Force-sensitive

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Force-sensitivity is a condition in the fictional Star Wars universe where a life form possesses a natural connection to the Force. Though the Force flows through all life, with only rare exceptions (such as the Yuuzhan Vong), outright sensitivity to it is a more uncommon trait. Force-sensitivity is a trait established at birth, and is revealed in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace to be the product of midichlorians, microscopic beings that exist symbiotically with other life forms, and allow the Force to flow through their hosts. There also appear to be varying levels of Force-sensitivity, or "Force potential". This could range from a relatively modest level (such as Tionne, one of Luke Skywalker's first Jedi students), to very high levels (such as Yoda and Darth Sidious) to exceptionally rare beings of astronomical power (such as Anakin Skywalker, and perhaps his descendants Luke and the Solo children). Typically, the term Force-sensitivity is used to denote a high-level of Force-sensitivity, high enough that Force powers may manifest spontaneously, and strong enough that the individual can be trained in the ways of the Jedi or Sith traditions. This usage is technically incorrect, because all living creatures are linked to the Force and are thus Force sensitives, and can even be trained to perform feats through this connection generally considered reserved to Jedi or Sith — the B'omarr monks of Tatooine have performed feats of predicting the future that rival the wisest of Jedi Masters or Sith Lords, without being considered Force-sensitive, or even having a body; Jorj Car'Das, an Old Republic smuggling chieftain, whose lack of Force-sensitivity was confirmed by Yoda himself, could teleport objects using the Force after being instructed by the mysterious alien Aing-Tii monks of the Kathol Rift:

"I thought you needed a certain amount of inborn aptitude to be a Jedi," Shada pointed out.

"A Jedi, perhaps." Car'Das nodded. "But as I said, the Ain-Tii have a different view of the Force. Not in terms of Jedi and Dark Jedi—of black and white, as it were—but in a way I like to think of as a full-color rainbow. Here, let me show you…"[1]

Although one must be born with Force potential, it can be reduced or taken away by other circumstances, such as extreme levels of physical and emotional trauma (such as Anakin's climactic battle with Obi-Wan Kenobi at the end of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith), or through the use of a special Force technique where the body is literally stripped of its connection to the Force. (Nomi Sunrider used this technique on Ulic Qel-Droma, as a last resort to redeem him from the dark side of the Force.)

[edit] Notes

^  Timothy Zahn, Vision of the Future

[edit] References

  • The Sith War, 1st edition trade paperback, 1996. Kevin J. Anderson, ISBN 1-56971-173-9
  • Episode I: The Phantom Menace - Novelisation, 1st edition paperback, 1999. Terry Brooks, George Lucas, ISBN 0-345-43411-0
  • Episode III: Revenge of the Sith - Novelisation, 1st edition hardcover, 2005. Matthew Woodring Stover, George Lucas, ISBN 0-7126-8427-1
  • Tales from Jabba's Palace, 1st edition, 1995. Kevin J. Anderson (editor), ISBN 0-553-56815-9
    • "Of the day's annoyances: Bib Fortuna's tale", M. Shayne Bell
  • Vision of the Future, 1st printing, 1998. Timothy Zahn. ISBN 0-553-10035-1