Yoda is Star Wars’ wisest and most iconic Jedi. His wisdom and mastery of the Force guided the galaxy’s greatest heroes, from Obi-Wan Kenobi to Luke Skywalker. But even the greatest Jedi Master started as a student. It begs the question: who trained Yoda and set him on the path to becoming a legend?
Yoda’s training remains mysterious in Star Wars lore. In canon, he briefly mentions being trained by a Jedi Master. In Legends, Master N’Kata Del Gormo is said to have discovered and guided him. These early teachings shaped Yoda’s wisdom, humility, and enduring commitment to the Jedi Order.
In this blog, we’ll explore the hints sprinkled across Star Wars canon and Legends. By examining Yoda’s early years and the influence of his masters, we’ll uncover how the humble student became the galaxy’s greatest teacher.
The Mystery of Yoda’s Early Years
Yoda’s origins are a puzzle that fans have tried to piece together for decades. Why? Because they’re deliberately hidden. George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, famously said that keeping Yoda’s backstory vague made him more mysterious and intriguing. He wasn’t wrong—it’s hard to imagine Yoda with a tidy, complete biography.
What we do know from canon is that Yoda had a master. In The Empire Strikes Back, he mentions being trained by a Jedi Master, but he doesn’t elaborate. It’s a single breadcrumb that leaves fans guessing. Meanwhile, The High Republic portrays Yoda as a wise, active figure in the Jedi Order, but his earliest years as a Padawan remain unexplored.
This is where Legends steps in with a story to fill the gaps. According to Legends, Yoda and a companion crash-landed on a swampy, remote planet. There, they were discovered by Master N’Kata Del Gormo, a Hysalrian Jedi with a serpentine appearance. Del Gormo recognised Yoda’s strong connection to the Force and trained him until Jedi Knights arrived to take Yoda to Coruscant. While this story isn’t canon, it paints an imaginative picture of Yoda’s humble beginnings.
Adding to the mystery is Yoda’s species, which remains unnamed in both canon and Legends. The introduction of Grogu in The Mandalorian reignited interest in Yoda’s origins. What ties these two characters together? Could Yoda’s lineage reveal something about his earliest lessons? These lingering questions only deepen the fascination surrounding his character.
Yoda’s First Teacher: Canon and Legends Perspectives
Despite the mystery, we know that Yoda’s journey began with a mentor—because every Jedi’s does. Canon and Legends each offer a glimpse into who this might have been, but their perspectives differ.
Canon
Canon keeps things simple, almost frustratingly so. In The Empire Strikes Back, Yoda casually mentions his Jedi Master, but there’s no name or backstory. Was it one teacher or several? We’re left to wonder.
The High Republic gives us a little more to work with. Yoda, already a revered Jedi Council member, is portrayed as a lifelong learner. Even after centuries of experience, he’s still open to new ideas, suggesting his early training instilled this value. And in The Clone Wars, Yoda embarks on a spiritual journey guided by the Force itself, reinforcing his belief that growth never truly ends. While these stories don’t name his first teacher, they highlight Yoda’s commitment to humility and learning—traits he must have absorbed from those who guided him.
Legends
Legends, on the other hand, gives us a definitive name: Master N’Kata Del Gormo. According to this account, Yoda and his companion crash-landed on a swampy planet, where Del Gormo discovered them. Recognising Yoda’s Force sensitivity, Del Gormo trained him until Jedi Knights arrived to take Yoda to Coruscant.
This story has a charming simplicity: the future Grand Master of the Jedi begins as a stranded learner, plucked from obscurity by a wise and unusual teacher. Whether or not this tale is true, it reflects Yoda’s humble roots and the importance of mentorship in shaping his journey.
In both canon and Legends, mentorship is the unifying thread. Whether Yoda learned from one master or many, his early lessons laid the foundation for his wisdom, patience, and unshakable commitment to the Jedi Order.
The Influence of Yoda’s Training on His Philosophy
Whoever trained Yoda didn’t just teach him the Force—they shaped his entire philosophy. Everything Yoda stands for—balance, patience, humility—can be traced back to the lessons he learned as a student.
At the heart of Yoda’s teachings is the concept of balance. The Jedi Code warns against emotions like anger and fear, which lead to the dark side. Yoda embodied this principle, urging his students to remain calm and focused. His guidance helped figures like Obi-Wan Kenobi and Luke Skywalker navigate their own struggles with temptation.
Equally important was Yoda’s humility. He believed that no Jedi, not even a Grand Master, was beyond learning. This perspective made him a mentor who listened as much as he taught. It’s easy to imagine his own masters instilling this sense of openness, a lesson Yoda carried with him for centuries.
Yoda also bridged ancient Jedi traditions with the challenges of his time. He respected the teachings of the past but adapted them to meet new realities. This ability to evolve ensured the survival of Jedi values, even in the face of the Sith’s growing power.
Ultimately, Yoda’s training wasn’t just about mastering the Force—it was about mastering himself. His philosophy continues to inspire Jedi and fans alike, showing that wisdom is the greatest strength of all.
Yoda’s Role as a Teacher and Mentor
Yoda’s journey from student to teacher is one of the most profound arcs in Star Wars. As the Jedi Order’s greatest mentor, he trained generations of Jedi, ensuring their values endured through peace and war alike.
Over his 900 years, Yoda trained countless Padawans, including Mace Windu, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Luke Skywalker. His teachings went far beyond lightsaber techniques. Yoda focused on emotional discipline, balance, and the importance of the Jedi Code. He didn’t just teach skills—he shaped character.
Luke Skywalker’s training on Dagobah is perhaps Yoda’s most significant moment as a mentor. Isolated in exile, Yoda guided Luke to confront his fears and embrace his destiny. Through patience and wisdom, he prepared Luke for the immense challenges ahead.
What made Yoda such an effective teacher was his humility. Despite his vast experience, he never stopped learning. This openness allowed him to connect with students across generations, adapting his lessons to their needs.
The wisdom Yoda passed on wasn’t solely his own. It came from the masters who trained him, creating a cycle of learning that defined the Jedi Order. Yoda’s legacy as a teacher continues to shine, proving that mentorship is as vital as the Force itself.
Yoda’s story is one of mentorship, growth, and humility. His journey from student to teacher shows that wisdom comes not from knowing everything but from being willing to learn. Yoda’s training shaped him into a symbol of balance and patience, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of fans.
