Obi-Wan Kenobi has become one of the most, if not the most beloved character in the Star Wars franchise. In fact, the character has resonated so strongly with fans that many have chosen him as their favorite over Anakin Skywalker. Throughout the Star Wars saga, Obi-Wan rose through the Jedi ranks, fought some of the galaxy’s greatest foes, and became a General in the Clone Wars. He lost the people closest to him including his master, apprentice, nearly all of his friends, and even his love interest. But Obi-Wan persevered and continued to dedicate his life to a cause greater than himself. It was a dark time during the reign of the Empire, and Obi-Wan helped bring light to a galaxy that desperately needed it.
It has been over 15 years since a live-action Obi-Wan appeared last in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith. The character unfortunately did not make a physical appearance in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, but with the rise of Disney+, the Jedi Master has finally received his own live-action series called Obi-Wan Kenobi. To celebrate the iconic character’s return, let’s have a look at the moments across the Star Wars franchise when Obi-Wan Kenobi proved he was the greatest Jedi ever.
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8 Losing Satine — Star Wars: The Clone Wars

During the Siege of Mandalore, an aggressive Maul led the criminal alliance known as the Shadow Collective. Unable to let go of his obsessive hatred towards Obi-Wan Kenobi, Maul forced him to watch as he killed Satine Kryze. It was a huge loss for Obi-Wan, who deeply loved Satine. The two were only separated due to Obi-Wan’s dedication to the way of the Jedi. After Satine’s death, unlike Maul, Obi-Wan refused to let feelings of anger and vengeance consume him. It showed incredible strength that many Jedi did not have.

7 Defeating Maul — The Phantom Menace

Kenobi was only a Padawan when he faced off against the Sith Lord Darth Maul. The duel saw Obi-Wan losing possession of his own lightsaber and witnessing the death of his master, Qui-Gon Jinn. An overconfident Maul taunted Obi-Wan, believing that the duel had already been won. But Obi-Wan scanned his surroundings for anything he could use to gain the upper hand. He retrieved Qui-Gon’s lightsaber, using the Force, and took Darth Maul by surprise. The defeated Sith assassin was struck and sent falling down a dark shaft.

6 Showing Maul Respect — Star Wars: Rebels

After all the trouble that Maul had caused Obi-Wan, Maul still sought revenge against a peaceful Obi-Wan on Tatooine. The two engaged in a duel that ended as quickly as it began. Maul did not win; while Obi-Wan had grown significantly as a person and as a Jedi since their last duel, Maul had not. Obi-Wan did not harbor any hate towards Maul and showed his opponent respect in their final moments. This showed how mature Obi-Wan was, and the level of empathy and compassion he had for others.

5 Becoming One with the Force — A New Hope

Before being struck down, an experienced Obi-Wan told Vader that he would become more powerful than Vader could possibly imagine. Jedi acknowledged death as a natural part of life, and Obi-Wan did not show fear when becoming one with the Force. He had fulfilled what he needed to do. As a Force spirit, Obi-Wan’s guidance allowed Luke Skywalker to destroy the Death Star and find Yoda on Dagobah, leading to Anakin redeeming himself and bringing balance to the Force.

4 Surviving in Space — Attack of the Clones

Anakin Skywalker loved flying, but his master did not share that same passion. Despite this, Obi-Wan displayed incredible skill behind the controls of a Jedi starfighter. In Episode II: Attack of the Clones, Obi-Wan was outmatched by Jango Fett’s Firespray-class starship. Jango and Boba Fett employed the use of seismic charges, blaster cannons, and torpedoes. It was not a pleasant time, but it forced Obi-Wan to get creative in a difficult situation to survive. The Jedi always made the most out of a bad situation.
Related: Obi-Wan Kenobi: Who Are the Inquisitors?

3 Escaping Utapau — Revenge of the Sith

Order 66 took the lives of many Jedi during the Clone Wars. The Jedi Order had failed to discover Darth Sidious in time and stop his ascent to power. When Palpatine gave the Clone Army the order to wipe out every Jedi in sight, Obi-Wan was very nearly killed. But the Jedi evaded his former troops and escaped Utapau aboard General Grievous’ starfighter. After regrouping with Senator Bail Organa and Yoda, Obi-Wan’s first proposed course of action was to sabotage a trap for surviving Jedi. In times of high stress, Obi-Wan did not think about running, but was focused on coming to the aid of those in danger.

2 Facing Vader — Revenge of the Sith

Obi-Wan loved and trained Anakin the best he could, but he was still unable to give Anakin all that his apprentice needed. The heroic Anakin Skywalker was corrupted by the dark side of the Force, becoming the lapdog of the evil Emperor Palpatine. Obi-Wan went to confront his former apprentice (now known as Darth Vader) on the planet of Mustafar. They engaged in an intense duel, but Obi-Wan used the high ground to his advantage and proved he was still the master.

1 Delivering Luke to the Lars Family — Revenge of the Sith

With Tatooine being a remote planet and the homeworld of Anakin Skywalker, it was a location Darth Vader stayed away from. Obi-Wan therefore recognized that it was ideal for keeping Luke away from the Empire. Luke only had to depart after he crossed paths with R2-D2 and C-3PO. He was only able to join the Rebel Alliance and become a Jedi because of Obi-Wan’s protection. This was a prerequisite for the Galactic Empire to fall, and in removing Emperor Palpatine’s grip on the galaxy.

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