Top 5 “Yoda” Characters

“Do or do not, there is no try.” Yoda gave Luke the wisdom and training he needed to become one of the most powerful Jedi masters of all time. No hero can go it alone. Here is a list of some of our favorite “Yoda-like” characters from great books.

1. Albus Dumbledore The Harry Potter series– Dumbledore somehow manages to always know what’s going on, and he always has a plan to assist Harry or teach him a lesson. Dumbledore is the only wizard who Voldemort fears, and it is said that as long as he remained headmaster, Hogwarts was safe from any real danger. Dumbledore watches over Harry throughout his entire life, and he ultimately makes a grave sacrifice so that Harry can prevail in the fight against Voldemort. Even after death, Dumbledore continues to aid Harry…how dedicated is that?
Most memorable quote: “To the well organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.”

2. Gandalf the Grey The Lord of The Rings trilogy– Epic. That is the first word that comes to mind when thinking of Gandalf. Gandalf was able to confront the Balrog (a massive, monstrous creature cloaked in flame and shadow) by himself and, while fighting, both he and the creature fall into an abyss. At the cost of his own life, Gandalf defeats the beast, but he is soon resurrected as Gandalf the White. With new found power, Gandalf assists in winning the Battle of Helm’s Deep, which had been deemed a lost and hopeless fight until that point. Without him, Frodo could have never even started his mission to destroy the ring. He was always sound and sane, even amidst the most chaotic battles.
Most memorable quote: “You cannot pass! I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the Flame of Anor. The dark fire will not avail you, Flame of Udun! Go back to the shadow. You shall not pass!”

3. Ebenezer McCoy The Dresden Files– At first glance, Ebenezar McCoy may just seem like a regular old man hailing from the Ozarks. He’s a country bumpkin with control over the mystical forces of the world. Under the surface, however, McCoy is said to be one of the most powerful wizards ever. Having lived at least since the French and Indian War, McCoy has had a fairly long time to master the art of magic. When Harry Dresden is put under his tutelage, McCoy instructs the confused teen with a firm but gentle hand. Through simple, mundane tasks, Harry is able to gain a much better appreciation for magic. McCoy also holds the position of Black Staff of the White Council — a hitman of sorts, and the only wizard allowed to break the Laws of Magic.
Most memorable quote: “There’re things we keep hidden from one another. Things we hide from ourselves. Things that are kept hidden from us. And things no one knows. You always learn the damnedest things at the worst possible times.”

4. Mrs. Whatsit A Wrinkle in Time– No teacher has ever been as vague or as caring in their advice as Mrs. Whatsit. Mrs. Whatsit was born as a star, but decided to explode herself in order to destroy a piece of evil in the world. Instant awesomeness points right there. Now she and her sisters are omnipotent beings who have the ability to wrinkle time in order to travel between places. She sends young Meg, Calvin, and Charles-Wallace on a mission to save the world, and sends them off with words of wisdom and her love, which saves them later on. Basically she’s amazing.
Most memorable quote: “But of course we can’t take credit for our talents. It’s how we use them that counts.”

5. Oromis The Inheritance Cycle– Oromis fits the stereotype of the wise, old teacher in every way; he’s basically Yoda…if Yoda rode a dragon. This elf and his golden dragon Glaedr are the last remaining Dragon Rider duo after Galbatorix had all other pairs exterminated. Though crippled after being tortured by the Forsworn (Galbatorix’s elite, corrupted Riders), Oromis is able to teach Eragon what it truly means to be a Dragon Rider and all of the responsibilities that follow. At 800 years old, Oromis is still very able to help protect his home from invaders.
Most memorable quote: “Those who we love are often the most alien to us.”