Discovering Yoda’s Biggest Mistake: A 23-Year Overlook

Grand Master Yoda stands out as one of the most venerable and knowledgeable Jedi in the Star Wars saga. However, despite his wisdom, he made several critical errors, resulting in dire outcomes. As the leader of the Jedi Order and a prominent member of the Jedi Council, Yoda’s insights were sought by many, including notable Jedi like Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker. This was especially true as the looming threat of the Clone Wars began to escalate, posing significant challenges to both the Order and the Republic.

While Yoda cannot be held entirely accountable for the Jedi Order’s demise, his missteps and the secrets he harbored—especially throughout the prequel trilogy and Star Wars: The Clone Wars—certainly exacerbated the situation. A pivotal moment in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones reveals that Yoda’s greatest oversight revolved around Anakin Skywalker. It is conceivable that the trajectory of the galaxy could have changed dramatically had Yoda not been burdened with so much responsibility alone.

Struggles in Sensing the Force Preceding the Clone Wars

Obi-Wan communicates with Yoda and Mace Windu in Attack of the Clones

In a revealing scene from Attack of the Clones, Yoda and Mace Windu deliberate over the challenges facing the Jedi Order regarding their connection to the Force. Following Obi-Wan’s disclosure about the secret creation of the clone army, concerns are raised about their inability to perceive the situation on Kamino. Mace expresses, “I think it is time we informed the Senate that our ability to use the Force is diminished.”

In response, Yoda asserts that notifying the Senate of their vulnerability would potentially escalate their enemy count. Thus, he unilaterally concludes that their diminished connection to the Force, although troubling, is something the Jedi should manage independently.

This assessment isn’t entirely unfounded; Yoda believed that the Sith Lord was the only one aware of the Jedi’s vulnerabilities. Disclosing these issues could reasonably be seen as detrimental. However, what remains baffling is Yoda’s failure to address Anakin Skywalker’s profound struggles even when he sensed a deeper disturbance through the Force, particularly during such a dark period.

Recognition of Anakin’s Pain Yet Inaction

Yoda in Revenge of the Sith and Anakin in Attack of the Clones

The events of Attack of the Clones mark a significant moment in Anakin Skywalker’s descent into darkness. The traumatic death of his mother and the subsequent slaughter of the Tusken Raiders fundamentally altered him; he succumbed to his grief and rage, resorting to violence as a means of vengeance. This transformation starkly opposes the Jedi principles, yet the Jedi Order, including Yoda himself, largely ignored Anakin’s escalating turmoil.

Given their earlier concerns about their weakened connection to the Force, Yoda’s awareness of Anakin’s pain should have prompted action. If he could feel Anakin’s “terrible pain,” why did he not intervene? Why did he not personally guide Anakin or alert Obi-Wan about the growing threat?

While one could argue that assigning Anakin a Padawan during the Clone Wars was Yoda’s method of addressing Anakin’s issues, this approach seems insufficient. Anakin’s grief stemmed from his difficulty in letting go. Yoda and the Council likely believed that by giving Anakin a student, they could help him cultivate emotional stability. However, the Clone Wars should not have served as a pretext to disregard Anakin’s psychological struggles; the enormity of the galaxy’s state does not negate an individual Jedi’s needs.

Yoda was keenly aware of Anakin’s propensity to forge emotional connections with those close to him—not only with his mother but also with Obi-Wan. How could he overlook the potential bond that would form with Ahsoka Tano? After Yoda’s chilling Force vision, he understood the peril surrounding Anakin. Nevertheless, it feels as though Yoda rationalized the pressures of the Clone Wars as justification for failing to confront Anakin’s problems. This, I believe, is arguably Yoda’s gravest error.

Yoda’s Inaction: A Catalyst for the Jedi’s Fall and the Galaxy’s Downfall

While it may be unjust to place the entire blame for Anakin’s missteps on Yoda, it is undeniable that he played a significant role in the Jedi Order’s collapse and the subsequent rise of an authoritarian regime in the galaxy. Yoda should have heeded his forewarning and investigated Anakin’s issues more closely. Anakin craved support, compassion, and understanding—essentials that he was deprived of during this critical period.

Although Yoda was undoubtedly wise, he lacked emotional intelligence. Yoda and his council were entrenched in the traditional ideals of the Jedi, which blinded them to the unique needs of different Jedi—especially those, like Anakin, who joined the Order at an older age. If even Yoda, with his vast power and sagacity, failed to detect the impending danger that awaited Anakin, it raises the question of what hope other Jedi in the Star Wars universe had against their own tribulations?

Upcoming Star Wars Movies	Release Date
The Mandalorian & Grogu	May 22, 2026
“New Jedi Order”	TBA
“Dawn of the Jedi”	TBA
Untitled Mandalorian Movie	TBA