How the Bendu changes our understanding of the Force

In this video I discuss what the Bendu is and how he views the Force.
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[@markwilburn1218]

What I love about the Bendu is how it brings in a feeling of fantasy that Star Wars has really lost in recent years. It ignores all the sci-fi and really embodies what the old expanded Universe and Lucas's vision was as a space fantasy fairytale.

[@Francis-qu2iu]

😳😳 Wait till u watch the rise of Skywalker 😳😳

[@alphamaccao5224]

@@Francis-qu2iu Why would I watch a sick abomination?

[@kinda_cold_in_the_closet]

fr. i love andor, it was amazing. it had sci fi and authoritarianism and a whole bunch of amazing characters and incredible themes. i loved the bendu, tho, especially because it brings that little bit of fantasy back into it. it's kinda like game of thrones. without daenerys, it's still cool, but it's all politics and needs a breath of fantasy. and daenerys with her dragons, targaryen name, silver hair, and blood magic, brought the needed touch of fantasy to game of thrones.

[@christinearmington]

@@kinda_cold_in_the_closet Nice 👍 🎉🌀

[@wanderinghistorian]

I just love how all of this new canon is being written with all of this depth and rich lore and the Sequel Trilogy is using precisely NONE OF IT.

[@alecbrinker7268]

be like me, consider the Disney movies as non-cannon and write it off as really bad anti-fan fiction.

[@dakotatrue12]

Because the sequels are trash and aren't canon. Sadly this show (Rebels) and Solo got hate because it was Disney making them.

[@sanstheelumbu]

All of disney shows except sequels are good

[@jagnestormskull3178]

My theory is that, like The Ones in the Legends continuity, the Bendu is a Celestial, an avatar of the Force.

[@mrjuse5470]

Yup!

[@AveTrueToCaesar8212]

cp2112 Personally I think that Abeloth is a separate entity all together.

[@jagnestormskull3178]

@@AveTrueToCaesar8212 yeah, wasn't Abeloth mortal before she basically drank the Light and Dark?

[@AveTrueToCaesar8212]

JJ Chaos She was indeed. Abeloth was originally a mortal woman who lived upon the original homeworld of the celestial beings known as the Ones roughly one hundred thousand years before the events of A New Hope. As hyperspace technology had not been developed by humans at this time, it is likely that she was a native of this world and perhaps even one of the first humans in existence. Initially she was known as the Servant, yet due to how much she cared for both the Daughter and the Son, the Father eventually fell in love with her, thus making her the Mother. However, as she grew older she could not control the bickering of her adopted children as she had once been able to in her youth. As she continued to age, her god-like family did not. Terrified by the idea of her beloved family tearing itself apart in her absence, she endeavoured to bypass death by drinking from the Font of Power, as the Son once had, before bathing in the Font of Knowledge in the same way her daughter once did. She had hoped that this would grant her the longevity of her fellow family members, so that she might be able to keep them at peace for all eternity. However, the process instead scarred her mentally and disfigured her physically, turning her into an abominable, maddened creature. After easily subduing the Daughter and the Son, the Father had been forced to intervene, holding his former wife at bay long enough for his children to escape the planet. Together, the Ones used their power to create the Maw, a cluster of blackholes intended to incarcerate Abeloth within the planet she had once inhabited with her family.. for reference, the Maw is actually located in the Alkkadese Maelstrom, not far from the Outer Rim world of Kessel. The Ones then went on to make the Mortis Monolith their home, only venturing out whenever Abeloth grew strong enough to potentially escape captivity, upon which point her family would return to her simply to imprison her yet again. Despite being locked away within the Maw, Abeloth seemingly enjoyed these visits from her former family. In fact, they seemed to be the only thing that she still cherished. That was until Anakin Skywalker travelled to Mortis alongside Obi Wan Kenobi and Ahsoka Tano during the Clone Wars, leaving the Daughter, Son and Father all dead by the end of his journey. With nobody left to maintain her restraints, Abeloth eventually escaped the Maw and proceeded to terrorise the Gaalxy, distraught by the death of her family, whom she knew to be dead merely due to their absence during her escape. Monstrous though she may be, Abeloth’s story is actually rather tragic. I quite like her character and somewhat pity her to be honest. Hopefully one day someone will put her to rest for good using the Dagger of Mortis , so she may finally be reunified with the family she held so dear.

[@username.exenotfound2943]

I always assumed that the bendu is the father in another form since he is the living embodiment of the living force so killing him shouldnt really work

[@clovis2012]

The most important thing the Bendu says is, "If you can see yourself, you will never be truly blind". The philosophy of the Force comes from the Tao De Ching. The Tao is where the Yin/Yang idea comes from. (Light and dark). The entire belief system is based on balance between everything and having a non-judgmental acceptance of your experiences, be they good or bad. I think what Bendu was trying to say about being "in the middle" was acceptance. He neither embraced light or dark. He was more interested in how others viewed themselves and taught Kanan that seeing yourself (or knowing thyself) was the only thing that mattered. Choose your own path, just don't expect Bendu to align with your choices. Why? Taoism also believes in Wu-wei (effortless action). In this, you do nothing, yet accomplish everything. It's effortless action. You can defeat your enemies without even fighting. Sorta what Luke did using a projection to "fight" Kylo Ren. He then transcended into the Force (bc there is only the Force), which Taoism also believes happens to their greatest sages. They become immortal. Which...the Bendu also is. Just my thoughts.

[@briannaweeks6357]

clovis2012 love this explanation. This is also how I see the bendu and interpret the force.

[@MrBomasBalloons]

And in the Yin-Yang, we see not only a light side and dark side, but that a bit of light exists within the dark, and a bit of dark exists within the light.

[@tombocai]

Great interpretation!

[@yupnope3171]

As in the Tao, to explain the Tao is not the Tao itself. So with that thought, to explain the force is not the force itself.

[@xrstevenson]

I love this explanation. I really do. But in response to the Bendu's lack of help and understanding of the Rebels. The only thing I have to say about that is: "So you would do nothing? Apathy is Death... worst than death. Because atleast a rotting corpse feeds the beasts and insects."

