Grand Admiral Thrawn

## Thrawn

Eli Vanto, Arihnda Pryce, Rukh, Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader, Padmé Amidala, Palpatine, Agent Kallus (formerly), Kassius Konstantine (formerly), Tiber Saxon, Wilhuff Tarkin, Wullf Yularen, Vult Skerris, Captain Slavin, Gilad Pellaeon
**Legends:**
Mara Jade (formerly), Gilad Pallaeon, Rukh (formerly), Talon Karrde (formerly), Joruus C'boath

### Enemies

**Canon:** Hera Syndulla, Ezra Bridger, Alexsandr Kallus, Kanan Jarrus, Sabine Wren, Zeb Orrelios, Chopper, Jun Sato, Mon Mothma, Jan Dodanna, Hondo Ohnaka, Rex, Cham Syndulla, Wolffe, Gregor, Nightswan, Grand Admiral Savit, Purrgil, The Bendu, Ahsoka Tano, Kassius Konstantine**Legends:** Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa Solo, Han Solo, Mara Jade, Noghri, Talon Karrde, Rukh

“*History is on the move. Those who cannot keep up will be left behind, to watch from a distance. And those who stand in our way will not watch at all.*”
―Thrawn

**Mitth'raw'nuruodo**, better known as **Grand Admiral Thrawn** is a major villain in the *Star Wars universe*. He was introduced in the 1991 Timothy Zahn novel Heir to the Empire, being Commander of the Galactic Empires remaining forces after the defeat if Palpatine at the hands of his former Apprentice Anakin Skywalker (Darth Vader), where he faced off the Skywalker twins, Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa Solo. He is seemingly resurrected in the *Hand of Thrawn* duology (1997–98), and his backstory is explored in various other novels, short stories, comics, and video games in the Star Wars expanded universe.

Due to his popularity in the non-canon legends, he was re-introduced in the new Star Wars Canon as the main antagonist of the third and fourth and final seasons of *Star Wars Rebels* television series.

In the Legends material, Thrawn was voiced by Tris King in *TIE Fighter* and Robin Atkin Downes in *Empire at War: Forces of Corruption* (who also voiced Cham Syndulla in the *Clone Wars* and *Rebels* television series). In canon, he was voiced by Lars Mikkelsen. In both Canon and Legends continuity, he is voiced by Marc Thompson in the audiobook versions of both the Legends and Canon *Thrawn* trilogies.

## Biography

### Personality

Thrawn is a cold-blooded Imperial and one of the Rebels' most dangerous adversaries. He was highly intelligent, calm, level-headed, and observant, as he believes that understanding an enemy's culture, history, philosophy, and art is crucial in order to discern their tactics and ultimately defeat them in battle. He is tactically superior to many other Imperial leaders who often used the same strategies, and, as a result, were defeated by the Rebels. When Thrawn is dispatched to fight Cham Syndulla and his Free Ryloth Movement, the latter does not expect his adversary's attacks to be as precise and devastating as they turned out to be. He also used situations to his advantage and could formulate creative strategies in his head that could be achieved without error. Unlike most other Imperial officers, Thrawn is not a particularly cruel or malicious individual. As a matter of fact, he is quite gentlemanly, being polite and cordial with even his own enemies. Thrawn is also very patient, preferring to study the tactics of his enemies rather than to instantly become the aggressor, even if it means allowing them to escape. However, Thrawn's patience does have its limits, as he sometimes becomes annoyed or enraged when others either question his views or fail to understand his appreciation of art.

Although antagonistic and quite ruthless, Thrawn is not pure evil. He generally preferred to avoid causing collateral damage, as was demonstrated during the Battle of Batonn, where he attempted to negotiate with the enemy. However, although reluctantly, Thrawn sometimes condoned civilian casualties if it meant a sure victory, as shown during the Liberation of Lothal.Even though he never told anyone, not even his most trusted friend, Eli Vanto, Thrawn despised the oppressive, racist, and corrupt Imperial culture, viewing many of his fellow officers as either evil or downright stupid. He was also one of the few within the Empire to realize how evil the Emperor is, even going as far to speculate that he could be in touch with the Force. Being a pragmatist, he believed the Empire to be a necessary evil and that serving it is the best way to defend his people. Ironically, he managed to obtain the rank of Grand Admiral, meaning that he is one of the highest-ranking members of a civilization he neither adores nor originally comes from. Even so, the fact that he purposefully infiltrated the Imperial hierarchy means that he must follow Imperial directives, meaning that, in order to fit in, he comes across as far crueler than he is on a moral level. He believes in the ends justifying the means, which is evident when he practically kills a mechanic to set an example. Finally, Thrawn inspires loyalty from his men. Where people like Darth Vader and Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin seek to punish those who fail, Thrawn sees those failures as opportunities, so that his men can learn to do better and succeed. He views death as a means of punishing soldiers as being wasteful.

