Hey everybody and welcome to Leia’s Lair.
In this episode I will be going over the question: Was Obi-Wan the sole reason for Anakin’s
fall to the dark side?
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The fall of Anakin Skywalker and the rise of Darth Vader has been a central theme throughout
the entire Star Wars series.
Obi-Wan Kenobi has always blamed himself for his apprentice’s fall, believing that he
was not capable of tutoring someone of such potential like Anakin.
“I have failed you Anakin, I have failed you.”
But what kind of Master was Obi-Wan to Anakin?
The details of their time together is limited to the end of Anakin’s training in Attack
of the Clones.
“We will not go through this exercise again Anakin, and you will pay attention to my lead.”
“Why?”
“What?”
Well, lucky for us, the new Age of Republic: Obi-Wan Kenobi is set in this period of time
that we know very little about.
Set shortly after the events of Episode 1, Anakin and Obi-Wan are trying to get used
to their new relationship.
On one hand, Anakin senses that Obi-Wan feels uncomfortable with his new padawan, and that
he is burdened by their new partnership.
One the other hand, Obi-wan blames himself for Qui-Gon’s death and is unsure whether
he is worthy of such an important task that training Anakin is.
During those beginning, tumultuous days, Obi-Wan did not like taking his Padawan out into the
field with him, instead opting to leave him behind on Coruscant.
It was actually Yoda who pushed Obi-Wan to include Anakin in his missions, saying that
Anakin needed Obi-Wan to believe in him, just as much as he needed to develop his knowledge
and skills on Coruscant.
While Obi-Wan did not a necessarily believe this, he reluctantly agreed.
However, when it was time to tell Anakin this, Obi-Wan twisted the truth behind the decision.
He instead said Master Yoda agreed it was time, planting the idea that it was the Jedi
Council that had held Anakin back, and that Obi-Wan had confidence in him from the beginning.
At the end of the issue, of course, the story's resolution sees Obi-Wan admitting a few genuine
truths about his own flaws to his Padawan; but he allows this particular lie to remain
unchallenged.
This subtle white lie would plant the idea that Obi-Wan was on Anakin’s side and that
it was the Jedi Council that he needed to seek approval from.
“Anakin, I am on your side, I didn’t want to put you in this situation.”
“What situation?”
“The council wants you to report on all the chancellor’s dealings.”
Though he probably did not realize it at the time, this white lie he told would go onto
shape the relationship that Anakin had with the Jedi Council.
“How can you do this?
This is outrageous.
It’s unfair.
How can you be on the council, and not be a master?”
“Take a seat, Young Skywalker.”
Instead of putting 100% confidence in the Jedi Council, Obi-Wan was putting it into
himself.
Unfortunately, it was this small doubt that Anakin had, that allowed Palpatine to take
advantage of him.
“Did you ever hear the tragedy of Darth Plagueis the wise?”
Therefore, it can be said that it was not Obi-wan’s arrogance or pride that started
Anakin’s fall to the dark side, but instead it was his lack of confidence in both himself
and his Padawan.
“I hate you!”
“You were my brother Anakin, I loved you.”
And there you have it!
Thanks for watching everyone!
What did you think about this story?
Do you think Obi-Wan was responsible for Anakin’s fall?
Let me know down below in the comment section.
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I hope to see you all again in Leia’s Lair.