Star Wars is a great movie series. It's become a strong part of our culture. Yoda is the wise old mentor who teaches Luke the basics of being a Jedi and how to focus his talents. But, I think it's interesting that Yoda is immediately accepted as a great Jedi master. Consider, the audience knows nothing about Yoda from previous stories, and is only mentioned once by Ben Kenobi as "the Jedi master who taught me." Still, when Yoda shows up (a curiously little, frail, silly, old creature), he is instantly credible and believed. Also, he does no fighting or Jedi stuff--aside from lifting Luke's X-Wing out of the bog. He demonstrates great wisdom and patience.
So, why doesn't the audience question him as a great "warrior?"
Because Yoda shows fantastic restraint. Even when he argues with Ben that Luke is too old, Yoda is only toying and not actually upset. Great warriors show restraint.
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| Isao Machii, iaijutsu master |
There is a wonderful old story about three swordsmen talking with a great master in turns. The first, a young student, is speaking and a sharp sound comes from the doorway. The student leaps up and shakily draws his sword, uncertain. Next, an experienced student is talking and the sound comes from the door. The student rolls to the side, neatly pulling his sword and coming up ready. At last, a top student is with the great master, when a noise comes from the doorway. The student rolls back, smoothly drawing his sword, and slashes an acorn in half as it drops toward him. Finally, the students ask the master, "Why didn't you react at all?" The great master looks at them calmly. "It was only an acorn."
- M
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