Guardians of the Whills

The Guardians of the Whills are an ancient order of force-worshipping monks from the Star Wars universe. They originate from Jedha, a moon signified for its deep connection to The Force, the mystical energy that binds all things in the galaxy. Unlike the Jedi or Sith, the Guardians do not draw their power directly from The Force; instead, they are devoted to studying and preserving its knowledge and teachings. The order revolves around the Journal of the Whills, a collection of prophecies, wisdom, and historical accounts tied to The Force.

The Guardians were introduced in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, as a pair named Chirrut Îmwe and Baze Malbus, two surviving members of the order in the era of the Galactic Empire. Chirrut, despite being blind, is the more spiritual and devout follower of the order, with impressive combat skills tied closely to his faith in the Force. Baze, on the other hand, has lost his faith in the Force due to the Empire's tyranny but remains fiercely protective of his friend and companion.

Historically speaking, the concept of the Whills has been present in George Lucas' vision of the Star Wars universe since the early drafts for the first film in the late 1970s. Originally, the entire Star Wars saga was meant to be a tale recorded by the "Whills," beings who supposedly had a connection with the Force. For many years, this concept remained unused, until it was finally touched upon in the Disney+-era films, novels, and TV series of Star Wars.

In Star Wars lore, the Guardians of the Whills were integral to Jedha's society, keeping peace and balance before the Empire took over. Post Rogue One, the Guardians of the Whills have not appeared yet in other Star Wars media, leaving their current state since the dissolution of the Empire unknown. However, their beliefs in the Force, as wonderfully encapsulated in Chirrut's mantra "I am one with the Force. The Force is with me," remain an integral philosophy within the series.