Master of the Order, also known as Master of the Council or Grand Master of the Jedi High Council, was the title of the elected leader of the Jedi High Council. The holder of the office was appointed by the members of the High Council by unanimous vote. Jedi Masters Mace Windu and Yoda served as head of the Order, in turn, during the late era of the Galactic Republic.
A distinct office from the Grand Master, in which was considered the leader of the Jedi Order, the Master of the Order was the elected leader of the Jedi High Council and required an unanimous vote by the twelve members of the Council for appointment. Although the most important decisions were made by the Council as a whole, the Master of the Order was the key figure that often met with Jedi Knights, politicians, and leaders of different systems in unofficial settings and casual meetings to discuss ideas and concerns.
In the years prior to Invasion of Naboo, both Yoda and Mace Windu simultaneously held the rank of Master of the Order and led the Jedi High Council during the wanning days of the Republic. Windu's tenure as Master of the Order was notable for his commitment in maintaining the Order's ancient traditions and independence amidst the corruption in the Galactic Senate as well as his impatience for those who defied the Jedi Council.
Later, the position were consolidated once war with the Confederacy of Independent Systems grew inevitable, making Yoda as both the sole Master of the Order and Grand Master of the Jedi Order.
The Master of the Order title first appeared through Mace Windu in the 1999 film Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace. It was first canonized in the 2015 reference book Star Wars: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know. The title was originally introduced in the 2004 Star Wars Legends novel Yoda: Dark Rendezvous.
- Star Wars: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know
- Star Wars Super Graphic: A Visual Guide to a Galaxy Far, Far Away
- Star Wars Forces of Destiny: Meet the Heroes
- Star Wars: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know, Updated and Expanded
- Star Wars: Force Collection
- Star Wars: Force Collection
- Rise of the Separatists
- "A Seat on the Council" — Star Wars Insider 199