Grand Admiral 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.

## 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 Garazeb 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.

### Ezra Bridger

Because Ezra is a member of the Rebellion, Ezra is an enemy. He first encountered the Jedi when he and Hera were trying to take her Kalikori from Cham's office. Thrawn dismissed Ezra as nothing more than a boy lost in a war, believing him to be a lesser opponent than any of the other rebels he had faced. When they finally came face-to-face, Thrawn mocked Ezra of following the same paths of a Jedi. Ezra was disgusted by Thrawn's collection of artwork in his office, that was part of Sabine's artwork and some from Lothal. However, Thrawn never expected to be outsmarted by Ezra when he called the Purrgil and had them take them both to parts unknown.

### Arihnda Pryce

Grand Admiral Thrawn and Arihnda originally had a mutal respect for one another, as Thrawn had immediately answered to her request in dealing with Ezra Bridger, Hera Syndulla and the rest of the rebels. He appeared to hold her in the highest regard, as their relationship dated back ten years before the events of the series, where Arihnda saught advice from Grand Admiral Thrawn on how to deal with a traitorous senator. She agreed with him that the rebels were continually going and later, Grand Admiral Thrawn left her in charge of the Chimaera. The relationship fell through when Pryce ordered the fuel depot in the TIE defender project and all respect Thrawn had for Pryce disappeared, as he promised to deal with her when he returned.

She tried capturing Ezra and the other rebels to please Thrawn, but they instead, trapped her.

	+ 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 †
	+ Garazeb 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

## 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.
* The members of the Ghost crew that Thrawn only interacts with are Hera Syndulla and Ezra Bridger
	+ He briefly interacted with Kanan Jarrus, asking him why he feared the storm the Bendu took in the form of.
* In the Legends and in some of thrawn's pictures he has no pupils, but in Rebels he has them.
* Thrawn had a brother who was a syndic in the Ascendancy. However, Thrawn does have a sibling in the Canon Universe so far; an older sister. Thrass is mentioned but it is unknown if he and Thrawn are brothers.
* Considers his former aide and comrade Eli vanto was his best and only friend.
* His past is shrouded in mysteries until the release of chaos rising of the Thrawn and the ascendancy trilogy
* His defeat was hinted at in the series finale of season 3, where the Bendu predicted that he would meet his downfall, wrapped around in a cold embrace.
	+ This ends up being the case in the season 4 and series finale, where Ezra Bridger summons a group of Purrgil, who wrap their tentacles around Thrawn and take him and Ezra into the Unknown Regions.
* Thrawn is considered the savior of the Star Wars franchise because his trilogy by Timothy Zahn when it received positive appraisals and gained popular opinion from fans, peaking their interest back into the franchise since the Return of the Jedi was released in 1983.
* He is a mixture of Sherlock Holmes, Alexander the great, Hannibal Barca, Erwin Rommel, and Robert e Lee.
* Dave Filoni confirmed in the last episode of Rebels Recon that Ezra and Thrawn did survive their trip into hyperspace.

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