[@sj2621]

Here is my theory about the force. The “light side” and the “dark side” are merely terms for how the force is used by people. When someone uses the Light side, they are merely allowing the force to use them. When someone uses the Dark side, they are not allowing the force to use them, they are using the force. So essentially, a light side force user is used, while a dark side user uses the force. When someone uses the Dark side they are forcing the midiclorians to do they’re bidding; causing them stress. because the midiclorians are inside of the cells of the user, the users cells become stressed as well. When cells become stressed the lose there ability to function properly. This is why dark side users’ bodies become broken over time. However when a user uses the light side, the midiclorians want to preform whatever function it is the light side user wants to do; therefore there is no stress and the light side user isn’t affected negatively. What do you think Thor?

[@FantasticExplorers]

Jonathan Brooks I believe Yoda in episode V would agree with you!

[@Hunter-rb5up]

Jonathan Brooks that's an interesting theory. It would explain a number of things like qui-gon being guided to Anakin because he would bring the balance he believed in just not in the traditional way the jedi expected. Or the body and minds of Darth Sidious and others being warped beyond their natural forms. Almost like the force manifesting their ambition onto their bodies 🤔

[@sj2621]

TheFanFlipp'nTastics thank you!

[@sj2621]

Hunter5 that is exactly what I was thinking, besides the whole qui gin and anakin thing; but that fits within my theory as well!

[@aaronleschke8988]

Exactly! I’ve been thinking about this for ages. I left my own comment on this video too.

[@OdintheGermanShepherd]

I’m excited for your Mortis Video!!

[@sc_art5408]

Odin the German Shepherd So am I! I’m incredibly intrigued by the idea of ancient Force beings, that represent the dark, light, and balance respectively.

[@MiscellaneousMcC]

I think the Bendu was saying that it is the idea of a light and dark side, that splitting of the whole, is what creates imbalance within the force. If the force was a song being played on a piano, the Bendu is the audience listening to it being played. Whereas the Jedi and the Sith are trying to play the music with only the right or left hand. There is still some kind of melody, but it is never a full expression of what the force truly is. And unlike the Bendu, neither Jedi nor Sith can comprehend the forces true nature because neither will give up attempting to control the force. And neither will stop trying to play and take their place in the audience, the only place from which one can truly understand the forces true nature.

[@kaimarquez8046]

Awesome analogy. I think you were 99% right, but I don't think that George Lucas created the force with the idea that no force user could be humble enough to just be like the bendu and be the audience. I feel like you must be somewhat possible for someone

[@CrimpyPlate]

The idea that the light and dark sides of the force are something generated within individual force users kind of ties back to how Obi-wan describes the Force in A New Hope. He describes it as "an energy field created by all living things." It's possible he was just talking about the living force, the part that jedi and sith wield in their daily lives. Maybe the entire reason there even IS a living force is because of what you mentioned about light and dark side users altering the Force by using it.

[@Pa-1]

Only Bendu makes sense in the entire Star Wars saga. Imagine on one side you have force that permeates and moves everything, so instead of trying to use it or wield it for petty matters (in the process make more mess of self) why not understand it. Why not flow with it? Imagine the consequence of that... every move the enemy makes is already known through the force and ultimately the enemity won't exist because you understand his/her intent and yet he/she can bring no harm. Everything will be just like a child's play. one understands this when Bendu predicts how Thrawn will be defeated and also see how he plays with Thrawn. Bendu gets angry at Kanan because of the irony of the situation. It's Kanan who has been coward in hiding in Bendu's planet bringing it war and destruction which was otherwise undetectable. It was the foolish acts of rebels that helped Thrawn zero in on this planet. Bendu is angry at the ignorance of the force wielders who always lack the foresight of seeing the bigger picture despite being sensitive to the force. So Bendu's anger is justified here.

[@justinthorpe5641]

Well said

[@princesskatebabe]

I don’t believe that there is a light or dark side of the force. The force is just the force. I believe it’s how people came up with the term light (good) or dark (evil) just depended on how they or others used the force.

[@alecbrinker7268]

My thoughts exactly.

[@sc_art5408]

About time we get a video on our favorite timelord mushroom moose thing.

[@Draezeth]

Our favorite tortoise-pangolin-ape-colossus.

[@klyanadkmorr]

Dave Filoni was just using what Lucas did, still ripping off core DUNE Taoism Buddhist philosophy of light dark in balance > Judeo-Christo-Islam-Mithra Black/White gods always only in conflict picking sides. They having the non-gendered any-specied Jedi Order = DUNE fictional BeneGessrit/ala the real life Jesuit Priest Order's code of protecting or controlling the fate of humanity via spirituality & myth in action. The concept of the Jedi martial arts use in combat is more Knight's Templar militia protectiva. The Sith more or less evil doers believers in dark icons and forces of nature symbolized in predatory abusive dark spirits who use violence and malevolent coercion to harm.

[@Steve-hk5ds]

Our favourite gruffalo.

[@redbepis4600]

hes our only timelord mushroom moose thing

[@tmcgrenere]

I think there is only the living force as it is, which can be used and manipulated for light or dark proposes. The force is neutral and the Bendi understand that. There is no conflict with them.

[@HTTKB]

I think of the force like fire. Fire can be use to cook you dinner , it can keep you warm on a cold night. Fire can also be use to burn down a house and kill everyone in side. Does either of those things make the fire good or bad. The good or the bad like anything comes from the person wielding it.

[@kaimarquez8046]

What's funny is, if you have seen the last airbender you actually probably have a better understanding of the force than Star wars fans. Zuko had to learn to draw his energy to create fire from a source that was not hate and anger, but life-giving. And he then was able to create fire again, but it was still fire. That fire could still burn people, kill people, but it wasn't the anger or hate field version. It was pure. I think that this can be applied to Star wars, and that I do think that there are force users like the bendu or almost Qui-Gon and Legends Luke who could use the force like pure fire

[@brandonp3455]

Reminds me of the classic "Apathy is Death" line - to which "Jolee" Bendu over here said in not-as-many words "Inaction is in itself a form of action - the determinant of which is context - now see death."

[@TKnightcrawler]

I think a fixation on perfect balance/homogeneity is a mistake. In such a state, there is no movement, no life. Effectively, such a condition is dead, whether it's high-energy or low-energy. Movement/life/etc only happens when there is an energy gradient.

