Who is Pong Krell? The Fallen Jedi of the Clone Wars

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In Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Pong Krell was one of the most intriguing and tragic characters. He was a Besalisk Jedi Master who falls to the dark side and betrays the Jedi Order. Voiced by Dave Fennoy, Pong Krell’s character was a mix of authority and menace. He was known for ruthlessness, tactical brilliance, and disdain for clone troopers. This blog is going to explain Krell’s story as a cautionary tale of ambition, power, and betrayal. 

Early Life and Jedi Training

Pong Krell was a Besalisk, a humanoid species with four arms and an inflatable wattle. He was born on the planet Ojom. It was a harsh world that shaped his formidable resilience. As a Force-sensitive being, he was brought to the Jedi Temple on Coruscant for Jedi training. 

In the Jedi Order, Pong Krell’s potential quickly earned recognition. With four powerful arms and an imposing presence, he became a master of lightsaber combat. He wielded two double-bladed green and blue lightsabers. And with his unparalleled skills, he played an important role during the Galactic Republic. 

Leadership Role During the Clone Wars

When the Clone Wars started, Krell became a Jedi General. He used unconventional and brutal strategies to achieve significant Republic victories. Although he was known for successful missions, the ways he opted for success raised several questions against him. 

As many Jedi developed friendships with their clones, Krell regarded them as tools of war that could be changed and destroyed at any time. His disdain for clones was rooted in his belief that they were inferior. He thought they were incapable of understanding the complexities of his strategies. Krell wanted complete obedience, often punishing dissent with threats of execution. Captain Rex and ARC Trooper Fives, two key members of the 501st Legion, frequently clashed with Krell over his harsh orders and disregard for clone lives. 

The Vision of Doom

During the Clone Wars, Krell experienced a prophetic vision of the Republic’s collapse and the Jedi Order’s annihilation. In this vision, the Galactic Republic was replaced by an Empire and ruled by a new Sith Order. Instead of warning the Jedi Council or seeking a solution, Krell succumbed to his ambition. He saw the coming Empire as an opportunity to secure power and turned to the dark side of the Force. 

Krell kept his betrayal hidden, continuing to serve as a Jedi General while secretly undermining the Republic’s war effort. He believed aligning with Count Dooku, Darth Sidious' apprentice, would solidify his place in the new Sith hierarchy. 

The Battle of Umbara: A Test of Loyalty 

The most interesting and critical chapter of Krell's life occurred during the Battle of Umbara. It was a campaign in the Clone Wars. After Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker was asked to return to Coruscant, Krell was temporarily appointed 501st Legion commander. From the beginning, Krell’s leadership was completely different from Anakin's. 

Under Krell’s leadership, the 501st suffered devastating losses as they were forced into relentless battles. One such mission involved the capture of a heavily fortified Umbaran airbase, a key supply hub reinforcing the enemy's defenses. Instead of devising a strategic plan, Krell ordered the clones to march directly through a ravine under heavy fire. Despite their protests, the troopers obeyed, enduring severe casualties. 

Growing Concerns Against Pong Krell Strategies

The clones eventually captured the airbase, but the victory came at an immense cost. Clone officers began to question Krell's methods. However, Krell dismissed their concerns, demanding unwavering obedience and threatening severe punishment for dissent.

This approach fostered growing dissatisfaction among the 501st. Many clones began to see their leader as reckless and callous. Krell’s insistence on these brutal tactics set the stage for deeper mistrust, ultimately leading to a final confrontation between Krell and his troops. 

The Clones Discover the Truth about Pong Krell’s Betrayal  

Krell’s true motives began to surface when he ordered the clones to attack what he claimed were Umbaran forces disguised in Republic armor. The troopers obeyed, only to realize too late that they had been tricked into killing their comrades. This shocking betrayal led clone troopers to investigate further.

Krell manipulated the clones into fighting each other, telling them they were attacking enemy soldiers in disguise. After realizing they had been tricked into killing their own, the 501st exposed Krell’s treachery and took action.

Execution of Pong Krell 

While captured in a mission set by clones, Krell directly revealed his disdain for the Jedi Order and his ambition to join the Sith. He mocked the clones’ loyalty, declaring them pawns in a doomed war. His words further fueled the clones’ anger, particularly Dogma, who had initially remained loyal to Krell but was devastated by his betrayal.

Captain Rex hesitated to execute Krell, grappling with the weight of the moment. However, Dogma—who had once been loyal to Krell—stepped forward and shot him, proving that the clones had the strength to choose their own destiny.

The Enduring Legacy

Pong Krell’s tale clearly illustrates the Jedi Order’s weaknesses throughout the Clone Wars. His descent into darkness, fueled by ambition and disenchantment, highlights the ethical intricacies of the conflict and the gaps within the Jedi order. Krell's betrayal left lasting marks on the clones of the 501st Legion, influencing their views on leadership and allegiance. His deeds showcased the strength and humanity of the clones, who came together against a deceitful and corrupt commander.

In the wider framework of Star Wars lore, Krell represents how ambition and power can taint even the most talented and esteemed figures. His storyline in The Clone Wars enriches the series, providing a complex examination of war, ethics, and the decisions that shape an individual's fate.