Master of the Order, alternatively known as Master of the Council or Grand Master of the Jedi High Council, signified the elected leader of the esteemed Jedi High Council. This position was filled through a unanimous vote by all members of the High Council. During the twilight of the Galactic Republic's era, distinguished Jedi Masters such as Mace Windu and Yoda each took turns leading the Order.
Distinct from the role of Grand Master, who was regarded as the leader of the entire Jedi Order, the Master of the Order was selected to lead the Jedi High Council by a unanimous decision from all twelve council members. Although the Council collectively made the most crucial decisions, the Master of the Order played a pivotal role, often engaging with Jedi Knights, politicians, and leaders from various systems in informal settings and meetings to exchange ideas and address concerns.
In the years leading up to the Invasion of Naboo, both Yoda and Mace Windu concurrently held the position of Master of the Order, guiding the Jedi High Council as the Republic neared its end. Windu's time as Master of the Order was marked by his dedication to upholding the Order's time-honored traditions and autonomy amidst the growing corruption within the Galactic Senate, as well as his intolerance for those who disobeyed the Jedi Council.
Subsequently, as war with the Confederacy of Independent Systems became unavoidable, the position was unified, with Yoda becoming both the sole Master of the Order and Grand Master of the Jedi Order.
The title Master of the Order initially surfaced with Mace Windu in the 1999 cinematic release, Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace. Its official inclusion into canon occurred in the 2015 reference publication, Star Wars: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know. The title was originally presented in the 2004 Star Wars Legends novel titled Yoda: Dark Rendezvous.