Grogu, colloquially known as Baby Yoda, is one of the most beloved characters from the Star Wars universe. First introduced in the Disney+ series The Mandalorian, Grogu quickly became a fan favorite despite his mysterious origins. In the show, the bounty hunter Din Djarin takes Grogu under his protection as they go on adventures across the galaxy. But before meeting Din Djarin, who was protecting Baby Yoda and keeping him safe?
Who is Grogu?
Grogu is a young alien of the same species as the powerful Jedi Master Yoda. Based on his appearance and abilities in the show, he is estimated to be around 50 years old. However, his species ages differently than humans, so he is still considered an infant or toddler in development. Grogu demonstrates extraordinary Force abilities, suggesting he may have been trained as a Jedi at the Jedi Temple on Coruscant before the fall of the Republic. He survived the destruction of the temple and the Great Jedi Purge orchestrated by the evil Sith Lord Darth Sidious.
Grogu’s Backstory
Little is known about Grogu’s origins or family. He was raised at the Jedi Temple on Coruscant where he began his training under Master Yoda and other Jedi Masters. During the Clone Wars, Anakin Skywalker and other Jedi Knights likely interacted with young Grogu as well. When Supreme Chancellor Palpatine issued Order 66, Grogu escaped the temple thanks to unknown protectors who rescued him from the planet. He managed to hide his presence from the Empire for decades until his re-emergence in The Mandalorian.
Who Helped Grogu Escape the Jedi Temple?
When Anakin Skywalker led the 501st Legion to attack the Jedi Temple, most of the Jedi there were killed. But somehow, Grogu was smuggled out of the temple and off Coruscant as just an infant or toddler. Who helped him escape before Anakin and the clones found him? Here are some of the top theories:
Master Yoda
As a fellow member of the same mysterious species, Master Yoda felt a special connection to young Grogu. He could have sensed the impending danger and snuck Grogu out of the temple, entrusting him to off-world allies. Yoda was one of the few Jedi to survive Order 66, so he had the foresight to protect Grogu.
Obi-Wan Kenobi
The wise Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi was known to frequently visit the Jedi Temple during the Clone Wars. He could have discovered Grogu there and hidden him aboard Senator Bail Organa’s ship, knowing Bail could be trusted. Obi-Wan and Yoda worked closely together so may have coordinated with each other to protect Grogu.
A Jedi Caretaker
The Jedi Temple had caretakers such as maids, cooks, and medical staff to care for the youngest Jedi children. One of them, recognizing the imminent danger from the clone army, may have hidden Grogu away in a safe compartment or trash bin to smuggle him out.
One of the Jedi Temple Guards
These elite Jedi warriors guarded the temple precincts and could have detected the attack coming. One of them could have grabbed Grogu and escaped using secret passages known only to the Guards. Their armor and masks also would have concealed Grogu.
A Rogue Clone Trooper
It’s possible one of the attacking clone troopers recognized Grogu and had a change of heart, secretly escorting him out instead of killing him. Some clones disobeyed Order 66 or resisted their inhibitor chips.
Where Did Grogu Go After Fleeing Coruscant?
Once he escaped the carnage at the Jedi Temple, where did Grogu’s protectors take him to hide from the Empire? Here are some potential destinations:
To Dagobah with Yoda
Yoda fled to the remote swamp planet of Dagobah. If he orchestrated Grogu’s rescue, Yoda may have brought the child with him to live in seclusion. But Dagobah would be difficult for a toddler, so he may have placed Grogu somewhere safer.
To Alderaan with Bail Organa
The loyal Republic senator adopted Leia and could have taken Grogu in too. Alderaan was peaceful and respected the Jedi before its destruction. But with Leia in the spotlight, Grogu may have been sent elsewhere for discretion.
To Jedi allies like Ahsoka Tano
Jedi who escaped the Purge fled to remote worlds in Wild Space or the Outer Rim. Ahsoka Tano or Kanan Jarrus may have agreed to hide Grogu and protect him.
To a Jedi sanctuary planet
Secret emergency protocols may have pointed fleeing Jedi towards uncharted planets with abandoned temples or sacred groves. Grogu could have been taken to one of these havens.
To the Outer Rim with smugglers
Perhaps a smooth-talking smuggler like Lando Calrissian or Talon Karrde agreed to secret away Grogu until things cooled down. The remote Outer Rim was relatively lawless and easy to disappear in.
Who Took Care of Grogu All Those Years?
For nearly 50 years after Order 66 and the fall of the Republic, Grogu remained hidden from the Empire. He had to be cared for and protected all that time. Who might have sheltered him?
A clan of Mandalorians
The Mandalorians respected the Jedi as legendary warriors. A covert enclave of Mandalorians could have agreed to foster the Jedi child, keeping his abilities secret.
A community of pacifists
On peaceful planets like Sectoor 7, isolated communities avoided the Empire’s notice. Grogu would have been welcomed and his talents nurtured there.
A distant Jedi relative
Grogu may have been placed with distant relatives of Yoda’s species in hiding. They could have taught him the ways of the Force.
A monastery of the Whills
These ascetic monks followed the Force. They could have taken Grogu as an initiate and shielded him with their faith.
A guardian of a Jedi temple
Caretakers of forgotten Jedi sites or temples could have raised Grogu in secret to uphold the old traditions.
How Did Grogu Stay Hidden from the Empire?
For decades under Imperial rule, Force-sensitives were hunted down by the Inquisitorius and Darth Vader himself. Yet Grogu continued to remain undetected. What methods might have helped conceal him?
Suppressing his Force abilities
Grogu may have been taught by caretakers to minimize using the Force and shield his presence from detection.
Blocking him from the Force
Devices like Jedi Master Fay’s circlet could have been used to cut Grogu off from the Force, hiding him.
Disguising his appearance
Grogu could have been outfitted with cosmetic contacts, wigs, and prosthetics to hide his identity when necessary.
Faking his death
Guardians could have spread rumors and falsified records claiming Grogu had died to throw off pursuit.
Body doubles
Identical members of his species could have served as decoy Grogu’s to fool scanning teams and probes.
Frequent relocation
Moving Grogu between different planets and hiding places would have kept him one step ahead.
Hiding in plain sight
Using urban crowded cities like Coruscant or arid wastelands like Tatooine made it easier to disappear.
Conclusion
Grogu’s survival and hidden upbringing before meeting Din Djarin is shrouded in mystery. But he clearly had the aid of devoted protectors who kept him safe from the Empire’s wrath. These unknown heroes tucked Grogu away on forgotten worlds and beyond the Sith’s sight. Thanks to their efforts, Grogu lived to become an adorable sensation who’s captured fans’ hearts everywhere.