Yoda’s relations with the Wookiees saved his life inStar Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith, andStar Warshas finally revealed this alliance’s origin. Whenthe Jedi Councildecided to reinforce the Wookiees on Kashyyyk at the end of the Clone Wars, they agreed Yoda was the right Master. However, the movie never revealed why Yoda had such"good relations with the Wookiees"that made him stand apart from the rest of the Order.
There were a fewhints of Yoda’s past with the Wookiees, notably inStar Wars: The Clone Warsseason 6, episode 12 “Destiny.” Yoda experienced a vision in which his former apprentice, Dooku, told his fellow Jedi of when his Master"faced the giant terentatek on Kashyyyk.“Thanks to a newStar Warsrelease, we have a more complete picture of how Yoda became a respected figure among the Wookiees.
Yoda’s True “Relations With The Wookiees” Revealed
An honored defender and negotiator
The recently publishedStar Wars: Complete Locations, New Editionexplains what Yoda’s"good relations with the Wookiees"entails.Yoda was so beloved by the Wookiees that they gave him the official title “Defender of the Home Tree,“which is consistent with his actions inRevenge of the Sithand references to his past inThe Clone Wars. The passage further elaborates on Yoda negotiating on the Wookiee’s behalf and being accepted as a member of their society:
“Yoda modestly claims to have good relations with the Wookiees. He has, in fact, been honored with the ancient title ‘Defender of the Home Tree’ for his role as a Jedi negotiator in several previous incidents involving the Wookiees and their system neighbors, the Trandoshans. For this, and other assistance to the Wookiees, Yoda is also considered a member of the honor families of many Wookiee leaders, as well as all the inhabitants of Kachirho.”
I find it fitting how modestly Yoda described himself inRevenge of the Sith, as his relationship with the Wookiees clearly goes beyond"good relations.“It was also smart for the authors of this section to balance revealing new information while keeping vague just how much Yoda has done for the Wookiees over his long lifespan. It piques the reader’s interest andgivesStar Warsroom to tell future stories about Yoda and the Wookiees.
The Fate Of The Wookiees Becomes Even More Tragic After Yoda’s Death
He could no longer defend them after the fall of the Jedi
As cool as learning about Yoda’s connection to the Wookiees is, it also adds more tragedy to his life, especially his death. The Wookiees entrusted Yoda specifically to defend their Home Tree, something he was ultimately unable to do when Emperor Palpatine executed Order 66.Yoda had to spend decades in exile while the Empire enslaved the Wookiees, the Trandoshans hunted them, and the tribes who considered him family were broken up.
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While the Wookiees eventually gained their freedom after the fall of the Empire, Yoda would not live to reunite with any friends who had survived.Perhaps some Wookiee families would honor Yoda when Luke Skywalker informed them of his passing, while others would resent him for failing to stop Palpatine’s rise to power. Now that we know ’s relations with the Wookiees inStar Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith,Star Warscan explore much more.
Source:Star Wars: Complete Locations, New Edition(2025) by DK Publishing
Yoda
The aged Jedi Master had trained Jedi for 800 years by the time he met Luke Skywalker on the planet Dagobah. One of the most famed and revered Jedi, Yoda served as Grand Master of the Jedi Order for centuries; he was powerful enough to duel Darth Sidious himself, although he was defeated. Yoda exiled himself to Dagobah, where he learned how to become a Force Ghost and offered guidance to Luke Skywalker.
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
Cast
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith details the fall of the Jedi Order and Anakin Skywalker’s transformation under the influence of Darth Sidious. Released in 2005, the film explores Anakin’s internal conflict and the shifting political landscape, leading to the rise of the Galactic Empire.
