Kanan's role in Rebels hints at where Jacen's story is heading as a potential Jedi Knight. Jacen has already expressed his desire to become a Jedi like Sabine Wren, and Ahsoka's Hera Syndulla fears what that would entail for her son. Jacen may indeed follow the Jedi path like his father, or he could choose a different journey, and looking at Kanan's past may shed light on his son's future.

Kanan Jarrus Was An Order 66 Survivor & Rebel Hero

Born Caleb Dume, Kanan was a Padawan trained by Jedi Master Depa Billaba during the Clone Wars. When the newly declared Emperor Palpatine issued Order 66, Master Billaba's clone troopers turned on her, and her last words to Kanan were for him to run. After surviving the Jedi Purge, Caleb evaded the Empire, changing his name to Kanan Jarrus. For many years, he hid his Force abilities as he worked different jobs, one of which led to his first meeting with Hera while she was on a mission. Kanan and Hera later recruited other rebels to their Ghost crew as they fought back against the Empire.

Related: Star Wars: Rebels - 10 Quotes That Prove Kanan Jarrus Is The Best Jedi

While stealing food and weapons from the Imperials on Lothal, Kanan and the Ghost crew met Ezra Bridger, a young orphan who tried to steal the crates from them. Kanan realized that Ezra was strong with the Force and offered to teach him the ways of the Jedi, which proved to be a challenge, as he had never finished his own training. Even so, the two formed an unbreakable bond as master and apprentice, though their relationship was tested after Kanan was blinded on a mission to Malachor. No matter what they went through, Kanan, Ezra, and the Ghost crew always pressed on to ignite the spark of rebellion.

Kanan Fought Alongside Sabine Against The Empire On Lothal

Hera and Kanan recruited the Mandalorian Sabine Wren after she left her home planet, fighting alongside her on Lothal. It took many years for Sabine to trust fully them, as her blood family Clan Wren had sided with the Empire, but the Ghost crew eventually became a family to her. When Sabine found the Darksaber on Dathomir, Kanan and Hera realized she could lead an army of Mandalorians against the Empire. Sabine reluctantly agreed and spent several weeks training with Kanan, and while they struggled as master and student, it proved to be an invaluable experience that brought them closer.

To fully connect with the Darksaber, Kanan pushed her to come to with her past. In a cathartic duel, Sabine finally opened up, allowing Kanan to help her process the guilt and grief caused by her family and the Empire. Emboldened, Sabine went on to make amends with her family and led the Mandalorians in a rebellion against the Empire. She met Bo-Katan Kryze, the rightful ruler of Mandalore, and ed the Darksaber on to her. Sabine may not have kept the blade, but Kanan's training started her down the path to becoming a Jedi.

Kanan & Hera's Relationship Explained

Though they rarely spoke of their feelings out loud, Kanan and Hera formed a deep bond and later fell in love. They were the honorary parents of the Ghost crew, bantering like a married couple and referring to the others as "the kids." Kanan and Hera confided in each other secrets that they rarely shared with anyone else, strengthening their bond over time. Although Kanan was reluctant to fight another war, Hera was fully committed to the Rebel Alliance, and the Jedi eventually agreed to stay a part of the cause. Hera became pregnant with Jacen shortly before the Battle of Lothal, but sadly, Kanan would never get to meet his son.

Related: Jacen Syndulla Explained: Hera's Son & Jedi Future

Kanan Died Shortly Before The Liberation Of Lothal

Kanan sacrificed himself while rescuing Hera from Imperial custody, using the Force to hold back a fuel explosion long enough for his friends to escape. His actions also forced the Empire to destroy their refinery, sabotaging Grand iral Thrawn's TIE Defender project on Lothal. Ezra was tempted to alter Kanan's death in the World Between Worlds, but Ahsoka convinced him this would dishonor Kanan's sacrifice and damage balance. Ezra realized this was Kanan's final lesson of selflessness, and the two shared a silent goodbye through the Force. Kanan died as a true Jedi, protecting others and helping secure their final victory over the Empire.

It's understandable why Hera is so overprotective of Jacen, having lost the love of her life to the Empire. Jacen may suffer his father's fate if he becomes a Jedi, especially if he was one of Luke Skywalker's students killed by Ben Solo. However, it can be argued that Kanan Jarrus is the best Jedi in Star Wars canon, so it makes sense that Jacen would want to follow in his father's footsteps. Kanan's remarkable Jedi history helped shape the Star Wars timeline, and as Jacen Syndulla's father, his legacy will play an important role as his son's story continues in Ahsoka.

Ahsoka releases new episodes Tuesdays at 6 pm PT / 9 pm ET on Disney+.