[user104658]

Originally Posted by Niamh.

Literally no one so far though that has seen baby Yoda knew what he was (besides the people who hired him in the first place) but thanks, that makes more sense now

If I'm remembering the original trilogy right, most people not only didn't know who individual Jedi were... Many of them actually thought that the Jedi / The Force was a myth. Reading between the lines, the most likely explanation is that the Empire - after extinguishing 99.9% of Jedi - also started a "misinformation" campaign to make people doubt they were ever real. Most people wouldn't have seen one first hand. Also most of the planets The Mandalorian is set on are sort of run down "backwater" places where they would know even less about it.

[Oliver_W]

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

If I'm remembering the original trilogy right, most people not only didn't know who individual Jedi were... Many of them actually thought that the Jedi / The Force was a myth. Reading between the lines, the most likely explanation is that the Empire - after extinguishing 99.9% of Jedi - also started a "misinformation" campaign to make people doubt they were ever real.

I think the Prequels could have done with a "sceptical friend". Someone who joins Obi Wan, Anakin , and Padme on various adventures but thinks Jedi are nothing but sword-wielding ambassadors. Like, Han Solo never really seemed to think much of the Force, and Luke was his best mate! Knowing that Jedi exist(ed) and believing in the validity if the Force needn't go hand in hand.

Edit: the Imperial officer who Vader chokes at the meeting in New Hope said something about Vader being all that remained of that ancient religion, so I'm guessing people not immediately involved with the Jedi would have known they exist, but not that the Force is tangible.