Who Is Aayla Secura? The Daring Jedi Knight of the Clone Wars

In a galaxy filled with legendary Jedi, Aayla Secura stands out for her courage, wisdom and dedication to the Jedi Order. As a Jedi knight and later becoming a Jedi General Aayla played an important role during the Clone Wars, fighting tirelessly to defend the Republic. The Jedi Knight was known for her deep connection to the Force and combat skills. She led clone troopers in numerous battles, demonstrating exceptional leadership and a commitment to peace and justice across the galaxy. In this article we are going to explore Aayla Secura’s life, rising to the rank of Jedi Knight and later to Jedi General and her unfortunate death during the Great Jedi Purge. So without waiting any further let’s get started.

Early Life

Aayla Secura was a Rutian Twi'lek born on the planet Ryloth during the Republic Era. Ryloth, a world known for its crime and corruption, presented a challenging environment. Despite being raised in a harsh part of the planet, Secura was discovered to be Force-sensitive by Jedi Knight Quinlan Vos during his mission on Ryloth. Recognizing her potential, the Jedi Master brought Aayla to the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, where he took her on as his Padawan. 

Aayla’s training with Jedi Master Quinlan Vos was quite intense and her early life was marked by tragedy which included the death of her uncle, Pol Secura. This tragedy nearly led her to fall to the dark side but the guidance of Master Yoda and support from her Master Quilan Vos saved her. 

Training 

Secura's training began under Jedi Master Quinlan Vos who was known for his unorthodox methods and expertise in psychometry—the ability to read memories and impressions from objects through the Force. Vos guided Secura through the rigors of the Jedi training and the two developed a strong bond as mentor and Padawan. Under Vos’ mentorship, Aayla’s combat skills and connection to the Force grew quickly, making her a skilled and resilient Jedi.

Becoming a Jedi Knight 

After years of rigorous training, Aayla achieved the rank of Jedi Knight, a testament to her commitment, strength, and resilience. Her courage and masterful combat skills made her an invaluable asset to the Jedi Order. She also earned great respect among fellow Jedi for her role during the Clone Wars and her calm demeanor in dangerous situations.

Battle of Geonosis

During the Battle of Geonosis, Aayla Secura actively contributed and fought along with other Jedi, including Mace Windu, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Anakin Skywalker.  Although the Jedi were greatly outnumbered by the Separatist Droid Army, the timely arrival of Yoda and the newly formed Grand Army of the Republic, enabled the Jedi to escape. This marked the beginning of the Clone Wars.

Following her remarkable performance at Geonosis, Aayla earned the command of the 327th Star Corps, with Clone Commander Bly as her second-in-command. Her leadership skills and strategies soon became evident as she led Republic forces in various battles across the galaxy.

Contributions in The Clone Wars

Aayla Secura was involved in multiple critical missions during the Clone Wars. One such mission was on the muddy planet of Escander, where she faced Asajj Ventress and was temporarily captured by her. She was later rescued by her clone troopers, despite this temporary setback Aayla remained steadfast on her mission.

Secura also led Republic forces in the Battle of Quell, where she fought alongside Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano. Her quick thinking during  dire situations helped save her troops and demonstrated her adaptability under pressure. Later, she played a pivotal role in defending the Lurmen village on Maridun, demonstrating not only her exceptional combat skill but also her compassion and leadership.

Battle of Quell 

Aayla Secura commanded Republic forces at the Battle of Quell, where her fleet was ambushed by the Separatists Army. Her flagship, known as Liberty, sustained heavy damage, falling through the atmosphere as rocket droids boarded the ship. Secura and Commander Bly fended off the attackers until reinforcements came which included Anakin Skywalker, Ahsoka Tano, and Captain Rex. 

In the chaos of battle, Secura helped get Anakin Skywalker to safety after he was injured while using the Force to protect the team from an explosion. Her quick thinking led her to take command to prevent the frigate from crashing into a star, and used the Force to stabilize the ship. But despite her efforts, the ship crash-landed on Maridun, causing a new challenge for the Republic. Secura’s actions during the battle showcased her bravery, leadership, and ability to adapt under pressure.

