Star Warshas revealed the real reasonQui-Gon Jinnnever joined the Jedi Council, and it changes everything we thought we knew about his relationship withObi-Wan Kenobi.Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan’s relationshipwas relatively short-lived on screen, but otherStar Warsstories have provided more context for their somewhat strained but ultimately rewarding partnership. While Obi-Wan was a stickler for the rules when he was younger – though even he’d had doubts about his future with the Jedi – Qui-Gon Jinn was much more of a free-thinker, especially compared to the rest of the Jedi Council.
Obi-Wan often wondered why his Master never joined the Jedi Council, and now, a newStar Warsreference book, theStar Wars Encyclopedia: The Comprehensive Guide to the Star Wars Galaxyby Dan Brooks, Megan Crouse, Amy Richau, Amy Ratcliffe, Brandon Wainerdi, Dan Zehr, and Kelly Knox, has revealed the following:
“After a mission on Pijal, Qui-Gon chooses to stay as Obi-Wan’s teacher rather than join the Jedi Council.”
It’s been established that members of the Jedi Council are allowed to train Padawans and often do – Depa Billaba trained Caleb Dume, for instance – so why was Qui-Gon so reluctant to join the council? Obi-Wan believed that it was because Qui-Gon was a nonconformist, and thus bothQui-Gon himself and the Jedi Councilwere hesitant to include him, but instead,Qui-Gon Jinn explicitly chose to dedicate himself to Obi-Wan’s training because he believed in his Padawan’s future.
What Qui-Gon’s Decision Means For Star Wars
Not only does this information change how we see Qui-Gon’s relationship with Obi-Wan, but it also changes how we see the Jedi Council. Often, when speaking of the Jedi’s downfall and their role in the Clone Wars conflict,the Jedi Council is seen as too rigid, so obsessed with sticking to the rules and what they think they know, they can’t see the darkness building in the shadows.
Claudia Gray’sStar WarsnovelMaster & Apprenticeprovides an in-depth look at Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon’s relationship.
In that context, it made sense that Qui-Gon never joined the Jedi Council – he was too outspoken and unwavering in his own beliefs, and that would have threatened the natural order of things. Obi-Wan certainly believed that was the reason Qui-Gon never officially joined their ranks. However, since this confirms the Council specifically asked him to join, and he was the one to turn down the offer, it shows thatthe Council was not as inflexible as we believed them to be.
Our Take On Qui-Gon’s Decision
While Qui-Gon’s decision proves just how much he believed in Obi-Wan, it has also made usre-examine Qui-Gon’s devotion to Anakin’s training. InStar Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace,Qui-Gon is adamant that Anakin should be trained, despite his advanced age and the Council’s objections. Qui-Gon even declared that Obi-Wan was ready to complete his training and take the Jedi trials so that he could focus on training Anakin instead.
Clearly, in Qui-Gon’s eyes, training Anakin was more important than anything he could ever do with a seat on the Jedi Council.
Clearly, in Qui-Gon’s eyes, training Anakin was more important than anything he could ever do with a seat on the Jedi Council. Qui-Gon believed that Anakin was the Chosen One. Perhaps he saw the danger of Anakin being left alone, perhaps he could sense the darkness brewing in the distance, intent on staking its claim on the young boy. Whatever the case may be,Qui-Gon Jinn’s belief inObi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, and the future of the Jedi Order was more important to him than being a member of the Jedi High Council inStar Wars.
The Star Wars Encyclopedia is now available for pre-order.
Qui-Gon Jinn
Viewed as a maverick Jedi, Qui-Gon Jinn was willing to learn from other Force traditions - and some of those lessons taught him how to retain his consciousness after death, becoming the first Force Ghost. Qui-Gon discovered Anakin Skywalker on Tatooine, recognizing him as the Chosen One, and swore to train the boy. This oath was passed to Qui-Gon’s apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi, after Qui-Gon was killed by Darth Maul. He remained influential from beyond the veil, however, teaching others how to follow in his Force Ghost footsteps.
Obi-Wan Kenobi
The Padawan of Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi became a Jedi Knight after his master’s death. Obi-Wan trained Anakin Skywalker as a Jedi, with his own apprentice knighted after the Battle of Geonosis. The Jedi Master became a key player in the Jedi during the Clone Wars, and was heartbroken when Anakin turned to the dark side; Obi-Wan critically wounded Anakin before taking to the shadows, watching over the young Luke and Leia for years. He sacrificed himself for his two charges, becoming a Force Ghost and continuing to mentor them.