He ultimately underestimated his unworthy opponent Ezra Bridger, a young Jedi who managed to take out his entire fleet with help from the Purrgil.

## Legends

### Background

 File:Thrawn legends.png  Thrawn was born on the planet Csilla and had a brother, Thrass. Both Thrawn and Thrass were adopted into the house of Mitth

### The *Thrawn* trilogy

#### *Heir to the Empire*

Five years after *Return of the Jedi*, Grand Admiral Thrawn, one of the last twelve Grand Admirals, secretly took command of a shattered Imperial Fleet, planning to attack the New Republic, who themselves are building ttheir own armies. He hoped to search for a Dark Jedi to join his side to restore the Galactic Empire. Elsewhere, the Skywalker twins have began building their lives; Leia has married han Solo, expecting twins, and Luke has become the long-awaited new line of Jedi Knights. Despite the New Republic's numerical advantage over the remaining Imperial Forces, Thrawn is still rebuilding the Galactic Empire. Visiting Emperor Palpatine's Waylland storehouse, he hopes to gain the storehouse's massive array of Spaarti cloning cylinders.
With Gillad Pellaeon, Talon Karrde, and Mara Jade Skywalker , they obtain several creatures ysalamiri, possing the natural ability to disrupt the Force, to subdue the storehouse's guardian, Joruus C'boath, an evil clone of a Jedi Master Thrawn previously killed. C'boath offers his loyalty to Thrawn in exchange for two acolytes to bend to his will: Darth Vader's twins, Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa. He sends two Noghri killers to kidnap the twins, but Leia defends herself from one attack, as does Luke. The Noghri surrenders just as Thrawn launches his first offensive to the republich, making hit and run attacks to the New Republic's territory. Thrawn invades Nkllon because he is in need of Warships. His stormtroopers use the stolen miners to board and hijack the ships, but they are thwarted when Lando is able to seize control of the miners remotely. The Grand Admiral withdraws his forces, but thanks to Thrawn's plotting, his New Republic nemesis Admiral Ackbar is soon arrested for treason.

#### *Dark Force Rising*

The book reveals that prior to the Clone Wars, the Old Republic had constructed a fleet of highly automated heavy cruisers, known as the Katana fleet. A virus infected the crews of the entire fleet and drove them insane. The fleet was never seen again until smuggler Talon Karrde discovered it (several years before the events of the first book). With access to Palpatine's private storehouse on the planet Wayland, Thrawn presses his advantage to marshal more forces for the battle against the New Republic. Mara Jade, in an attempt to exonerate the Empire's warrant for Karrde's arrest, goes to Thrawn and offers to reveal the location of the Katana fleet. Instead, he has her followed and Karrde is captured. Mara and Luke rescue Karrde from Thrawn's Star Destroyer as Thrawn attempts to capture another man who knows about the Katana fleet.
Meanwhile, Leia learns that the Noghri serve the Empire because they revere her late father, the insidious Vader, who they believe saved their planet Honoghr from ecological disaster. Leia convinces them that they have been deceived and effectively enslaved by the Empire, and they switch sides. With Ackbar temporarily neutralized as a tactical opponent, Thrawn leads an army of clones to claim the so-called "Katana fleet", outmaneuvering Luke, Lando, and Han Solo.

#### *The Last Command*

Set about a month after the previous book, Thrawn uses the Katana fleet, manned with clones, to mount a successful offensive against the New Republic. Seizing one planet after the other, the Grand Admiral soon immobilizes the galactic capital world, Coruscant. He has placed multiple cloaked asteroids around the planet, and through a ruse he has led the New Republic leadership to believe that Coruscant is surrounded with them. Learning of the deception, the Republic fleet attacks the Imperial shipyards at Bilbringi to capture a device that can find the cloaked asteroids, but Thrawn's forces crush them. Meanwhile, Luke and Leia lead a group to destroy the cloning facility on Wayland. Just as Thrawn and Pellaeon learn that the Noghri aided in the attack on Wayland, Thrawn's own Noghri bodyguard, Rukh, kills the Grand Admiral—whose last words are, "But ... it was so artistically done." With all hope of victory dashed by Thrawn's death, Pellaeon orders the Imperial forces to retreat.

