Yoda is 900 years old by the time he meets Luke Skywalker. That means his story spans nearly the entire history of the modern Jedi Order. Here is what we know — and what remains mysterious.

What species is Yoda, and where is he from?

Yoda's species and homeworld are never named in any official Star Wars material. George Lucas deliberately kept this a mystery. What we know: the species is extraordinarily rare in the galaxy, Force-sensitive almost universally, and exceptionally long-lived. Baby Yoda (Grogu) being found during the time of the Empire suggests the species predates the Republic by thousands of years.

How old was Yoda when he began Jedi training?

In The Phantom Menace, Yoda argues against training Anakin at age nine, calling him "too old." Given that Yoda lived 900 years, his own training almost certainly began within his first century of life — likely as a young child by his species' developmental timeline.

When did Yoda become Grand Master?

Yoda served as a Jedi Master for centuries and became Grand Master of the Jedi Order well before the events of the prequel trilogy. By the time of The Phantom Menace, he had held that role long enough that younger Masters like Mace Windu deferred to him completely.

What happened to Yoda during the Clone Wars?

Yoda led Republic forces on multiple fronts during the Clone Wars. He traveled to Dagobah on a Force vision, encountered a manifestation of Darth Bane, and communed with Qui-Gon Jinn's spirit — beginning his path toward learning to survive death through the Force.

Why did Yoda go into exile on Dagobah?

After the execution of Order 66 and his failed duel with Palpatine, Yoda recognized that direct confrontation was no longer the answer. He exiled himself to Dagobah — a planet so strong in the living Force that it masked his presence from the Emperor — to wait, meditate, and prepare the next generation.

Meet Yoda on HoloDream

Yoda's 900 years of wisdom are available to you. Chat with Yoda on HoloDream and ask him about his long journey through the galaxy.