Jedi Order & The Purge
Explore the tragic history of the Jedi Order and the devastating events of Order 66 in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. Understand the context of Cal Kestis's struggle as a survivor in a galaxy where the Jedi have been systematically hunted and eradicated by the Galactic Empire.
The Jedi Order, once the guardians of peace and justice in the galaxy for millennia, met a catastrophic end during the Clone Wars. The events leading to its downfall and the subsequent purge are central to the narrative of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. Understanding this history provides crucial context for Cal Kestis's journey and the perilous state of the galaxy.
The Jedi Order Before the Purge
For thousands of years, the Jedi Order served as the protectors of the Republic. Based in the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, Jedi Knights and Masters were renowned for their wisdom, their mastery of the Force, and their unwavering dedication to the light side. They were diplomats, generals, and peacekeepers, respected throughout the galaxy.
Order 66: The Great Purge
The execution of Order 66, a secret directive embedded within the clone troopers' programming, marked the beginning of the Jedi's annihilation. Orchestrated by Supreme Chancellor Palpatine (secretly the Sith Lord Darth Sidious), the clones turned on their Jedi commanders, slaughtering them en masse. This event, occurring during the final days of the Clone Wars, led to the fall of the Republic and the rise of the Galactic Empire.
The Empire's Hunt for Jedi Survivors
Following Order 66, Emperor Palpatine established the Imperial Inquisitorius. These dark side users, often former Jedi who had fallen to the dark side or were trained specifically for the task, were tasked with hunting down any surviving Jedi. Their mission was to eliminate any threat to the Empire's absolute rule and to prevent the resurgence of the Jedi Order.
Cal Kestis: A Survivor's Story
Cal Kestis is one of the few Jedi Padawans who managed to survive Order 66. He lived in hiding for five years, suppressing his connection to the Force and working as a scavenger on Bracca. His journey in Fallen Order begins when his Force abilities are revealed, making him a target for the Inquisitors, particularly the Second Sister and the Ninth Sister.
The Struggle to Rebuild
Cal's quest is not just about survival; it's about finding a way to preserve the Jedi legacy. With the help of Cere Junda, a former Jedi Knight, and his droid BD-1, Cal seeks to find a Holocron containing the names of Force-sensitive children, hoping to train them and eventually rebuild the Jedi Order. This endeavor is fraught with danger, as the Empire's grip on the galaxy is absolute.
Themes of Loss and Hope
The narrative of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is deeply intertwined with the themes of loss, trauma, and the enduring power of hope. Cal's struggle reflects the broader struggle of the galaxy against tyranny, and his journey to embrace his Jedi heritage serves as a beacon of hope in dark times. The game explores the consequences of the Jedi's past mistakes and the challenges of forging a new path forward.
The remnants of the Jedi Order, scattered and hunted, represent a fragile hope for a galaxy yearning for peace. Cal Kestis's fight is not just for his own survival, but for the future of the Jedi and the balance of the Force.