The word Jedi was made popular for the first time by the original Star Wars Series that debuted in 1977. The Star Wars Series, which includes the original trilogy, the sequel trilogy, and various other movies and series, is a global phenomenon in itself.
The immersive world of Star Wars comprises different races of extraterrestrial beings along with humans and spans across galaxies. George Lucas, the creator of the original series, has mentioned that he has taken inspiration from various folklore and cultures across the world to create the world of Star Wars.
The various terms used in the world are mostly created by the creator or have their origins in different languages. Surprisingly, though fans believed all of the terms used in the series were created by Lucas, many of the terms, including the term Jedi have their roots in different cultures.
What Does The Word Jedi Mean In Star Wars?
The term Jedi is used to refer to the group of people of the Jedi Order in Star Wars. Jedi or commonly referred to as the Jedi Knights, are warriors who are usually characterized as individuals wearing monk-like robes and have the ability to wield the power of the light side of the Force.
Their existence in the universe dates back to the Old Galactic Republic. For years they fought against various foes for the sake of keeping the universe a peaceful place. Initially, the Jedi order consisted of thousands of enlightened monk-warriors fighting against the dark forces of the universe.
But after the Great Jedi Purge, all but a few Jedi knights perished. Different Jedis have regularly featured in the world of Star Wars in different movies. Amongst the lot, Yoda and Luke Skywalker are the most popular ones.
The Origins of The Word Jedi?
Jedi Master Yoda courtesy Lucasfilm
George Lucas has adapted various terms used in the Star Wars world from different cultures and religions across the world. The word Jedi is supposedly adapted from the Japanese word Jidaigeki, which means a period drama based on the tales of the legendary Samurai warriors of Japan.
It is also believed that Lucas had adapted the word Jedi from the term Jed, meaning leader, from Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Barsoom series. The idea of the whole characteristic of the Jedi Order has different roots too. The way of the Jedi involves fighting for what’s right by the power of light.
The Jedi believe in simple and peaceful living and are monks who are highly trained warriors too, pretty much like the Shaolin Monks of Shaolin Temple. The Jedis can wield lightsabers, and the crystals used to make these weapons can only be found on the planet of Jedha.
Jedi Knights courtesy Lucasfilm
According to Jedi ideologies, the Jedis are meant to love everyone, including their enemies too. They preach love and peace in the universe but stay away from any form of attachment. It is believed that with attachments, an individual becomes prone to the dark side, and a change of heart and mind can be disastrous.
With no attachment, an individual has nothing to be afraid of and is not vulnerable to the dark forces of the universe. Parallels can be created between the Jedi ideologies and Buddhist methodologies based on the main principles.
5 Famous Actors Who Have Played The Roles Of Jedi Knights In Star Wars
Several famous actors have played the role of different Jedi Knights across the movies and series of the Star Wars world. Here is a list of 5 famous actors who have played the role of Jedi Knights in different Star Wars movies.
Liam Neeson
Liam Neeson as Qui-Gon Jinn courtesy of Lucasfilm
Among famous actors who have played the role of Jedi Knights in the Star Wars universe, Liam Neeson tops the list. He played the role of the Jedi Qui-Gon Jinn in the movie Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace.
Samuel L. Jackson
Samuel L. Jackson as Mace Windu courtesy Lucasfilm
Samuel L. Jackson has also played the role of Jedi Master Mace Windu in the Star Wars Prequel Trilogy.
Mark Hamil
Mark Hamil as Luke Skywalker courtesy of Lucasfilm
Mark Hamil played the role of Luke Skywalker, the central character of the original Star Wars Trilogy and later in other movies of the franchise like The Last Jedi.
Ewan McGregor
Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi courtesy Lucasfilm
Ewan McGregor played the role of Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Star Wars Universe.
Daisy Ridley
Daisy Ridley as Rey courtesy of Lucasfilm
Daisy Ridley played the role of Jedi Rey in Star Wars: Episode IX, The Rise of Skywalker. The Star Wars Universe has garnered a huge fan base over the years. The characters of the universe are loved dearly by fans, and the terms used in the universe have found their way into pop cultures across the globe. Jedi simply happens to be one such example from that long list!
