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When mostStar Warsfans think about Obi-Wan Kenobi, they tend to picturea wise Jedi Masterwho managed to survive the darkest moment in the history of the Jedi. That line of thinking tends to lead most people to believe that Obi-Wan was the best master Anakin Skywalker could have had. But that may not be true.
Obi-Wan might be the most universally loved Jedi in theStar Warsfranchise that isn’t named Luke Skywalker. However, that doesn’t make him a perfect match for someone like Anakin. The longer that fans have had to think about who should have been Anakin’s master, the more people believe thatQui-Gon Jinn was actually the best choice.The reasons behind this may seem mysterious to some, but the more layers that are peeled back, the more it makes sense.
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Apprentices
Anakin Skywalker, Luke Skywalker
Anakin’sturn to the dark side of the ForceinRevenge Of The Sithmay make it seem like Obi-Wan wasn’t a great master. However, that was likely far from the truth. Obi-Wan is widely viewed as one of the most gifted Jedi of his age, standing out even among the other Jedi Masters within the order. One of his most important traits came through in his chosen defensive fighting style: his patience. In reality, Anakin’s brash and sometimes disrespectful attitude may have spelled disaster for his time with the Jedi, if he was left under the tutelage of anyone else.It is unfortunate, then, that despite being a great master, Obi-Wan could not give Anakin what he needed most.This is foreshadowed byObi-Wan’s line oozing with dramatic ironyfromAttack Of The Clones:
“Why do I get the feeling you’re going to be the death of me?”
Obi-Wan was able to foster Anakin’s incredible natural abilities with both the Force and a lightsaber, helping him to become one of the strongest beings in the galaxy (even to his own detriment).The problem is that, in their training, Obi-Wan was unableto stamp out the rebellious, emotional, and arrogant side of Anakin. A big reason for that might be indicated by Obi-Wan himself: he loved Anakin like a brother.
While Obi-Wan was a force of good, the young Jedi needed a father figure in his life to help guide him. Anakin needed someone that he could respect, and while he does acknowledge Obi-Wan is the closest thing he’s ever had to a father, the two never seemed to have a father-son relationship. That relationship could have formed between Anakin and Qui-Gon Jinn.
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Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker (briefly), Yoda (through the Force)
As the years have gone on, fans have maintained respect for everything Obi-Wan did, but many have come to the conclusion thatthe wise Qui-Gon Jinnis what Anakin needed. Right from the start, Qui-Gon appeared to be a better fit to be Anakin’s master. Qui-Gon was far older, more experienced, and was already a Jedi Master by the time he met Anakin. He was a skilled combatant in his own right, but his connection to the Force made him a truly powerful Jedi, two things that would have allowed him to guide Anakin as effectively as Obi-Wan.
It’s already been mentioned that Anakin needed a father figure. Qui-Gon easily could have fit that mold. He likely would have been to snuff out Anakin’s rebellious nature when required, and foster it when necessary. It is important to note thatQui-Gon Jinn was far from the average Jedi. He had no issue standing in opposition to the wishes of the Jedi Council if it meant doing what he believed the Will of the Force intended. This means that Qui-Gon Jinn would have been able to identify Anakin’s emotional weaknesses and turn them into strengths, helping him avoid his ultimate fall to the Dark Side. Where Anakin stood in opposition to the Jedi Council, it is possible that Qui-Gon would have stood in opposition with him, keeping his young Padawan from straying into or being manipulated to the Dark Side.
Would Anakin Have Turned To The Dark Side With Qui-Gon As His Master?
The problem with answering this question is that it depends on how one interprets the events of the series in relation tothe “Chosen One” prophecy. A wide group of fans would say that Anakin’s master ultimately does not matter. His being the Chosen One set him on a predestined path to the Dark Side and his eventual return to the Light. Those who believe in the flexibility of such a concept, or don’t put much stock in the “Chosen One” idea, may find themselves feeling that Qui-Gon could have saved Anakin, and in turn, all the Jedi.
The biggest indication, though, is how well-matched Qui-Gon and Anakin are in terms of demeanor. Anakin may not have been so quick to jump into a fight if Qui-Gon was around to make him think twice before acting. Of course, the major kink inthe issue is the always-plotting Palpatine. Obviously, he would still have an immense interest in having Anakin serve under him, so a turn to the Dark Side would likely depend on a few factors. These would inclide removing Qui-Gon from the picture, morphing Qui-Gon’s brand of defiance into one rooted in anger, and Palpatine hoping that Anakin ended up becoming romantically involved with Padmé Amidala.
