Yoda explained: his story, green lightsaber and Grogu’s choice
Yoda is the small Jedi Master with a huge influence on Star Wars. He trains generations of Jedi, fights with a compact green lightsaber and helps Luke Skywalker understand the Force. His story stretches from the Jedi Order before the Clone Wars to his lessons as a Force spirit. Even after his death, his saber still plays a part: Luke offers it to Grogu in The Book of Boba Fett.
How do these moments fit together, what makes Yoda’s lightsaber recognisable, and which saber suits a Yoda or Grogu fan? Here we bring together the films, series and key saber choices. Please note: this guide contains spoilers.
Who is Yoda?
Yoda is a Jedi Grand Master who has already guided students for centuries when the prequel films begin. He is known for his patience, unusual way of speaking and strong connection to the Force. As a member of the Jedi Council, he also bears responsibility for an Order that fails to stop Darth Sidious’s rise in time.
That makes him more interesting than an unbeatable master. Yoda is capable of great things, but he does not know everything and makes mistakes too. His later lessons to Luke Skywalker are therefore about trust, fear and responsibility. Having power is one thing; knowing how to use it is another.
How old and how tall is Yoda?
Yoda is about 900 years old when he dies in Return of the Jedi. He is 66 centimetres tall and has trained Jedi for over 800 years. His small stature says little about his experience or strength in the Force.
What species is Yoda, and where does he come from?
Yoda’s species and homeworld have no officially confirmed names. Yaddle and Grogu belong to the same mysterious species. This does not automatically make Grogu Yoda’s son: no family connection has been confirmed. “Baby Yoda” is the familiar fan nickname for Grogu.
Which Jedi did Yoda train?
Count Dooku was his Padawan, while Luke receives personal lessons from him much later on Dagobah. Yoda also teaches generations of younglings. It is useful to distinguish a personal Padawan from a Jedi who receives lessons or advice: not everyone who learns from Yoda is his own apprentice.
Which Star Wars films and series feature Yoda?
The prequels: from the Jedi Council to the fall of the Republic
In Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, Yoda assesses the young Anakin Skywalker. He senses his fear and questions whether he should be trained. Episode II – Attack of the Clones shows another side of Yoda: he leads the rescue on Geonosis and duels his former student Count Dooku. His small size clearly does not prevent him from fighting at incredible speed.
In Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, he survives Order 66 and confronts Darth Sidious. By then, the Jedi have lost their grip on events. After failing to stop Sidious, Yoda retreats to Dagobah. For fans of the designs from this era, we also have a collection of sabers from Revenge of the Sith.
The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi and The Last Jedi
In Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back, Luke meets Yoda on Dagobah. The seemingly eccentric swamp dweller turns out to be the master he is looking for. Yoda teaches him to look beyond physical strength and shows that trusting the Force has nothing to do with body size.
In Episode VI – Return of the Jedi, Yoda dies and later appears as a Force spirit. His role as a teacher continues: in Episode VIII – The Last Jedi, he helps an older Luke see failure and teaching differently. His influence extends far beyond a list of lightsaber duels won.
In Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker, Yoda’s voice is also heard when the Jedi of the past support Rey. This is a voice appearance, not a new scene in which he returns as a living Jedi.
The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels and The Acolyte
Star Wars: The Clone Wars shows Yoda as a general, teacher and explorer of the Force’s deeper mysteries. In Star Wars Rebels, he guides Ezra Bridger from afar through the Force at the Jedi Temple on Lothal. He also makes a brief appearance in The Acolyte, which takes place much earlier than the prequels.
Young Jedi Adventures and the High Republic
Yoda also helps young Jedi learn and grow in Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. This animated series takes place during the High Republic era, long before the prequels. It is a different stage of his long life, but his role as a teacher remains familiar.
How powerful is Yoda, and which abilities does he use?
Yoda is one of the most powerful Jedi, but he is not invincible. In The Empire Strikes Back, he lifts Luke’s X-wing out of the swamp using the Force. In Attack of the Clones, he withstands Dooku’s Force lightning. His duels show how he uses the Force to move quickly and leap high despite his age.
