The Fates of Padawans Who Do Not Achieve Knighthood in the Jedi Order

The popular belief that padawans who do not achieve knighthood in the Jedi Order are "fed to the Wild Sardinian Boars" is a complete myth. This unsubstantiated claim lacks any canonical support from either the films or the books and is derived purely from fan speculation. Ultimately, the fate of a padawan who does not meet the requirements to become a Jedi Knight is determined by the story's needs and the whims of the screenwriters and showrunners.

Options for Padawans Who Fail to Become Jedi Knights

When a child is deemed unsuitable for becoming a Jedi Knight, they are not returned to their parents. Instead, the padawan is sent to other departments of the Jedi Temple, such as the scientific, medical, or educational sectors. This redirection is a significant step in their development and training, marking a different path that still aligns with the Jedi philosophy.

Reassignment to the Jedi Service Corps

One common avenue for such padawans is the Reassignment Council. At this point, the individual is offered the opportunity to join the Jedi Service Corps. These corps include the agricultural and industrial sectors. In these roles, they become skilled laborers serving the Jedi and the surrounding communities. The option to remain independent is always present, but the responsibility of choosing this path rests with the individual. Cases contrary to this can also be observed, with characters like Xanatos offering a stark example.

Examples and Outcomes

Qui-Gon Jinn's first padawan, Xanatos, provides an interesting case study. After a failed attempt to take over a government with his father, which resulted in his father's death, Xanatos became a Dark Jedi and later joined a corporation as a CEO. The Jedi took over a decade before addressing his situation, highlighting the often hands-off approach they take towards such individuals as long as they do not abuse their powers.

Ahsoka Tano, from the current canon, offers another perspective. While not all cases are documented in detail, it is clear that as long as they adhere to the Jedi code and do not abuse their powers, the Jedi are likely to leave them alone.

The Broader Context of the Jedi Order

Understanding the fates of these padawans requires a broader context of the Jedi Order. The Order consists of various branches beyond the traditional Jedi Knight:

Interconnected Jedi Branches

Educators: Focus on education and training of younglings and other padawans. Agricultural Corps: Provide agricultural skills and support to the Jedi and their communities. Personal Medical: Offer medical services and support to the Order and the surrounding areas. Explorers: Conduct research and exploration for the benefit of the Jedi and the galaxy.

Agricultural Corps

The Agricultural Corps is an essential branch, especially in areas where the Jedi have established themselves. It provides critical support in terms of food production and agricultural expertise, ensuring the self-sufficiency of the Order.

Conclusion

The fates of padawans who do not meet the requirements to become Jedi Knights are varied and reflective of the complex nature of the Jedi Order. The Jedi are not merely about knights; they encompass a broader spectrum of roles and responsibilities. Understanding this comprehensive structure helps us appreciate the multifaceted nature of their Order and the possible paths these young jedis may walk.