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Obi-Wan Kenobi is one of the best-known heroes of the Star Wars franchise. He was an important member of the Old Jedi Order and Jedi High Council, former Padawan to Qui-Gon Jinn, and Jedi Master to both Anakin and Luke Skywalker.
Obi-Wan, portrayed by both Ewan McGregor and the late Sir Alec Guinness, played important roles throughout the saga that deeply impacted the galaxy’s events and its fate. He was also present at some of the most crucial and memorable points in the story. Without Obi-Wan’s existence and involvement, the Star Wars saga wouldn’t be the same.
10 He Represents Both Sides Of The Master-Padawan Jedi Relationship
The Star Wars prequel trilogy portrayed Obi-Wan Kenobi as the Padawan learner to Master Qui-Gon Jinn. Throughout the original trilogy, Obi-Wan had been in a mentoring position to Luke with mentions of Vader being a prior student before his fall to the Dark Side. Episode I: The Phantom Menace gave viewers a glimpse of the iconic Jedi during his younger and more impressionable years before he developed the seasoned wisdom and experience for which he became known. It also continued the theme of the saga’s master-student pattern — a key part of the entire narrative — and demonstrated that Obi-Wan was more rash and impulsive at one time in his life, just like Anakin and Luke.
9 He Gives Nuance To The Old Jedi Order
A common complaint from viewers is how ineffectual the Jedi Order seems in the prequel trilogy. They make critical mistakes that contribute to their downfall, such as being too complacent toward Palpatine’s power grabs and alienating Anakin Skywalker, until the Jedi Purge collectively blindsides them. Being likable and heroic, Obi-Wan provides nuance.
Obi-Wan is loyal to the Republic and Jedi Order, and he opposes the Dark Side. However, he harbors clear suspicions of Palpatine and praises Anakin’s abilities in Episode III:Revenge of the Sith. As such, Obi-Wan seems more fair, unbiased, and effective. It helps that Obi-Wan is spotlighted on active missions in Episode II and Episode III which directly aid the Council and unravel the enemy’s plans.
8 His Pupil Becomes The Most Infamous Character In The Galaxy
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Anakin Skywalker’s turn to the Dark Side and his subsequent redemption is one of the main plot lines around which much of the Star Wars saga revolves. The fact Anakin is Obi-Wan’s student adds a personal stake for the Jedi Master as well as immense guilt.
Obi-Wan and Anakin’s relationship begins as strangers and evolves into a Master-Padawan tutelage. Episode III: Revenge of the Sith sees them as peers in equal standing before they become mutual enemies who go for the kill on sight. By the time of the original trilogy, Anakin has thoroughly become Darth Vader and the Emperor’s feared enforcer throughout the galaxy.
7 He Leaves Anakin Alive
In Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, Anakin and Obi-Wan’s climactic duel ends with Anakin burned and irreparably mutilated on Mustafar. Instead of using his former friend’s vulnerability against him, Obi-Wan merely collects Anakin’s lightsaber and leaves. This decision has numerous repercussions down the line, the primary one being that Darth Sidious finds Anakin in time.
This allows the fallen Jedi to receive medical treatment and the iconic breathing suit which keeps him alive. The procedure completes Anakin’s transformation into Darth Vader. Cementing his place at Sidious’ side — as his pupil and servant — Darth Vader commits numerous horrific acts for the Empire until Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.
6 He Plays A Huge Role In The Clone Wars
Episode II: Attack of the Clone Wars ends with the beginning of the Clone Wars while Episode III: Revenge of the Sith starts with the last parts of its conclusion. Beginning in 2008 with its theatrically-released pilot movie, Lucasfilm Animation’s The Clone Wars contains seven seasons and fleshes out the events of the titular wars which are skimmed over between films.
The Clone Wars also portrays Obi-Wan’s personal storylines and numerous contributions to the Jedi’s side of the conflict. Standout moments include his duel with Asajj Ventress, his doomed and tragic romance with Satine Kryze, and the faking of his own death to go undercover. Obi-Wan’s presence in the show was further complemented by a stellar voice-acting performance by James Arnold Taylor.
5 The Beginning Of Episode IV Calls For His Assistance
When Episode IV: A New Hope opens, Princess Leia has just been captured by the Empire. Before she’s taken, she desperately puts the Death Star’s stolen plans into R2-D2 along with a message for Obi-Wan. Rogue One reveals this was always part of the Organas’ plan to contact the Jedi and seek his help for the Rebel Alliance. Luckily, R2 and C-3PO land on Tatooine and avoid the Empire’s search for them. Eventually they wind up in Luke’s possession and meet Obi-Wan. If not for requesting Obi-Wan’s help and the Jedi’s choice to intervene in the events, Episode IV would have gone differently.
4 He Saves Luke And Introduces Him To Jedi Teachings
Luke Skywalker’s journey from farmhand to Jedi is credited to Obi-Wan Kenobi’s guidance. After Obi-Wan rescues him from Tusken Raiders, the Jedi Master gives Luke exposition on the old Jedi Order and the Force. Obi-Wan avoids telling Luke about Vader being his father but refers to his former identity as Anakin. He gifts the teen Anakin’s old lightsaber and speaks of his father’s skills as a Jedi Knight before being “betrayed and murdered” by Vader. Obi-Wan also gives Luke some basic training in Force-sensing and lightsaber use as they travel on the Millennium Falcon. Obi-Wan doesn’t take Luke the entire way, but he does plant the seeds for Luke’s motivation and training.
3 He Leads Luke To Yoda On Dagobah
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Obi-Wan’s death in Episode IV puts a stop to his ability to teach Luke the ways of the Force, but he still appears to Luke on Hoth in Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. In Force Ghost form, Obi-Wan informs Luke of Yoda’s existence on Dagobah and tells him to travel there for further Jedi training.
Yoda guides Luke along on the path to becoming a Jedi, honing his skill with the Force and his physical capabilities. In Episode VI, Yoda pronounces that Luke’s training is complete. If not for Obi-Wan’s direction, Luke would never have found Yoda in the first place.
2 He Has Some Of The Best Fights In The Saga
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Throughout the saga, Obi-Wan gives several phenomenal performances in combat. His lightsaber duel against Darth Maul in Episode I is viciously fast-paced and blinding, with Obi-Wan nearly falling down the reactor core. In Episode III, Obi-Wan memorably defeats General Grievous after an active battle with some well-aimed blaster shots. The Jedi then goes on in the same film to have his tragic fight against Anakin amid lava once the latter falls to Sidious’ manipulations. Even in Episode IV, Obi-Wan’s encounter with Vader is suspenseful and psychologically heavy, although the choreography and energy seem lacking compared to the prequels.
1 He Was The First In Chronological Real-Life To Use The Force Ghost Technique
Since Episode V‘s release in May 1980, the concept and visuals of Star Wars force ghosts have become a staple of the franchise. But Obi-Wan’s first appearance in this form must have been shocking for audiences. Obi-Wan’s voice is initially heard after Vader strikes him down in the previous film. However, his blue and transparent Force Ghost form makes its official debut in The Empire Strikes Back with directives on further Jedi training for Luke. Obi-Wan continues to reappear at certain pivotal moments in Luke’s training with Yoda. Obi-Wan also materializes in Episode IV to confirm Luke’s parentage and then to show approval and pride at the film’s ending.