Why Din Djarin Is Surprised by Baby Yoda's Use of the Force in 'The Mandalorian'

Why is Din Djarin, the titular character of The Mandalorian, surprised when Baby Yoda, known as Grogu, uses the Force? This moment in the series is a blend of unexpected discovery and character development. Let’s explore the reasons behind Din’s surprise and the significance of this sequence.

Background on Force Users and the Mandalorian:

There were not that many Force users roaming the galaxy. In The Mandalorian, Din Djarin, a Mandalorian bounty hunter, has never encountered a Force user in his entire career. This background of unfamiliarity and lack of exposure to the Jedi Order and its ways makes Din’s surprise at Grogu’s use of the Force all the more profound.

The Lack of Knowledge:

As a seasoned bounty hunter, Din Djarin is not deeply familiar with the Force or its capabilities. His Mandalorian lineage does not involve training in Jedi lore, so the concept of a small, seemingly helpless creature possessing such powerful abilities is entirely foreign to him. The use of the Force by a toddler, even one as endearing as Grogu, challenges Din’s expectations and knowledge.

Grogu's Appearance:

Grogu, with his innocent and small stature, is often underestimated. His appearance as a cute, vulnerable child makes his demonstration of powerful Force abilities even more startling. The contrast between his endearing demeanor and his demonstrated prowess is a major factor in Din’s surprise. This juxtaposition adds a layer of tension and wonder to their interactions, highlighting the extraordinary within what might otherwise seem ordinary.

The Uncommon Nature of Force Users:

By the time of The Mandalorian, the Jedi Order had been largely destroyed, and Force users were quite rare. In the aftermath of the Battle of Endor, the Sith were also extinct due to the deaths of Darth Vader and Darth Sidious. Few surviving Jedi, such as Ashoka Tano, Luke Skywalker, and Leia Organa, were scattered across the galaxy, often unknown or little-known to each other. Din Djarin likely assumed that a young child like Grogu, who did not come from a known Force user family, would not possess such abilities. His background of the Empire’s suppression of knowledge about the Force further contributes to this belief.

Initial Skepticism and Gradual Acceptance:

At first, Din Djarin is skeptical about the mystical elements surrounding Grogu. His gradual acceptance of the extraordinary circumstances surrounding his companion reflects the broader themes of the series: the rediscovery of hope and the extraordinary in a galaxy that has experienced significant turmoil. This moment of suspicion shifting to acknowledgment is a pivotal part of Din’s character development and adds depth to the narrative.

These elements combine to create a moment of genuine astonishment for Din when Grogu uses the Force. This scene not only highlights his character development but also underscores the broader themes of the series: the rediscovery of hope, the presence of the extraordinary in the ordinary, and the potential for renewal in the aftermath of great upheaval.