The Jedi are easily one of the most iconic aspects of the Star Wars universe and their apprentices, the Padawans, are easily identified by their signature braid. While the original trilogy of films does not use the term Padawan, the subsequent movies, shows, and books have explained the important role they play in the Jedi Order.
Because the movies do not explain a lot of the details, there are plenty of facts about Padawans that fans may not know, such as the purpose of their recognizable hairstyle, their role in the Clone Wars, and the process by which they become Jedi.
The Braid Identifies Their Rank
In addition to the traditional Jedi robes, the single braid is the most recognizable aspect of any Padawan's appearance. The Padawans wear their hair, or fur, in a lone braid in order to visually signify their rank as a Padawan.
Because Jedi do not wear uniforms with ranks on them, the braid allows for an indicator that distinguishes Jedi Knights from Padawans. This symbol can be valuable in high-stress moments or in the heat of battle as it quickly communicates valuable information visually.
Alternatives To The Braid
While Padawans are required to wear their hair in a braid to signify their rank, there are alternatives for species that do not grow hair or fur. Alternatives for Padawans who cannot grow hair on their head include decorative silka beads, such as those worn by Ahsoka Tano, as well as body modifications, markings, and braided facial hair.
Because there is such a wide variety of species in Star Wars, it makes sense that the Jedi would have to allow for some variation in the rules. Like the braid, the alternatives are easily identifiable visual indicators of the Padawan's rank.
Only One Per Jedi
While instructing Padawan and helping prepare them to become Jedi is part of a Jedi's responsibilities, Jedi are limited to taking on just one Padawan at a time. Once their Padawan graduates to the rank of Jedi Knight or leaves the order, the Jedi is able to take on a new Padawan.
The Padawan is meant to learn from the Jedi in a more personalized and focused environment, necessitating a one-on-one relationship. This setup has produced many Jedi and has led to some unforgettable Star Wars relationships between master and apprentice, like Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan as well as Obi-Wan and Anakin.
Assigned To Jedi
When Padawans are ready to begin their field training and study under a master, the Jedi Council assigns the Padawan to a master, though Jedi used to be able to choose their Padawans during certain eras of Jedi history. The Jedi can request a specific Padawan, such as when Obi-Wan made it known that he intended to train Anakin, but approval is ultimately up to the Jedi Council.
The Jedi Grandmaster and the Council oversee nearly every aspect of the Jedi Order so it only makes sense that they would be the ones in charge of pairing up masters and apprentices. At the height of the Jedi's prominence, this system is necessary to keep order and ensure a smooth educational process for Padawans.
Commanders During The Clone Wars
In one of the most important moments in Jedi history, the Jedi are put in command of the Grand Army of the Republic during the Clone Wars. As part of this, Padawans serve as Jedi Commanders and are granted the authority to lead their own regiments.
While Padawans are typically young and inexperienced, the scale of the Clone Wars requires the Jedi to put them in these pivotal positions of authority. Though far from ideal, it is a necessary arrangement in order to have the manpower needed to manage such a large army.
Younglings Graduate To The Rank Of Padawans
Though Padawans are inexperienced learners, they are not the lowest rank in the Jedi Order. Prior to becoming Padawans, individuals begin as Younglings. The Jedi recruit Younglings from across the galaxy and train them up before they are exposed to darkness or suffering.
Unlike Padawan, the Younglings are trained in groups. They must remain in the rank until they are able to pass the Initiate Trials and advance to the rank of Padawan. Taking young ones from their families and intentionally denying them the opportunity to form attachments is a questionable practice but it is one that serves as the foundation of the Jedi Order for many years.
Education Process
The Youngling stage of training is meant to provide the young Jedi with a solid foundation and basic understanding of the Force through small group and classroom training. This formal education is then supplemented by field training and experiential education as a Padawan, going on missions with their master.
This two-fold training process is designed to prepare the learners to be a Jedi by providing them with a wide breadth of education and supervised experiences. By the time that the Padawan is ready to become a Jedi, they have studied under multiple teachers in a variety of settings.
The Jedi Trials
As the final step in the training process, the Jedi Council administers the Jedi Trials to any Padawans that they deem ready to become Jedi Knights. The Jedi Trials are comprised of five different components including the Trial of Skill, Trial of Courage, Trial of Flesh, Trial of the Spirit, and the Trial of Insight. The trials are designed to test the Padawan in all the necessary aspects of their personality and ability.
If the Padawan is able to pass the tests, they are allowed to cut their braid off with their lightsaber and receive a promotion to the rank of Jedi Knight. If the Padawan leaves the order before they pass the tests, they must have their braid ripped out.