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I will pull the rebels apart piece by piece.
―Thrawn's intentions to the Rebellion
To defeat an enemy, you must know them. Not simply their battle tactics, but their history, philosophy, art.
―Thrawn to Captain Slavin.
I study the art of war.
―Thrawn to Hera Syndulla
History is on the move, Captain Those who can not 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 Gillad Pellaeon

Mitth'raw'nuruodo (mostly called Thrawn or Grand Admiral Thrawn; born Kivu'raw'nuru and known by his core name Vurawn) is one of the main villains of the Star Wars franchise. He was loyal to the Chiss ascendancy before being accepted into the and often uses his analytical skills in art and war to fight the rebels. Thrawn is a cold-blooded imperial who seeks to end the rebellion before it escalates and is the most dangerous Imperial the rebels ever faced.

Originally introduced in the Legends, Thrawn appears in canon as the main antagonist of the second half of the Disney XD series Star Wars Rebels and the overarching antagonist of The Mandalorian. He is also the true main antagonist of ' Ahsoka

He was voiced and portrayed by Lars Mikkelsen in the series.

Biography

Personality

Star Wars Rebels presents Thrawn as 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 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 followers, 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. He is quite gentlemanly, being polite and cordial with even his 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. Additionally, Thrawn had an affection for the Skywalkers, young Chiss girls who were Force-sensitive and sent on navigations because the Chiss lacked a navigation system in their vehicles. This was mostly because he had an older sister who was one as well, but she was never seen nor heard from again, and Thrawn's parents never told him what happened to her.

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 as 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, 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.

Canon

Background

Kivu'raw'nuru was born on the planet Rentor sometime before the Clone Wars & the invasion of Naboo. He had a Force-sensitive older sister who was two years older than him and one he was rather close to[1]. At three years old, he remembered his sister had become a Skywalker, a group of Force-sensitive Chiss girls who were used on navigational missions for their abilities. They were used due to the Chiss' lack of navigational systems on their freighter, but Chiss girls noticeably lost their abilities when they matured [2]. Despite Thrawn asking their parents about his sister's fate, they never had an answer, and all believed that she had died. It was not until he reached the rank of bridge officer that he learned that his sister was part of the Skywalkers and believed she disappeared shortly after her service was over[1].

He attended an academy of Rentor and became a merit adoptive of the Mitth family after attracting the attention of the family's patriarch. Instead of being called Vurawn, he gained a new name, Mitth'raw'nuru "Thrawn." He rose to the ranks and became well-liked by some of his colleagues in the Chiss Ascendancy, but was disliked by politicians and members of the military. [1] Eventually gaining his current name, Mitth'raw'nurodo, Thrawn worked closely with Anakin Skywalker and his wife, Padmé Amidala, during the Clone Wars sometime after Ahsoka Tano left the Jedi Order.[3][2]

The Ascendancy Trilogy

The Ascendancy Trilogy' focuses on Thrawn's younger years in his role in the Chiss Ascendancy before his introduction in the 2017 tie-in novel for Star Wars Rebels.

Chaos Rising

Thrawn

Star Wars Rebels: Season 3

Rebels3x01 1345

Thrawn with Governor Pryce

Annoyed by the recent rebel activity going on at Lothal, Arihnda Pryce approaches Grand Moff Tarkin and requests assistance from someone who sees a "bigger picture" about bringing 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 both believed that this group of rebels was the key for the Empire to destroy the Rebellion before it began. 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.

Rebels3x04 1041

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 unnecessary, believing the battle was nowhere near 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.

Thrawn (Iron Squadron) 3

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 surmise the rebels didn't just evade capture, but 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 specters he encountered on Ryloth, he could speculate that the Ghost crew was 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 In 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. Following the destruction of the Star Destroyer, Thrawn met with Kallus, who reported to 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, and 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.

Thrawn: Alliances

Thrawn: Treason

Star Wars Rebels: Season 4

Star-Wars-Rebels-414-3

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 sends Rukh to cause the rebels' shield generator to malfunction. unwilling to see his people suffer, Ezra is coerced into giving in to 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 Chimera 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 artworks he collected over the years. Ezra angrily confronted Thrawn, reprimanding him for 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.

Thrawn'sDefeat

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 his understanding. Throughout the beginning of his career, Eli was initially angry that he was turned over for promotion and instead put under Thrawn's services. However, over time, Eli grew loyal to Thrawn. The Chiss grew to see Eli as 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 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.

Hera Syndulla

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 Kalikori from Cham's office. Thrawn dismissed Ezra as nothing more than a boy lost in 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 for following the same paths as a Jedi. Ezra was disgusted by Thrawn's collection of artwork in his office, which 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 mutual respect for one another, as Thrawn had immediately answered 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 sought 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.

