Along with the announcement of Hayden Christensen’s return as Darth Vader, it was confirmed that the series would also see him face off against his former Jedi Master. Before the launch of the project, it was thought that the long-awaited meeting between the two men would only take place towards the end of the series. Obi-Wan Kenobi. So it was a nice surprise to see them face off Obi-Wan Kenobi episode 3. Given the difference in level between the two former brothers, it was obvious that a final and resounding confrontation would sign the end of the first season (if there are two).
Unlike their first fight, Obi-Wan Kenobi was better prepared to face dark Vador. He eventually won the fight, but instead of killing him, he decided to let his ex-Padawan live. Besides the fact that established Star Wars canon is that Darth Vader survives combat, the decision toObi Wan to spare the life of the Sith Lord has a deeper meaning.
Why Kenobi Didn’t Kill Vader: Mercy or Mercy?
Obi-Wan Kenobi © Disney+
During the fight, Obi Wan cuts the helmet dark Vadorrevealing Anakin Skywalker’s burnt face. This stops Obi-Wan in his tracks, he is overcome with sadness and guilt for what happened to his friend. The Jedi Master apologizes for what happened between them, but the Sith Lord insists his fall to the dark side isn’t his former master’s fault. Consumed by remorse, Obi-Wan decides to walk away from the fight. After realizing how much dark Vador is on the path to the dark side, Obi Wan doesn’t even try to appeal to Anakin’s humanity, he’s finally come to terms with the cold truth about what happened to his former ally.
This can be interpreted as a sign of pity or indulgence on the part ofObi Wan to his old friend. Despite everything they’ve been through, the series Obi-Wan Kenobi firmly established that the Jedi still care deeply for their former Padawan and remember him as the great ally they had for many years. See anakin in dark Vador once again breaks Obi-Wan’s heart. He can’t bring himself to kill dark Vador, as he continues to associate it with the Anakin he formed as a child. This is exactly the reason why Obi-Wan didn’t kill Anakin on Mustafar when he had the opportunity ten years earlier in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith. In a way, the Jedi Master still feels responsible for what happened to Anakin, and while he accepted the possibility of Anakin dying, he can’t bear to be the one to kill him.
Why Obi-Wan Kenobi’s clemency is so important
Obi-Wan Kenobi © Disney+ © Lucasfilm
In addition to ensuring the survival of Dark Vador, the decision toObi Wan to spare his life is also important to the character’s arc. Obi-Wan Kenobi sees the Jedi Master at some of his lowest points in the canon, he struggles to connect to the Force due to his wavering faith. Despite his disappointments, his decision not to kill the Sith Lord proves that despite his own trials and Anakin’s betrayal, his principles remain intact. As he once said to his Padawan, and as seen through the flashback ofObi-Wan Kenobi in episode 5, the goal of a Jedi is not to take a life but to defend it. Obi Wan demonstrated this principle through and through by maintaining his devotion to the Jedi code and refusing to kill an already defeated opponent, cementing his place as one of the greatest Jedi in history.