Understanding the Mandalorian Timeline: Before or After The Rise of Skywalker?

The Mandalorian TV series, set in the Star Wars universe, explores a critical juncture in galactic history. Often asked questions revolve around the exact timeline of The Mandalorian in relation to other pivotal events in the Star Wars saga, such as the establishment of the New Jedi Order and the rise of the First Order. In this article, we’ll delve into the intricate timeline to determine whether The Mandalorian takes place before or after The Rise of Skywalker.

The Mandalorian's Timeframe:

The Mandalorian, set roughly five years after the fall of the Empire in Return of the Jedi, takes place 25 years before the events of The Force Awakens. This places the series firmly about 9-10 years after the Battle of Yavin, where the events of Return of the Jedi and the destruction of the second Death Star culminated in the defeat of the Empire.

Connecting the Legends and Canon Timelines:

It's worth noting the difference between Legends and Canon timelines for a fuller context. In Legends, Luke Skywalker trains Jedi survivors on Yavin IV during 11 ABY, which was a concept that was not included in the Canon. According to Canon timeline, Luke began forming the Jedi Order several years after the Battle of Yavin with Yavin IV designated as the place where he would train his recruits.

Key Events and Timeline Details:

The Mandalorian Season 1-2: Spanning from 9 ABY to 10 ABY, this period sees a significant period of transition as the New Republic consolidates its power and Imperial forces continue their dwindling resistance.

The Mandalorian Season 3: Set in 11 ABY, this is the timeline when the New Republic is fully established and the vast majority of remaining Imperial forces are either allied, defeated, or destroyed. This is also around the time when Luke Skywalker initiates his new Jedi Order on Ossus, underscoring the importance of this period in the Star Wars lore.

Major Factors Influencing the Timeline:

The Mandalorian primarily takes place around 6 years after the events of Return of the Jedi, which means the series is set before the significant events of The Rise of Skywalker. This period is crucial for understanding the development of the galaxy after the fall of the Empire.

Luke Skywalker: During this timeline, Luke is heavily involved in training new Jedi and bolstering the Jedi Order. Under his leadership, the galaxy is transitioning from chaos to a more stable New Republic. This period also includes Leia’s training in the use of the Force, emphasizing the importance of preserving the legacy of the Jedi.

Imperial Remnants and Galactic Dynamics:

The period depicted in The Mandalorian is characterized by the diminishing presence of Imperial forces. These remnants are quickly sidelined by the New Republic and local resistance groups, making this an era of significant societal change in the galaxy.

Conclusion:

The Mandalorian takes place about 5-6 years after the events of Return of the Jedi, making it firmly set before the pivotal events of The Rise of Skywalker. This timeline is critical for understanding the ongoing political and social dynamics of the galaxy, particularly the formation of the Jedi Order and the consolidation of the New Republic.

With its intricate timeline and rich storytelling, The Mandalorian offers fans a unique window into the Star Wars universe, bridging the gap between the Legends and Canon timelines and providing a nuanced view of the galaxy far, far away.