In Star Wars history, the Jedi were members of an order of religious individuals who were graced with a heightened relationship with the Force. They dedicated themselves to the Light Side and vowed to protect the galaxy from the harm implemented by the Sith. Seemingly omnipotent, these Jedi played host to a history that reached back into the era of the Galactic Republic. They were keen to pass on their knowledge to viable younglings who showed promising signs of a future in Jedi Knighthood. What’s more, the Jedi Order was insistent upon raising the next generation of Padawans as guardians of justice and peace from planet to planet. The Way of the Force was imperative to the Jedi, as was their Jedi Code, which was a set of sacred texts that dictated the Jedi way. Eventually, they settled on the planet Coruscant, the Grand Jedi Temple thus establishing itself as the centerpiece of the Order. There, the legend of the Jedi elevated the organization to a sort of celebrity standing.
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Their self-imposed righteousness of defending the galaxy from harm did not come without a real threat. The Sith was first founded on the ideology formed by Jedi who had explored the Dark Side of the Force out of lust for power. The rise of the Sith caused a greater rift between the Jedi and those who questioned the legitimacy of the Jedi Code. The two sides waged a war that spanned for centuries and led to political turmoil. As the war raged on, some were inclined to reconsider their allegiance to the Republic. Those who departed from the Jedi Order were not automatically drawn to the Dark Side, but instead grappled with a sense of belonging between the two. Much like an artist would create a shade of gray after blending black and white, a Gray Jedi would be the product of a compromise between Dark and Light-minded Jedi. Fans of Star Wars have contended the validity of the Gray Jedi as it has struggled to be accepted fully into the canon. Whether they exist in Star Wars Legends or have been teased to emerge into the canon, Star Wars needs Gray Jedi.
What is a Gray Jedi?
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The title of a Gray Jedi holds dual meanings. On the one hand, there were those who expressed disinterest in the Jedi Council and were determined to remove themselves from the religious composite subscribed to the label of being Gray. They sought freedom from the restrictions of the Jedi Code. On the other hand, there were those seeking out the moral alignment that did not dictate living on one side of the Force over the other. They could exist while using both sides of the Force without feeling the need to sacrifice themselves for the sake of the Sith or the Jedi. Gray Jedi were gifted with the ability to use the Force for both light and dark. Gray Jedi spoke in concern against the stringency of the Jedi Code and were apprehensive to embrace it fully and without question. Uncertainty around the complete control that was sought by the Jedi was enough to guide questioning Jedi away from their commitment to the Order altogether. What separated the Gray Jedi from the Sith was their willpower as they were sure not to succumb completely to the Dark Side. They were strong enough to resist the temptation that was placed before them.
Do The Gray Jedi Have a Code?
The Gray Jedi may denounce the Jedi Order, but their goal for independence still grants them the right to create a Code that suggests how life was to be lived. The Gray Jedi Code features keywords that are commonly found in the transcriptions of both the Jedi and Sith Codes, where all three conclude with a statement concerning a personal relationship with the Force, most significantly: “The Force is all things and I am the Force.”
Ultimately, the Code acknowledges the galactic consequences of trying to separate the Dark from the Light. Gray Jedi knew well that the two could coexist. Allowing one to dominate the other would result in anarchy and chaos. Balance between the two was needed. The Gray Jedi exhibited high regard for passion and were supportive of passions being pursued. The desire for peace to correspond with passion on an equal level was viewed as a fundamental part of the Gray Jedi Order. A strong need to internalize understanding while discovering truths was essential to self-improvement. Among that understanding, there was the fundamental believe that life and death are purposeful. Just as life is to be lived without the denial of reality, there was no room for the rejection of death when it struck. Gray Jedi accepted that the Force was ubiquitous and served as the foundation for most life. They knew that its unwavering omnipresence was to be integrated into all aspects of life, just not when it was most favorable.
Why Star Wars Needs Gray Jedi
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To achieve balance in the Force, there must be balance across all fronts. The sharp divide between the “good” and “evil” binary has overstayed its welcome. The sensibilities of flexible storytelling must be welcomed by those creating the future of Star Wars beyond their target market. New, fresh, and provocative content must be introduced in order for the franchise to uphold its inquisitive thinking when serving as a leader in the science fiction genre. Star Wars has outworn the traditionalist thinking of there only being “light” and “dark” sides. Introducing Gray Jedi as a more prominent organization acts as an agent of divergence from the narrative core that only considers light and dark. Gray Jedi would insert a third point-of-view that would enhance the extremism of each side that bookends them.
Star Wars is known for its commentary on global sociopolitical climates, and creating a centrist association would breathe more reality into a deeply respected fictional universe. No one being is born completely pure nor full of sin. The Gray Jedi are a reminder that there are both light and dark entangled together. They encouraged that in order to claim one’s identity fully: they should live how they feel is most just, not what is taught. With the Gray Jedi comes a greater sense of individuality.
