- "Whenever you feel alone… whenever darkness closes in… hear our signal, and know that the Force is with you. Know that we are with you. This is our promise. This is our covenant. For Light and Life."
- ―Avar Kriss' dedication speech
The Jedi quoting the mantra in unison during Avar Kriss' dedication speech on Starlight Beacon
For Light and Life was an age-old mantra used by the Jedi Order,[2] referring to the light side of the Force.[3] It was also used as a rallying cry, inspiring hope in all who heard it.[4] In High Republic Era, Jedi Knight Bell Zettifar reflected on the longstanding mantra, a tenet he held as a veritable truth for every living entity and the attainment of peace.[2]
The motto was also used by Jedi such as Avar Kriss,[1] the bond-twins Ceret and Terec,[5] Jora Malli,[6] Stellan Gios,[6] Lina Soh,[6] Indeera Stokes,[6] Lula Talisola,[7] Farzala Tarabal,[7] Obratuk Glii,[8] Qort,[8] Zeen Mrala,[9] Kantam Sy,[9] Cohmac Vitus,[9] Svi'no Atchapat,[9] Smeemarm,[9] Fezzonk,[9] Alys Ongwa,[9] Pra-Tre Veter,[2] Elzar Mann,[2] Porter Engle,[2] Cibaba[10] and Keeve Trennis.[10]
The phrase was also used by some non-Jedi: Elarec Yovet, the regasa of Shili, used the motto, having learned it from fellow Togruta Jora Malli,[6] and monster hunter Drewe Henley quoted the mantra after Ty Yorrick took him on as her apprentice.[11]
In the aftermath of the Galactic Empire's rise, travelers navigating the Hidden Path recorded enigmatic phrases as markings in the Mapuzo safehouse, one of which echoed the sentiment of the Jedi Order in its prime: "For Light and Life."[12]
Behind the scenes[]
The mantra "for Light and life" first appeared in William Shakespeare's Jedi the Last: Star Wars Part the Eighth, a non-canon junior novelization of the 2017 film Star Wars: Episode VIII The Last Jedi. Following the Battle of Crait, Rey senses the presence of Kylo Ren and says to herself, "We are for light and life, and so adieu: Ne'er shall Rey look on thee in hope again."[13] The phrase makes its first canon appearance in the comic issue The High Republic (2021) 1, in which the Jedi quote the mantra in unison during Avar Kriss' dedication speech on Starlight Beacon.[1]
The Trivia Gallery for the Obi-Wan Kenobi episode "Part III" on StarWars.com reveals a list of additional Aurebesh inscriptions that were carved into the walls in the Mapuzo safehouse, including "For Life and Light,"[14] a paraphrasing of[1] the rallying cry from Star Wars: The High Republic.[14] However, this inscription cannot be read in the final episode.[15]
Appearances[]
Non-canon appearances[]
- William Shakespeare's Jedi the Last: Star Wars Part the Eighth (First appearance)
Sources[]
Elzar Mann Communes with the Force in Star Wars: The High Republic: The Rising Storm - Exclusive Excerpt on StarWars.com (backup link)- Obi-Wan Kenobi Part III Episode Guide on StarWars.com (backup link)
- Star Wars: The High Republic: Chronicles of the Jedi
- Star Wars 100 Objects
- Star Wars: The High Republic Character Encyclopedia
- Star Wars: The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire
Notes and references[]
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