### *Vision of the Future*

Admiral Gilad Pellaeon admits that the Empire, down to only a few sectors, is now fighting a losing battle, and initiates peace talks with Princess Leia. However, Moff Disra hires a con artist, Flim, to impersonate the deceased Grand Admiral Thrawn in order to motivate the Imperial forces. Major Grodin Tierce, the clone of a former stormtrooper imbued with Thrawn's tactical intellect by the grand admiral himself, strategizes that the false Thrawn could also rally support for the Empire and intimidate the New Republic. The tactic is successful until Pellaeon and Talon Karrde—on opposing sides but both desiring peace—expose Flim. Meanwhile, at a fortress called the Hand of Thrawn, Luke and Mara discover a gestating and near-complete clone of Thrawn, which is killed during their escape. An expedition by Thrawn to the galaxy's Unknown Regions is also mentioned. Finally, a peace treaty is signed by Pellaeon and the New Republic's president.

## Canon

### *Star Wars Rebels*: Season 3

 File:Rebels3x01 1345.jpg  Annoyed by the recent rebel activity going on at Lothal, Arihnda Pryce approaches Grand Moff Tarkin and requests for the assistance from someone who sees a "bigger picture" about bring about the downfall of the rebels and requests for the Seventh Fleet led by Grand Admiral Thrawn.  While some officers, such as Konstantine, believed that these ships were the rebel fleet, Thrawn and Pryce actually both believed that this group of rebels were the key for the Empire to destroy the Rebellion before it begun. Pryce revealed Thrawn just didn't want to concern himself with just Phoenix Squadron, but the Rebel Alliance as a whole, starting with the rebel cell.

 File:Rebels3x04 1041.jpg
In his first major appearance, "Hera's Heroes," Thrawn moved his plans to capture rebels to Hera Syndulla's homeworld, Ryloth, where he helped the Captain in command, Slavin, on how to outsmart Cham Syndulla and the Rylothian resistance. During his visit to Syndulla's house, he had a battalion of stormtroopers move up to the Syndulla building. Slavin saw the new tactics unnecesary, believing the battle was no where nere here, but Thrawn assured that the battle was in that very building. They came across Twi'lek Hera Syndulla trying to escape with her companion, Ezra Bridger until she was brought back to her father's office while posing as a refugee. However, Thrawn was able to tell who Hera was while Ezra was a scout trooper in disguise. He stunned Ezra and had both rebels locked away. Taking the Kalikori as a trophy, Thrawn acknowledged his respect for Hera and left Slavin to deal with the rebel prisoners, seeing how the rebels would react to rescuing one of their own. After witnessing enough, he allowed the rebels to escape.

 File:Thrawn (Iron Squadron) 3.jpg   In "Iron Squadron," during a plot to lure Jun Sato out of hiding, he had Imperial forces attack his homeworld of Mykapo. He sent Admiral Konstantine to stop the Rebels from freeing their rebel sympathizers in one ship after learning about Iron Squadron. His plan worked and Thrawn arrived on Mykapo after being contacted by Konstantine, where he had seen his plan to get Commander Sato out of hiding. Welcoming the commander's return, Thrawn and Sato swore to meet again before the rebels and Iron Squadron made it to hyperspace. The grand admiral contacted Konstantine, who had called fit assistance but covered up his excuses by changing it to report that the rebels escaped. However, Thrawn could see through Konstantine's bluff and easily surmised the rebels didn't just evade capture, but with their sympathizers as well.

