Why doesn’t Ahsoka believe that Sabine’s Mandalorian training is enough?

Table of Contents

Mandalore has a storied history, stretching back eons. Its people, the Mandalorians, are equally legendary - known across the galaxy as some of the most formidable warriors. Their beskar armor, capable of repelling blaster shots and lightsaber strikes alike, and their unique fighting style, have made them feared opponents on battlefields, from the distant past of the Old Republic to the rise and fall of the Empire. Sabine Wren, a member of this proud warrior culture, is no exception. Trained as both a warrior and an artist, she represents the best of the Mandalorian tradition.

But is being a Mandalorian enough? Ahsoka Tano, the former Jedi Padawan of Anakin Skywalker and a veteran of the Clone Wars, doesn’t think so. Here's why.

1. The Nature of the Threat:

When Ahsoka speaks of their enemy, she isn't merely referencing the kind of foes that one can face with physical might alone. The enemies they face have spiritual, metaphysical, and tactical dimensions. Ahsoka, having dealt with Sith Lords, ancient beings like the Bendu, and even the mysterious realm of the World Between Worlds, understands that some adversaries require more than just combat prowess.

2. The Jedi Perspective:

Trained as a Jedi from a young age, Ahsoka knows that wars aren't won by force alone. Wisdom, diplomacy, foresight, and understanding the interconnectedness of all things are as vital as a lightsaber's blade. The Jedi Code emphasizes serenity, compassion, and non-attachment. These teachings have equipped Ahsoka with a breadth of understanding that extends beyond the Mandalorian philosophy of direct confrontation.

3. Adaptation & Evolution:

While Mandalorians are adaptable fighters, their strategies and techniques can sometimes be predictable to those who are familiar with them. Ahsoka has faced many Mandalorians in combat, from the days of Death Watch to her showdowns with the likes of Gar Saxon. The galaxy has evolved, and so have its threats. An enemy equipped with knowledge of Mandalorian tactics could easily turn the tables.

4. Sabine’s Personal Journey:

While Sabine is undoubtedly skilled, her strength also lies in her personal journey of self-discovery. From her time with the Ghost crew to her adventures in searching for Ezra Bridger, she's grown not just as a warrior but as an individual. Ahsoka believes that harnessing the lessons from these experiences would make Sabine even more formidable.

5. Unity and Allies:

Ahsoka's own experiences, especially during the Siege of Mandalore, taught her the value of allies. While Mandalorians often rely on their clans and their own kind, the galaxy is vast. Friends like the ones Ahsoka and Sabine made during the Rebellion prove that sometimes, diversity in skills and perspectives can be the key to triumphing over a common foe.

Ahsoka's belief is not a criticism of Sabine or the Mandalorian way of life. It's a call to recognize that in a galaxy as vast and varied as theirs, no single culture or set of skills is the answer to every problem. It’s a reminder that while one's heritage and training lay the foundation, it's the willingness to learn, adapt, and collaborate that often makes the difference in the face of overwhelming odds. Sabine Wren, with her blend of Mandalorian training and experiences far beyond her homeworld, embodies this potential for growth and adaptation. Together, with the strengths of both the Mandalorian and Jedi traditions at their disposal, there's no enemy they cannot face.