When it comes to Star Wars, everyone knows Luke Skywalker. The franchise's herald brought Star Wars to life decades ago, and the Jedi has continued to expand their lore. From film to television and print, Luke Skywalker has proven his mettle, but an overreliance has formed around the hero. Star Wars has other capable heroes, and the series only needs to look at Kana Jarrus to see as much.

Kanan Jarrus, the reluctant Jedi of the Ghost crew in Star Wars: Rebels, possessed a unique and intimate connection to the Force that arguably sures Luke Skywalker. Despite never completing his formal Jedi training, Kanan displayed remarkable abilities rooted in his natural talent from a young age. Star Wars (2020) #28, written by Charles Soule with art by Andres Genolet, starts with a conversation between General Hera Syndulla and Luke years after Kanan’s death. Hera, the mother of Kanan’s child and essentially Kanan's widow, smiles as she tells Luke that he sounds like Kanan.

Hera's statement suggests that Kanan would have understood Luke's journey and the ways in which he let the Force guide him. However, throughout the canon, it is evident that Kanan possessed a deeper understanding and command of the Force than Luke Skywalker ever did.

Kanan Was One Of The Youngest Padawans Ever Taken On

Kanan's Talent Made Waves at the Jedi Temple

Kanan: The Last Padawan, written by Greg Weisman with art by Pepe Larraz, Jacopo Camagni, Andrea Broccardo, and David Curiel, is a 2015 comic miniseries that tells the story of how Kanan escaped Order 66 and managed to survive on his own. The story is told in flashbacks with the current timeline taking place somewhere during season 1 of Star Wars: Rebels. The story highlights Kanan’s talents, both past and present, and illustrates how those talents created not only a masterful Jedi but a strategic rebel.

Kanan’s potential and unique tendency to ask many questions even caught the attention of Jedi Master Depa Billaba. Though she was rumored not to take on apprentices, she recognized Kanan’s innate strength and connection to the Force, nurturing his abilities before the chaos of Order 66. Billaba saw a spark in him, a raw talent that, had it been fully realized if the Republic never fell, would have made him an exceptionally powerful Jedi. The fact that Billaba, a member of the Jedi Council, saw such promise in Kanan speaks volumes about his natural ability.

Kanan And Luke Connected To The Force In Different Ways

A Jedi's Lineage Does Not Define Their Potential

Though Luke Skywalker has the advantage of heritage on his side, considering that his fathe was one of the strongest Jedi in history, that does not diminish Luke’s talent. However, the difference between Luke and Kanan’s strength lies in their approaches and the depth of their connection to the Force. Luke’s journey in the original trilogy, including the comics set during this era, is largely defined by his struggle against the dark side. Though both Kanan and Luke struggled with their own training, the mastery Kanan displayed is on another level.

"Kanan essentially perceived the world with an ethereal clarity and reached a level rarely displayed by any other Jedi in Star Wars as a whole."

Kanan, on the other end, managed to take a holistic approach to training, embracing the Force as a living thing and connecting with it on a different level. At the height of his training with Yoda, Luke struggled to lift his X-Wing from the Dagobah swamp, which was a feat requiring immense concentration and a clear mind. Kanan, even blinded, could perceive his surroundings and fight effectively, allowing himself to “see” through the Force without his vision. Kanan’s talents arguably grew stronger after he was blinded, as he had to adapt to establishing a constant, intuitive connection with the Force to see.

Kanan's Connection With Creatures Tied To The Force

The Force Resides in All Living Creatures, Including Animals

A crucial part of Kanan’s connection to the Force is his interaction with the Bendu, a powerful, neutral being at “Chopper Base” who embodied the living Force itself. Bendu only ever revealed himself to Kanan, sensing the deep disturbance in Kanan’s spirit after he was blinded. The fact that Bendu, who can be seen as the Force itself, not only showed himself to Kanan, but helped him realize that his talents shows Kanan’s ability to tap into the Force on a deeper level than most Jedi.

Kanan also displayed an almost supernatural bond with Loth-wolves, which were creatures that hadn’t been seen on Lothal in over a century and were inherently connected to the Force. Through his bond with the Loth-wolves, Kanan was able to perceive his impending fate and prepare himself mentally. He saw his sacrifice, understanding that it was the only way to save his family. The Loth-wolf known as Dume, who shared Kanan's birth name, became a guide to Ezra after Kanan's death, suggesting that Kanan's will lived on through the wolf and the Cosmic Force.

Kanan's Final Actions Display A Rare Mastery Of The Force

Kanan's Death Saved Many Lives

At the moment of his death in Star Wars: Rebels, Kanan’s acceptance and willingness to embrace his destiny demonstrated a profound understanding of the Force’s will, making Kanan the prime example of what a Jedi is meant to be. Kanan’s deep connection to the Force allowed him to briefly regain his sight. He saw Hera one last time, a poignant testament to the power of his bond with her and the Force itself. Kanan essentially perceived the world with an ethereal clarity and reached a level rarely displayed by any other Jedi in Star Wars as a whole.

As Kanan fully gave himself to the Force to save his family, he also taught Ezra one final lesson. Just as Kanan watched his master sacrifice herself for his future, Kanan sacrificed himself for his apprentice’s future, and Ezra went on to sacrifice himself in the same way for the future of the entire galaxy. Kanan’s death had massive implications for not only the Ghost crew, but the Rebellion as a whole. At that very last moment, Kanan exhibited a level of Force mastery that Luke Skywalker never displayed throughout the comics, live-action series, or the original and sequel trilogies.