The highly anticipated premiere of Obi-Wan Kenobi is drawing nearer and nearer, with Disney pushing back the release date by two days, to May 27. As Star Wars fans prepare for this long-awaited show to finally make its debut, there are a lot of things to be excited about, but among all else, fans are beyond excited to witness the return of Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Obi-Wan has been a fan favorite ever since the prequels came out in the early 2000s, his impressive Jedi skills and quick wit endearing him to fans around the world. From dueling some of the most dangerous people in the galaxy to making jokes to lighten the mood, Obi-Wan has always been one of the best and most loved Star Wars characters of all time, and these moments prove that.
Defeat of Darth Maul
In The Phantom Menace, Obi-Wan avenges the death his master, Qui-Gon Jinn, mere moments after it happens. In an amazing feat of grit and physical strength, Obi-Wan ferociously kills Sith apprentice Darth Maul in a duel, driven by grief and anger.
This impressive but rather grim feat serves as a turning point in Obi-Wan's young life, the death of his master marking his graduation from a Padawan to a Jedi.
Agreeing To Train Anakin
When Qui-Gon Jinn brings Anakin Skywalker to the Jedi Council, they refuse to let him train Anakin Skywalker, claiming that the boy is too old and too full of fear. In his final moments, after being brutally stabbed by Darth Maul, Qui-Gon implores Obi-Wan to train Anakin, insisting that he will bring balance to the Force.
Obi-Wan honors that promise, even when the Jedi Council and Master Yoda himself blatantly disagree with his decision to take on Anakin as his padawan. This act of defiance shows Obi-Wan's loyalty and his dedication to keeping his word, something that defines him as a character and as a Jedi.
Every Time He Trolls Anakin
Suffice it to say that Anakin Skywalker isn't exactly the most obedient, attentive, and accomodating padawan. Obi-Wan trains Anakin for the better part of the latter's life, forging a brotherly bond with him. Given their relationship, it is only natural that Obi-Wan gets annoyed with Anakin every now and again, especially since Anakin is so impulsive and challenging to mentor.
Most of these moments of brotherly banter take place in Attack of the Clones. From teasing Anakin about his nervousness at seeing Padme again, to spouting sarcastic remarks, to complaining about Anakin's flying, Obi-Wan has a top-tier sense of humor, especially in tense situations.
Jedi Mind Tricks
Jedi mind tricks are extremely useful for getting Jedi out of tight situations. Obi-Wan is no stranger to using Jedi mind tricks, but sometimes, he uses it for different purposes.
In Attack of the Clones, Anakin and Obi-Wan chase Padme's would-be assassin to a nightclub of sorts. The two split up to find her, and Obi-Wan beelines for the bar to get a drink. As he sips on a glowing blue liquor, a man offers to sell him deathsticks. Without missing a beat, Obi-Wan says, with a small wave of his hand, "You don't want to sell me deathsticks," and when the man repeats this with a dazed look on his face, Obi-Wan continues, "You want to go home and rethink your life," causing the man to leave the bar to rethink his life." This small interaction is both funny and shows that Obi-Wan is fully committed to helping others and making the galaxy a better, safer place.
Fight With Jango Fett
In Attack of the Clones, Obi-Wan travels to the planet Kamino to investigate Padme Amidala's would-be assassin. After discovering a huge clone army the Kaminoans made for Jedi Master Sifo-Dyas, Obi-Wan confronts Jango Fett, the bounty hunter that all the clones are made from. Upon leaving, Obi-Wan notices Fett trying to escape, and the two fight in the rain.
What makes this particular fight so interesting is the diversity of skills between the two men. Jango Fett utilizes his blasters, his combat skills, and his jet pack to fight against Obi-Wan, forcing the latter to get creative and use some of his other skills. Even though Fett manages to escape, Obi-Wan's physical skills and fighting prowess without a lightsaber are showcased quite well in this fight, and the added cinematographic element of the rain makes it a beautiful scene to watch.
Duel with Dooku
After the battle of Geonosis, in an epic fight between the Separatists and the Jedi, Obi-Wan and Anakin confront Count Dooku. Mere seconds after arriving, Anakin foolishly charges Dooku, who strikes him with Force lightning. Obi-Wan is all alone, facing an opponent who he knows is more powerful due to his utilization of the Dark Side. And he still refuses to back down.
Even though Obi-Wan ends up losing this duel, he still fights more than admirably, fueled by the rage of witnessing countless other Jedi die at Dooku's hands. It is impressive and quite telling that Obi-Wan still chose to confront Dooku, despite knowing he would most likely lose.
Defeat of General Grievous
In a key battle in Revenge of the Sith, Obi-Wan infiltrates the planet Utapau to confront General Grievous, culminating in one of the most entertaining scenes of the film. After dropping in with his iconic line, "Hello, there!" Obi-Wan and Grievous engage in a spectacular duel, with the Jedi being forced to fight against four lightsabers.
To escape, Grievous hops in a ground craft and zooms away, forcing Obi-Wan to pursue him. After Obi-Wan forces Grievous off the craft, the two engage in physical combat, giving Obi-Wan a distinct disadvantage. As he is hanging off the side of a hangar, Obi-Wan summons a blaster with the Force, and as Grievous prepares to give the final blow, he shoots him directly in his exposed heart, causing Grievous to burst into flames. The fact that Obi-Wan single-handedly defeats General Grievous, a cyborg with four arms and four lightsabers, all without his own lightsaber, is staggeringly impressive and shows the extent of Obi-Wan's physical and combative prowess.
Duel on Mustafar
The duel between Anakin and Obi-Wan on Mustafar is one of the most famous, most heartwrenching, and most visually stunning scenes in all of Star Wars history. At its core, it is a fight between two brothers.
Raw emotion plays a huge role in the ferocity of this fight. Obi-Wan, who was once desperate to save Anakin, is now determined to destroy him, as there is no other way to contain him. Anakin, corrupted by the Dark Side and Darth Sidious's lies, lashes out at his former master, outraged by his betrayal. It is clear how much Obi-Wan is hurt and pained by Anakin's turn, yet he still remains committed to eliminating him for the good of the galaxy.
"You Were The Chosen One!"
Caught up in the traumatic moment of being forced to maim his brother, Obi-Wan appeals to the part of Anakin that he hopes can still hear him through the corruption and darkness of his own mind. The pain and disappointment apparent in his voice, he chastises Anakin for turning to the Dark Side.
When Anakin screams that he hates him, Obi-Wan simply looks at his former padawan with tears in his eyes, saying simply, "You were my brother, Anakin. I loved you." That one simple line sums up both the entirety of Anakin and Obi-Wan's relationship and the seriousness and bitterness of Anakin's fall into darkness.
Saving Luke and Leia
After defeating Anakin on Mustafar, Obi-Wan retreats to Polis Massa where he witnesses the birth of Luke and Leia. Upon Padme's death, what is left of the Jedi Council decides where the newborn twins will go, and Obi-Wan executes this plan.
He takes Luke to Tatooine to live with Owen and Beru Lars, marking the end of his time as a Jedi for a very long time and effectively protecting Luke for the time being.