Star Wars finally explains how Jedi faded into legend between the prequels and sequels

“I am one with the Force and the Force is with me,” said Chirrut Îmwe in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, who showcased the strength of when one believes in the Force. However, the Force is not always as strong as the Jedi hope it to be.

As all Star Wars fans will know, there are two sides to the Force, the light side and the dark side. The light side is harnessed by folks such as the Jedi and the dark side belongs to the likes of the Sith. Two sides of the same coin but with vastly different ideologies.

Check out the Star Wars Jedi: Survivor trailer below!

However, between the Star Wars prequels and sequels, the Jedi faded with the Galactic Empire ruling with a heavy hand across the galaxy. There is conflicting information as to why the Jedi had faded, leading to many heated conversations within the Star Wars community.

As reported by GiantFreakinRobot, in the sequel trilogy which began with A New Hope, it was said that the Jedi and the light side of the Force had faded due to masses of non-believers such as Han Solo. Yet, in the prequel trilogy, which ended with Revenge of the Sith, with just an 18-year gap from A New Hope, the Jedi and the Force was vibrantly strong.

Yet, in the Star Wars comic book Crimson Reign #3, it’s explained that the Galactic Empire imposed laws that not only forbid the existence of Jedi but also those who dared speak about them. Anyone caught gossiping about the Jedi was sentenced to death and with that, hope in the light side of the Force and the Jedi dwindled.

The Galactic Empire’s attempt to purge the Jedi for good is a story explored in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (2019) and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (2023). If you’ve never played either of those games from Respawn Entertainment, I couldn't recommend them enough.

What’s more, not only were Jedi and believers killed, but the Galactic Empire attempted to erase all knowledge by destroying the history books and holo recordings. Over time, it was intended that no one would ever know of the Jedi.

A law was even put in place for it to be a crime just to be aware of the Force. Thankfully, it was later proven that the light side of the Force and the Jedi could not be purged.