Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Star Wars: The High Republic #3
In the latest issue of Star Wars: The High Republic, the origins of Jedha’s Tey Sirrek are revealed, confirming his connection to Rogue One’s Chirrut Îmwe. Starring Vildar Mac and his new partner Padawan Matty Cathley, the two Jedi are investigating a string of robberies involving religious artifacts all over the Holy City of Jedha. While they’ve been aided by Sirrek, a well-known thief, this new issue reveals his history as one of the Guardians of the Whills.
In the new High Republic #3 from Cavan Scott and Ario Anindito, it’s revealed that Tey was incredibly discontent as a Guardian, tasked with solely protecting Jedha’s Temple of Kyber. Sirrek sought to do more with his training, seeing those in need outside the walls of the Temple, wishing to follow the will of the Force as the Jedi do. However, this rebellious streak continually got him into trouble, culminating in Tey’s decision to leave his service at the Temple behind.
The History of Star Wars’ Guardians of the Whills Revealed
In the present day of this new Star Wars series, Tey is a free agent who seeks to help those who are hardly ever noticed even by the Jedi Order. However, his reputation as a trickster comes with unique challenges that often conflict with his genuine intention to do good across Jedha. In this way, Tey’s status as a former Guardian of the Whills gives him a lot in common with Chirrut Îmwe and his partner Baze Malbus, two of the last Guardians who were kicked out of the Temple of Kyber after the Empire took over Jedha.
Just like their predecessor Tey Sirrek, Chirrut (and a reluctant Baze) extended their services all over the Holy City, helping where they could before they eventually escaped the planet’s destruction with Jyn Erso and Cassian Andor in Rogue One, joining the team that stole the Death Star plans on Scarif. Chirrut also uses the Guardians’ traditional lightbow just as Tey and the High Republic Guardians do, confirmed to be a standard-issue weapon for the Temple of Kyber’s protectors.
At any rate, it will be interesting to see if Vildar Mac and Matty will eventually come to trust Sirrek as this new High Republic series continues. The Jedi Master in particular doesn’t trust Tey, and it certainly doesn’t help that it now looks as though Sirrek tried to blow up the Temple with the Jedi and Guardians inside. Star Wars: The High Republic #3 is on sale now from Marvel Comics.
