Who is Jaro Tapal? A Deep Dive into the Fallen Jedi Master

Jaro Tapal was a powerful Jedi Master whose species remains unidentified in canon, first appearing in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. He played an active role during the Clone Wars and had a profound influence on his padawan Cal Kestis life. The story of Tapal revolves around leadership, mentorship, and sacrifice. Despite his brief appearance, his actions left a lasting impact on the Jedi's survival during the Empire's rise.

This article is going to explore the life of Jaro Tapal, the sacrifices he made to save his Padawan, and his legacy within the Jedi Order. 

Early Life

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Jaro Tapal’s story is primarily told in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, set after Order 66. He belonged to a rare species that were known for their incredible physical strength that certainly helped him as a Jedi. 

Tapal was a respected Jedi and one of the Republic’s Jedi Generals who led the clone troopers against the Separatists during the Clone Wars. 

Rise to the Rank of Jedi Master

Jaro Tapal was known for his discipline, wisdom, and strong connection to the Force. He gained the title of most skilled and wise Jedi Master because of his combat and leadership skills. 

Training Cal Kesitis 

Jaro Tapal, along with fulfilling his duties as a Jedi Master, chose Cal Kestis to be his Jedi Padawan. He started training Kestis and focused on teaching him about survival, discipline, and trust in the Force.

Role in the Clone Wars

During the Clone Wars, Jaro Tapal served as a Jedi General in the Grand Army of the Republic. He commanded a Venator-class Star Destroyer and led a battalion of the clone troopers in many battles. Tapal's experience as a strategist and warrior made him a respected leader among both his peers and the soldiers under his command. 

Relationship with Cal Kestis

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As the war continued, Tapal's relationship with his Padawan, Cal Kestis, grew stronger. Tapal saw potential in Cal and took on the responsibility of preparing him for the dangerous and unpredictable nature of the Clone Wars. His mentorship was strict but caring. He was primarily focused on building Cal’s resilience and bond in the Force. Tapal did not shield his Padawan from the horrors of the war but instead prepared him to face them head-on. This relationship would ultimately become the cornerstone of Cal’s survival after the fall of the Jedi. 

Order 66 and The Fall of Jaro Tapal

At the end of the Clone Wars, Emperor Palpatine executed Order 66, turning the clone troopers against their Jedi generals. During this time, Tapal and Cal were on the Venator-class Star Destroyer. 

Tapal quickly sensed something was wrong and prepared to protect Cal. The two fought their way through the ship, but it became clear that Tapal would not survive. In a final effort, Tapal ordered Cal to escape while he stayed behind to face the overwhelming force of the clones. Tapal was injured to death, but he ensured that Cal survived, his final words to were his Padawan “trust only in the Force.”

Impact of Jaro Tapal’s Death on his Padawan

Tapal’s sacrifice had a great impact on Cal, leaving him with deep emotional scars. Throughout Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Cal Kestis struggled with the trauma of losing his master. However, with time, he intended to honor his master’s training by staying strong to Jedi principles and showing resilience against the Empire. 

Legacy and Influence on Cal Kestis

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Despite the lack of specific details regarding his background, Jaro Tapal’s legacy within the game firmly places him in the Star Wars canon, expanding the narrative of Jedi survival and sacrifice during the Clone Wars. 

Jaro Tapal’s lasting legacy is most evident in Cal’s determination to rebuild the Jedi Order and resist the darkness of the Empire. Tapal’s teachings remained with Cal throughout his journey, guiding him through the trials and tribulations of a galaxy in turmoil. In many ways, Jaro Tapal’s spirit lived on through Cal, as the young Jedi continued to fight for hope and justice, just as his master had taught him.

FAQ’s

Who was Jaro Tapal?

Jaro Tapal is a Lasat Jedi Master who appeared in Star Wars: Fallen Order. He played an active role as a Jedi General in the Grand Army of the Republic and led the clone troopers against the Separatists. 

How did Jaro Tapal die? 

Jaro Tapal died during Order 66 while protecting his Padawan Cal Kestis. 

Who was the master of Jaro Tapal? 

In the official canon, the background of Jaro Tapal remained unexplored, and his story is primarily based on his tragic fate during Order 66 along with his influence on the journey of Cal Kestis.

Was Jaro Tapal weak? 

No, Jaro Tapal is well known for his leadership, lightsaber combat skills, and strong connection to the Force. He actively led his army against the Separatists until his tragic ending during Order 66. 

What was the relationship between Cal Kestis and Jaro Tapal?

Jaro Tapal was the master of Cal Kestis, who trained him in the Force and taught him the lessons of courage and resilience. Jaro Tapal protected Cal Kestis till his death, which shaped the Kestis journey as a Jedi in the Star Wars: Fallen Order. 

Where was Jaro Tapal during Order 66? 

During Order 66, Jaro Tapal was on a Venator-class Star Destroyer with his Padawan, Cal Kestis. He fought against clone troopers and sacrificed himself to help Cal escape and survive.

How did Cal Kestis continue the legacy of his master Jaro Tapal? 

Cal Kestis continued the legacy of his master Jaro Tapal by following his teachings of staying strong to the principles of Jedi Order and resilient against the Empire.