Yondu Udonta’s Code Break and Exile in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 introduces a raft of complex characters and plotlines, among them the exodus of Yondu Udonta. Why was Yondu exiled from the Ravagers and what code did he break? This article delves into the intricacies of the Ravager code and explores the motivations behind Yondu’s decision, setting the scene for a nuanced theatrical experience.

Understanding the Ravager Code

The Ravagers, a band of interstellar mercenaries, operate under a strict code that includes a no-nonsense stance against child trafficking. This is an integral part of their honor and ethos, as mentioned in the dialogue: Ravagers don’t deal in kids. This rule is grounded in their belief that children should not be used as commodities, a principle that Yondu challenges by taking on a job to deliver the young Peter Quill to his father, but keeping and raising Peter instead.

The Violation of Ravager Code

Yondu was exiled from the Ravagers for breaking a fundamental part of their code: dealing in children. In the film, Yondu accepts a secretive mission from the Celestial Ego to deliver a child (Peter Quill) to his father. However, Yondu chooses to defy the code and raise Peter, leading to his expulsion.
According to the dialogue: You betrayed the code. Ravagers don’t deal in kids.

The Mysterious Exodus

The movie evokes suspense surrounding the circumstances that led to Yondu’s exile. The specific details of who turned him in or when exactly he broke the code are left ambiguous. The plot keeps the audience guessing with theories and speculations, such as whether Yondu knew the true intentions of Ego and whether his crew were complicit in the violation.
The conversation between Yondu and Stakar provides a poignant moment:

You betrayed the code. Ravagers don’t deal in kids.
I told you before, I didn’t know what was going on.

Yondu’s crew also seems conflicted. Some members, like Gamora, seemed to have their reasons for not fully supporting the mission, perhaps leading to the possibility that not everyone in the crew believed Yondu had broken the code.

Theological Implications and Alternative Theories

Some theories suggest that Yondu may have only trafficked non-child individuals for Ego, aligning his actions with a less severe interpretation of the code. For instance, in the film, the bones seen on the Living Planet are speculated to be of adult victims, suggesting that Yondu only became a violator of the code upon taking Peter Quill, a child. This adds layers to Yondu's character, making his actions more morally ambiguous and complex.

Another interpretation proposes that Yondu might have lied about Peter's fate to Ego, thereby tricking everyone, including the audience and the other Ravagers. This could mean that he was able to retain his crew by making up stories and covering his tracks, maintaining their loyalty even while breaking the code.

In these theories, Yondu is both a betrayer and a hero, further complicating the narrative and character development. The ambiguity is a hallmark of the film's storytelling, adding to the intrigue and keeping the audience guessing.

Conclusion

The exile of Yondu Udonta in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 revolves around his violation of the Ravager code against child trafficking. This pivotal moment is a testament to the complexity and moral ambiguity of the film, encapsulated in the relationships and decisions of its characters. The multiplicity of theories adds a layer of intrigue, leaving the true nature of Yondu's actions open to interpretation and discussion.