04 October 2023

What "The Jedi, The Witch and the Warlock" title was a reference to in the Ashoka Finale

The title of episode 8 of Ahsoka's season finale, "The Jedi, The Witch, and the Warlock," appears to be a direct homage to C.S. Lewis's classic children's fantasy novel, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." 

C.S. Lewis's novel is part of "The Chronicles of Narnia" series and introduces readers to a magical world accessed through a wardrobe. The story revolves around the archetypal figures of a lion (Aslan), a witch (White Witch), and the children who serve as the moral and emotional centers of the story. These archetypes—of the savior, the villain, and the innocent—resonate deeply with audiences and have been adapted in various forms over the years.

In Ahsoka's episode, the archetypes are transformed into a Jedi, a Witch, and a Warlock. The Jedi (Sabine, whilst a learner, Bridger and Tano), often seen as peacekeepers and warriors for justice, could be considered analogous to Aslan, the lion who is the symbol of good and the true king of Narnia. The Witch is Morgan Elspeth who is converted into a Night Sister. The Warlock is simply Thrawn.

Both "Star Wars" and "The Chronicles of Narnia" have had a significant impact on popular culture. By referencing a classic work, the episode not only pays tribute but also invites viewers to explore the thematic and archetypal similarities between the two works. It serves as a cultural shorthand that enriches the viewing experience, adding layers of meaning that can be unpacked and analyzed.

It's also worth noting that series writer David Filoni, used some Lord of the Rings inspiration this season - JRR Tolkien and Lewis were noted contemporaries. 

At the end of the day, the title is just a fun play in the title of Lewis' wonderful novel. 
Jimmy Jangles

Founder & Editor •  |  @JimmyJangles

Jimmy Jangles is an independent science fiction analyst and media critic based in New Zealand. He founded The Astromech to dig into the themes, mythology, and ideas behind the stories that shape how we imagine the future - from Star Wars and Dune to Alien, Star Trek, and beyond. He also runs How to Home Brew Beers.

✓ URL copied to clipboard
Back to Top