[@lordflashheart8842]

Great video thor. The character of the bendu has refined the concept of the force. This is the SW i like.

[@pawa101]

Much Love Man. I've been enjoying your channel. The Bendu is an incredible character.

[@smbrTube]

Thor Skywalker, not only are you one of my favorite KZbinrs, but you're one of my favorite people. Always talking rationally and logically in this chaos of Star Wars (and life). Seeing the trees before the forest. I try to imitate but fail immensely. Keep it up though! We need you, more than you know!

[@thorskywalker]

Thank you so much for saying that. I appreciate it and I do my best to keep it real with you all.

[@stormhawk31]

I have always viewed The Force as The Bendu seems to: that there is no light side or dark side, there is only The Force. The light or dark reside within the wielder. This is why Luke could force choke Jabba's guards: his intent wasn't to kill them, just to incapacitate them. It was the minimum force required to accomplish the task, which itself was a worthy one (helping a friend). It's also easy to imagine a scenario where someone uses force lightning to jumpstart someone else's heart, saving their life. So, it's not the abilities that are good or evil, it's how they're applied and why. Because the dark side is so quick and easy, it takes great strength of character to walk the light path. That strength comes from studying and pursuing "The Good" (as the philosophers called it). It is knowledge and understanding of the Good, and a commitment to pursuing it, that prevents a force wielder from becoming corrupted by the power.

[@sc_art5408]

My headcanon is that he is the reincarnation of The Father from Mortis.

[@sc_art5408]

King Of The Posers As I said. It is my personal headcanon.

[@thorskywalker]

Very, very interesting idea...

[@PadawanOfChrist]

Star Commander But, wouldn't that indicate he's a balance of the light and dark side?

[@-_--kv1lv]

Padawan of Christ that’s in the middle

[@Valiguss]

Padawan of Christ I have always preferred to think of him embodying the unifying force with the sister and brother as light and dark, with the living force being the lost mother abeloth. The bendu calling it the ashla and the bogen is in fact a call back to the ancient jedi of typhon.

[@RedLeader327]

Thor, thank you for doing what you do. I always enjoy your vids.

[@thorskywalker]

And thank you for watching, I very much appreciate it.

[@sharkanenoa5928]

In the 44 years since this franchise started, we've barely scratched the surface of The Force

[@RiverwestRich]

Perhaps when the Bendu says he is "The One in the Middle" it means more than just in regards to the light and dark sides of the Force. Perhaps he also exists between the worlds of the ether of the Force and the material world, hence his lack of fear or concern about "death." Also, and this is why I'd have been super interested to have seen Lucas's vision of the final 3 movies, maybe there is something to the "Sith eyes" thing, and why dark siders seem to degrade over time, that it is a corruption of the Whills within the individual. If the Whills are using sentient beings as "vehicles" then perhaps they become corrupted by the bending of the Force to one's will and that is why the eyes change. I believe Lucas once said that using the dark side was like an addiction that consumes the user and perhaps that manifests as those physical changes in those beings. And, if we add in what Snoke says about "darkness rises and the light to meet it" then it seems the Whills will use the midiclorians to create a champion to meet that foe, yet as we saw with Anakin it does not mean that they will stay on that path and can actually create more darkness. In sum, all this would make sense that at some point someone would see that the Whills imposing their Will upon the Force to try and keep it balanced actually causes all the problems and to actually bring "balance" the Whills would have to be eliminated to free the Force from their manipulation. I hope all that makes some modicum of sense...

[@Nga_Babaye]

I think the answer comes in what the Bendu says boils down to the choices we make, because despite there being a few things that are ultimately true evil, but in general good and evil are cultural constructs based around perceptions. Using the Dark Side doesn't make someone evil and being a Jedi doesn't mean you're the good guy, but this type of thinking brought about the dogmas that caused the Jedi Order to fall twice and birthed the Sith Empires during separate eras. I don't think there is a light or dark side of the force. The force is the force and that is what the Bendu represents. If I used force lightning to fry a man hurting a kid, most people aren't going to stop and say, "Whoa, evil Sith," but a Jedi probably would want to pick a lightsaber duel with me on the spot.

[@kaimarquez8046]

Yeah, you are right. But I think you have to remember, that at its core Star wars was Created to teach kids right and wrong. So I do think that we can actually say that if you're not focused on rule following like the Jedi on the prequels, and if you're like Luke in extended Legends, and like Qui-Gon you can be considered a good person. And yes I know Star wars always talks about point of view, but that's just talking about corrupted point of view. That's why one of the people who says that phrase is palpatine. George Lucas talks about how palpatine corrupts what true good is, and to a certain degree making the Jedi not true good anymore, using their fear. So I do think that there is real good, it's just not going to come from playing politics or playing rules, but actually doing what is good. And you're technically right about the force lightning protecting the kid, but to actually use force lightning, you have to actively in your head use your hate and anger and bitterness towards others, and let that flow. And putting other people down in your head. And I get that "from a certain point of view" thoughts are not bad, but it was bad enough for George Lucas to literally make the guy who represents the devil have it as his main power.

[@Nga_Babaye]

@@kaimarquez8046 I am going to disagree with some stuff. I think you might be mixing some Disney into this. Clone Wars are fine since they used Lucas' original guidelines and some of the philosophy, but the sequel trilogy breaks the narrative and thematic flow of what the stories are about, which isn't good or evil, but redemption of the father, or redemption of humanity. George Lucas only focused on children after he got merchandising deals after TESB, but he always intended the films to be for families. And while you are right there are some teaching elements in the films, almost anything can be used to teach lessons between beliefs. The whole narrative of the original 6 Star Wars films is based on the Campbell's hero's journey. What Lucas does to modernize things is he made the villain the hero in the end by weaving a mythology around the person (Anakin) he used to be, or rather the person Obi-Wan and the galaxy believed he was, so Luke took on this belief but he realized at the same time if his father was such a character of good moral standing, a great jedi, then why would he turn his back on the order. So Luke realizes the flaws in the order. Of course, we don't have much more than quotes by Lucas to support this, and the comparisons between Luke's by the end of RotJ. Luke didn't uphold the same values that the Jedi did. Disney sort of tried to work on this, but they took it too far because he wouldn't have abandoned the order. Instead, he implemented love, and the use of blasters. electrical

[@natesmith2408]

The scenes with Kanan and Bendu we fucking great. Rebels was so good.