Following the insurgency of Mykapo, in "An Inside Man," Thrawn returned to the TIE Defender factory on Lothal. During his visit, he killed Morad Sumar (without knowing he was allied with rebels) through a demonstration of a speeder bike that they had rigged. Capturing the rebels was imperative to Thrawn, who wanted to make sure that his TIE defender project was not compromised, which is why he made sure that Section A2 was heavily guarded and those without the proper clearance be killed on sight. Thrawn studied his enemies' art after summoning Lyste and Kallus to his office, including holographic displays of the Spectres, Sabine's art, and a Jedi Temple Guard's helmet and showed Lyste and Kallus Sabine's Starbird painting. While Lyste was dismissive of the artwork, Kallus was able to tell that the graffiti was Phoenix Squadron's symbol. Remembering the spectres he encountered on Ryloth, he could speculate that the *Ghost* crew were connected to Lothal. Based on Lyste's report that two workers went missing after Grand Admiral Thrawn's speech, he was able to tell that the rebels have infiltrated his Imperial factory (Ezra Bridger, Kanan Jarrus and their droid, Chopper); however, Ezra, Kanan and Chopper escaped with help from Kallus and attempted to escape on the AT-AT walkers until Thrawn told the other drives to fire at the ones controlled by Rebels. However, they escaped when Ryder Azadi and Marida Sumar. At the end, as Thrawn spoke with Kallus and Pryce and dismissed Lyste, Thrawn was able to tell that there was a mole in the Empire. Governor Pryce proclaimed that they must find the traitor. However, Thrawn told her to remain patient when she asked about questioning all Imperial personnel, and that they would set a trap for their Rebel spy.

He is briefly mentioned by Sabine Wren in "Visions and Voices" when she asks if Thrawn is there, but Hera reveals that they have no confirmation. Ezra was going to lead the attack, but was relieved of duties after seeing visions of Maul. Kanan and Sabine remained with Ezra to deal with the former Sith Lord.

In "Warhead," Thrawn planned to find out where the rebels were located and had E-XD infiltrator droids deployed to corners of the Galaxy. One found its way to Chopper base on Atollon but it was defeated by Zeb Orrelios, Chopper and AP-5. Fallowing the destruction of the Star Destroyer, Thrawn met with Kallus, who reported with the Grand Admiral how he suspected the rebels were able to foil Thrawn's plans with the infiltrator droids. However, the Grand Admiral remained in high spirits, Kallus was surprised by his superior's response. Thrawn revealed that the incident greatly narrowed down the planets from a thousand planets to ninety-four. Thrawn proclaimed the war would be theirs, as Kallus was left with worry his allies would be discovered.

### *Star Wars Rebels:* Season 4

 File:Star-Wars-Rebels-414-3.jpg  In the series finale, Thrawn returns from Coruscant, ruining Ezra and his friends' plan in liberating Lothal from the Galactic Empire. he is contacted by Ezra, who confidentially tells Thrawn that he and the rebels have taken the Imperial dome prisoner. However, Thrawn is revealed to be one step ahead  of them and instead will only accept the young Jedi's surrender. When Ezra refuses, Thrawn orders a planetary bombardment and had sent Rukh to cause the rebels' shield generator to malfunction. unwilling to see his people suffer, Ezra is coerced into giving into Thrawn's demands. The Grand Admiral warns the young commander to come alone and not to attempt anything heroic or he would continue to bombard the city, unaware of Ezra's ultimate plan to save his homeworld.

When Ezra arrived on the *Chimaera*as promised, Thrawn had the captive Jedi brought into his office and began mocking him for what he stood for, even following his Jedi training. His taunts only aggravated Ezra, who was appalled by Thrawn's art collection, including one of Sabine's works of art. The Grand Admiral revealed he was not destroying Lothal completely, even keeping several artwork he collected over the years. Ezra angrily confronted Thrawn, reprimanding him of taking things that did not belong to him and telling Thrawn he didn't deserve the artwork in his possession or Lothal.  The Grand Admiral refuted that power was what people should truly keep and told Ezra that the Jedi would not teach him that and instead would take him to someone who would. He brought Ezra before a hologram of the Emperor, who used his public image when conversing with Ezra.  Palpatine dismissed Thrawn, who left Ezra with  the Emperor and ordered his forces to resume the city bombardment. During the liberation of Lothal, Rukh was killed by Zeb Orrelios after throwing him on the destroyed power generator.

 File:Thrawn'sDefeat.png
When Thrawn attempted to contact his bodyguard, Zeb answered instead and informed him of the Noghri's death.Despite Thrawn being assured of victory, he was suddenly confronted by Ezra and was generally surprised to see the boy managed to escape capture. Though he only managed to wound the human with his blaster, Ezra used his connection with the Purrgil, who wrapped their tentacles around Thrawn, who was utterly horrified as the creatures disappeared into hyperspace, taking Ezra and Thrawn to parts unknown.

