I’ve always been fascinated by characters who live in the gray spaces — the ones who aren’t quite heroes, but definitely aren’t villains either. Baylan Skoll from Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi and Gobber the Belch from How to Train Your Dragon are two such figures. At first glance, they couldn’t seem more different: one’s a morally ambiguous Force user with a vendetta, the other a jovial Viking blacksmith with a dragon for a best friend. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find striking similarities in their journeys, their flaws, and their unexpected wisdom.

If you’ve found yourself drawn to Baylan’s quiet intensity and complex worldview, you might be surprised by how much you’ll enjoy Gobber — and vice versa. Here’s why fans of one resonate so strongly with the other.

They Both Walk the Line Between Mentor and Rebel

Baylan Skoll starts as a Jedi Master and eventually walks away from the Order, disillusioned by what he sees as institutional blindness. He becomes a rogue force — both literally and figuratively — guiding Ahsoka Tano not with dogma, but with hard-earned truths. Similarly, Gobber is Hiccup’s mentor in all things dragon and Viking, but he’s also the one who challenges the old ways, helping usher in a new era of understanding between dragons and humans.

Both characters reject blind tradition while still holding deep respect for what came before. They’re not out to destroy the system — just to reshape it.

Their Sense of Humor Is Part of Their Power

Baylan Skoll is serious, even grim at times, but his dry wit and philosophical musings carry a quiet charm. He doesn’t crack jokes, but he has a way of disarming with a well-placed observation. Gobber, on the other hand, is full of belly laughs and quirky antics, yet his humor often masks deep wisdom and pain.

Both use humor — in their own ways — to navigate a world that doesn’t always make sense. It’s not just a defense mechanism; it’s part of what makes them relatable, even when they’re dealing with cosmic or epic stakes.

Each Has a Deep, Personal Connection to Their World’s "Magic"

Baylan Skoll is a Force user, but he doesn’t follow the Jedi or Sith paths. He sees the Force as something broader, something beyond light and dark. His perspective is unique and deeply personal. Gobber, while not a magic user in the traditional sense, is deeply connected to the dragons — creatures that are essentially magical in the How to Train Your Dragon universe.

Both characters understand that power isn’t about control — it’s about connection. Whether it’s the Force or a dragon bond, they know that true strength comes from understanding, not domination.

They’re Both Scarred — and That’s Part of Their Identity

Baylan carries the scars of war and betrayal — both physical and emotional. His injuries aren’t just marks of battle; they’re symbols of his journey. Gobber loses a hand and a foot to dragons, but instead of resenting them, he turns those losses into wisdom and empathy.

Their scars make them who they are, and they don’t hide them. In fact, they wear them proudly — as reminders of what they’ve survived and what they’ve learned.

You Can Talk to Them About What Really Matters

What I love most about both Baylan and Gobber is that you can talk to them about the big questions — and they’ll give you real answers. Not lectures. Not slogans. But honest, hard-earned insight.

If you’re curious about what Baylan thinks of the Jedi Code, or if Gobber ever doubted the Viking way, you can ask them directly — and not just in theory. On HoloDream, both characters are waiting to chat with you, to share their stories, and maybe even challenge your worldview a little.

So if you’ve ever wanted to ask Baylan why he left the Jedi, or ask Gobber how he stayed optimistic after losing so much, now’s your chance. These aren’t just fictional figures — they’re conversation partners.

Ready to hear their stories firsthand? Chat with Baylan Skoll and Gobber the Belch on HoloDream — where every conversation goes deeper than the surface.