[@flowinproductions6416]

if you couldnt tell by the comments i've been binging on your vids. just wanted to say once more, amazing job, you are one of the most rational people i've found on the internet

[@JJ-nh8lv]

Nice Theory. I really like the thought of the internal struggle that leads one to light or dark.

[@jtszabo1691]

Is the Bendu how Bullwinkle sees himself on acid?

[@sc_art5408]

Michael Linkovski I knew drinking while reading the comments was a bad idea...

[@FutureDeadpool]

Bwaaaaha

[@morlath4767]

THANK YOU! I finally got around to seeing this video, and it's a view I've been trying to get people to see for ages now. The Dark Side is driven by emotions - emotions being things that only come from sentient life. The Light Side might be the absence/letting go of emotions, but it's done in a way that still interacts with the emotions first. My biggest problem with a lot of Jedi-philosophy and those who push it (including Lucas himself), is that it doesn't make sense for there to ONLY be a Light and Dark Side of the Force, especially given with have the Bendu in canon. That it makes far more sense to have - The Force. The Light Side. The Dark Side. I think the major reason this keeps getting shot down by a lot of Lucas followers is that it utterly derails the Jedi's way. The Force as a whole, by definition, is not just about the Light. So claiming that they are following the Will of the Force itself is wrong. They can claim they are following the Will of the Light Side. But this leaves things far too open for the allowance of so-called "Grey Jedi." Those who listen to the Force as a whole. Who, even if they don't use Dark abilities, live differently to the Jedi (emotions/attachments). Essentially Luke's NJO.

[@ssteinschreiber]

I love the philosophical idea of the bendu. I hope we head to this inner good vs inner evil.

[@Agent_Exodus]

Dude- I absolutely love your take on this. The “light” and the “dark” being more like focal point ... near aberration, collective constructs born through (and from) the force by the very “natures”, beliefs, and perspectives about the force from the creatures that inhabit and utilize it... perhaps the force then too “believes” these things about itself.. and “manifests” said archetypes appropriately) Archetypes, that then became more like autonomous constructs within the larger ...galactic.. collective psyche(s) (or unconscious) of “the force”. Which mirror, mould, guide, those who project/reflect these aspects and are simultaneously mirroring, moulding, and guiding these aspects/archetypes as well (albeit... currently unknowingly. As far as any characters have been described thus far... except maybe the bendu..) Very jungian. And that’s one of the best parts about this aspect of Star Wars.(imo anyway) The mystical aspects always were very jungian... whether the writers had any conscious knowledge that this is what they were laying out or not. (George obviously had at least a cursory understanding of this given his initial inspiration coming from Joesph Campbell... but GL’s later rantings on the Jedi of the prequel eras way of doing things being all “this is the way”... and “red means dead and that’s that!”... makes me think maybe he really didn’t understand that part of his own creation as he himself initially laid out..) In which case, it would indeed be very much “the will of the force” for this to be conceptualized and eventually consciously comprehended to some degree or another within the series- (perhaps long before the writers even realize that’s where they are going, or being lead with it) Good fiction/fantasy after all, is almost always a good reflection of our more abstract aspects of “reality”. And great fiction/fantasy ... comprises this in ways which can be truly and deeply inspiring.. This is why I think Star Wars has yet to even begin to scratch the surface on the potential it has to become. ... a splendid and ...arguably “fantastical” “mirror” for the muddled metaphysical/mystical maps of our own collective psyches and unconscious. Great stuff man. Thanks much for this one. 👍

[@sirgrunt99]

WOW that was a deep thought on the Bendu and I can see were you coming from

[@CappnRob]

Wish I found this video sooner, because I love Bendu. He's the one in the middle - which I read as not being neither Light or Dark, but Light AND Dark. He IS the Force. The tranquility of peace.... but also the chaotic fury of destruction. When he attacks as the force lightning storm, he doesn't pull any punches. He is life AND death. He is the Force in its rawest purest form.

[@BackInTheFutureProductions]

I think that I like the Force being a mystery it’s fun to theorize for sure but I hope they don’t teally ever go to far on confirming things

[@thorskywalker]

I'm with you, my friend. Explaining too much would probably be the death of the franchise.

[@SM-or1wo]

@@thorskywalker I disagree, Lord of the Rings also explained pretty much everything with very intense backstory behind it, I would wish Star Wars gets to a similar degree at some point in the future

[@taelorpickel2830]

@@SM-or1wo Uh there's still much mystery about Lord of the Rings.

[@dakotatrue12]

@@SM-or1wo 1. I'm fairly sure that they meant explaining too much on the force itself. Not the history and stuff like that. 2. Both are great but the Lord of the rings and star wars are very different. Just because something worked in one does not mean it will work in the other.

[@backtothefutureman1]

I love that the Bendu is played by the forth Doctor from Doctor Who. (Tom Baker)

[@gregoryb3793]

This is Darth Bullsith of the Galactic Notification Empire! All wings, report in! Bullsith, standing by!

[@Passport_the_Lorekeeper]

Passport, standing by!

[@thorskywalker]

Red Five standing by!

[@masterrserch3971]

Red MAsterr, hangin in there!

[@Armoless]

Welcome to channel 6 news PORG, I'm the Headless Mando reporting to you live from The mysterious planet of a even more mysterious creature... The Bendu.

[@sc_art5408]

Mandalore the Relentless, standing by!

[@caydenplays9597]

Give me my Tuesday story soon Thor, love your stuff !

[@thorskywalker]

I will be getting back to it soon, I promise.

[@Dragon66898]

It’s my belief that the Force entities on Mortis where the embodiments of the Cosmic Force while the Force Priestesses and the Bendu are the embodiments of the Living Force. The Priestesses the emotions of life while Bendu nature itself. In my opinion that makes a lot of sense as nature is unyielding to everything but can be dangerously deadly when well angry.