Yoda’s fighting style: Ataru and acrobatics
Yoda is associated with Ataru, the fourth lightsaber form. His fights feature rapid leaps, spins and attacks from changing angles, particularly in his duel with Dooku. Read more about the different lightsaber fighting styles and techniques. His film movements are choreography involving Force powers; a short replica will not perform those jumps for you.
Why does Yoda live on Dagobah, and how does he die?
After the Jedi Order falls, Yoda retreats to Dagobah to stay hidden and study the Force further. He dies there of old age in Return of the Jedi, with Luke by his side. His death is not a defeat in a lightsaber duel. By learning to preserve his consciousness after death, he can later appear as a Force spirit. In The Clone Wars, that quest begins with Qui-Gon Jinn’s voice, including in the episode “Voices”.
What makes Yoda’s green lightsaber special?
Yoda’s lightsaber has a shorter grip than a standard Jedi saber and a green blade. Its compact silver-and-black hilt suits his size. In Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, this small weapon contrasts with his rapid leaps and powerful use of the Force. The green colour makes his saber instantly recognisable. Our lightsaber colour guide explains more about colours and their context.
With a replica, small does not mean suitable for every use either. Hilt length, blade and chosen electronics all affect how a saber feels. Choose according to how you want to hold, display or use it.
Luke offers Yoda’s saber to Grogu: which series is this in?
The choice involving Yoda’s lightsaber takes place in The Book of Boba Fett, Chapter 6: “From the Desert Comes a Stranger”. The scene follows directly from The Mandalorian, in which Luke takes Grogu as his student.
Luke gives Grogu two options: Yoda’s lightsaber and continuing his Jedi training, or the beskar chainmail shirt that Din Djarin has made for him and returning to the Mandalorian. Grogu chooses his bond with Din. It is therefore correct that he is offered Yoda’s saber; it is not correct to describe it simply as his regular personal lightsaber.
Fans often call Grogu “Baby Yoda”, but he is a different character. The nickname refers to his resemblance to Yoda. To learn more about his background and bond with Din, read our guide to The Mandalorian and Grogu.
Which KenJo saber suits Yoda and Grogu?
The Teacher lightsaber is our Yoda-inspired model and is also associated with Grogu in our range. The compact hilt, silver sections and black grip panels give it the recognisable look of Yoda’s saber. It suits both a Yoda display and fans who particularly enjoy Grogu’s choice in The Book of Boba Fett.
If you are looking for a Baby Yoda or Grogu-inspired saber, the Teacher is the relevant model. It is a fan item connected to that story; it does not change Grogu’s choice in the series. Visit the product page to see which version suits you.
Buy the Teacher – Yoda & Grogu lightsaber
Unsure which version to choose? Use our lightsaber buying guide and read how lightsaber features such as Smooth Swing and blade effects work. The available features depend on the chosen electronics; do not assume every version offers the same functions.
Frequently asked questions
Are Grogu and Yoda the same person?
No. Grogu and Yoda are different characters. “Baby Yoda” is a fan nickname for Grogu, not an indication that he is a young Yoda.
Does Luke give Grogu Yoda’s lightsaber?
Luke offers him Yoda’s lightsaber in The Book of Boba Fett, Chapter 6. However, Grogu chooses the beskar chainmail shirt and his return to Din Djarin.
What colour is Yoda’s lightsaber?
Yoda’s familiar lightsaber has a green blade and a compact silver-and-black hilt.
Which KenJo saber suits Yoda or Baby Yoda/Grogu?
The Teacher is the relevant Yoda-inspired model. Its connection to Grogu comes from the scene in which Luke offers him Yoda’s saber.
How old does Yoda live to be?
Yoda is about 900 years old when he dies in Return of the Jedi. By then, he has trained Jedi for over 800 years.
What species is Yoda?
The species shared by Yoda, Yaddle and Grogu has no officially confirmed name. Yoda’s homeworld is also unknown.
What is Yoda’s fighting style?
Yoda is associated with Ataru, Form IV: an acrobatic lightsaber style with rapid, Force-assisted leaps and attacks.
Who voices Yoda?
Frank Oz is Yoda’s familiar voice in the films. Tom Kane voices him in The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels; Piotr Michael voices him in Young Jedi Adventures.