## Relationships

### Eli Vanto

Eli was a loyal friend and follower of Thrawn's, especially acting as his translator whenever Thrawn struggled to speak the Galactic Basic. Vanto helped Thrawn integrate into the galactic society; in return, Thrawn admired Vanto for hisi understanding in Throughout the beginnings of his career, Eli was initially angry that he was turned over promotion and instead, put under Thrawn's services. However, over time, Eli grew loyal to Thrawn. The Chiss grew to see Eli a friend and a confident, but never revealed anything personal from his past. He tried everything to ensure his aid gained promotion within the Galactic Empire.  When he was offered to leave Thrawn's services, Vanto refused out of loyalty towards his friend.

Revealed at the end of the novel, *Thrawn*, in the titular character's personal diary that he did consider Vanto a friend and knew that his friend's skill would prove to be a valuable asset to the Chiss Ascendancy.

### Arihnda Pryce

	+ Mitth'ras'safis † - Brother (*Legends*)

Allies* Chiss Ascendancy
	+ Ar'alani
	+ Vah'nya
	+ Un'hee
	+ Eli Vanto - Aide, Guide and Friend
* Galactic Empire
	+ Emperor Palpatine - Former Superior
	+ Rukh † - Personal Assassin
	+ Arihnda Pryce † - Subordinate and Situational Ally
	+ Kassius Konstantine †
	+ Yogar Lyste
	+ Gilad Pallaeon
	+ Wilhuff Tarkin
	+ Vult Skerris
	+ Tiber Saxon †
	+ Slavin †
	+ Karyn Faro - Protege
	+ Imperial Security Bureau
		- Wullf Yularen †
* Skywalker family
	+ Anakin Skywalker †
	+ Padmé Amidala †
	+ R2-D2
* Joruus C'boath † - Temporary Enemy (*Legends*)
* Alliance to Restore the Republic
	+ Hera Syndulla
	+ Ezra Bridger
	+ Sabine Wren
	+ C1-10P/Chopper
	+ Kanan Jarrus †
	+ Zeb Orrelios
	+ Captain Rex
	+ Jan Dodanna †
	+ Mon Mothma
* The Bendu
* Purrgil
* Lothal Resistance
	+ Ryder Azadi
	+ Morad Sumar
	+ Commando Gregor
	+ Commander Wolffe
	+ Hondo Ohnaka
	+ Ketsu Onyo
	+ Melch
* Free Ryloth movement
	+ Cham Syndulla
* Skywalker Family
	+ Luke Skywalker (*Legends*)
	+ Mara Jade Skywalker † - Former Ally (*Legends*)
	+ Leia Organa (*Legends*)
	+ Han Solo (*Legends*)
	+ Lando Calrissian (*Legends*)
* Talon Karrde (*Legends*)
* Galactic Empire
	+ Grand Admiral Savit

## Quotes

### Legends

“*One can concentrate so closely on the words of a sentence that one thereby misses the meaning. As can happen in any area of life. You must never lose focus on the larger landscape*”
―Thrawn

“*What exactly do you think you're doing?"
"The job for which I was commissioned. I'm protecting the Ascendancy from its enemies."
"Its enemies. Not potential enemies. Do you hear the difference?"
"Yes. And no.*”
―Mitth'ras'safis and Mitth'raw'nuruodo

“*No warrior ever has the full depth of control that he would like. But I wish here that it might have been otherwise.*”
―Thrawn

“*I do not need permission to fight on their behalf.*”
―Thrawn

“*There are two ways to destroy a person, Jorj. Kill him, or ruin his reputation."
"I suppose that makes sense. Any idea which approach Nuso Esva's planning?"
"If I know Nuso Esva, very likely both.*”
―Thrawn and Jorj Car'das

“*I encounter civilians like you all the time. You believe the Empire is continually plotting to do harm. Let me tell you, your view of the Empire is far too dramatic. The Empire is a government. It keeps billions of beings fed and clothed. Day after day, year after year, on thousands of worlds people live their lives under Imperial rule without ever seeing a stormtrooper or hearing a TIE fighter scream overhead.*”
―Thrawn

