There is little doubt that Baylan Skoll and Shin Hati were two of the most enigmatic new characters who were introduced in Ahsoka, but what were they like before they became mercenaries working for Morgan Elsbeth? An exciting Star Wars illustration offers a glimpse into the past, shedding light on Baylan Skoll as a young Jedi and providing a potential vision of his initial encounter with Shin Hati.
Talented Star Wars artist Jake Bartok recently shared his remarkable artwork on X (formerly Twitter), portraying Ahsoka's adversaries as considerably younger figures. In this art, Baylan wields a vibrant green lightsaber, a symbol of his Jedi heritage.
The artwork subtly retains Shin's orange-bladed lightsaber, suggesting that lightsaber colors may not have always represented a Jedi's alignment, foreshadowing her eventual fall to the Dark Side.
What Baylan Skoll Was Like Before Order 66
Ray Stevenson's portrayal of Baylan Skoll in Ahsoka Season 1 left a lasting impression, and his complex master-apprentice relationship with Ivanna Sakhno's Shin Hati added depth to their characters. The relationship hints at an untold backstory, one that could unravel Baylan's journey from a Jedi who survived Order 66 to a seasoned mercenary who undertook a different kind of apprenticeship.
Before the Jedi Purge, much about Baylan's life remains shrouded in mystery, including the nature of his role within the Jedi Order. Grand Admiral Thrawn hinted that Baylan served as a general during the Clone Wars, but the roles Jedi played within the order varied widely, making it essential to uncover his specific background. Baylan's adeptness as a mercenary suggests that he may have carried out unique assignments for the Jedi Council, possibly involving encounters with Jedi Anakin Skywalker, who later became Darth Vader.
Another possibility is that Baylan spent time at the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, potentially functioning as an instructor or maintaining regular interactions with the council. This proximity to the Jedi Temple during the tumultuous events of Order 66 might explain how he learned of Anakin's tragic transformation into Darth Vader, eventually leading to their fateful lightsaber duel where Baylan narrowly escaped.
Baylan's past as a Jedi, the events that unfolded during Order 66, and his transformation into a mercenary are intriguing narrative elements that demand further exploration in Ahsoka Season 2 or other Star Wars projects, offering a richer understanding of this multifaceted character.
For now, it is still unclear how Ahsoka Season 2 will bring back Baylan after Stevenson's death. Likewise, the series has yet to be renewed although it is already in consideration for a possible renewal. In the meantime, fans can rewatch all episodes of the first season of Ahsoka on Disney+.
