Order 66 was a secret command implanted in the brains of clone troopers to execute all Jedi as traitors to the Republic.
The Order was designed as a contingency protocol against renegade Jedi, but was actually part of a plan by the Sith to eliminate the Jedi and seize power. The execution of Order 66 led to the downfall of the Jedi Order and the rise of the Galactic Empire.
What is the history of Order 66?
The history of Order 66 in Star Wars can be traced back to the Clone Wars, a conflict between the Galactic Republic and the Confederacy of Independent Systems. The order was created by Darth Sidious, also known as Chancellor Palpatine, as part of his plan to eliminate the Jedi Order and seize control of the galaxy.
To accomplish this, Palpatine worked with the Kaminoans to implant biochips in the brains of the clone troopers. These chips were designed to ensure the clones' loyalty to the Republic and to execute Order 66 in case of a Jedi rebellion against the Republic. However, Palpatine secretly intended to use Order 66 to eliminate all Jedi and establish the Galactic Empire.
In Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, Palpatine issues Order 66, declaring the Jedi to be traitors to the Republic. The clone troopers, who were bound by their programming to obey orders without question, turned on their Jedi commanders and executed them. The execution of Order 66 led to the downfall of the Jedi Order and the rise of the Galactic Empire, marking a major turning point in the Star Wars saga.
How many Jedi survived Order 66?
According to the Star Wars canon, a total of approximately 200 Jedi survived Order 66. Among them were prominent characters such as Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, and Kanan Jarrus, as well as lesser-known Jedi who managed to evade the clone troopers or were not on the front lines during the execution of the order.
It's worth noting that the number of surviving Jedi may not be entirely accurate, as some may have gone into hiding without being detected or their fates were unknown. Additionally, some non-canon sources have suggested that the number of Jedi who survived Order 66 may have been higher.
In the Star Wars canon, some of the most prominent Jedi who survived Order 66 include:
Obi-Wan Kenobi: He faked his death on the planet of Utapau and went into hiding on the desert planet of Tatooine to watch over Luke Skywalker.
Yoda: He escaped the Jedi Temple and went into exile on the remote planet of Dagobah.
Kanan Jarrus: He survived Order 66 as a Padawan and later became a leader of the Spectres, a group of rebels fighting against the Empire.
Ahsoka Tano: She left the Jedi Order prior to Order 66 and was not present during the execution of the order. She later became a prominent member of the Rebel Alliance.
Other notable Jedi who survived Order 66 include Quinlan Vos, Ferren Barr, and Cal Kestis. In addition to these individuals, there were also a number of Jedi who survived by going into hiding or by fleeing the galaxy entirely. The exact number of surviving Jedi is unclear, as some may have remained hidden and their fates are unknown.
What is the aftermath of Order 66?
The aftermath of Order 66 was a dark period for the Jedi Order and the Galaxy as a whole. The order resulted in the death of most of the Jedi, leaving only a handful of survivors. The few Jedi who remained went into hiding or joined the fledgling Rebel Alliance to fight against the Galactic Empire.
The Jedi Purge continued for years, with the Empire actively hunting down any remaining Jedi. During this time, the Empire gained almost complete control over the galaxy, and the Jedi were all but extinct. The Empire also established a new form of government, with Emperor Palpatine ruling as an absolute dictator and the Sith controlling the levers of power.
The aftermath of Order 66 is explored in various Star Wars media, including the films, television series, and novels. Some of the most prominent depictions of this period include the original Star Wars trilogy, the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels, and the novel Dark Disciple.