Summary
The Jedi Order’s focus onthe Chosen One prophecyfinally makes sense 25 years afterStar Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menacethanks toThe Acolyte. The notion of the Chosen One came about in theStar Warsprequel trilogy and was specifically key to the Jedi Council accepting Anakin into the Order against their better judgment. In fact, this is one of the most fascinating aspects of the prophecy;it was clearly important enough to the Jedi that they were willing to ignore all the warning signs they saw in young Anakin for the chance it might be true.
While the prophecy did bring the promise of the end of the Sith, which is undoubtedly why the Jedi were willing to take such a risk, the importance of that role was a bit confusing in light of whatStar Warsmovies and TV showshad said about the Sith at the time. Specifically,the Jedi inThe Phantom Menacewere meant to believe the Sith were already extinct, raising questions about why this prophecy would be significant. However,The Acolyte’sfinale made it clear why the Chosen One prophecy was absolutely essential to the prequel trilogy’s Jedi Order.
Mae & Osha’s Origin Reveal Explains Why They Aren’t The Chosen One
The Acolyte episode 7 confirmed brand-new details about Mae and Osha’s backstory, thereby solidifying that they are not the Chosen One.
The Acolyte Never Mentioned The Chosen One Prophecy
ThroughoutThe Acolyte,the Chosen One prophecy was never mentioned. Right away, this seemed odd to me because it had been such a focus in the prequel trilogy. Given that only 100 years pass betweenThe AcolyteandThe Phantom Menace, this seemed like a particularly unusual difference. However, this only became even more confusing in light of Osha and Mae’s story.
Mae
The former Padawan of Jedi Master Sol, Mae gets swept up into a sinister mystery—one that puts her into the center of a conflict in unexpected ways.
Osha and Mae were created by Mother Aniseya without a father, presumably with the help ofa Force vergence. This was clearly enough of a shocking event that the four Jedi stationed on Brendok wanted to launch a full-blown investigation into the nature of their creation. Despite the enormity of their discovery, though, none of them mentioned the possibility that either of the girls may be the one spoken of in the prophecy.
I can only assume these Jedi didn’t know the prophecy.
This would be such a glaring oversight by the Jedi if they were familiar with the Chosen One prophecy, that I can only assume these Jedi didn’t know the prophecy. Again, though, this raises major questions for me. Why were all the Jedi in the prequel trilogy seemingly so familiar with the prophecy when, evenin the face of the most astonishing discovery of their lives, none of theAcolyte’sJedi on Brendok mentioned it once?
Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader
In truth,the Jedi of the prequel trilogy went far beyond just a familiarity with the Chosen One prophecy. Rather, they seemed at times nearly obsessed with identifying the Chosen One and then with Anakin’s ability to fulfill the prophecy. Once they had agreed that Anakin may very well be the Chosen One, they put immense pressure on him regarding his fate and reminded him frequently of what he was meant to do.
Obi-Wan Kenobi even mentioned the Chosen One prophecy again as Anakin was lying nearly dead on Mustafar.
In fact, Obi-Wan Kenobi even mentioned the Chosen One prophecy again as Anakin was lying nearly dead on Mustafar after their battle inStar Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith. Clearly, this prophecy was front-of-mind for the Jedi of this era. Yes, Anakin being in the Order likely made the prophecy feel all the more present, but this was nevertheless a major leap fromThe Acolyte. However, right at the very end ofThe Acolyte’sfinale, the truth and the reason for this major discrepancy were finally revealed.
Vernestra Rwoh
InThe Acolytefinale, Jedi Master Vernestra Rwoh shocked audiences by abandoning her seemingly steadfast dedication to the way of the Jedi by engaging in a cover-up. Vernestra had discoveredwhat really happened on Brendokand Master Sol’s role in all that had gone on throughout the show. To protect the Jedi from internal doubts and scrutiny from the Senate and the Republic, she decided to frame Sol for all that had transpired, including the Jedi deaths that Mae, Qimir, and Osha had carried out.
The very last shot ofThe Acolyteis the back of Master Yoda’s head.
However, Vernestra also knew that something much more sinister was afoot, and it involved her former Padawan, Qimir, who had fallen to the dark side. For this reason,The Acolyteintroduced a cameo that was much more shocking than Vernestra’s change of heart. The very last shot ofThe Acolyteis the back of Master Yoda’s head. This moment suggests that, ultimately,Master Rwoh and Master Yoda worked together to conceal the truth: a darkness was rising.
Yoda
The aged Jedi Master had trained Jedi for 800 years by the time he met Luke Skywalker on the planet Dagobah. One of the most famed and revered Jedi, Yoda served as Grand Master of the Jedi Order for centuries; he was powerful enough to duel Darth Sidious himself, although he was defeated. Yoda exiled himself to Dagobah, where he learned how to become a Force Ghost and offered guidance to Luke Skywalker.
This is the perfect explanation for the increased interest in the Chosen One prophecy. Suddenly, the Sith were very much a threat again, even if only Vernestra and Yoda suspected it. Presumably, this led to Yoda (and perhaps Vernestra as well) spreading the prophecy to the other Jedi, hoping that they would identify the Chosen One among possible Jedi Initiates. In the end, this plan seemingly worked, as, finally, inStar Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, the Chosen One was found.
All episodes of The Acolyte are now streaming on Disney+.
The Acolyte
The Acolyte is a television series set in the Star Wars universe at the end of the High Republic Era, where both the Jedi and the Galactic Empire were at the height of their influence. This sci-fi thriller sees a former Padawan reunite with her former Jedi Master as they investigate several crimes - all leading to darkness erupting from beneath the surface and preparing to bring about the end of the High Republic.
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace is set in a galaxy facing political turmoil, as Jedi Knights Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi seek peace while encountering Anakin Skywalker, a slave with great potential in the Force. Meanwhile, the Sith begin their resurgence, threatening the stability of the Republic.