“*It was my one failure, out on the Fringes. The one time when understanding a race's art gave me no insight at all into its psyche. At least not at the time. Now, I believe I'm finally beginning to understand them."
"I'm sure that will prove useful in the future."
"I doubt it. I wound up destroying their world.*”
―Thrawn and Gilad Pellaeon, reminiscing on one of Thrawn's past mission

“*The Unknown Regions are the future of the Empire, Captain. It's only fitting that the Imperial Fleet lead the way."Thrawn to Dagon Niriz*”
―{{{2}}}

“*We were both born as commoners. I can live that way again if I have to. But I'll do what I can to assure that the Eighth Family doesn't release or rematch you on my account.*”
―Thrawn

“*On no fewer than four occasions I told the Emperor that I would not waste his troops and ships attacking an enemy which I was not yet prepared to defeat.*”
―Grand Admiral Thrawn

“*Sounds like you're feeling more charitable against the Rebellion these days."
"Not at all. Their military abilities are undeniable, but their chances for long-term stability are nonexistent.*”
―Jorj Car'das and Thrawn

“*This Rebel stronghold has no hope of escape! Commence the attack!*”
―Thrawn

“*Yes, Emperor Palpatine. I have studied Zaarin's ways closely. He will not resist the bait that I have laid out for him. Soon, he too will meet his end.*”
―Grand Admiral Thrawn

“*The traitor Zaarin cannot run forever. Soon, he will be in our grasp.*”
―Grand Admiral Thrawn

“*Thus is the fate of enemies of the Empire.*”
―Thrawn on the death of Zaarin

“*I am Grand Admiral Thrawn. I have been away, but now I have returned. I know some of what has occurred. You will fill in the details of the rest when I come aboard. Rejoice, Captain, for the Empire will rise again.*”
―Thrawn greets Gilad Pellaeon

“*Learn about art, Captain. When you understand a species' art, you understand that species.*”
―Thrawn to Pellaeon

“*There's a degree of risk involved. But risk has always been an inescapable part of warfare. In this case, the potential benefits far outweigh the potential dangers.*”
―Thrawn on recruiting Joruus C'baoth

“*You were expecting, perhaps, that I'd order an all-out attack? That I would seek to cover our defeat in a frenzy of false and futile heroics?"
 "Of course not."
 "We haven't been defeated, Captain. Merely slowed down a bit.*”
―Thrawn and Gilad Pellaeon after the defeat at Sluis Van

“*The entire Noghri populace, I think, needs to be reminded of who it is they serve.*”
―Thrawn plans a visit to Honoghr

“*I rule the Empire now. Not some long-dead Emperor; certainly not you.*”
―Thrawn, to Mara Jade

“*The fortunes of war rise and fall, and you may be assured that the Rebellion will be repaid in full for their destruction of the Peremptory at the Katana fleet skirmish. But that repayment will occur in the context of our overall strategy. Not as an act of private vengeance."*”
―Thrawn, to Captain Brandei

“*History is on the move, Captain. Those who cannot keep up will be left behind, to watch from a distance. And those who stand in our way will not watch at all."*”
―Thrawn to Gilad Pellaeon

“*But… it was so artistically done."*”
―Thrawn's last words

“*Do you know the difference between an error and a mistake, Ensign?"
"No, sir."
"Anyone can make an error, Ensign. But that error doesn't become a mistake until you refuse to correct it."*”
―Thrawn and Colclazure

“*I have no qualms about accepting a useful idea merely because it wasn't my own."*”
―Thrawn

“*Multiple species, with multiple viewpoints and racial philosophies, simply cannot hold power together for long. The dominant voice must certainly be wise enough to adopt ideas and methods from its allies and member peoples. But there must be a dominant voice, or there is only chaos. In this part of the galaxy, that voice is the Empire."*”
―Thrawn articulates a defense of the Empire.

