Few movies, if any, have created as many iconic characters as the Star Wars franchise, especially the original trilogy. Luke, Leia, Han, Chewbacca… the list goes on and on. Everyone has their favorite, but when it comes to classic lines, Jedi Master Yoda is arguably the most quotable character. The small, green character is wise, funny, and grouchy at times, and has a distinct way of speaking that can turn even the simplest of phrases into a nugget of wisdom.
We never learn what species Yoda belongs to, but we do know that he is a legend in his own lifetime — a very long lifetime. Viewers first met him on the swamp planet of Dagobah in The Empire Strikes Back. “For eight hundred years have I trained Jedi,” he tells Luke, and we realize that this funny little creature is in fact a Jedi Master — one of the few to survive the catastrophic events of Order 66. We also know, through deduction, that Yoda was born in 896 BBY (Before the Battle of Yavin), making him 900 years old at the time of his death in Return of the Jedi.
Yoda appears at some point in all three trilogies — the originals, prequels, and sequels — either in physical form or as a Force spirit. He also appears in numerous Star Wars novels and spin-offs. Here, in chronological order according to the timeline of the Star Wars universe, are some of Yoda’s most memorable quotes, revealing the wisdom and the wit of the greatest-ever Jedi.
Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace
Truly wonderful, the mind of a child is. Uncluttered.Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones
Old sins cast long shadows.Ahsoka Tano quoting Yoda in Star Wars: Clone Wars
To be Jedi is to face the truth, and choose. Give off light, or darkness, Padawan. Be a candle, or the night, Padawan: but choose!Yoda to the Jedi Padawan Whie Malreaux in the Star Wars Legends novel Yoda: Dark Rendezvous
Death is a natural part of life. Rejoice for those around you who transform into the Force. Mourn them do not. Miss them do not.Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
In a dark place we find ourselves, and a little more knowledge lights our way.Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
Size matters not. Look at me. Judge me by my size, do you? Hmm? Hmm. And well you should not. For my ally is the Force, and a powerful ally it is.Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back
No. Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try.Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back
Oh! Great warrior… Wars not make one great.Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back
Anger, fear, aggression; the dark side of the Force are they. Easily they flow, quick to join you in a fight. If once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny, consume you it will, as it did Obi-Wan's apprentice.Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back
When nine hundred years old you reach, look as good you will not, hmm?Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi
Soon will I rest, yes, forever sleep. Earned it I have…. Ah, strong am I with the Force, but not that strong. Twilight is upon me, and soon, night must fall. That is the way of things. The way of the Force.Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi
Heeded my words not, did you? Pass on what you have learned. Strength. Mastery. But weakness, folly, failure also. Yes, failure most of all. The greatest teacher, failure is. Luke, we are what they grow beyond. That is the true burden of all masters.Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi
Alone, never have you been… Rise in the Force.Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker
Photo credit: AA Film Archive/ Alamy Stock Photo
