We Finally Know Baby Yoda's Real Name and, Sadly, It's Not Baby Yoda

At least we don't have to call him the Child anymore.

By Emma Stefansky

Published on 30/11/2020 at 07:48 PM

Last week’s episode of The Mandalorian (“The Jedi,” Season 2, Episode 5) packed a ton of revelations and references to Star Wars lore into a single installment. For one thing, the episode introduced us to the titular Jedi, Ahsoka Tano, who has never appeared in a live-action Star Wars movie before this but has become a beloved character over the years for fans of the animated television shows. Played by Rosario Dawson, the character, who was once a young Padawan trained by Anakin Skywalker and who has been camped out on some desolate moon ever since the Empire fell, was on hand to menace Imperial magistrate Morgan Elsbeth (played by Diana Lee Inosanto), who’d taken control of a small town. Mando had been told by Bo-Katan to seek Ahsoka out to help him get the Child to his people.

That wasn’t the only surprise of the episode, however. During Ahsoka and Imperial Magistrate Morgan Elsbeth’s climactic fight, Ahsoka demands to know the whereabouts of a certain Grand Admiral Thrawn, a name that would mean nothing to you if you’ve only ever seen the Star Wars movies, but everything to fans of the shows and their spinoff books. Thrawn, whose full name is Mitth’raw’nuruodo, was a Chiss Imperial Navy Admiral during the age of the Empire, a ruthless and brilliant strategist who was last seen disappearing into unknown regions of hyperspace after losing a battle on Lothal. He was also present during the civil war on Mandalore, and is an expert in Mandalorian battle tactics. There’s no telling whether or not he’ll actually appear on The Mandalorian any time soon, or if he was simply a name-drop, but it’s nice to know he’s still out there somewhere.

Speaking of name-drops, though, perhaps the greatest revelation of the episode was the unexpected reveal of Baby Yoda’s real name. It’s nothing like “Baby Yoda,” unfortunately. The Child’s actual name is Grogu, and he was trained in the ways of the Force in the Jedi Temple on Coruscant before the beginning of the Galactic Civil War. Since then, he’s been in hiding, suppressing his powerful Force-sensitivity to avoid detection from the likes of Moff Gideon and any other Imperial factions who would want to use him for evil. Grogu! Grogu. His name is Grogu. Grogu Grogu Grogu. It’s gonna be real hard to stop calling him Baby Yoda, though.Need help finding something to watch? Sign up here for our weekly Streamail newsletter to get streaming recommendations delivered straight to your inbox.Emma Stefansky is a staff entertainment writer at Thrillist. Follow her on Twitter @stefabsky.

Entertainment

Where to Celebrate Lunar New Year 2023 in Australia

And what it means to be in the year of the Rabbit.

By Natasha Bazika

Published on 12/01/2023 at 12:59

where to celebrate lunar new year australia

Starting with the new moon on Sunday, January 22, this Lunar New Year ushers in the year of the Rabbit. We’ve put together a guide on celebrating the Lunar New Year in Australia.

What is special about the year of the Rabbit?

As you might know, each year has an animal sign in the Chinese Zodiac, which is based on the moon and has a 12-year cycle. This year, we celebrate the year of the rabbit, known to be the luckiest out of all twelve animals. It symbolises mercy, elegance, and beauty.

What celebrations are taking place and how can I get involved?

There are plenty of festivals happening all around the country which you can get involved with. Here they are per state.

New South Wales

Darling Harbour Fireworks
When: Every year, Sydney puts on a fireworks show, and this year, you can catch it on January 28 and February 4 at 9 pm in Darling Harbour.

Dragon Boat Races
When: Witness three days of dragon boat races and entertainment on Cockle Bay to usher in the Lunar New Year. The races will commence on January 27 and finish on January 29.

Lion Dances
When: Catch a traditional Lion Dance moving to the beat of a vigorous drum bringing good luck and fortune for the Lunar New Year. The dance performances will happen across Darling Harbour on Saturday, January 21, Sunday, January 22, and Sunday, February 4 and 5, around 6 pm and 9 pm.

Lunar New Year at Cirrus Dining
When: Barangaroo’s waterfront seafood restaurant, Cirrus, is celebrating the Year of the Rabbit with a special feast menu. Cirrus’ LNY menu is $128pp with optional wine pairing and is available from Saturday, January 21, to Sunday, February 5.

Auntie Philter
When: Hello Auntie’s owner and executive chef, Cuong Nguyen will be dishing out some of the most classic Vietnamese street foods with his mum, Linda. All of Philter’s favourites will be on offer, as well as Raspberry Pash Beer Slushies and other cocktails being served at the Philter Brewing rooftop bar on Sunday, January 22 and Sunday, January 29.

Victoria

Lunar New Year Festival
When: Ring in the Lunar New Year with food, music, arts, and more on Sunday, January 22, from 10 am to 9 pm.

Lunar New Year at the National Gallery of Victoria
When: Celebrate the year of the rabbit at the National Gallery of Victoria’s festival of art, food, and art-making activities for everyone from 10 am-5 pm.

Queensland

BriAsia Festival
When: From February 1-19, Brisbane will come alive with performances, including lion dances and martial arts displays. There will be street food, workshops, comedy and more.

South Australia

Chinatown Adelaide Street Party
When: Adelaide is set to hose a fun-filled day celebrating the Chinese New Year on Saturday, January 28, from 12 pm to 9 pm.

Western Australia

Crown Perth
When: Across January and February, Crown Perth hosts free live entertainment, including colourful lion dances, roving mascots, and drumming performances. The restaurants will also throw banquets and menus dedicated to the Lunar New Year.

Get the latest from Thrillist Australia delivered straight to your inbox, subscribe here.