### Canon

“*There are things in the universe that are simply and purely evil. A warrior does not seek to understand them, or to compromise with them. He seeks only to obliterate them.*”
―Thrawn's psychology

“*I wish to more fully understand this conflict in which you're embroiled. I wish answers of right and wrong, of order and chaos, of strength and weakness. Of purpose and reaction. You asked my identity. I am now prepared to give it. I am Commander Mitth'raw'nuruodo, officer of hte Expansionary Defense Fleet, servant of the Chiss Ascendancy. On behalf of my people, I ask your assistance in learning of this war before it sweeps its disaster over our own worlds.*”
―Thrawn introducing himself to Anakin in their first encounter

“***Thrawn:** One additional thought. Chiss names are difficult for many species to properly pronounce. I suggest you address me by my core name: Thrawn.
**Anakin:** That's all right, Mitt'hraw'nuruodo. I think I can handle it.
**Thrawn:** Mitth'raw'nuruodo.
**Anakin:**That's what I said. Mitth'raw'nuruodo.
**Thrawn:** It's pronounced* Mitth'raw'nuruodo ***Anakin:** Yes, Mitt'hraw'nuruodo.
Thrawn: Mitt'hraw'nuruodo
**Anakin:** Fine.* Thrawn*.
**Thrawn:** Thank you. It will make things easier. My shuttle is prepared. Let us depart.*”
―Thrawn making Anakin use his core name rather than his full name

“*It is said that one should keep one's allies within view, and one's enemies within reach. A valid statement. One must be able to read an ally's strengths, so as to determine how to best use them. One must similarly be able to read his enemy's weaknesses, so as to determine how to best defeat him. But what of friends? There is no accepted answer, perhaps true friendship is so exceedingly rare. But I had formulated my own. A friend need not be kept within sight or within reach. A friend must be allowed the freedom to find and follow his own path. If one is fortunate, those paths will for a time join. But if paths separate, it is comforting to know that a friend still graces the universe with his skills, and his viewpoint, and his present. For if one is remembered by a friend, one is never truly gone.*”
―Thrawn on Vanto

“*There are things in the universe that are simply and purely evil. A warrior does not seek to understand them, or to compromise with them. He seeks only to obliterate them.*”
―Thrawn

“*It is said that one should keep one's allies within view, and one's enemies within reach. A valid statement. One must be able to read an ally's strengths, so as to determine how to best use them. One must similarly be able to read his enemy's weaknesses, so as to determine how to best defeat him. But what of friends? There is no accepted answer, perhaps true friendship is so exceedingly rare. But I had formulated my own. A friend need not be kept within sight or within reach. A friend must be allowed the freedom to find and follow his own path. If one is fortunate, those paths will for a time join. But if paths separate, it is comforting to know that a friend still graces the universe with his skills, and his viewpoint, and his present. For if one is remembered by a friend, one is never truly gone.*”
―Thrawn, on Eli Vanto

“*I will start my operations here, and pull the rebels apart piece by piece. They will be the architects of their own destruction.*”
―Grand Admiral Thrawn[src]

“*War. It's all you've ever known, isn't it? You were so young when you survived the Clone War. No wonder you are equipped in spirit to fight us like you do. War is in your blood. I study the art of war. Work to perfect it. But you...You were forged by it.*”
―Thrawn to Hera

“*No, Admiral, I want you to handle it yourself. A single light cruiser should be sufficient for a man of your talents.*"
"*You would send me? In one ship?*"
"*Unless you're not… up to it.*"
"*I will leave immediately.*”
―Thrawn dispatches Admiral Konstantine to Mykapo[src]

“*You seem, in surprisingly, good spirits, considering this loss.*"
"*Loss you say? The rebels may have protected the location of their base for now, but, in doing so, they have narrowed my search. Before today, they could have been hiding in any of the thousand systems. But now, now I know they are, almost certainly, on one of the ninety-four planets surveyed by my infiltrators. The rebels have won this battle, but the war will be ours.*”
―Kallus and Thrawn discussing the outcome of the EXD infiltrator droid sabotage.

“*I believe Agent Fulcrum will prove far more useful to the Empire than Kallus ever was.*”
―Thrawn revealing his discovery of the identity of Fulcrum

“*She could be our key to locating the true rebel fleet.*”
―Grand Admiral Thrawn on the possible capture of Mon Mothma

“*I do not require glory, only results for my Emperor.*”
―Thrawn's response to Kallus after he derided Thrawn for holding his capital ships[src]

“*You cannot see. But I can.*"
"*What? What do you see?*"
"*I see your defeat. Like many arms surrounding you in a cold embrace.*”
―The Bendu and Thrawn[src]

