Obi-Wan Kenobi was a legendary Jedi Master who was a member of the Jedi Council during the final years of the Republic and served as a general during the Clone Wars. Trained by the maverick Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan exhibited a strong adherence to the Jedi Code and a particular talent in defensive lightsaber combat. His early years as a Jedi Knight were marked by his commitment to train Anakin Skywalker, the supposed Chosen One, a task passed onto him following Qui-Gon’s death at the hands of the Sith lord Darth Maul.
Throughout the Clone Wars, General Kenobi led Republic forces against the Confederacy of Independent Systems. He fought alongside Anakin and his apprentice, Ahsoka Tano, on several missions, helping the Republic achieve numerous victories against the Separatists. Obi-Wan “specialized” in fighting Sith lords, going toe-to-toe with Count Dooku, Asajj Ventress, Maul, and Savage Opress, brother of Maul, on multiple occasions.
During the Battle of Utapau, Master Kenobi defeated the Separatist Supreme Commander, General Grievous, effectively ending the Clone War. This victory would be short-lived, however, as Order 66 was initiated just moments later. The Jedi were caught completely off guard as most were gunned down by clone troopers or killed by Kenobi’s former Padawan, who had been turned to the Dark Side by the manipulative Darth Sidious. Only a few Jedi survived this terrible ordeal, including Masters Yoda and Kenobi.
Obi-Wan was forced to confront Anakin on the volcanic planet of Mustafar. There, the two former friends engaged in an epic duel of the fates, appearing to be evenly matched until the fallen Jedi’s arrogance got the better of him. The man now known as Darth Vader was defeated by his old master and left for dead on the banks of a volcanic river. Unbeknownst to Obi-Wan, Vader would survive this encounter and go on to do the Emperor’s bidding for years to come.
The betrayal of the clones during Order 66 and the tragic duel against his former Padawan weighed heavily on him. Following the rise of the Galactic Empire, Obi-Wan went into hiding on Tatooine. Here, under the alias of Ben Kenobi, he watched over Anakin’s son for nearly two decades to ensure that the legacy of the Jedi might one day be reborn.
Initially, “Ben” buried his old identity and Obi-Wan’s saber in the sands of Tatooine, swearing to never again wield this weapon. It was a few years after his self-imposed exile that Ben Kenobi was called into action once again to save a young Princess Leia from the Empire’s Inquisitors. This would lead Obi-Wan to another encounter with Vader. The Jedi Master would also once again wield his saber against a revived Darth Maul, killing the Sith lord turned Crimson Dawn syndicate leader for good.
Master Kenobi’s guidance was crucial for Luke Skywalker on his journey to become a Jedi. He introduced Luke to the concept of the Force, gave him his father’s old lightsaber, and began his Jedi training as they embarked on a journey to rescue Princess Leia Organa. During another rematch with Vader on the Death Star, Ben would sacrifice himself in order for Luke and the rescue party to escape. This allowed Kenobi to become one with the Force, like his master before him, and provide the Young Skywalker with wisdom from beyond the grave as a Force spirit.
Obi-Wan Kenobi’s lightsaber and Jedi influence played a pivotal role in the galaxy’s fight against the Sith and the oppressive Empire. His guidance helped Luke become a Jedi, redeem his father, and put an end to Emperor Palpetine’s rule.