[@darkpharaoh542]

First off, great video. Secondly, I agree with your thoughts/interpretations of Bendu. Just like I agree with his statement on light and dark - they're aspects how the energies of the force are used. Ashla and Bogan (son and daughter) are the personifications of how the prominent users of the force wield that energy with the father representing those that want to find balance. I could go on and on, but I agree with you and would love to see how a race of force sensitives, educated by The Bendu, would evolve. 🤔

[@lexalford358]

The dawn of the Jedi book has the die bendu monks mentioned. With the music of their chanting and their meditation about the thoror and the force.

[@bryanmiller4355]

Excellent video, and another solid interpretation! I have a thought that the Bendu is the SW version of The LOTR's Tom Bombadil. Your interpretation challenges this concept, but there might still be parallels that can be drawn. And if the Bendu has come to a higher plane of enlightenment, as you seem to suggest, then how would we categorize the Jedi that we see in the franchise? It would seem that the Bendu wouldn't see the Jedi as being balanced force users necessarily, since they associate themselves and teach a form of 'light-side" disciplines.

[@thorskywalker]

First, I like the Tom Bombadil comparisons. There's every chance that's even one of the places where they drew inspiration for the character. And I think the Bendu sees the Jedi way as a flawed way of thinking.... in that they're trying to control the uncontrollable. He may think it's somewhat admirable of them to try and work on behalf of the Force and the balance, but still a feeble effort destined to fail. Nature is ultimately uncontrollable, and I think that's how the Bendu sees the Force... as just one natural, well, force.

[@kaimarquez8046]

@@thorskywalker yeah, especially like the idea of how the Jedi's become somewhat corrupted in the prequels, focused on rules, and focused on making sure that there is a great outcome, instead of doing what was said in 1977, that is too let go of your feelings. Did you have the prequels, simply did not do this, otherwise they would not have been finangled by palpatine as they were. And it's ironic because these were the same prequel Jedi who talked about trying to rid themselves of a lot of emotion, but in doing that they became very prideful, which end of itself is part of emotion. So all in all, I think that a Jedi who is not focused on letting their feelings dictate how they help others and how they listen to the force, and actually does what the force needs, what the force wants, and sometimes letting the force do things without the person doing anything. Interested to know your thoughts

[@danieltobias3908]

one of the coolest characters ever

[@MrEL28]

Based on that Bendu said, i think he's a contemporary and as powerful and ancient as the Force wielders on Mortis - the Father, Son and Daughter.

[@Crick1952]

In George's original notes the Jedi were called 'Jedii Bendu Masters' of 'The Force of Others' with Mace Windu being the mentor to Anakiin Skywalker, who traveled with Luke Starkiller, an adventurer and hero of the Rebellion

[@Jake-oc3vx]

Amazing job! I love how you present star wars videos. Also this video made me think and please let me know how you feel about it; what if when the Bendu says he's the one in the middle, he means he connects the Living Force to the Cosmic Force the one in between them to make the Force whole/balanced?

[@thorskywalker]

That's an interesting idea, though it is a lot like what the midi chlorians do (allow communication between the living and cosmic Force). Nevertheless, perhaps he is referring to something of this nature.

[@zofotoziggy]

This makes me happy hearing Borgan, after reading the Dark Horse Star Wars comics

[@CarlJohnson-kk4pr]

ALL of Our name is just a Title for Our physical Body Suite Containing and explaining Our Destiny, Our Soul, who We REALLY Are is called (Me).

[@LegoNerf2000]

”Now...” -Every Thor Skywalker video ever

[@northofknowhere130]

Most of my comments are just my thoughts and are outside of canon. That being said, I think we spoke of something similar regarding Qui-Gon and again a few videos ago. To me, the Light and Dark Side of the Force doesn't exist as they're just an individuals attempt to explain something they can't understand and/or attempt to use it to further their ideology. Hence, the Jedi Order during the prequel era as well as Lord Sidious telling Anakin that "Good is a point-of-view..." The reason why Qui-Gon was able to become a Force Ghost is that he, like the Bendu, found internal peace and thus, their connection to the Force grew very strong. I hold out that the Sith can become one with the Force in a similar way, but using a different path. Was this what Plagues was searching for? Now, speaking about Qui-Gon, his connection to the Force was something so rare in the Jedi Order that the last time a Jedi had a connection this strong was during the Ancient Times. The Ancient Jedi had a very strong connection to the Force because they understood that the Force just exists and that the will was that of the user themselves. This elevated their thinking, lifestyle, and purpose. After the great Sith and Jedi Wars, a new faction within the Jedi's formed what we saw during the prequel era. One that drew on the perception that they themselves were acting upon the true, and only, will of the Force. They eventually became more of a cult and strayed away from the Order of the Jedi. This is where the "Prophecy of the Chosen One" forms as they're not meant to bring balance to the Force itself, but bring balance to the Jedi Order. The Ancient Jedi's connection to the Force was so strong that they could see visions of the future. Over time, the Ancient Jedi faded, leaving their visions became a prophecy and eventually a myth. As for The Bendu, I have an interesting theory on this. I believe that The Bendu is very similar to that of the Ancient Order of the Jedi, but stronger. His connection became so strong that he walks both worlds...he is of the Living and of the Force. To explain it a bit better, he can transform into a Force Ghost at will while still alive. I believe that's why he refers to himself as "The Bendu". He transformed to a higher being and, to an extent, closed the chapter on his past self.

[@deinekes9]

Wow, it's like you read my mind, Thor. I've always believed that the Force is almost an ecological system. Just as the environment affects its denizen creatures, those said creatures also affect the Force. Think beavers and inland watersheds. The light and the dark are constructs grafted onto the Force by small minded creatures incapable of understanding something that doesn't have sides at all. When this "sides" concept was grafted onto the Force, conflict inevitably happened. When Nature is in a multiple body system, it demands a balance, thus the endless war of light and dark. This system is unstable as, with enough cycles, it could eventually create an aberration that can actually threaten the whole construct. Something so vile that it could end the Force itself. We saw something like this with KoTOR and Wounds in the Force, specifically Darth Nihilus and later Vitiate. This is worse than the likes of Sidious and Vader as they want to rule while it wants to consume. I had hoped that Snoke was that cancer in the Force, something that might horrify even Palpatine, but oh well.

[@citlalicervantes6498]

800th like!!!!!!

