The relationship between Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi and former Padawan Anakin Skywalker has been an important centerpiece ofStar Warsthroughout the ages. Their descent from comradery to rivalry was a pivotal moment for the franchise as it was a driving force behind the most emotionally excruciating character arcs. The two were first acquainted on Tatooine prior to the Battle of Naboo where it was Kenobi’s master Qui-Gon Jinn who was adamant that Anakin wasthe Chosen One. After he was made aware of young Anakin’s Midi-chlorian count, Obi-Wan joined Qui-Gon in his conviction that Anakin was truly special. He therefore accepted him as his student to honor the final request of his Master. Their personalities were not always congruent nor the most compatible as the pair often clashed, but, amid their disagreements, Obi-Wan was always in favor of Anakin becoming a Jedi Knight. Their uncertain beginnings evolved into Obi-Wan becoming fiercely loyal to his apprentice, even if he did not fully approve of Anakin’s prideful attitude and stubborn temperament. His trustworthiness did not waver, even in the face of the Jedi Council, as he withheld the information of Anakin’s hidden marriage to Senator Padmé Amidala. The fate of their friendship was destined to end in tragedy and betrayal.
Throughout theStar Warsfranchise, Obi-Wan and Anakin have fought each other twice: the first (chronologically) being their intenselightsaber fight sceneinRevenge of the Sith; and the second, their rematch inA New Hope. Now, the upcomingObi-Wan Kenobiseries on Disney+ promises thereturn of Darth Vaderand, as such, a possible rematch between the two. As the series approaches, high stakes are bound to be brought with it. With those high stakes, comes a question as old asStar Warsitself: Is Obi-Wan Kenobi stronger than Anakin Skywalker?
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Obi-Wan Kenobi’s Fighting Style
Obi-Wan is known for his swordsmanship and his skill whenwielding a lightsaberthroughout his time as a Jedi. After he was guided by Qui-Gon during his time as a Padawan, Obi-Wan studied his master meticulously. The loss of his Master was enough to push him to reconsider how he approached the basis of lightsaber combat and adapted his form to fit his new way of life.Form IV Ataruwasn’t enough to stop Darth Maul from slaying Qui-Gon, nor could its grand, sweeping articulated fashion protect him from the Sith Lord. As a result, Obi-Wan switched his focus to Form III Soresu, a defensive counter-form that was designed to fend off the aggressive, relentless, and offensive Form IV Aratu. His combat concentrated on calculating the means of keeping his movement drawn to a minimum and not allowing his opponent to strike him, and instead, prepared him to block himself from harm. The Jedi Master was regarded as one of the most skilled Form III Soresu duelers and was deemed a champion of the fighting style.
Anakin Skywalker’s Fighting Style
Form V was recognized as a valid form of lightsaber combat by the Jedi Council, where the offensive opponent exerts all of their energy into aggressive attacks. There is no complication needed when calculating physical stance nor measuring the effect of footwork when practicing Form V, otherwise known as Djem So combined with Shien. The means of manipulation were reliant on power over skill whereas those who used it forced weakness out of their opposition. Anakin internalized the ruthlessness found in Form V as it easily suited his personality. His impatience, impulsivity, and intention to come out victorious with an insatiable hunger for power naturally fit Djem So. There was no open discouragement from the Jedi when incorporating Djem So and Shien into their personal approach to wielding the lightsaber, though their pacifistic teachings did not completely align with the domination-forward intention of Form V. Anakin previously spoke in favor of the Jedi embracing their connection with the Force and opted to use Form V. In combination with Form IV, he utilized multiple forms of lightsaber combat into his personalized understanding of how his strengths were to pair with his weapon of choice.
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Is Obi-Wan Kenobi Stronger Than Anakin Skywalker?
The word ‘strength’ is rooted in the Old English term ‘strengþu.’ This was broken into a multitude of components that would apply itself not only to physical strength but has been associated with connotations of mental and emotional willpower. When pitting Obi-Wan against Anakin, there’s more to understand than just the means of their duel; the two find themselves at odds with mental, physical, and emotional strength. Obi-Wan’s reserved, collected, and even-tempered mannerisms put him at an advantage of mental strength. His practice of self-discipline grants him the advantage of harnessed self-control. Anakin’s ultimate downward spiral and unhinged demise demonstrated a great deal of falling out of touch with himself. Anger, hatred, and fear dictated his unstable reality. Obi-Wan’s grounded presence kept him in touch with those around him, whereas his protégé was inclined to succumb to the deceit of the Dark Side.
Emotionally, both struggled. Anakin was unable to work through his emotional weaknesses and his lifelong trauma, which resulted in emotional instability. The emotional strength was at a loss, and Anakin’s recklessness was spurred on by emotional responses. Obi-Wan chose to mostly keep his anxieties at a domestic level, quietly admitting his fears, concerns, and troubles without accompanying them with an outburst. He tussled with moral conflict in using violence when it wasn’t completely necessary, especially when knowing that he would have to confront his Padawan on Mustafar. Obi-Wan was saddled with grief and regret when enduring his exile on Tatooine in his old age.
Revenge of the Sithset the standard for their rivalry that is promised to reignite duringObi-Wan Kenobi.While it was Obi-Wan that was left both triumphant and heartbroken as his mentee sizzled on the lava-glazed planet, the electrifying battle between him and Anakin was proved to be an equal match. They studied one another so well that they were over-prepared to face off. The Obi-Ani Spin technique was a demonstration of how properly matched they were, mirroring one another’s strikes in the midst of combat. Obi-Wan was physically struck down in death by Darth Vader in the Original Trilogy. This key moment in the Originals satisfied the question with an answer: in physicality, Obi-Wan may be stronger than Anakin, but Vader is stronger than Obi-Wan.
