Obi-wan Kenobi, A sob story
A lot of people see how Obi-wan talks about Darth Vader killing Anakin. Showing how he views them as separate people entirely. How he feels Anakin died when succumbing to the dark side. Yet, this is common in both religions and within the Star Wars universe.
But what I have found fascinating is that Obi-Wan refers to Anakin as his best friend, but Darth Vader as a failed pupil who turned to the dark side. Even though he knows they are one in the same. He sees Vader as his trainee, not Anakin. He blames himself for Vader but doesn't give himself any credit for training Anakin into the man he was, before the fall.
Obi-Wan doesn’t blame Anakin for becoming a Sith Lord because he understands just how hard it is to resist the temptation. He has heard about Jedi falling to the Sith before, even understands why so many rules exist in the Jedi order to prevent it from happening. Obi-Wan blames himself.
As his teacher, it was his job to prepare Anakin. Sure, he was a little too old for the “indoctrination” (that’s a post for another time) but he still tried it and did everything in his power to bring him upright in the way of the Jedi. Even at odds with the other Masters.
When Qui-Gon died, he left Anakin in to learn under Obi-Wan. It was his job to train Anakin, not because it was his duty as a master, but the final request from his best friend. Not only does he feel he failed his master, he failed his pupil and best friend as well.
Obi-Wan isn’t just physically battling Darth Vader in A New Hope; he’s battling every emotion he’s been bottling up for the past 18 years. All his fears, all his failures are standing right in front of him. This isn't an battle of blades, but of emotions.
Yet, not once, does he try to call out to Anakin. For he ‘knows’ he will never see his pupil again.
I know, I know. Most people will bring up stuff about how Lucas didn't plan this, but it just happened. To my response is, that's how storytelling works. So, don't bring up that complaint, but others are welcomed! Please post them down below!
Most importantly, the inspiration of this post was someone sharing a video of "Obi-wan Flashbacks. I've watched a lot of them in preparation for this post and this is the best version. It's hidden behind other videos that use the same concept, but this one is by far the best.
