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'The Mandalorian': Grogu's butterfly on Tython may have an important connection to Darth Vader and the Force

The butterfly that Grogu encountered on Tython may have offered him a choice that Darth Vader turned down

Spoilers for 'The Mandalorian' Season 2, Episode 8 - 'The Tragedy'

The Force works in mysterious ways, and unites all living things -- even those drawn to the Dark Side. As Grogu starts his journey towards becoming a Jedi Master in earnest, more and more connections to the wider 'Star Wars' galaxy are cropping up, and the latest episode of 'The Mandalorian' features a flickering glimpse at what might be a reference to one of the most recognizable 'Star Wars' characters of all time - Darth Vader.

In order to find a Jedi Master to train Grogu, Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) takes the child to a planet called Tython, and places him on a sacred rock meant to amplify the child's connection to the Force. At first, it apppears that nothing at all is happening. As the Mandalorian scans for some kind of groove, or lever, to activate the rock, a blue butterfly flutters in front of Grogu, catching his attention and then flutting away.

A 'Star Wars' fan account noted that this butterfly looks remarkably similar to one found in Marvel Comics' 'Darth Vader' series from 2017, by Charles Soule, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Daniele Orlandini and David Curiel. The comic series delved into many unexplored aspects of 'Star Wars' lore, such as why Sith lightsabers were red, and explorations into the Force. The series also offered glimpses into Darth Vader's mind as he meditated. There, Darth Vader is represented as a burnt, red silhouette, surrounded by a storm of red lightning and stormy seas. He is also, however, surrounded by blue butterflies -- and many believe that these symbolise the Light Side of the Force, the good that still lies in Vader, something that was underlined in a later issue where Vader embraced his Dark Side by mentally destroying the butterflies.

This would not be the first time the Force has manifested itself as a creature in the real world, especially in connection to Darth Vader. Mordai, the representation of the Light Side of the Force, appeared in the 'The Clone Wars' finale, and may have appeared in Episode 5 of 'The Mandalorian' as well. The planet Tython, with its high concentrations of the Force, is more likely than anywhere else in the galaxy to manifest aspects of the Force in the real world.

It's also worth nothing that the blue butterfly manifestations in particular might come to those tempted by the Dark Side. We've already discussed how Grogu might be tempted towards the Dark Side himself. Given that Grogu was soon captured by the Empire, who seem intent on using Grogu to resurrect their own Sith Emperor, the blue butterfly might be the Light Side of the Force doing its best to give Grogu the hope and comfort he needs to avoid the same dark path that Darth Vader went on.

It's a small Easter Egg, but 'The Mandalorian' is known for being crammed with tiny moments of special significance to the most observant of 'Star Wars' fans, rewarding those with years worth of 'Star Wars' lore stored in their heads. The butterfly is a symbole of hope, and it's a good sign that instead of crushing it it, the first thing Grogu did was reach out for it.

The next episode of 'The Mandalorian' airs December 11, on Disney+.