Relationship with Other Jedi 

Within the Jedi Order, Aayla Secura developed strong relationships with fellow Jedi, including Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luminara Unduli, and Ahsoka Tano. She formed a close bond with Kit Fisto and Tholme, who played significant roles in training her, alongside her former Master, Quinlan Vos. Her strong relationships with her fellow Jedi made her a vital asset on Republic missions, where teamwork and quick decision-making were crucial to success. 

Connection with Clone Troopers

In addition to her connections with fellow Jedi, Secura held great affection for her clone troopers, particularly Commander Bly and his unit. Despite their differences, Secura regularly visited her clone troopers after missions to express her appreciation, fostering trust and camaraderie. This combination of leadership and genuine care for her comrades, both Jedi and clone, made Secura a respected figure in the Republic’s military.

Battle of Felucia 

Aayla Secura was deployed to the jungle planet of Felucia towards the end of the Clone Wars. She, alongside Commander Bly and 327th Star Corps, was actively participating against the Separatist droid army. Secura’s strategic leadership was critical to the Republic’s efforts on this challenging terrain. 

During her campaign, Secura participated in a key hologram meeting with Yoda, Mace Windu, and others, where the Jedi Council discussed General Grievous and the Sith Lord Darth Sidous' growing power. While Felucia was a critical battle, the larger galaxy was on the brink of a catastrophic shift with the coming execution of Order 66. 

Execution of Order 66 and Death

Secura was busy leading her troops when Emperor Palpatine executed Order 66, in which all clone troopers turned against their Jedi commanders. Secura, deeply trusted by her clone troopers, was unaware of the betrayal. Distracted momentarily by her surroundings, she was attacked by Commander Bly and his troopers. 

Shot in the back without a chance to defend herself, Secura was killed instantly. The clones continued to fire to ensure her death. Her tragic end was felt by Yoda through the Force, marking the fall of another Jedi Knight during the catastrophic event that led to the rise of the Empire. 

Legacy

Aayla Secura’s bravery, leadership, and combat skills left a lasting impact on the Star Wars galaxy. She remained an important part of multiple Republic victories during the Clone Wars. Even in death, her presence endured! During the Battle of Exegol, Secura's voice was among those of the past Jedi guiding Rey as she faced the resurrected Darth Sidious. 

Secura’s message to "let the Force guide her" reflects the wisdom and calm she embodied throughout her life, influencing future generations of Jedi. Aayla Secura’s bravery, selflessness, and leadership continue to resonate as a reminder of the core values of the Jedi. 

FAQ’s 

Who is Aayla Secura in the Star Wars galaxy? 

Aayla Secura was a Rutian Twi'lek Jedi Knight who fought bravely alongside many other legendary Jedi during the Clone Wars. She was well-known for her wisdom, combat skills, and leadership abilities. 

Who trained Aayla Secura? 

Aayla Secura was trained by Jedi Master Quilan Vos. 

What’s the role of Aayla Secura in the Battle of Geonosis? 

Aayla Secura played an active role in the Battle of Geonosis alongside many other Jedi, including Mace Windu and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Her bravery and commitment in this battle earned her the command of the 327th Star Corps.

What’s Aayla Secura’s contribution during the Clone Wars? 

Aayla led the Republic forces in many battles, including the Battle of Quell and the defense of the Lurmen village on Maridun. 

How did Aayla Secura die? 

Aayla Secura was killed during Order 66 on the planet Felucia when her clone troopers turned against her and shot her in the back, and she died on the spot. 

Is there any legacy of Aayla Secura in the Star Wars galaxy? 

Aayla Secura’s legacy endures through her courage, bravery, and leadership during the Clone Wars. Her voice was even heard by Rey during the Battle of Exegol, guiding her to defeat Darth Sidious.