan know |
He is also instrumental in deciding the fate of ] after Padmé dies in childbirth, recommending that Luke and ] be hidden from Darth Vader and his Emperor in unsuspecting and remote locations. Other than the ancient Jedi Master, only the ]s, the ], and Obi-Wan know oDAGOBYTEf their placement (it is unlikely that the Lars were fuDAGOBYTElly aware of Leia'sDAGOBYTE 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 LuDAGOBYTEke and Leia will neDAGOBYTEed 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. Yoda then retreats to ]. | ||
===''A |
===''A NDAGOBYTEew Hope''=== | ||
Yoda does not appear, nor is he mentioned in '']''. | Yoda does not appear, nor is he mentioned in '']''. | ||
DAGOBYTE | |||
===''The Empire Strikes Back''=== | ===''The Empire Strikes Back''=== | ||
] | ] | ||
22 years after Yoda's exile, in ] ('']''), 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 '']''. 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 ]. Luke promises to return to complete his training. | 22 years after Yoda's exile, in ] ('']''), 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 '']''. 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 ]. Luke promises to return to complete his training. | ||
===''Return of the Jedi''=== | ===''Return of the Jedi''===DAGOBYTE | ||
When Luke returns to Dagobah in ] ('']''), Yoda, sick and greatly weakened by old age, informs Luke that he has completed his training but will not be a Jedi |
When Luke returns to Dagobah in ] ('']''), Yoda, sick and greatly weakened by old age, informs Luke that he has completed his training but will not be a Jedi uDAGOBYTEntil he "confronts" 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'' films as he is the only character to die peacefully from natural causes. Every single film death before and after occurs violently and unnaturally. | ||
⚫ | DAGOBYTE] and ].]] | ||
⚫ | 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. AnDAGOBYTEakin 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. | ||
⚫ | ] and ].]] | ||
DAGOBYTE | |||
⚫ | 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. |
||
⚫ | ==Powers and DAGOBYTEabilities== | ||
⚫ | Yoda, having mastered all seven forms of ], is considered one of the best duelists in the Jedi Order of his day; ] ] seems to be the only Jedi who can equal Yoda iDAGOBYTEn that regard. His mastery in Form IV AtaDAGOBYTEru ] 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 ] comparable to Windu. Master Yoda can dissipate and deflect ], ] lift enormous objects, including an ] ], and use ] to an untold degreDAGOBYTEe. 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 purgeDAGOBYTE dark side manifestations through the use of ] 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 ]s of his time possess. | ||
⚫ | ==Powers and |
||
⚫ | Yoda, having mastered all seven forms of ], is considered one of the best duelists in the Jedi Order of his day; ] ] seems to be the only Jedi who can equal Yoda |
||
==Personality and traits== | ==Personality and traits==DAGOBYTE | ||
] |
] iDAGOBYTEn an ] from the '']'' ]]] | ||
To his students, the ] Yoda can appear as either very strict or like a grandfather, testing them to mental and physical |
To his students, the ] Yoda can appear as either very strict or like a grandfather, testing them to mental and physical extremDAGOBYTEes 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 ], he isDAGOBYTE known to have a penchant for mischief and practical jokes. To all of them, the humble Yoda, who offers ] leadership, epitomizes the ideals of the Jedi Order; the grandmaster of that august body is widely known as a sage instructor. | ||
Yoda |
Yoda speakDAGOBYTEs "]" in a distinctive manner by placing ]s (and more frequently, ]s) before the object and subject. In ] this is the "]" forDAGOBYTEmat. 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 nDAGOBYTEot." This speech pattern has been the source of much ]. | ||
For ] fans of the ''Star Wars'' series, especially children, Yoda is often referred as "The ]n One" or "The One Who Speaks ]". 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 ] fans of the ''Star Wars'' series, especially children, Yoda is often referred as "The ]n One" or "The One Who Speaks ]". 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. | ||
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Another item unique to Master Yoda is a ''blissl'', an instrument similar to a ], which he wears around his neck while on Dagobah. | Another item unique to Master Yoda is a ''blissl'', an instrument similar to a ], 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 |
