The incredible journey of Obi-Wan Kenobi, one of Star Wars and pop culture's greatest figures, has been furthered by his titular series in which Ewan McGregor, again, shines in the role, delivering some classic Obi-Wan moments and quotes. Obi-Wan has some of the most iconic quotes in Star Wars, and many of them sum up who he is.
Whether they summarize huge chunks of his life or showcase his ideals and character dynamics, Obi-Wan has so many quotes that truly and wonderfully reflect his character.
The Defender
"I Had No Intention Of Fighting Him, Though That Seems Inevitable Now."
Obi-Wan's character is rarely if ever, let down by the writers and creators of Star Wars projects, and in Rebels, his characterization was perfect, having a handful of beautiful quotes in what is essentially half an episode.
This quote is in reply to Ezra, who warns him of Maul and says they can fight together. While it is, at the moment, showing how Maul played Ezra, it can also be taken deeper as something pretty much captures Obi-Wan's entire outlook on fighting. He will not seek out battle, he will not welcome it with a smile, he will do it out of honor and to defend, as a Jedi should. If his hand is forced, then he shall fight to the end. But, if he can find a peaceful resolution to things, he will - with Maul, though, there could never be an amicable solution.
Classic Sass
"Good Job."
One of the best and most iconic aspects of Obi-Wan's character is his snark. He consistently makes sarcastic comments and cheeky quips to both friends and enemies, and this is one of his best.
Like most of his lines, it is delivered perfectly by Ewan McGregor, but that little look up to his chains and stare back at Anakin makes this so hilarious. Obi-Wan delivers many a sassy line to Anakin over the years, and it is a fundamental part of their brilliant Master/Apprentice dynamic.
One Comes After The Other
"Skill Is The Child Of Patience."
A fact that may surprise many people is that Obi-Wan was far from the most naturally gifted Jedi when he was a Youngling. He had to work hard to become one of the most legendary Force users ever, and even then, his skill did not live up to some others.
However, Obi-Wan had other virtues that set him apart from those like Anakin, one of which being patience. This is something Anakin has always struggled with, and this line from Obi-Wan & Anakin is one of many times Obi-Wan attempts to teach Anakin the value of patience and how he must have it in order to improve his skills.
Loose Relationship With The Truth
"Many Of The Truths We Cling To Depend On Our Point Of View."
Obi-Wan's loose relationship with the truth has been well documented for years now, dating all the way back to the original trilogy, where he neglects to tell Luke about his father. This is one of the many moments and quotes that mean so much more after Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Here Obi-Wan is not just using it as an excuse for his lie, but rather he is making clear that he did tell the truth that was told to him by Vader himself years prior. Vader did kill Anakin, and the two are not the same. More than that, though, this quote shows how Obi-Wan processed that information over the years, which was a massive part of his life and shaped the character he would become in the original trilogy.
Opposing Points Of View
"A Great Leap Forward Often Requires Taking Two Steps Back."
One of the best parts of Anakin and Obi-Wan's relationship is their differing outlooks on the Galaxy and their approaches to different situations, which is perhaps best seen here.
It is a brilliant exchange in which Anakin replies, "And sometimes all it requires is the will to jump." Anakin's plan is more emotional and powerful, whereas Obi-Wan's is more reserved and tactical. Obi-Wan always wants to assess a situation and examine the best options to get optimal results, and this is one of the best quotes that sums up that aspect of his character. A quote like this is also a great showcase of Obi-Wan's profound wisdom.
Heartbreak On Mustafar
"You Were My Brother, Anakin. I Loved You."
One of the most crucial elements of Obi-Wan's character is the tragic events of Revenge of the Sith, and his incredible monologue on Mustafar sums up that heartbreak wonderfully.
There are many lines in the Battle of the Heroes that illustrate different sides of Obi-Wan's character, but this sums up the love he had for Anakin and the pain he had to live with for years, thinking that he failed him, lost him, and killed him. Obi-Wan lost so much during Order 66, but this may have been his most significant loss of all, his darkest point in the prequels. This is a moment synonymous with the character, one of his most iconic in Star Wars.
Fondly Remembering Friends
"...Both Were Exceptional People Who Bore An Exceptional Daughter."
In the Obi-Wan Kenobi series, the titular character had to come to many realizations and reach a certain point in his life where he lets go of the guilt of failing Anakin. The end of this journey is perfectly shown when he meets Leia again on Alderaan.
His fond memories and how he describes both Padmé and Anakin are not only indicative of him having let go of the guilt of failing/killing Anakin, but realizing that Vader is not his former brother and that he can fondly remember Anakin for what he was before Vader came into play. This newfound outlook on things really helps bridge the gap between the prequel and original trilogy versions of the character. On top of that, his story with Leia improves every moment in which Leia mentions Obi-Wan in the original trilogy and beyond.
Living A Full & Purposeful Life
"If You Define Yourself By The Power To Take Life, The Desire To Dominate, To Possess… Then You Have Nothing."
Obi-Wan's rivalry with Maul is such a phenomenal and prominent aspect of his character, and it really helps highlight the goodness of Obi-Wan and how highly he values honor and being aligned with the light side of the Force.
This line - one of Obi-Wan's best quotes - not only sums up Obi-Wan's philosophy of the dark side of the Force, helping explain further why he was never even tempted by it, but it also sums up Maul's life and his relentless pursuit of Obi-Wan. It is one of Obi-Wan's best quotes in Star Wars and one of the many reasons that Rebels fans are a lucky bunch.
Trying To Understand
"Anakin, I Understand To A Degree What Is Going On."
The extended canon beyond the prequels has done a superb job at exploring Obi-Wan's inner feelings and instincts regarding Anakin's relationship with Padmé and how he believes himself not good enough to teach Anakin.
All of that is summed up in this conversation in which Obi-Wan asks Anakin about Padmé and Clovis, stating his feelings for Satine, which he held under control. Here, Obi-Wan says he knows something about the situation between Anakin and Padmé. Still, as is explored in books, comics, and The Clone Wars, he could never properly bring himself to confront Anakin about it, showing not only his deep care for Anakin but his faith in the young Jedi and his own insecurities.
Enduring It All
"Look What I've Risen Above."
Of all the lines in Obi-Wan's appearance in Rebels, from his hologram message to his assurance that Luke will bring balance, this short line is perhaps the best summation of Obi-Wan's life and most underappreciated line.
Obi-Wan has endured and overcome so much in his life, losing his family and friends, his way of life, and the love of his life, yet he perseveres; he rises above and stays true to his code and to the light side of the Force. Anakin may be Star Wars' quintessential tragic character, but Obi-Wan had no easy life, and yet he still, for the most part, stayed true to who he is and rose above it all.