Ahsoka Episode 4 Ending: Significance of World Between Worlds Explained

The fourth episode of Star Wars: Ashoka on Disney+, entitled “Fallen Jedi,” featured an epic lightsaber duel between Ashoka Tano and vengeance-seeking warrior Baylan Skoll. Their fierce battle culminated with Skoll force-pushing Ashoka off a cliff, her fate unclear.

This impactful episode concluded with one of the most influential scenes in recent Star Wars history. Ashoka awakened in the mystical World Between Worlds plane of the Force and came face to face with Anakin Skywalker, her former master.

1. Anakin Skywalker’s Return as a Force Ghost Explained

Portrayed once again by Hayden Christensen, Anakin manifests as a Force spirit to guide his former Padawan. This represents one of the few times we have witnessed Anakin return in ghostly form since his death at the end of Return of the Jedi.

While Jedi can retain their identity after becoming one with the Force, only select powerful Jedi have been shown capable of appearing as ghostly advisors, such as Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, and Anakin.

Anakin greets a confused Ashoka in the cosmic plane of the World Between Worlds, implying he has a special connection to this realm and the ability to transcend death through the Force.

Their reunion brings their relationship full circle, with the former Chosen One reaching out from beyond the grave to once more advise the former student he once failed. Ashoka’s predominant feeling is relief at seeing her master again after so long, despite their strained history.

2. How does the World Between Worlds connect to Ahsoka?

The World Between Worlds is a mystical dimension that acts as a conduit of the entire Force. First introduced in Star Wars Rebels, this cosmic Force nexus links time and space with portals connecting different places and periods. Influential Force users who access the World Between Worlds can manipulate reality and rewrite destiny.

When Ezra Bridger entered this realm through a painting of the Mortis gods, he saved Ashoka from her fated duel with Darth Vader in the Sith Temple on Malachor that likely would have led to her death. By pulling her into the World Between Worlds, Ezra allowed Ashoka to cheat her predetermined destiny.

Likewise, Ashoka’s awakening in this realm after her intense fight with Skoll implies she may have been saved from death again by the World Between Worlds, this time with guidance from her deceased master, Anakin. The capacity of this metaphysical bridge to alter reality and outcomes remains ambiguous, but it is inextricably linked to Ashoka’s survival.

3. The Significance of Anakin and Ashoka’s Reunion Explained

Seeing Anakin Skywalker as a kindly Force ghost is notable, given he spent over two decades consumed by the dark side as Darth Vader. In sacrificing himself to save Luke in Return of the Jedi, Anakin found redemption in his final moments. His return to guide Ashoka demonstrates that Anakin Skywalker’s identity has been restored, transcending his time as Vader.

The caring way with which Anakin speaks to Ashoka emphasizes that he is once again the compassionate master who first trained her as a child. Their reunion brings closure after Anakin turns to the dark side and attacks her when she leaves the Jedi Order. She tells him, “I missed you,” revealing her forgiveness. Though their time together is brief, their bond is renewed with hope.

4. What This Means for Ashoka’s Journey?

Ashoka surviving her duel with Skoll thanks to Anakin and the World Between Worlds is significant for her ongoing role in the Star Wars universe. Her purpose as a Fulcrum agent is far from over.

Though she has rejected the Jedi path, Ashoka still has an important part to play in guiding others like Din Djarin and Grogu, fighting emerging evils.

Anakin appearing to save her implies he will continue guiding her as a Force spirit. Their moving reconciliation also grants her peace. She is no longer haunted by past trauma over her master’s fall to the dark side. With this closure, Ashoka can entirely focus on shaping a new future for the Jedi and the galaxy.

The realm’s power will be relevant in rescuing Ezra from his predicament between time and space. Ashoka’s expanding role makes it clear that her tale is far from finished. There are still many unknowns about her destiny and how her former master, Anakin, may continue to shape it.

5. Conclusion

The powerful ending of “Fallen Jedi” brings Star Wars: Ashoka’s story full circle in many ways. Anakin Skywalker, manifesting as a kindly Force ghost to save his former apprentice Ashoka Tano, is tremendously nostalgic for fans. Their poignant reunion emphasizes the enduring strength of their bond.

It also cements Ashoka’s importance in the future and hints at Anakin’s lasting guidance from beyond the grave. The cryptic nature of the World Between Worlds remains integral to Ashoka’s cheating fate. This magical dimension permits her to overcome death again, thanks to Anakin, so she may continue aiding the Jedi rebirth.

Where exactly Ashoka’s journey goes next is unknown, but the moving final moments of this episode underline that she still has a vital role in shaping the Force’s future.

6. About Star Wars: Ahsoka

Ahsoka is a Star Wars show on Disney+. Created by Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni, the show sees Rosario Dawson returning as Ahsoka Tano.

The series follows Anakin’s former Padawan Ahsoka Tano as she hunts the Chiss dictator Grand Admiral Thrawn, who plans to take over the galaxy.

The cast includes Rosario Dawson, Natasha Liu Bordizzo, Eman Esfandi,  Ray Stevenson, and Ivanna Sakhno.