Original artwork, not a still
Size matters not.
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
Yoda turns his own body into the argument: the smallest, oldest creature in the film is the strongest. The line pairs with 'Do or do not' as the film's lesson that belief is a skill, and it has spread far beyond Star Wars as a motto for underdogs, short people and small teams. Fans often hear it as a reply to doubts about scale.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes BackShow the scene
On the swamp planet Dagobah in The Empire Strikes Back (1980), Luke Skywalker tries to lift his sunken X-wing out of a bog with the Force, as Yoda has told him he must. After Yoda says 'Do or do not. There is no try', Luke fails and says it is too big. Yoda answers with this line. He asks if Luke judges him by his size, says his ally is the Force and a powerful one, then lifts the ship himself. When Luke says he does not believe it, Yoda tells him that is why he fails.
Sources (1)
- Wikiquote: Star Wars Episode V - The Empire Strikes BackYoda and Luke at the X-wing in the bogReference checked
Context reviewed