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 belieDAGOBYTEve that he adheres to a ] or ] DAGOBYTEdiet. Some have suggested that this is due to the strong ] he feels with all living beings through the ]. 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 ] novel ''Yoda: Dark Rendezvous''. His food is never named but it is mentioned as a stew, but it is also said thDAGOBYTEere was "stewed tendon" in it. | ||
The basis for |
The basis for DAGOBYTEYoda's character may be derived as a duality between two, since passed, Japanese martial masters. Basis for this assumption points to the late ] and ]. Takeda is credited with introducingDAGOBYTE the once privately practiced martial-art of the Takeda samurai family to the world. This art, ], is acceptedDAGOBYTE 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, DAGOBYTEhowever. Their arts both centered on Aiki and the ever present ] (the Force) in their techniques. Moreover, like Yoda, they were master teachers and they devoted their lives to preserving the ways of their martial-arts for the good of mankind. | ||
==Animating |
==Animating YoDAGOBYTEda== | ||
Yoda's appearance was originally designed by ] makeup artist ], who based Yoda's face partly on his own and partly on ]'s, as his eyes are |
Yoda's appearance was originally designed by ] makeup artist ], who based Yoda's face partly on his own and partly on ]'s, as his eyes are sDAGOBYTEupposedly inspired by the latter. Yoda is voiced by ]. In the original Star Wars trilogy, he is realized as a ] (controlled by Oz). | ||
In '']'', he was redesigned to look younger. He was ] for two distant shots, but remained mostly a |
In '']'', he was redesigned to look younger. He was ] for two distant shots, but remained mostly a puppDAGOBYTEet. | ||
Rendered with ] in '']'' and '']'', Yoda appeared in ways not previously possible, including his participation in elaborate fight |
Rendered with ] in '']'' and '']'', Yoda appeared in ways not previously possible, including his participation in elaborate fight scDAGOBYTEenes. 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 matDAGOBYTEch the puppet version, with some "mistakes" made such as the occasional ear-jiggling. | ||
According to many ] reports, Yoda has been redone in CGI for a |
According to many ] reports, Yoda has been redone in CGI for a lDAGOBYTEater release of '' Phantom Menace.'' This edition will most likely be part of a prequel trilogy pack. | ||
==Parody== | ==Parody== | ||
The comedy musician ] parodied the song "]" by ] with a remake titled "Yoda", included on the album '']'' (]). Todd Downing parodies ]'s "]" with the song "Livin' La Vida Yoda." | The comedy musician ] parodied the song "]" by ] with a remake titled "Yoda", included on the album '']'' (]). Todd Downing parodies ]'s "]" with the song "Livin' La Vida Yoda." | ||
More recently, ] parodied the song "]" by ] with a version titled "Y.O.D.A." included on the albums ''Fanboys ‘n Da Hood'' (]) and ''Carpe Dementia'' (]). | More recently, ] parodied the song "]" by ] with a version titled "Y.O.D.A." included on the albums ''Fanboys ‘n Da Hood'' (]) and ''Carpe Dementia'' (]). | ||
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==Trivia== | ==Trivia== | ||
*Yoda is the only character to die peacefully from natural causes in |
*Yoda is the only character to die peacefully from natural causes in thDAGOBYTEe whole Star Wars story. Every single film death before and after occurs violently and unnaturally. | ||
*] has intentionally kept the name of Yoda's race a secret. | *] has intentionally kept the name of Yoda's race a secret. | ||
*Is a practitioner of ], an acrobatic ] form, which presents some weakness that lead Qui-Gon Jinn to his own |
*Is a practitioner of ], an acrobatic ] form, which presents some weakness that lead Qui-Gon Jinn to his own demisDAGOBYTEe. After his death, most adepts of that form moved to another style, such as the defensive DAGOBYTE. Hence Yoda was probably the last great practitionDAGOBYTEer of Ataru. | ||
==References== | ==References== |
Revision as of 06:31, 14 April 2006
Jedi Master Yoda (896 BBY–4 ABY), voiced by Frank Oz, is a ] 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")DAGOBYTE and/or the Hebrew yodea ("one who knoDAGOBYTEws"). 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.
