Jedi Master
Jedi Master was a title bestowed within the Jedi Order upon Jedi who demonstrated exceptional wisdom and power, with many serving as prominent figures of leadership inside the Order.
Only those holding the rank of Master were permitted to be members of the Jedi High Council. However, one significant exception occurred when Anakin Skywalker, despite being only a Jedi Knight, was designated to the Council as an envoy for Supreme Chancellor Sheev Palpatine.
Description
A Jedi Master was fundamentally a Jedi Knight who had been recognized by a Jedi Grand Master as suitable for advancement within the Jedi Order. Compared to Knights, Jedi Masters possessed greater experience, a higher degree of preparedness, and a demonstrated commitment to their progression within the Order. The rank of Jedi Master represented the next level for all Jedi Knights who dedicated their lives to the study of the Force, but it required significant effort to prove worthy of the honor. Once elevated to the rank, Jedi Masters were granted the freedom and expectation to pursue their own independent studies, advancing their understanding of the Force on their own terms. Indeed, the Jedi High Council actively encouraged all Jedi Masters to do so.
Jedi Masters were expected to exhibit seriousness and composure in critical situations, avoiding flippancy. Often, groups of Jedi younglings would receive their initial education in the Force under the direction of a Jedi Master. Subsequently, these younglings would undergo more focused training guided by either a Jedi Knight or a Jedi Master. During the Clone Wars, both Jedi Masters and Jedi Knights served as Jedi Generals within the Republic Military, while Padawans held the position of Jedi Commanders.
History
During the era of the High Republic, the Jedi High Council was notable for its composition of three Jedi Grand Masters: Xo Lahru, Pra-Tre Veter, and Yoda, who collectively shared the role. Other distinguished masters from the High Republic Era included Jora Malli, Stellan Gios, Sskeer, Oppo Rancisis, Yarael Poof, and Avar Kriss. Ry Ki-Sakka also attained the rank of Grand Master at some point. As one of the most senior Jedi Masters in the Order's history, Yoda, throughout his extensive 800-year tenure as a Jedi Master, mentored at least 20,000 Jedi and held the title of Jedi Grand Master for over 800 years.
During the period of the Galactic Republic, the Jedi High Council consisted of twelve Jedi Masters, with one designated as Grand Master, who together held the authority to grant Jedi Knights the rank of Master through consensus. Other prominent Jedi Masters who were members of the Council included figures such as Mace Windu, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Kit Fisto, Adi Gallia, Yaddle, Saesee Tiin, Agen Kolar, Even Piell, and Shaak Ti. Many Jedi Masters also took on apprentices to guide in the ways of the Force, such as Depa Billaba and Luminara Unduli.
Under the provisions of the Jedi Military Integration Act, Jedi Masters and Jedi Knights were assigned the rank of Jedi General for the duration of the Clone Wars. After three years of service as a Jedi Knight during the conflict, Anakin Skywalker believed he had progressed sufficiently to warrant the rank of Jedi Master, a view not shared by the Council. When Supreme Chancellor Sheev Palpatine appointed Skywalker to the Council as his personal liaison, the Council reluctantly agreed, hoping to utilize him as a means to spy on Palpatine. However, they declined to grant Skywalker the title of Master, which he perceived as an egregious and unjust affront, given that no Jedi in the Order's history had been appointed to the Council without first achieving the rank of Master.
Years following the Great Jedi Purge and the Galactic Civil War, Luke Skywalker endeavored to train a new generation of Jedi and was recognized as a Jedi Master. After the Battle of Exegol in 35 ABY, Rey adopted the family name of her mentors, Luke Skywalker and Leia Skywalker Organa Solo. As the last Jedi, Rey Skywalker eventually rose to the rank of Master.
Behind the scenes
As confirmed by editor Tom Hoeler, the term "master" in "Jedi Master" requires capitalization when used in conjunction with "Jedi." However, the word "master" when used alone does not always necessitate capitalization. "Master Jedi," on the other hand, is an honorific employed by certain cultures or individuals, rather than a direct reference to the "Jedi Master" rank itself.