Thrawn

**Mitth'raw'nuruodo** (also known as **Thrawn**) is the main antagonist of the third and fourth/final seasons of *Star Wars Rebels*. Prior to the series, 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. In the new canon, Thrawn was born **Kivu'raw'nuru** with the core name **Vurawn** and was recognized in his early military career a**s Mitth'raw'nuru**, and better known by his core name **Thrawn.** Here, he is presented as facing the rebels led by Hera Syndulla and Ezra Bridger. Despite his rivalry towards the rebels, he comes to respect his enemies.  Thrawn's defeat came at the hands of Ezra and the Purrgil.

## 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.

## Role in Star Wars Rebels

### Season 3

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. (Star Wars Rebels: Steps Into Shadow)

Thrawn returned to Hera'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 that Hera who she 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

### Season 4

In the series finale, Thrawn returns from Coruscant, ruining Ezra and his friends' plan in liberating Lothal from the Galactic Empire. Contacted by Ezra to surrender, 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.

When Ezra arrived on the Chimaera as promised, Thrawn had officially met the captive Jedi face-to-face by having the Stormtroopers bring Ezra to 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 Garazeb Orrelios after throwing him on the destroyed power generator.

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. Template:C

## Quotes

### 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, Star Wars Rebels: Steps Into Shadow

> 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, Iron Squadron (episode)

> 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

> Shecould 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, Zero Hour

> 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, Zero Hour

> 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.

> 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, Star Wars Rebels: Heroes of Mandalore

> 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 and Thrawn