The surprising reason behind George Lucas’s reluctance to disclose Yoda’s species in Star Wars

Yoda’s appearance can be deceiving in many ways, but the truth is that the legendary Jedi Master can take on the most strongest of beings with ease. In Star Wars, Yoda remains one of the more powerful and mysterious Jedis to ever exist. While almost every character in the Star Wars universe has an origin story, Yoda's background remains unknown. And this is by choice. George Lucas wanted the character to have an air of mystery, making Yoda even more intriguing than he is.

Yoda was first introduced to the audience in Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980). Originally the character did not exist in the storyline, however Lucas felt that the story needed more flair and Obi Wan’s dramatic end should pave way for the introduction of a new mysterious character in the form of Yoda.

While promoting Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith in 2012, George Lucas spoke about introducing Yoda as a mentor for Luke Skywalker after Obi-Wan Kenobi is killed by Darth Vader and remained as a Force spirit. He said:

“…I needed a physical body there to do things and so I needed something, and I created Yoda, who was two feet tall, large with green ears, but to be very honest with you, I never really figured out, where he came from, what his species is called, doesn’t even have a name... So he’s a mystery character. He’s a magical character. He has no background; he comes and goes. He’s the subversive, secret, mysterious stranger that enters the film and then exits at the end.”

Yoda has appeared in The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, Revenge of the Sith, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, The Clone Wars, and Star Wars Rebels.

Yoda’s background remains a mystery even after years

Yoda was born in 896 BBY (Before the Battle of Yavin). He is known to have trained Jedis for about 800 years. He was a Jedi of great wisdom with a deep understanding of the Force. During the Galactic Republic era, he led the Jedi Order. But after the Order 66 protocol was issued by Emperor Palpatine, which killed majority of the Jedis, Yoda went into hiding.

Yoda’s insight and knowledge is often on display as the other Jedis looked up to him for guidance. Even when Anakin Skywalker (who would later become Darth Vader) is presented to the Jedi Council as the chosen one, Yoda is reluctant to accept him, sensing the anger and fear in him.

Yoda’s backward speech also makes him a distinct character in the Star Wars Universe. Recently Lucas revealed the reason behind it at the 45th anniversary screening of The Empire Strikes Back in April 2025. He said:

“Because if you speak regular English, people won’t listen that much. But if he had an accent, or it’s really hard to understand what he’s saying, they focus on what he’s saying. He was basically the philosopher of the movie. I had to figure out a way to get people to actually listen — especially 12-year-olds.”

Though in the Star Wars chronological order, Yoda is seen in Episode 1- The Phantom Menace (1999), he first appeared on screen in Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back. Yoda exiled himself on a planet called Dagobah, where he lived in isolation. Obi-Wan Kenobi’s force spirit communicates with Yoda to train Luke Skywalker, which he takes on reluctantly. Yoda was about 900 years old when he passed in Episode VI – Return of the Jedi.

Grogu in The Mandalorian belongs to the same species and is force sensitive like Yoda. Grogu, also referred to as Baby Yoda, became an instant fan favorite. But just like Yoda, the audience is kept in dark about where the species comes from, if there are more like them or why does the species have such a strong connection with the Force? While questions are many, answers are few.

Then of course there is also Yaddle, who belongs the same species as well. She appeared fleetingly in Episode I – The Phantom Menace. She was a member of the Jedi Council. She also appears in Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi.

While there are many Star Wars projects in the making, it remains to be seen if the audience will finally learn about the mystery behind the character.

ALSO READ: Obi-Wan Kenobi was a true Jedi master in Star Wars & I have proof (5 of them actually)

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