The New Obi-Wan Kenobi show on Disney+ is already breaking records as the most-watched original series premiere and directly led to a tripling in the hours watched of other Star Wars titles on the platform. The fan-favorite Jedi getting his own spin-off has been long-awaited, and of course, with it comes some traditional traits all Jedis tend to encompass.
Although they are quite an eccentric and eclectic cast of characters for George Lucas' space opera, there are many shared qualities that nearly all Jedi have across the canon.
Long Flowing Garments
Starting with the basics, the essential attire for a Jedi night is the long flowing robes, usually accompanied by a brown hood. Seeing how George Lucas drew from classic samurai films and their creation, it makes sense that they would have something akin to their traditional attire.
While all Jedi don't need to wear this as the established uniform, it's perhaps the most common article of clothing scene amongst members of the order. Some members, like Ahsoka Tano and Kanan Jarrus, opt for a more tactical and practical approach, but there's no denying that the hooded look isn't something that absolutely screams Jedi.
Lightsaber Mastery
If there's one thing in the Star Wars universe that is synonymous with both the Jedi and Sith, it's the use of a lightsaber. A weapon for a far more civilized age, the blade of light in plasma could be considered the icon of a Star Wars franchise, but it takes a true Jedi master to wield it the right way.
For the Jedi, mastery of their weapon of choice is indeed an art form. Far more than a series of lunges and parries, the fighting style of the Jedi works in tandem with the force to ensure victory on the battlefield or in a one-on-one duel. It's as much a dance as it is a fight.
Defensive Fighting Style
Unlike their dark side counterparts, the Sith, the Jedi take a more defensive fighting style than offensive. While a Jedi master will kill their opponent if absolutely necessary, the ultimate goal is to defeat and disarm. Although they are the peacekeepers of the galaxy, there are certain members of the Jedi Order that are cunning warriors and a force to be reckoned with.
That all being said, sometimes the best offense is an even better defense, something that can be seen in the fighting styles of Mace Windu and Obi-Wan Kenobi. They can hold their ground and fend off attackers with ease, but they almost always have a sense of control. This is the path of the light side.
Brilliant Tacticians
Another factor that a great many Jedi masters have is a gift for a more tactical approach. Many Jedi Masters such as Yoda, Kenobi, Plo Koon, and especially Opo Rancisis were brilliant thinkers and tacticians on and off the battlefield. No true Jedi goes into battle unprepared, and certainly without a plan of action.
Characters like Obi-Wan Kenobi are often seen observing the situation before making their advances. Keeping close to that "look before you leap" frame of mind, many great Jedi are well known for their calculating tactics.
Pillars Of Great Wisdom
With the exception of a few nameable individuals, nearly all members of the Jedi order are sources of great wisdom. The most notable example is probably Master Yoda, but even characters like Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano have shown wisdom beyond their years.
Characters like Obi-Wan Kenobi are essentially the old wise man archetype, but not without reason. A Jedi must have a permanent sense of mindfulness and connection with the Force, and experience is one of the greatest teachers in the galaxy.
Organic Connection To The Universe
A true Jedi can be one with the Force, but that goes beyond the astral and cosmic plane. As demonstrated throughout a multitude of Star Wars media, a Jedi can thrive in just about any place in the universe. Whether they are planted in the bright lights of Coruscant or the sands of Tattooine, they will have a deep connection with their planet or environment.
This is been exceptionally demonstrated by characters like Anakin and Kenobi who endure a galaxy of harsh environments and stations across their adventures. To connect with not just the Force but the universe as a whole is practically a mandatory Jedi skill.
Eccentric Personalities
The term "eccentric" can mean many different things in terms of Jedi personalities. From the smart yet snarky Obi-Wan to the wise and weird Yoda, just about every seasoned Jedi Master has some sort of quirk to their persona that separates them from other members of the order.
Yoda speaks in riddles, Mace Windu is calculating and thoughtful, and Kenobi is the mystical wise man. Almost all the seasoned members of the order carry some sort of unique personality trait that represents their character in the best way. Being one with the Force certainly seems to bring out some colorful qualities either way.
A Spiritual Aura
Being a Jedi master requires a certain connection to the spiritual realm. The Force is more than just a source of energy for the universe, it is the essence of life itself that brings everything together in the grand scheme of the cosmos. A Jedi needs to have a firm, unshakable, and downright religious understanding about that.
Understanding the Force is all about balance. It's understanding the light and the dark, but choosing the path of righteousness. Like so many eastern philosophies, the theme of connection with the universe is heavily present across different chapters of the Star Wars saga.
Mystical And Magical
Obi-Wan Kenobi might be the most wizardly of the bunch, but nearly all Jedi have something mystical and magical about their persona, especially when wielding the Force. Although they have no spells, rights, or secret incantations, there's a reason that the Mandalorian Armorer referred to them as a race of sorcerers.
Most wizards tend to have a mastery of the elements, and that can certainly be said for the Jedi order. They've used the Force to command stones, water, air, and other mystical energies that it can't be called anything other than magical.
One With The Force
A Jedi's version of Nirvana is becoming one with the force, and all members of the order have this to some degree. They might not all become force ghosts or beings of cosmic energy, but this desire to protect and understand the energy that flows through and connects everything in the known galaxy is a trait all Jedi share.
The Jedi mantra of "I am one with the Force" is a motif repeated across the Star Wars canon that it becomes almost like a prayer for the order. It's this deep connection to all things that separate the Jedi from the Sith, making them the beacon of hope and wisdom for the galaxy.