Family

  • Unnamed Older Sister
  • Mitth family - Adopted Family
    • Mitth'ras'safis † - Brother (Legends)

Allies

Enemies

Other Continuities

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 their armies. He hoped to search for a Dark Jedi to join his side to restore the Galactic Empire. Elsewhere, the Skywalker twins have begun 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 Wayland 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, posing 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 republic, making hit-and-run attacks on the New Republic's territory. Thrawn invades Nkllon because he requires warships. His stormtroopers use the stolen miners to board and hijack the ships, but they are thwarted when Lando can 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 before 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 by 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 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 Film. 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. </tabber>

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 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 missions
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 can not 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 Skywalker
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 can not 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 can not 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 about my identity. I am now prepared to give it. I am Commander Mitth'raw'nuruodo, officer of the Expansionary Defense Fleet, a servant of the Chiss Ascendancy. On behalf of my people, I ask your assistance in the learning of this war before it sweeps its disaster over our 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, to determine how to best use them. One must similarly be able to read his enemy's weaknesses, 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 reach. A friend must be allowed the freedom to find and follow his 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, 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, to determine how to best use them. One must similarly be able to read his enemy's weaknesses, 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 reach. A friend must be allowed the freedom to find and follow his 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, 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 destruction.
―Grand Admiral Thrawn
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
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, 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
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
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
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 the 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


Gallery

Heroes and Villains has a collection of images and media related to Grand Admiral 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 both the Legends and the Star Wars Canon, Thrawn owned an Imperial Star Destroyer called the Chimaera
  • 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 in the arts 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 "Zero Hour."
    • Zeb contacted him via Rukh's commlink in a small conversation during the Siege of Lothal.
    • However, as of Ahsoka, Thawn officially met Sabine Wren.
  • In the Legends and some of Thrawn's pictures he has no pupils, but in Rebels he has them.
  • Thrawn had a brother, Thrass, 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 he and Thrawn are not brothers, however, they were considered close as brothers in Greater Good.
  • Considers his former aide and comrade Eli Vanto as his best and only friend. (The 2017 novel of the same name)
  • 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 received positive appraisals and gained popular opinion from fans, piquing 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. His survival was also confirmed in the thirteenth episode of The Mandalorian when Ahsoka asked Morgan Elsbeth for Thrawn's whereabouts.
  • Thrawn claims to study the art of war and studying the enemy to understand what actions they would take.

Legends

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Main: Ezra BridgerKanan JarrusSabine WrenHera SyndullaChopperZeb OrreliosCaptain RexThrawnAlexsandr KallusAhsoka TanoDarth Vader

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Locations: Ezra's TowerCapital CityLothal Jedi TempleMalachor Sith TempleJedi TempleWren StrongholdChopper Base


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Others from films
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Sequel Trilogy: FinnPoe DameronLor San TekkaMaz KanataGeneral HuxFirst Order TIE PilotsSupreme Leader SnokeSidon IthanoTeedoUnkar PluttSnap WexleyRose TicoJannaZorii Bliss
Anthology Series: Jyn ErsoCassian AndorBodhi RookOrson KrennicChirrut ÎmweBaze MalbusGalen ErsoLyra ErsoQi'raEnfys Nest

Others from television
Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Hondo OhnakaKatooniPetroZattGanodiGungiByphGwarmHuyangCham SyndullaCad BaneNumaBo-Katan KryzeThe SonSteela GerreraDaughterFatherSaw GerreraTalzinSugiSavage OpressRafa MartezTrace Martez
Star Wars Rebels: Garazeb OrreliosSabine WrenHera SyndullaAgent Alexsandr KallusCikatro VizagoZare LeonisMinister Maketh TuaBaron Valen Rudor Commandant Cumberlayne AreskoTaskmaster Myles GrintZare LeonisJai KellTseeboAzmoriganSenator Gall TrayvisImperial Combat DriversKassius KonstantineQuarrieKetsu OnyoCaptain Brom TitusGovernor Ryder AzadiEphraim and Mira BridgerGrand Admiral ThrawnGovernor Arihnda PryceChavaGronFenn RauThe BenduGar SaxonCommander Jun SatoMart MattinGooti TerezJonner JinMorad SumarUrsa WrenTristan WrenYogar LysteVult Skerris
Star Wars Resistance: Kazuda XionoTam RyvoraJarek YeagerTorra DozaFreya FenrisGriff HalloranElrik VonregImanuel Doza

The Mandalorian: The MandalorianThe ChildCara DuneKuiilIG-88Grand Moff GideonThe ClientPaz Vizsla, Morgan Elsbeth
Ahsoka: Marrok, Shin Hati, Baylan Skoll
The Book of Boba Fett: TBA

Droids
R2-D2C-3POD-ORX-24G2-9TG2-4TAly San SanGonk droidsC1-10PAC-38BB-8Probe DroidID9 Seeker DroidAP-5K-2SOBattle DroidsKalaniDroidekasR3-A3EG-86BB-9ESM-33L3-37
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Ahsoka Tano, Anakin Skywalker, Sabine Wren, Ezra Bridger, Hera Syndulla, Baylan Skoll, Inquisitorius, Jacen Syndulla, Jai Kell, Marrok, Morgan Elsbeth, Murley, Shin Hati, Grand Admiral Thrawn
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Din Djarin, Grogu, Bo-Katan Kryze, Ahsoka Tano, Boba Fett, Cara Dune, Death Watch, Fennec Shand, Greef Karga, IG-11, Imperial Combat Drivers, Kuiil, Migs Mayfeld, Morgan Elsbeth, Paz Vizsla, Taanti, Luke Skywalker, R2-D2,
Groups
Ugnaughts, New Republic, Jedi, Mandalorians, Skywalker Family
  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Thrawn: Ascendancy – Chaos Rising
  2. 2.0 2.1 Thrawn: Alliances
  3. Thrawn
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