The Jedi Trials represented a significant undertaking for Padawans within the Jedi Order, acting as a gateway to the esteemed rank of Jedi Knight. Generally, these trials were undertaken during the young adult years of a Jedi's life, although some exceptionally skilled individuals completed them even earlier, during their teenage years. These trials could manifest in different forms: a specific assignment from their Jedi Master, challenges set by the Jedi High Council, or simply circumstances where the Order recognized the Padawan's demonstrated worthiness. Upon successfully proving their merit, the Jedi was then formally promoted to the rank of Knight through a Knighting Ceremony.
The Jedi Order mandated that each member demonstrate a fundamental level of proficiency with the lightsaber, along with the capability to harness the Force for self-enhancement, particularly in combat situations. Jedi Master Yoda put Luke Skywalker through a Trial of Skill while on Dagobah.
This trial centered around the Jedi confronting their deepest and most profound fears. The Padawan was expected to cultivate fearlessness, even when faced with the prospect of death. These fears often revolved around mortality or a personal failing that resulted in the demise of another individual.
Historically, this trial involved enduring physical pain. However, its focus later shifted towards sacrifice and unwavering dedication to the light side. The Padawan was placed in a situation where they had to choose between safeguarding those to whom they were attached or sacrificing both themselves and those individuals for the greater good.
This trial was designed to force the Padawan to confront their own weaknesses and was particularly effective when conducted within a vergence. It provided an opportunity for the Padawan to overcome their emotional vulnerabilities, establishing a strong moral foundation that would help them resist the darker aspects of their nature.
Padawan Feyra Akaris chose to leave the Jedi Order after she failed her Jedi Trials, specifically the Trial of the Spirit.
During the trials held at the Lothal Jedi Temple, Padawans were required to progress through nine distinct stages: teamwork, isolation, fear, anger, betrayal, focus, instinct, forgiveness, and protection. In 4 BBY, Ezra Bridger underwent these nine trials within the Jedi temple located on Lothal.
At some point between 15 ABY and 28 ABY, Jedi Master Luke Skywalker formed the belief that his nephew and Padawan, Ben Solo, was approaching readiness for the trials.
Rooper Nitani faced the task of locating Silandra Sho's shield, which had been hidden on Batuu. Keeve Trennis' Jedi Trials took the form of an assignment given by her master Sskeer: to retrieve a Tythonian pendant from the summit of the needles, a series of rock pillars that had defied countless attempts at ascent over millennia. Following the Battle of the Corellian Shipyards, Reath Silas was knighted with the endorsement of Grand Master Yoda, who recognized that Masters Cohmac Vitus and Kantam Sy deemed him prepared. Yoda himself also had faith in Silas's abilities. Cere Junda was knighted by the Jedi High Council for her actions during the Battle for Ontotho.
After she was exonerated based on evidence concerning the bombing of the Jedi Temple hangar during her trial, the Jedi Council extended a pardon to the expelled Padawan Ahsoka Tano and offered her re-entry into the Order. Plo Koon conveyed the Council's deepest apologies to Tano, with his colleagues noting that the Force operates in mysterious ways. Ultimately, they came to view Tano's ordeal as her ultimate trial, which had transformed her into a more accomplished Jedi and demonstrated her worthiness to become a Jedi Knight. However, Tano refused the offer and instead chose to leave the Order.
The Jedi Trials were first referenced in the 1999 motion picture Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace.