'The Mandalorian': What is Tython's significance to the Jedi? Here's why Ahsoka Tano is sending Grogu over there
Spoilers for 'The Mandalorian' Season 2 Episode 5 'The Jedi'
Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson) might not feel up to the task of training Grogu, best known as Baby Yoda, but that doesn't mean all hope has been lost. In the latest episode of 'The Mandalorian', Ahsoka sends Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu to a planet known as Tython. There, on the top of a mountain, if Grogu reaches out with the Force, another Jedi Master might just respond - but why is Tython so important, and what is its significance to the Jedi Order?
As it turns out, the Jedi Order got its start from the planet. In fact, the planet is where the order that inspired the Jedi began - the Je'daii. Force-wielders have been going to that planet for millennia, because Tython has a special quality that makes it unique amongst the galaxy: vast concentrations of pure Force. While the Force is a mysterious power that technically exists everywhere and connects all things, there are places where it is stronger than most. That is where the danger lies – at least for Din Djarin.
The problem with the Force being in such high concentrations on Tython is that people who aren't Force-sensitive are very strongly affected by it and in detrimental ways. Force-wielders are used to harnessing that power, and their bodies have adjusted to regulate it. Those who aren't Force-sensitive, however, start to slowly go mad on the planet's surface, with the dangers increasing the longer they're there.
This is going to be a huge challenge for Din, as his armor can filter out a lot, but probably not something like the Force. However, if Grogu decides to harness the planet's power, he could easily be a beacon to all Jedi across the known galaxy. He would also be a beacon for those wielding the Dark Side of the Force, but after the fall of the Empire, not many of those remain. It's a gamble, and Din is going to be paying most of the price.
Tython was first introduced in the 'Star Wars' novel 'Darth Bane: Rule of Two', which established the planet as the birthplace of the Jedi Order, as well as revealing many other facts about the history and structure of the Jedi and the Sith. The setting also featured heavily in the MMORPG game, 'Star Wars: The Old Republic', where players would choose which side of the Force they would be on. The planet is a deep-cut reference to hardcore 'Star Wars' fans and is sure to bring up a lot of fond memories. Din Djarin, however, might not come away from the planet remembering it as fondly.
The next episode of 'The Mandalorian' airs on December 4, on Disney+.