Bendu is one of the most enigmatic Force users in Star Wars. While he only appears in Rebels, he leaves a lasting impression. So, what happened to Bendu? Could he come back in time for Ahsoka?
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Bendu and His Mysterious Relationship With Kanan Jarrus
One of the reasons why you should watch Star Wars Rebels is its focus on the spiritual side of the Force through Kanan and Ezra's adventures. And that's where Bendu comes along.
Bendu is a gigantic Force-sensitive being who refuses to affiliate himself with either the dark or the light side of the Force.
Instead, he professes to represent the true center of the Force.
Kanan -- who has a knack for communicating with mysterious Force-sensitive entities -- first encounters the ancient being in Atollon.
Despite Bendu's choice not to interfere in Jedi or Sith matters, his mentorship proves useful to Kanan and Ezra.
When Kanan loses his sight, Bendu's teachings about the Force and its nature help him adapt. Moreover, Bendu helps Kanan and Ezra mend their strained relationship.
But when Kanan asks Bendu to pick a side, things become complicated...
Just What Happened to Bendu in Star Wars Rebels?
During the battle of Atollon, Bendu finally decides to interfere in the lives of beings more short-lived than himself. After that, his whereabouts remain mysterious.
In the last episode of Rebels Season 3, Grand Admiral Thrawn finally locates the rebels' base in Atollon.
Knowing that this is a battle the rebels can't easily win, Kanan attempts to ask Bendu for help.
At first, the ancient being insists on maintaining a neutral position. He and Kanan separate in angry terms.
However, Bendu ultimately has a change of heart and attacks Thrawn's forces.
As it turns out, Bendu isn't entirely unbeatable, as Thrawn manages to overpower him.
Bendu taunts Thrawn, claiming he has foreseen his fall, before disappearing, never to be seen again.
Is Bendu Dead?
Since Bendu disappeared before Thrawn could shoot him fatally, we assume he survived in some form.
But the ancient being never shows up again after Season 3, so we can't tell if he remained intact and simply chose to distance himself from Jedi and Sith affairs, or if he took damage that ended his form as we know it.
No one is truly dead when they're strong in the Force, but Bendu hasn't given any indication of having become a Force Ghost.
So far, his disappearance remains an unanswered Star Wars mystery.
Will Bendu Ever Come Back?
None of the upcoming Star Wars media suggest that Bendu could return, but everything is possible in the ever-expanding franchise.
Ahsoka has already reignited fans' interest in Kanan and Ezra's Jedi adventures and, since many Rebels characters have cameos in Ahsoka, Bendu could be mentioned even if he isn't physically present.
Rebels left Bendu's backstory and nature deliberately mysterious, so, perhaps, we'd need a prequel story if we're ever to find out more about him.
Of course, there's nothing wrong with choosing never to explain exactly who or what Bendu is, and letting fans draw their own conclusions.
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