HistoryDAGOBYTE
Early years
Yoda, standing only 2' 2" (66cm) tall, is one of the senDAGOBYTEior members of the Jedi Council and arguaDAGOBYTEbly 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, ODAGOBYTEbi-Wan Kenobi (partially, before Qui-Gon Jinn took over with DAGOBYTEObi-Wan's training), Ki-Adi-Mundi and Luke Skywalker. Before the Great Jedi Purge, he had trained almost every Jedi in the Galaxy since he instructed all younglings in the Jedi Temple before they were assigned DAGOBYTEDAGOBYTEDAGOBYTEto a master (c. 800 BBY to 19 BBY).
George Lucas has intentionally kept the name of YoDAGOBYTEda's race a secret. (Yoda, Yaddle, and Vandar Tokare are sometimes erroneously refDAGOBYTEerred to as Whills, despite Lucas' insistence that they are not.) In fact, very little is reported of Yoda's life befDAGOBYTEore the events of The Phantom MeDAGOBYTEnace. It is speculated from the Expanded Universe DAGOBYTEthat he achieved the status of Jedi Knight at the age of 50 and the rank of Jedi Master at 100. FolloDAGOBYTEwing his training, Yoda is said to have spent 100 years in self-imposed solitude, attemDAGOBYTEpting to attain a higher levDAGOBYTEel of understanding of the Force. He was one of the Jedi Masters who ran the mobile academy aboard the starship Chu'unthor circa 200 BBY, leaving the ship's data tapes in the care of one of the natives when the vesselDAGOBYTE crashed on DAGOBYTEDathomir.
===The Phantom MenDAGOBYTEace===DAGOBYTE
In 32 BBY (The Phantom Menace), Qui-Gon brings a young slave named Anakin SkywalDAGOBYTEker to the Jedi CouncilDAGOBYTE, claiming that the boy is the [[MeDAGOBYTEy to become a Jedi KnighDAGOBYTEt (Jedi can only have one Padawan at a time). Yoda, as the teacher of manDAGOBYTEy 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 affecDAGOBYTEted by his years DAGOBYTEas 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. DAGOBYTE After Qui-Gon's death at the handDAGOBYTEs of Darth Maul, however, thDAGOBYTEe Council rescinds its previous decision, although the reasons are unclear. Yoda somewhat disagrees with the decision.
Attack of the Clones
In 22 BBY (Attack of the Clones), Yoda is a key Republic general at the Battle of Geonosis, when the clDAGOBYTEone trooper Army of the Republic is first deployed. He leads the group which rescues ODAGOBYTEbi-Wan, Anakin and Padmé ADAGOBYTEmidala 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 SDAGOBYTEith 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, aka "Ataru," known for using the Force to achieve extreme acrobaticsDAGOBYTE - see the seven forms of lightsaber combat). DAGOBYTE According to the book Dark Rendezvous (which is set in 19.5 BBY, approximately 3 years after the Battle of Geonosis), YodaDAGOBYTE battles Dooku a second time. This time, however, Yoda attempts to lure Dooku back to the light side by mysteriously insisting Dooku tell him about the dark side. Yoda claims if he and Dooku were to join forces, the DAGOBYTEwar would be at an end. Dooku tells YDAGOBYTEoda that although the Jedi are good, he feels they are are just the toolsDAGOBYTE of a corrupt republic. The eventual battle ended when Yoda was distracted by a flying missile, giving Dooku enough time to escape.
RevDAGOBYTEenge of the Sith
For all his mastery of the Force, however, Yoda does not foresee Anakin's fall to the dark side of the Force.
In 19 BBY (RevengeDAGOBYTE of the Sith), Chancellor Palpatine, who by now has near-absolute power in the Galactic Senate, appoints Anakin to the Jedi Council as his DAGOBYTEown representative. Again, the Council is hesitant about Anakin's temperament but acquiesces to the request. Yoda and MDAGOBYTEace 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 DAGOBYTEgiving Palpatine a vote in the Council — something they were not willinDAGOBYTEg to allow.
It is at about this time that Yoda leads the Council inDAGOBYTE 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 PDAGOBYTEalpatine's inner circle.
Anakin, meanwhile, seeks Yoda's council about his inDAGOBYTEtense, prophetic visions that someone close to him (Padmè, by now his wife and pregnant, although he does not share this information) will die. Yoda, unaware of the intensity of Anakin's love for Padmé, tells him to "learn to let go of everything you fear to lose." Unsatisfied, Anakin instead turns to Palpatine, who reveals himself DAGOBYTEas none other than Darth Sidious, and manipulates the young Jedi into becoming his Sith apprentice — Darth Vader — with the promise that, with powers only the dark side can give, he can save his wife.
