Who is Barriss Offee? The Jedi Healer with a Dark Turn

Barriss Offee plays a significant role in the Star Wars saga who was originally introduced as a Jedi Healer. She was trained by Jedi Master Luminara Unduli. Despite her dedication as a Jedi, the journey of Barriss Offee took a dramatic turn towards the dark side. This article is going to explore the character of Barriss Offee, her origins, her transformation, and her enduring legacy within the Star Wars universe.

Early Life and Jedi Training

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Barriss Offee was born on the planet Mirial, and from an early age, she had a strong connection to the Force. She was taken to the Jedi Temple on Coruscant for training along with other younglings. Luminara Unduli, a fellow Mirialan and a skilled Jedi Master, observed the natural abilities of Barriss and chose her as her Padawan Learner. They developed a strong master-apprentice relationship, and under Luminara's guidance, Barriss followed the traditional Jedi path, growing into a skilled young Jedi. 

Role of Barriss Offee in the Clone Wars

During the Clone Wars, Barriss Offee played a crucial role as a Padawan under the mentorship of Luminara Unduli. She participated in multiple critical missions that tested her abilities and resolve.

Battle of Geonosis

Barriss' involvement in the Clone Wars began with the Battle of Geonosis, where she fought alongside other legendary Jedi to rescue Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, and Padmé Amidala. Though not among the final circle of survivors, she managed to escape the Petranaki arena along with other Jedi, marking her baptism by fire in the war.

Mission to Ilum

Along with her master, Luminara Unduli, Barriss went to the icy planet Ilum, where they defended the sacred crystal caves from a Separatist attack. During this mission, Barriss rebuilt her lightsaber, further honing her skills as a Jedi. 

Second Battle of Geonosis

During the Second Battle of Geonosis, Barriss and Ahsoka Tano together destroyed a Separatist weapons factory. The mission was dangerous, in which both Padawans faced extreme danger, but they ultimately succeeded, surviving a near-fatal encounter when they both got buried under the debris. 

Skirmish on the Medical Supply Ship

One of Barriss' most harrowing experiences in the Star Wars galaxy occurred while she and Ahsoka were transporting a medical supply ship. They encountered brain-controlling parasites that infected Barriss, leading to a deadly confrontation between the two Jedi. Ultimately, Ahsoka managed to save Barriss, freeing her from the parasite's control.

Disillusionment with the Jedi Order

During the Clone Wars, the disillusionment of Barriss Offee with the Jedi Order grew, and she began to realize that the Jedi were no more peacekeepers of the galaxy. She thought that they had lost their way and forgotten their true purpose and traditional Jedi values. As she witnessed more of the Jedi Council’s decisions, her internal conflicts grew. It forced her to think that the Jedi Council seemed to align with the political interests of the Republic rather than the spiritual mission of the Jedi.

The Dark Turn

Her disillusionment reached a tipping point when she concluded that the Jedi were contributing to the very suffering they sought to end. This belief led Barriss down a dark path. In her mind, drastic action was necessary to expose the corruption she saw within the Order.

The Bombing at the Jedi Temple

Barriss Offee's inner conflicts resulted in a tragic act: the bombing of the Jedi Temple, targeting the hangar where clone troopers and Jedi alike were stationed. The explosion killed several, including innocent Jedi and civilians.

Betraying Ahsoka Tano

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Barriss Offee framed her close friend, Ahsoka Tano, for the bombing, and as a result, Ahsoka was arrested by the Jedi Council. The Jedi Council showed no faith in Ahsoka Tano and they just wanted to maintain their order. Anakin Skywalker, the master of Ahsoka, was the only one who believed her innocence and decided to do his own investigation without relying on the Jedi High Council. However, he soon found out that Barriss Offee was the real offender and not Ahsoka. 

In a dramatic confrontation, Barriss admitted her actions and expressed her claim that Jedi had lost their way. Her confession shocked the Jedi Council and led to her immediate arrest. Ahsoka was released, but the damage to her trust in the Jedi Order was irreparable, leading her to leave the Order entirely.

Legacy of Barriss Offee

The story of Barriss Offee is a significant reminder that internal conflicts can arise within the Jedi Order and can have remarkable consequences. Her decisions also reflect the drawbacks of the strict principles set in the Jedi Order. 

In Canon, although not explicitly stated, it is presumed that the fall of Barriss had a significant impact on how the Jedi Council viewed the Order's role in the Clone Wars. Luminara Unduli, deeply shaken by her Padawan’s fall, continued her service to the Jedi, eventually participating in the Battle of Kashyyyk as the war came to a closer end for all Jedi.

In Legends, following the rise of the Galactic Empire, Ahsoka reflected on Barriss’s points about the Jedi and the Republic, suggesting that if they had paid attention to her warnings, they might have been able to prevent the rise of Darth Sidious. Despite this, her memory lived on in the minds of friends like Den Dhur and I-5YQ, who honored her legacy. Even Obi-Wan Kenobi, during his exile on Tatooine, is said to have recalled Barriss’ journey and the tragic path she took.

FAQ’s 

Why does Barriss betray Ahsoka? 

Barriss betrayed Ahsoka by claiming that she was the mastermind of the Jedi Temple bombing in order to divert her accusations and move forward with her planning. Her intention was to bring the Jedi Order to the realization that their role in preserving galactic peace has been undermined by their involvement in politics.  

Is Barriss Offee alive? 

After her arrest for the bombing of the Jedi Temple, Barriss Offee's whereabouts have been unknown.

Why did Barriss turn to the dark side? 

Although Barriss Offee was disillusioned with the Jedi Order and bombed the Jedi Temple driven by the influence of the dark side, it remains unclear in the Star Wars official Canon that she fully embraced the dark side. 

However, her motivations were rooted more in her moral and philosophical conflicts with the Jedi rather than a desire to join the Sith or gain power.

Did Barriss reconcile with Ahsoka? 

In the official Canon, after framing Ahsoka for the bombing of the Jedi Temple, Barriss was arrested, and their paths have not crossed again.

Why did Barriss betray the Jedi Order? 

Barris betrayed the Jedi Order because she believed the Jedi had lost their way by becoming too involved in the Clone Wars, and they acted more like soldiers than peacekeepers. 

How was Barriss Offee killed? 

In the official Star Wars Canon, Barriss Offee's fate, including whether or not she was killed or survived after her arrest, has not been revealed and may result in new perspectives in the future. 

Who was the master of Barriss Offee? 

Luminara Unduli was the master of Barriss Offee. 

Where was Barriss Offee during Order 66? 

When Barriss Offee was arrested due to the bombing at the Jedi Temple, afterwards her fate and location during Order 66 remain unknown.