In Star Wars, there are a few Jedi that get name-dropped a lot. Obi-Wan Kenobi. Mace Windu. Anakin Skywalker. Yoda. However, there are other amazing Jedi who deserve more attention and credit. One of those Jedi is Aayla Secura, a Twi'lek Jedi that protected the galaxy until the tragedy of Order 66.
With Star Wars: The Clone Wars coming back for a seventh and final season, fans should learn more about great Jedi Masters like Aayla before they're cut down in their prime. (Warning: it will make losing her only more tragic). Here are 10 things you never knew about Aayla Secura!
Broke Twi'lek Stereotypes
Throughout the Star Wars lore, Twi'leks are often know as mercenaries or slaves/servants for other syndicates and planets. Even past the Clone Wars, there are few stories that show the Twi'leks any other way, unfortunately, even though they are a much more interesting, fascinating people.
Luckily, Aayla breaks those stereotypes. She was always a force for good, no matter how much the dark side tried to tempt her. She lived her life serving civilians and innocents, not crime lords. Twi'leks, in general, deserve better, but Aayla is always a great example of all the good these athletic and persevering people can do.
Loved Kit Fisto
Even though the Jedi Order forbids close personal attachments (particularly romance, since friendship doesn't seem frowned upon) many Jedi struggle with the rule. Aayla herself, while a devoted Jedi, fell in love, too. While on close missions with her fellow Jedi, Kit Fisto, Aayla and Kit often flirted with the line between friends and lovers.
They even kissed when Kit had to share his oxygen with her. However, despite their closeness, both Aayla and Kit always chose their duty over their feelings. They spent years in love with each other, but neither acted on it because of the Order's rules.
Taught By Quinlan Vos
While most of the main Jedi cast are taught by classics like Mace, Yoda, Qui-Gon, Ki-Adi, Plo Koon, the like, Aayla had a unique master. Hers was the infamous Quinlan Vos, a Jedi first known for his abilities and heroism. He was later known for turning his back on the order in favor of love, passion, and finding a new way.
Aayla almost followed Quinlan on his path, but ultimately chose the Jedi Order. Because her master was laxer on the rules, she struggled with brushes with the dark side for the rest of her life, though she always chose the light.
Brushed With The Dark Side
Despite the staunch ideologies and "holier than thou" style of the Jedi Order, many of their best Jedi have had brushes with rebellion and/or the Dark Side. However, few struggled as much as Aayla Secura. At one point, her family member drugged her and tried to make her forget her Jedi vows and beliefs.
For a time it worked, and Aayla thought her friends were her enemies and her goals were much different. Luckily, Yoda and her master, Quinlan Vos, eventually saved her. But Aayla had to fight with the darker sides of herself for the rest of her life.
Went Through Jedi Training- Twice
When Quinlan Vos found Aayla as a child, he tested her capabilities and plucked her from her home to join the Jedi. From a young age, she studied under the best masters and eventually became his padawan. She was always strong with the force, and an athletic, powerful warrior. Becoming a Jedi suited her.
However, when she was drugged and brainwashed by a manipulative, self-serving family member, she stumbled towards the Dark Side. Vos and Yoda saved her, but she had to regain a lot of her memories and core beliefs. To help her, Aayla went through Jedi training a second time. It helped make her into the fearless Jedi she became.
Loved Her Clone Squad
During the Clone Wars, many Jedi Masters had their own clone trooper squadrons that they led. Since Aayla was a very warrior-esque Jedi, she was one of those masters. While many people treated Clones like they were lesser humans, tools to be used in the war, Aayla was very attached to and proud of her squad. She would often praise them and go to each one individually to thank them for their hard work.
That only made the imperative Order 66 harder for her troop. When they shot Aayla in the back, many of them felt remorse, but couldn't stop themselves from complying with the order.
Fought To Redeem Her Master
After Aayla struggled with the dark side and then returned to the light, her own master started to grapple with his problems with the Jedi Order. Though he insisted he wasn't turning dark, he did believe the Jedi Order was overbearing and problematic. Despite being a beloved Jedi Master for decades, Quinlan Vos took the opportunity to abandon the Order.
Even though Vos was clear about his gray intentions when he left, not believing in the dark side but rejecting the Jedi, Aayla still believed in him. She spent years trying to redeem him and convince him to return. It took many attempts before she finally gave up on the man she once called master.
Was a Jedi Guardian
While every Jedi is trained in the force, mindfulness, and combat, there are special subsects of Jedi that do certain specializations. Aayla was one of those. She was trained as a Jedi Guardian, one who particularly was prepared for battle. Not only did that fit the time period (with all the galactic conflict) but it fit her skills as well.
As a Twi'lek, Aayla was naturally athletic and woefully underestimated by other people. It made her a perfect and powerful combatant in any battle situation. Even though many Jedi Guardians were trained during the Clone Wars, she threw herself into it, learning many styles to protect the good people of the galaxy.
Warned Ahsoka About Anakin
Because of her own experience with Quinlan turning against the Jedi, Aayla saw the seeds of doubt and rebellion in Anakin. However, after years of trying to sway her own master, she knew changing Anakin's mind would prove fruitless. Instead, she warned Ahsoka that eventually, she'd have to choose between the light and her master.
While Ahsoka didn't believe Aayla's words at the time, they would eventually prove correct. During Rebels, Ahsoka even directly fought with Vader, her once master. Like Aayla, she chose the light.
Had a Conflicting Legacy
When the Empire took control of the galaxy, they did everything they could to tarnish the reputation of the Jedi. For example, after executing order 66 and destroying Aayla, her squad helped the Separatists poison an entire planet and then blamed it on the now-gone Jedi.
However, Aayla also spent a lot of time traveling, helping people throughout the galaxy. Though the official story was that she betrayed innocent people, whispers, rumors, and legends talked about what a good person she was. So, there were quite a few people in the galaxy that knew Aayla's true legacy despite its tarnishing.