The Force: The mystical energy field that binds all living things. Tapping into the Force can provide a wide range of powers. There are several aspects of the Force, including a dark side and the “living” Force.

Force sensitive: Someone attuned to the Force. Force sensitives can detect the use of the Force and often sense Force affinity in others. Some Force sensitives tap into the Force unconsciously and with very little control. All Force users are considered “Force sensitives,” but many eventually take on other titles (Jedi, Sith, Dark Jedi, etc.) as well. Consider Force sensitive the raw material from which all other Force wielders are made. The witches of Dathomir, Anakin Skywalker in Episode I, and Mara Jade can all be considered Force sensitives.

Jedi: Students of the Force who use their powers and skills to promote peace in the galaxy. During the days of the Old Republic (before Star Wars: A New Hope), Force sensitives became Jedi through years of arduous training.

Jedi Order: The Jedi affiliation. The term has greater meaning in the Old Republic era, when the Jedi were better organized and existed in greater numbers (about 10,000 Jedi exist as of Episode I). After Luke Skywalker resurrects the Jedi (after Endor), the order is much more loosely organized and much smaller in number.

Padawan: A Jedi apprentice. Padawans can be apprenticed to either Jedi Knights or Jedi Masters. Obi-Wan Kenobi is a Padawan in Episode I.

Jedi Knight: A rank within the Jedi Order. During the Old Republic era, a Padawan became a Jedi Knight by meeting several requirements (including building a personal lightsaber) and passing the mysterious “trials.” The term is also sometimes used to refer to all Jedi in general (“The Jedi Knights are the guardians of peace in the galaxy…”). Obi-Wan Kenobi is promoted to the rank of Jedi Knight at the end of Episode I.

Jedi Master: The highest rank of the Jedi Order. Becoming a Jedi Master usually takes decades (especially during the Old Republic era), and many Jedi never attain this status. A Jedi Knight must (among other things) train at least one Padawan to Knighthood before becoming eligible for the Jedi Master title. Yoda is a Jedi Master.

Jedi Code: The basic principles and laws of the Jedi Order, which all members of the order are expected to follow. The Jedi Code stresses courage, patience, wisdom, and honor and charges the Jedi with protecting the galaxy. In many ways, the code helps Jedi resist the temptations of the dark side.

Jedi purge: The Emperor’s campaign to wipe out the Jedi. By the time of Star Wars: A New Hope, the Emperor and his forces (specifically Darth Vader) have slain many of the Jedi; the rest have been driven underground.

Dark Jedi: A Jedi who uses the Force for evil ends. Dark Jedi usually begin as Jedi Padawans or Jedi Knights, but are eventually corrupted by the dark side. The terms “Dark Jedi” and “Sith” are sometimes used interchangeably, although this is not exactly accurate, as there can only be two Sith (as of Episode I), while Dark Jedi are more numerous. Maw from Jedi Knight and all the Jedi who joined Exar Kun and Ulic Qel-Droma during the Dark Lords of the Sith series are considered Dark Jedi.

Failed Jedi: A Jedi hopeful who fails to live up to the Jedi Order’s high expectations. Failed Jedi can come from any rank, but are usually Padawans who never reach Jedi Knight status and leave the order. Failed Jedi aren’t necessarily evil, and many retain some Force powers. Aurra Sing is a failed Jedi.

Sith (Sith Lord): Originally, “Sith” referred to a species. Eons before the Battle of Yavin, a host of Dark Jedi were driven from the known systems and discovered the Sith worlds. They subjugated the Sith, becoming the “Sith Lords.” Centuries later, the Sith Lords launched an attack on the Core Worlds, but they were repelled and all but destroyed. The term “Sith” later came to apply to a new group of evil Force-wielders founded by a rogue Jedi. As the Sith order evolved, one Sith Lord decreed that there should only ever be two Sith – an apprentice and a master. As of Episode I, Sith and Sith Lord refer to incredibly evil and powerful Force wielders who stand in opposition to the Jedi. In Episode I, the Sith Lords are Darth Maul and Darth Sidious. In Episode IV, the only Sith Lords are the Emperor and Darth Vader.

Haden Blackman
Content Specialist
LucasArts