[@trollzland1337]

I would love to see someone do a video on Vergere, from the New Jedi Order books in the EU. She was a jedi of the republic prior to the Empire until she was captured/joined with the Yuuzhan Vong for 50 years. When Jacen Solo is captured for a second time by the Vong during the war, she rather brutally teaches him a crucial lesson in the Force; "That is the shameful secret of the Jedi; there is no dark side." She teaches Jacen that the "dark side" is a product of people, not the force itself. That anger, hate, revenge, and other such emotions are not inherently evil or dark, but natural and have use. This is something she later discusses with Luke as well. "I am Vergere. What are you?" "Everything I tell you is a lie; every question is a trick. You'll find no truth in me." You'll find no truth in her, because the truth of who you are is one that you must discover and determine for yourself. While the retcon in later books to try and make her a Sith was honestly pretty terrible for her character, I still think that Vergere has a kind of understanding of not specifically the force per say but an understanding of those who use the force and try to give shape to what it is that is extremely profound and unique to her. I know not everyone likes the Yuuzhan Vong, but honestly Vergere alone and her interactions and discussions with Jacen and later on Luke made the New Jedi Order books some of my favorite books entirely. *Those discussions happen specifically in "Traitor" and "Destiny's Way"

[@turkeydinnerchewie2499]

please make videos like this again

[@aceofspades604]

Gotta love that Potentium heresy.

[@TheFifthNovemberManth1]

The Force is How a Wilder is using The Force. If a Wilder uses The Force for his/her own gain, then he/she can or will become a Dark-User. And if the Wilder uses the Force to gain knowledge and help others, then he/she can or will become a Light-User, but the Dark-User can turn to become a Light-User or still choose to serve the Dark and the same with the Light-User can choose to become Dark-User or still serve the Light. In the Harry Potter 2 Chamber of Secrets, the end of the movie Albus Dumbledore says also that the person Can choose if he/she want to be good or evil and it is not about the power, but what the user desire to be or who he/she real is. This I Think that it is the same in Star Wars, for Kyle Katarn choose what he wanted to be. Benau chose to be in the midle of the Force. And it is only up to the Willder what he/she Really is and want. Asajj Ventress was good but turned to the Dark, but when Count Dooku betrayed her, she went to mother talzin and Asajj Ventress became Rouge or as I call her in This state “For her own good, not good and not evil, me”. It is also in Real life, we ourselves Can choose to serve the good or evil. The choice we make Will define who we Will become to be and what we Really are. It is only in the matter of Choose of what defines who we ourselves Really are and what we become. Power, money, knowledge, strength is one thing, but what we choose will define who we Really are. Very good video bro. 👍 ✌️

[@stevekudlo1464]

I'm a classical composer, and light and dark seem like the major and minor chords, respectively. When I compose, I don't notice whether it's major or minor, except in passing. Someone once said that a particular composition of mine was gloomy, but I considered it to be beautifully expressive, though I did note that the key was mostly minor. I knew a lady who said that she liked happy music. This is the desire for major keys and chords, the light side. I use an unconscious mixture, and sometimes they are indistinguishable. I create expressiveness, not major or minor, light or dark, except in passing.

[@jedimasterrimtouri5049]

Another great video Thor! It sounds like Luke was heading down that same path and point of view in TLJ. Maybe he was becoming a Bendu himself?

[@thorskywalker]

It is the future, you see, my friend... for, yes, I am working towards a Luke video that delves into this very thing. That Luke saw things much like the Bendu did.

[@jedimasterrimtouri5049]

Thor Skywalker I very much look forward to the next video!!

[@franklin.c9320]

How long till your next what if series

[@tylerbokunewicz9420]

The idea of the jedi using the force to maintain balance but end up creating greater imbalance is echoed in the comic about Qui-gon Jin traveling to an unknown planet through the will of the force and learning that fighting the darkness would also cause the darkness to grow and consume. He learned that the Jedi is rigid and dogmatically listens to the politics of the republic. I feel as though in some retrospect, Qui-gon Jin learned that the light and dark are essentially one and the same but has different properties and reactions to all lifeforms in a different way. This interesting understanding of the force is one of many reasons why the high council considered him as a grey jedi master.

[@jopadvi]

10:24 right Although The balance comes from The opposites, it is a totally independent factor. I should say, as one of my teachers said, everything is double by nature, a black and white double nature.

[@animeguy10000000]

Maybe I missed a video, but did you already talk about the Poe Damarion comic issue with Rey and the ancient Jedi text?

[@Yarblocosifilitico]

The BENdU is the Uncle Ben of Star Wars: "with great power comes great responsability"

[@maskedman523]

I think that the bendu serves the mortis god the father similar to morai and the lothal wolves or he’s an incarnation of him because the daughter’s owl morai sat on the bendu when he was talking to Kanin

[@elizabethgoree3891]

I think that the force is the force and that it depends on how you use it and for what purpose you use it that makes you dark or light.

[@Valiguss]

Him calling the light and dark is a major callback to the original jedi of typhon as the “true jedi” banished those who strayed too far from the center and to far into the light to the moon ashla and those who strayed to the dark to the moon bogen

[@jacobcontreras3176]

I like how he explains the bendu as the force or what he sees himself as but the force is life and if you do not support that life you are not the force just as how one Jedi took the peace aproach so aggressively she became almost immortal to support the force or life

[@sothasil7716]

I agree with revan that the light side and dark side is a arbitrary divide and that power is not inherently evil and it is the person who weilds it who matters

[@FantasticExplorers]

The Force... '...life creates, it makes it grow...' - Yoda episode 5

[@thorskywalker]

Yoda spoke of the living Force in ESB, not the cosmic Force. The energy life came from had to initially come from somewhere...

