On January 29^th 2008, Lucasfilm introduced the Star Wars Fandom to a brand new character that would not only rewrite the back-story for the most epically established Star Wars character of all time; Darth Vader — but in doing so, [they] created one of the most beloved and iconic characters the galaxy far, far away has ever known; Ahsoka Tano.

First Mission: Padawan Learner

 

“I’m Master Skywalker’s Padawan. The name’s Ahsoka Tano.”– Ahsoka Tano

Ever since this spunky Togruta strutted down the ramp of a Republic Cruiser in Star Wars: The Clone Wars in 2008, the fandom has been questioning, “how will Ahsoka die?” Curious, isn’t it? Think about it, we’ve been so interested in her demise that we’ve never stopped to consider that maybe, her destiny lies along another path.

At first like everyone else, I too, was under the impression that Snips would meet her doom early on in The Clone Wars. But that was so not the case. In fact, quite the contrary, she, the presumable underdog, wound up becoming the most, well-rounded and transitioned character, this side of the Rishi Maze! I personally, hold Ahsoka’s character in high esteem, for I was not too fond of her snippy antics and Skyguy remarks in the beginning. But as time went on, she not only proved her worth [tenfold, in my opinion], she achieved something far greater; admiration.

“I’m sorry Master, but I’m not coming back.”– Ahsoka Tano

This was probably the most epic moment in The Clone Wars and it was hers too, after all, it takes great courage to walk away from something you believe to be wrong. Heck, even Anakin Skywalker, the Hero with no Fear, didn’t have the strength to do it and yet, his padawan did. She had enough self-worth to question her own intensions, not just others, “The council didn’t trust me, so how can I trust myself?” This line alone speaks volumes on who she is, who she once was, and who, Ahsoka Tano will eventually become.

A New Beginning: Fulcrum

 

“Ahsoka. My name is Ahsoka Tano.”-Ahsoka Tano

The moment Fulcrum’s identity was revealed as Ahsoka Tano in Star Wars Rebels … well, I was reminded of this line spoken by Yoda to Senator Amidala in Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, “Seeing you alive brings warm feelings to my heart.” Fourteen years had passed in the Star Wars timeline and the Ghost Crew weren’t the only ones who received official confirmation that “the apprentice lives,” the fans did too. And now, once again, the fandom roars with tweets or whatnots on whether or not, Ahsoka will perish at the hands of her old Master turned Sith, Darth Vader.

Perhaps I’m just an “Anakin Apologist” or maybe, I just can’t bring myself to face, what others have come to believe. But whatever the case might be, I am a minority in this way of thinking. That being said, I just do not see Darth Vader snuffing out the one flame that still burns brightly beneath the shell of a man – his one last knowing extension of his true-self. Otherwise, to me, the hope that we see Luke carry throughout his entire Hero’s Journey would be purposeless and completely shallow. In other words or words, spoken by Luke himself, “Then my father is truly dead.” And we all know that was not the case, for Anakin still lingered behind the mask …

Full Circle: You cannot deny your destiny …

 

“Ahsoka. Why did you leave? Do you know what I’ve become?”– Anakin Skywalker

There’s a lot to digest when hearing this, so much so, I can’t help but to echo Kylo Ren’s words to Han Solo, “I’m being torn apart.” As I said, there’s a voice within my heart and it’s telling me that Vader will not callously take her life. If you’ve read Paul S. Kemp’s novel Star Wars: Lords of the Sith, then you know that Vader still thinks of his apprentice and his compassion for her still burns as bright as ever. The Emperor hasn’t driven it from him fully, not yet.

The dragon, as mentioned in the novelization of Revenge of the Sith, still speaks to the man with the name that no longer has any meaning to him. From the bellows of the dark abyss that encases his soul, Darth Vader knows as well as we all do …

“Things die, Anakin Skywalker. Even stars burn out” … [Matthew Stover]

The Cantina Cast

The wretched hive your Jedi Master warned you about!

 

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