Yoda was first introduced in The Empire Strikes Back as an eccentric hermit, a great teacher with extensive knowledge of the Force. The Prequel Trilogy established him as one of the most powerful Jedi Masters in history and a leader of the Jedi Order. Though he appears small, frail, and old, Yoda is a master of the Force and of lightsaber combat, having had over 900 years to hone his skills.