[@kaimarquez8046]

@@thorskywalker but I do think it's interesting, like how the cosmic force and the living force are in a symbiotic relationship, and I think symbiotic relationships being a theme in Star wars is something that's very overlooked. I don't even really fully understand it. It's interesting to think that the living force feeds the cosmic force, and the cosmic force feeds the living force. But I do think that the cosmic force is infinitely more massive than the living. I think that one it's talking about this, they're saying that the living force is the way the cosmic force connects with life and people (hence midochlorians)

[@namast3260]

I think The Bendu is easily one of the best characters ever. Characters like him make me love Star Wars His mysticism makes him even better and I like to believe he is neither an observer nor a user of the force but *is the force* This would explain why he is unwilling to help Kanan and the rebels and instead attacks them and the imperials, showing he is Dark and Light. He also was shot by Thrawn and clearly didnt die which is just like to the force because no matter what happens it still lives on and continues to have a part to play in the galaxy. Thats what makes me believe hes the force

[@krieghart5515]

I'd say he's stronger and more in tune in the Force than basically anyone else we've seen, but I would think the Force itself would be beyond conception. Anything or anyone that the mind can conceive and understand is not the Force but something lesser, some kind of manifestation of it.

[@algar6616]

this is the coolest way to be gray ive encountered a agree there is a way to use both sides of the force with a strong belief the differnece is false

[@Marcio_Campos]

I know I'm a little too late in this talk but that bendu's perspective reminds me the potentium belief, believers of Potentium said that the potential for light and dark sides resided in the user, not the Force itself, i know it can contradict the very existence of the Mortis Gods but looking in a bigger picture, even the force having both light and dark sides needing to be in balance, the existence of other sensitive using both sides beyond the son and the daughter (who were controlled by the father who maintained their balance in the Mortis realm) can be the very reason why the force is out of balance in the galaxy, there's no control upon all those wielders and maybe consider a sensitive essentially a wielder is what makes Bendu angry, have the potential to feel the force don't necessarily implies that you have to wield the force to change the galaxy in your own perspectives, and i particularly think that was how Bendu feel about 'force wielders' of both sides

[@kingslayerpete_9287]

“Perhaps it is the will of the Force that the Jedi and all your kind perish!”

[@rm1floyd]

Thor - A possible topic: Did the excellent animated Star Wars adventures create too high expectations for the movies?

[@thorskywalker]

That is an excellent topic, because I do feel like the animated shows have the time (and seemingly desire) to world build in a way the movies do not.

[@sj2621]

Thor Skywalker cannot* I’m not a Disney fanboy but I don’t think Disney wants to destroy sw. I think the movies will never be able to world/galaxy build like the shows (sadly) do in a way that will keep casual fans (the majority of the movie goers) interested. I’m really hoping though that Favero’s show will be able to do that though...

[@117Jorn]

Fun fact: Ashla and Bogan in the Legends continuity are the names of the moons of Tython. Ashla being a world filled with life, and connected to the light side, and Bogan being a dark chaotic planet connected to the dark side. Ancient Je'daii would meditate on Ashla when they spend to much time with the dark, while at the same time they would also meditate on Bogan should they spend too much time in the light. This sorta ties into a saying I personally have about the force and those who use it: "If you follow the path of darkness, you will loose your path - but follow the path of light, and you will blind yourself. One must walk in the middle, where the light illuminates your path, but the darkness helps 'shade' the light to keep it clear." On another note about Legends, there once was an order called the "Order of the Dai Bendu" who studied the force and midiclorians, eventually helping to create the Je'daii Order, which eventually became the Jedi Order. While they still existed up to the Republic's wanning days, its tenets were poorly understood and its involvement with the birth of the Je'daii Order had been mostly forgotten, even in the scientific circles. Also, while this part is not canon in the EU or Canon, I always viewed Ashla and Bogan as being the real names of Sister and Brother from Mortis.

[@darthtroller]

I feel like a Grey Force user would be Snoke, he doesn't neglect the light side, and he didn't try to kill Rey until she used the dark side against him, I don't think he associates with any side of the Force, but wants to control it by taking both sides, and his downfall was actually separating the two sides, the bond between Kylo and Rey which represented both light and dark setup his death

[@Dragonstorm62190]

I believe that the light and dark side are only the product of sentients when they gain the ability to choose between selfish choices of selfless choices. The force does not have sides, it is the individuals choices. Power ultimately is only good or evil depending on how you choose to use that power.

[@namast3260]

I think The Bendu is easily one of the best characters ever. Characters like him make me love Star Wars

[@theodoremccarthy4438]

Being "in the middle" of a conflict doesn't necessarily indicate a position of neutrality or balance. It could mean you are what's being fought over. By describing itself as "the Bendu" in the same context as "the Ashla" and "the Bogan", it is acknowledging it is an aspect of the force. Given the forms it takes, a giant beast and a wild storm, the Bendu seems to be a manifestation of both The Living Force and The Physical Force. Thus, it is a manifestation of those aspects which are not particular to the light or dark sides, but rather which both of those sides seek a measure of control over. This also explains why the Bendu can be provoked to action by a force wielder. It can be weilded, like The Ashla or The Bogan.

[@Wlvrtnjm]

He doesn't use the force. He is the force.

[@Spartan-343]

Bendu is a Force entity. A manifestation or higher being that is deeply connected to the Force I think.

[@ignitetheinferno1858]

Is it possible that the Dark and Light Side of the Force was actually created to combat the Bendu and his race? When the Bendu goes Super San mode, he lashes out against everything and everyone (although plot armor saves the Ghost crew). Despite what side of the Force a person serves, they don't want to destroy everything and they focus on enemies to destroy, not random people like the Bendu did. So perhaps the reason the Bendu helped Kanan was to prevent him using his Light Side against him.

[@haraldemerson7496]

Fun Fact: The Bendu is voiced by Tom Baker, who played The Fourth Doctor in Doctor Who!

[@mercutio6623]

Brilliant! SW, and real life, are worlds built on duality. The Benny sounds like the law of "Oneness"...No ego, therefore he/she isn't affected by either side (UNLIMITED POWER haha). The Bendu said all is within aka all is self, an Innerstanding! When a being is balanced, we become Supreme! In King Bumi's words "neutral jing" haha. Benicio's best line in TLJ-"You blow them up today, they'll blow you up tomorrow"...and he only gained from it all. He's prolly seen this fight too many times and innerstands that picking a side and succumbing to duality leads to downfall-DJ and The Benny haha, great vid! PS-Where does The Benny come from? No clue, I would guess he left the Whills' planet to gain experience...and built his own world aka what, we're supposed to be doing ; )

[@outerlimit4206]

He is Star Wars version of the Avatar in the Nickelodeon series.

