In the Star Wars universe, the collection of groups and organizations served as a backbone to the franchise’s vast complexity. Science fiction is prone to reflect the extent of reality around it, and as such, Star Wars has drawn heavily from sociopolitical influences and then translated into the form of a space opera, amplifying the quotidian consequences of miscalculated actions on a galactic level. As such, ranking, titles, and other hierarchical standings have granted a greater meaning just beyond their initial implication. Those who bear them must work to achieve the right to be addressed as such, whether they be an Imperial Officer or an X-Wing Pilot flying for the sake of defending the Resistance.
Star Wars has succeeded when it comes to solidifying the importance of each organization introduced into canon as the series has expanded on an astronomical level. From the Jedi Order to the known Sith Lords, each faction is given morals, ethics, beliefs, and causes to support. Different missions and objectives are assigned for the purpose of fulfilling principles at the heart of every association formed. They each had something to stand for and defend, even if those around them were not always eager to endorse their beliefs.
The Jedi Order is one of the most popular, if not polarizing, organizations that assume authority over the galaxy. They dedicated themselves completely to following the Light Side of the Force and adopting a pacifist stance when faced with some conflict. Jedi are known for their close association with lightsabers and have forged an intimacy with the Force. A Grand Temple was constructed that served as the central gathering point for Jedi who were faithful to their culture. The Jedi were an all-embracing Order that strived to keep a balance between the Light, the Dark, and those who found themselves in between.
Jedi, or those aspiring to become one, organized themselves throughout a tiered form of ranking for those in the Order. The concept of breaking different members of a conglomerate into subsections was utilized greatly by the Jedi. They were able to distinguish different abilities or proper classifications for those among the Order, using it as a form of guidance when seeking out navigating the future of the Jedi. Rankings among the Jedi were approached with great respect and were incorporated into disciplinary measures of training younger members who were determined to work their way up.
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6 Youngling
Disney
Younglings are those who hail from any species that were susceptible to the Force on a more sensitive level. These children were often placed in the care of an adult guardian of any creed, though Jedi Younglings were typically reared at the Jedi Temple where they would learn the Way of the Force at an early point in life. Because of their youth, their training and early indoctrination into the Jedi lifestyle were drawn to a minimum. They could not yet bear any further responsibility among their elders before they were deemed suitable to push on with their training. They were to enjoy their childhood before being launched head-first into the Jedi Way.
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5 Padawan
Lucasfilm Animation
These apprentices worked closely under the guidance of their Jedi Master and were primed for their Jedi Knighthood while becoming one with their power of the Force. Padawans were chosen by their Masters, who would walk them through the greater part of their training, overseeing their preparation for the future of their allegiance to the Jedi Order. They were required to participate in the Jedi Trials, where they would undergo nine tiers of challenges that would test their abilities. Padawans who would partake in these Trials would usually be prepared for them in their earlier adult years. All who were designated as Padawan were Force-sensitive and were graduated Younglings who were viewed as sufficient enough to move forward with their full incorporation into the Jedi Order. They trained closely with their Master and were required to meditate for extended periods of time. These meditation sessions would range from hours to weeks at a time and were intended to promote enlightenment within the Padawan. Though Masters encouraged their Padawan to pursue peace, they were notably tasked with becoming soldiers during the Clone Wars.
4 Jedi Service Corps
Lucasfilm
Little is truly known about the Jedi Service Corps following their assembly during the Old Republic era, where they were given the responsibility of assisting those who had failed to complete their Jedi training. Younglings and Padawans who could not successfully pass their Jedi Trials were reassigned to the Jedi Service Corps. According to an informational video from Siow’s Holocron, the Corps forked into subset branches that were tailored to individual strengths, where those who believed that they were called to join could apply to a section most suitable for them. Those among the Jedi Service Corps were just as important to serving the Galactic Republic and upholding the state of the galaxy until the organization was dismantled in 19 BBY.
3 Jedi Knight
Padawans who had completed their training in full were granted the right to assume the title of a Jedi Knight. These Jedi Knights were viewed as members of the Jedi Order and were given the responsibility of peacekeeping across the galaxy. They found themselves taking arms during the events of the Clone Wars and studied the art of defense. Jedi Knights dedicated a life of service to the Order and were assigned to ensure that the public reputation of the Jedi was not to be tarnished. They were able to walk themselves through a practice of self-guided study where they would then learn the final discipline of the Force known as Alter. Once viewed as equipped as a full Jedi, Knights were able to explore the possibilities of their future. Most went on to oversee Padawan and take on new apprentices. Others could scout out new Padawan and examine the potential of prospective students. Following the fall of the Jedi Order during Galactic Empire’s reign, there was a return of the Jedi Knights after Luke Skywalker restored the Jedi Order.
2 Jedi Master
Via: Lucasfilm Ltd.
Few Jedi Knights are able to earn the rank of Jedi Master, who are hand-selected by the Council upon promotion. Those who were sincerely devoted to the Jedi Order were considered for the role of becoming a leading figure among the masses of universes. Jedi Masters who decided not to follow the path of teaching Padawans to become Jedi Knights could carry over their roles as members of the Jedi High Council. They could further apply their skills by advising the Council when faced with conflict. There was an exchange of skilled saber duellists for the ability to negotiate through more pressing issues that posed a greater threat. Their deeper understanding of the Force spoke to their character. Jedi Masters were selected for a strong mind and stronger spirit.
1 Jedi Grand Master
Lucasfilm Ltd.
Jedi Grand Masters were recognized as the epitome of the Jedi Order. On occasion, individuals who held the esteemed rank were referred to as the Master of the Order and the title was granted to a singular being that was voted on in unity. They were appointed as the leader of the Order and executively led alongside a secondary designated Master of the Order. Jedi Grand Masters participated in the education of Padawans and Younglings who had the potential of becoming Padawans. They were also a vital addition to the state of the Jedi Order and nurturing of the future of new Jedi. These Grand Masters swore that they would employ every measure of restoring balance to the Force and to those who inhabited the vastness of the universe. Only the wisest of Jedi were appointed to the role of Jedi Grand Master as they guarded the galaxy from harm’s way.