“*The invasion is coming, Lord Vader. But I have now bought the Empire time to prepare.*”
―Thrawn, to Darth Vader on the threat of the Grysk to the Empire.[src]

“*Effective, yes, but you miss the true artistry of this weapon, Governor Saxon. It turns an armor legendary for its strength into a crippling weakness, and it strikes at the very heart of your people's tradition.*”
―Grand Admiral Thrawn to Governor Tiber Saxon

“*Your TIE Defender program is at risk. Orson Krennic has been quite persuasive about diverting the funding to his own project: Stardust.*"
"*The Emperor has assured me that he supports my project.*"
"*In my view, Director Krennic's project has been nothing but expenses and excuses for years on end. If construction of the Defender is to continue, you must make your case directly to the Emperor himself. I have already arranged the meeting.*"
"*I'll leave immediately, Moff Tarkin.*”
―Tarkin and Thrawn discuss the continued support for the TIE Defender program

“*Whatever happens next happens to both of us.*"
"*That's the idea.*”
―Thrawn and Ezra Bridger

“*You are aware, I presume, that I have some skill in anticipating enemies' tactics from a study of their artwork.*"
"*I am.*"
"*That skill can also work in the opposite direction. If I am familiar with a warrior's tactics, I can in some measure identify that warrior's artwork.*”
―Grand Admiral Thrawn and Darth Vader

“*I am a warrior, Your Majesty. A warrior may retreat. He does not flee. He may lie in ambush. He does not hide. He may experience victory or defeat. He does not cease to serve.*”
―Thrawn pledging his allegiance to Emperor Palpatine

“***Thrawn:** An unexpected pleasure to meet you, Captain Hera Syndulla.
**Hera:**Wish I could say the same, Admiral.
**Thrawn:** It is a pity our first encounter might well be our last. I will keep your Kalikori in a place of honor.
**Hera:**If I knew you'd take it, I would've smashed it when I had the chance.
**Thrawn:** You surprise me. Is your history worth so little to you?
**Hera:**My family legacy belongs to us alone. It is not for some collector's curiosity.*”
―Hera and Thrawn

“*My apologies, Captain Slavin. I forgot not everyone is able to appreciate art as I do.*”
―Thrawn to Slavin after losing his cool

“***Thrawn:** It was a wise decision for you to surrender.
**Ezra:**  I didn't have much choice.
**Thrawn:** Nonsense. You could have chosen to let your people die. However, you chose to be a Jedi. Predictable. You follow a long history written by the Jedi, where they choose what they believe to be morally correct, instead of what is strategically sound.
**Ezra:**  And yet, the Jedi have survived.
**Thrawn:** Mm. The Jedi once numbered in the thousands. What's left are a scattered, frightened lot, mostly beaten and in hiding, or poorly trained children like... yourself. I must admit, the mysteries of the Force are an enigma to me. But for all those abilities... all the power... the Jedi lacked the vision for how to wield it.
**Ezra:** The Force isn't a weapon! But you'll never understand that.
**Thrawn:** I don't have to. It was not my intention to utterly destroy Lothal, but that is inevitable now. These are a few of the artifacts I've gathered from your home world. I saved what I could. I have even taken some of Sabine Wren's work. She's quite talented. Or was quite talented.
**Ezra:** You think you can take whatever you want! Things you didn't make, didn't earn; things you don't even understand! You don't deserve to have this art, or Lothal.
**Thrawn:** Who deserves what is irrelevant. What matters is who has power. But that is something the Jedi won't teach you, so I'll take you to someone who will.*”
―Ezra to Thrawn

## Trivia

* Lars Mikkelsen, Thrawn's voice actor, is the brother of Mads Mikkelsen, who plays Galen Erso in *Rogue One: A Star Wars Story*.
* In legends, he gained the rank of Grand Admiral after taking down a corrupted Grand Admiral. In canon, Thrawn was granted the title for stopping the rebel insurgence on Batuu.

## Navigation

 Ezra Bridger, Kanan Jarrus, Sabine Wren, Zeb Orrelios, Chopper (Star Wars Rebels), Hera Syndulla, Ahsoka Tano, **Grand Admiral Thrawn**, Mira Bridger, Ephraim Bridger, Rex (Star Wars), Commander Wolffe, Rukh, Gregor, Cikatro Vizago, Mart Mattin, Gooti Terez, R3-A3

Template:Star Wars