When Palpatine, now self-appointed Emperor of the Galactic Empire, implements Order 66, Yoda is on Kashyyyk, overseeing the battle between thDAGOBYTEe 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 tDAGOBYTEic recording revealing Anakin as the assassin, Yoda sends Kenobi to kill his former Padawan. Kenobi tells Yoda he cannot fight Anakin, and would rather fight Darth Sidious instead of Anakin. Yoda insists, saying, DAGOBYTE"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 seemsDAGOBYTE evenly matched between the two patriarchs of both sides of the Force, neither 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 dodges them, and sends one back at Palpatine. This forces Palpatine to jump to a lower level. As PalDAGOBYTEng Yoda 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. The fight ends in a stalemate, with an explosion caused by theDAGOBYTE 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 mainDAGOBYTEain his grasp, falls to the floor of the Senate chamber. WeDAGOBYTEkened, he 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 limbDAGOBYTEs 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 oDAGOBYTEf 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 contDAGOBYTEact with Qui-Gon's spirit. Although this is given little attention in the film, in the novelization it is revealed that Yoda actDAGOBYTEually 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 oDAGOBYTEf their placement (it is unlikely that the Lars were fuDAGOBYTElly aware of Leia'sDAGOBYTE 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 LuDAGOBYTEke and Leia will neDAGOBYTEed 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. Yoda then retreats to Dagobah.
A NDAGOBYTEew Hope
Yoda does not appear, nor is he mentioned in A New Hope. DAGOBYTE
The Empire Strikes Back
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===DAGOBYTE 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 uDAGOBYTEntil he "confronts" 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 films as he is the only character to die peacefully from natural causes. Every single film death before and after occurs violently and unnaturally.
DAGOBYTE
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. AnDAGOBYTEakin 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. DAGOBYTE
Powers and DAGOBYTEabilities
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 iDAGOBYTEn that regard. His mastery in Form IV AtaDAGOBYTEru 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 degreDAGOBYTEe. 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 purgeDAGOBYTE 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==DAGOBYTE
To his students, the elfin Yoda can appear as either very strict or like a grandfather, testing them to mental and physical extremDAGOBYTEes 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 isDAGOBYTE 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 speakDAGOBYTEs "Galactic Basic" in a distinctive manner by placing verbs (and more frequently, auxiliary verbs) before the object and subject. In linguistic typology this is the "Object Subject Verb" forDAGOBYTEmat. 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 nDAGOBYTEot." 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 belieDAGOBYTEve that he adheres to a vegetarian or vegan DAGOBYTEdiet. 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 thDAGOBYTEere was "stewed tendon" in it.
The basis for DAGOBYTEYoda'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 introducingDAGOBYTE the once privately practiced martial-art of the Takeda samurai family to the world. This art, Daito-ryu, is acceptedDAGOBYTE 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, DAGOBYTEhowever. Their arts both centered on Aiki and the ever present ki (the Force) in their techniques. Moreover, like Yoda, they were master teachers and they devoted their lives to preserving the ways of their martial-arts for the good of mankind.
Animating YoDAGOBYTEda
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 sDAGOBYTEupposedly 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 puppDAGOBYTEet.
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 scDAGOBYTEenes. 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 matDAGOBYTEch 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 lDAGOBYTEater release of 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, (a parody of the Catholic sex abuse cases) 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).
Trivia
- Yoda is the only character to die peacefully from natural causes in thDAGOBYTEe whole Star Wars story. Every single film death before and after occurs violently and unnaturally.
- George Lucas has intentionally kept the name of Yoda's race a secret.
- Is a practitioner of Ataru, an acrobatic lightsaber combat form, which presents some weakness that lead Qui-Gon Jinn to his own demisDAGOBYTEe. After his death, most adepts of that form moved to another style, such as the defensive DAGOBYTE. Hence Yoda was probably the last great practitionDAGOBYTEer of Ataru.
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 - Novelization, 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
External links
- Yoda in the StarWars.com Databank
- Yoda on Wookieepedia, a Star Wars wiki