[@Sephiroth32vergil]

I think the the Light and Dark are seen the same way we see Positive and Negative emotions. Both are under the umbrella of emotions but are very distinct. The Bendu even call it the Ashla and Bogan meaning he does see the distinction between both sides of the force but I don't think he views both side as negatively or positive. I also believe that he was some kind of royalty in his world and the term "Bendu" means king or high priest. That they were a race that lived through the force, connected with it and learned the different aspect of the force. He is powerful in the force because of that connection and for him to conjure up a Force Storm is not something he studied and practice but something that came naturally from his connection to the force when he was angered.

[@mugglescakesniffer3943]

The Bendu is the Tom Baker Doctor Who peaking into the Star Wars Universe!

[@windingroadelven]

Why was Morai with the Bendu ? How are they connected ?

[@danpalmer1640]

The Bendu refers himself as ' the light , and the dark ' when in the form of the storm.

[@Armoless]

Afternoon! Hows the force flowing today?

[@sc_art5408]

Rigamonti Good afternoon! In perfect harmony. Some could say, that it is in the middle.

[@masterrserch3971]

Rigamonti don’t know if u guys read my other reply... but I could probably use a Yoda pick me up today.... force is barely flowing with me lately

[@hubbabubba2570]

Inaction makes sense, whenever one acts out of morality or with credence to a code it causes consequences and often conflict, but that isn't to say lethargy is right

[@Tokmurok]

Well if the mother and father represent chaos and order respectively then maybe the bendu can not only be light and dark but also order and chaos. Him not interfering is maintaining order. And him striking everyone down in an uncontrollable storm is chaotic.

[@akamundi864]

Theres a problem with this theory, bendu literally says "I am the dark, I am the light, I am the Bendu." implying he is all of these

[@anthonythompson2629]

Are you familiar with the Lord of the Rings novels? In the second book I believe of The Lord of the Rings series a character is presented in a very similar Wade. His name is Tom Bombadil and I think the similarities between him and the bendu are very interesting. If you are unfamiliar with Tom Bombadil and would like to learn more about the possibilities of the bendu I would suggest researching Tom. He's the most interesting character I have ever seen in a story so far mainly for the exact reasons the bendu is interesting and mysterious. I wonder if inspiration was drawn from Tom in creating the Bindu. I would definitely suggest researching Tom and would love to hear your analysis on the bend you in comparison to Tom Bombadil. Thanks for all the videos. Be well.

[@jmaynard84]

I think that when the bendu says he is the one in the middle, he is saying he is in the middle between our mortal realm and the other realm, where the force originates from. He finds the idea of light and dark funny, as they are one and the same. Yet no one can seem to grasp this concept because they are too stuck in their mortal ways; to see the whole picture.

[@mpsorrentino]

The imbalance in the Force was created by two things the Sith using the Force to enact their will rather than that of the Force and the Jedi in using the Force to enact the will of the Republic rather than the Force, while mistaking one for the other, and thus both had to be eliminated so that balance could be restored. Also, I believe that with regard to the "dark side" that a superconducting loop exists in that as Yoda says to Luke "once you start down the dark path forever will it consume you" notice that Yoda does not say "dark side" but rather "dark path", as in a path one chooses. Thus, I believe that when one chooses to embrace their inner darkness and use the Force to enforce that darkness upon others that the more evil acts they commit with the Force the eviler the Force makes them because they have corrupted their connection to the Force and thus draw on the "dark side" which makes their inner darkness grow and thus consume them forever.

[@andydoms2001]

I feel like Bendu is one of the few beings in the Star Wars galaxy that was created by force and not by already existing life, and is practically made of the force itself. And he knows what the force really is, and no one else does. “By chance, or by luck, or by will of the force, he runs into this character, who for lack of a better term, is the force.” Freddie Prince Jr.

[@thorskywalker]

You could be right. I just feel his line to Kanan at one point about "why this planet is so hard to find" implies he is someone who has garnered knowledge of the Force over his existence, not been blessed with it by being created by the Force. In other words he's learned (or believes) the best approach is for as powerful as he to separate himself. Which, yes, does sound a lot like what Luke did....

[@Tandrew]

The Bendu gray lol. I mean he made a storm. Is that not force storm? Which is a more powerful version of force lighting and also he appears non violent until threatened. So I sat he used both light and dark. Weather he admits it or not to himself.

[@alecbrinker7268]

I've always thought the force was just the force, that those that perceive it do so through imperfect means because they are imperfect as all beings are. That THEY create the dark and light and that the force itself is neither. The force is absolute truth and that beings simply can't comprehend it properly. You can pick up a stick of wood and use it for evil purposes (murder someone or use it to threaten others to take power over them) or you can use it for good purposes (build a fire to keep warm, till the ground for planting), it doesn't mean that the wood is good or evil, light or dark.

[@OGStarwars]

I see the bindu is just a force user whom has their own take on the force. If he’s not a living being - then a force ghost. In George’s EU Luke’s discovers many force sensitive societies whom use it in their own interpretation. Yet we get the light is the balance. Not the grey. Also the Jedi aren’t misguided. I don’t think they should make the force tangent like they are doing with bindu. (My opinion). With this being said, I dislike the direction bindu philosophy (or what ever you want to consider it) is taking the force. Maybe I’m a George Lucas era purist when it comes to light is the balance.

[@thorskywalker]

I'm actually very surprised the Bendu is (to my knowledge) a creation of Dave Filoni or one he allowed to happen. It's something that really doesn't seem to jive well with "George Lucas Star Wars". However, as you point out, and as I try to say in the video, this only seems to be the Bendu's view of the Force. There's no way of knowing if he's right or wrong.

[@FantasticExplorers]

Alorha Baga ...Yet we get the light is the balance. Not the gray. ... 👏👏👏👏 ...'without the Jedi there can be no balance'... ...If they are following the will of the force!

[@OGStarwars]

Thor Skywalker yes and that’s why I compared him to those other force sensitive societies Jasen Solo and Luke visited.

[@anteprs7908]

you ppl are blind to the fact jedi have for most of there time not followed the will of the force

[@brandonbeck6117]

The Bendu does not use the Light or Dark, he is used by the Force. He serves its will. He is the one in the middle, the rock unseen in the river, and he was not needed to guide its currents.