Exploring Obi-Wan Kenobi's Dark Side Moments in Star Wars Canon

Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, a beloved character in Star Wars canon, has tapped into the dark side seven times in both the movies and TV shows. Throughout his journey from a wise Jedi sage in the original trilogy to a wise and occasionally sassy Jedi general during the Clone Wars, Obi-Wan has faced numerous challenges. Despite his composed demeanor, there were moments when the pressure became overwhelming.

While Anakin Skywalker's struggles with the dark side are well-documented, Obi-Wan's own battle to stay true to the light side is often overlooked. It may be easy to assume that Obi-Wan, appearing more grounded than Anakin, was never tempted by the dark side. However, the allure of the dark side is a formidable force that even Grandmaster Yoda has had to confront within himself. The intense emotions of a Force-user have the power to disrupt their inner balance, leading them down a path towards the dark side - and Obi-Wan Kenobi has not been immune to this temptation, as evidenced by these seven instances.

Obi-Wan Used The Dark Side To Defeat Darth Maul In The Phantom Menace

Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace

Obi-Wan fighting Darth Maul with his blue lightsaber in Star Wars The Phantom Menace - Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace - Obi-Wan Used The Dark Side To Defeat Darth Maul In The Phantom Menace

Obi-Wan's demeanor was anything but calm during his initial encounter with Darth Maul. Prior to Maul's fatal attack on his master, Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan displayed signs of restlessness. His fighting style became more aggressive, and when separated from Maul and Qui-Gon by ray shields, he paced around in frustration instead of finding his center. After witnessing Qui-Gon's death, Obi-Wan's emotions spiraled out of control, leading him to tap into the dark side in order to defeat Maul.

Obi-Wan Used The Dark Side To Defeat Anakin Skywalker In Revenge Of The Sith

Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge Of The Sith

Split image of Obi-Wan and Anakin on Mustafar in Revenge of the Sith. - Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge Of The Sith - Obi-Wan Used The Dark Side To Defeat Anakin Skywalker In Revenge Of The Sith

Obi-Wan expressed his devastation when Anakin turned to the dark side, declaring his love and brotherly bond before leaving him to suffer on Mustafar. The novelization of Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith, approved by George Lucas, delves deeper into this moment. It reveals that although Obi-Wan understood that ending Anakin's suffering would be merciful, he was unable to do so. The confrontation between the two former allies was a manifestation of their inner turmoil and connection to the dark side.

PURCHASE MATTHEW STOVER'S REVENGE OF THE SITH NOVELIZATION HERE

Obi-Wan Used The Dark Side When Fighting General Grievous In The Clone Wars

Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season 5, Episode 8 "Bound For Rescue"

Obi-Wan Kenobi locking lightsabers with General Grievous in the Clone Wars - Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season 5, Episode 8 "Bound For Rescue" - Obi-Wan Used The Dark Side When Fighting General Grievous In The Clone Wars

In "Bound for Rescue," General Grievous boards Obi-Wan's ship and overwhelms his forces with the droid army. He crushes a clone soldier under his robotic foot in front of Obi-Wan, who looks disgusted. He then says, "You'll regret that," and violently attacks Grievous.

However, he is outnumbered and retreats with his men to the escape pods, resolving to activate the ship's self-destruct with Grievous on board. However, in his anger, he makes a tactical error. He sends Grievous a snarky message, telling him that he's blowing up the ship. This gives Grievous enough time to escape.

Destroy Malevolence's Grievous Duel Also Hints At The Dark Side

Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season 1, Episode 4 "Destroy Malevolence"

General Grievous and Obi-Wan Kenobi fighting on a train in Destroy Malevolence - Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season 1, Episode 4 "Destroy Malevolence" - Destroy Malevolence's Grievous Duel Also Hints At The Dark Side

In the episode "Destroy Malevolence," Obi-Wan engages in a battle with General Grievous. Despite the expectation for a Jedi to remain composed and focused during combat, Obi-Wan deviates from this norm. Throughout the encounter, he consistently mocks Grievous and ridicules his combat skills, showcasing a more playful and sarcastic side to his personality.

Obi-Wan's Battle Against Darth Maul & Savage Opress Showed His Anger

Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season 4, Episode 22 "Revenge"

Obi-Wan fighting Darth Maul in the Clone Wars - Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season 4, Episode 22 "Revenge" - Obi-Wan's Battle Against Darth Maul & Savage Opress Showed His Anger

Obi-Wan had a persistent nemesis in Darth Maul following his return in The Clone Wars. Maul harbored deep resentment towards Obi-Wan for severing him in half and sought vengeance relentlessly. In the episode "Revenge," Obi-Wan and Asajj Ventress joined forces to confront and combat Darth Maul alongside Savage Opress.

During the intense battle between Obi-Wan and Maul, Obi-Wan is provoked by Maul's taunts about killing his master. This leads Obi-Wan to tap into the dark side and unleash his anger, causing Maul to mock him for straying from the Jedi path. In a chilling moment, Obi-Wan declares, "When I cut you in half, I should've aimed for your neck."

Obi-Wan Used The Dark Side To Fight Pre Vizsla & Death Watch

Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season 2, Episode 12 "The Mandalore Plot"

Obi-Wan and Pre Vizsla locking lightsabers - Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season 2, Episode 12 "The Mandalore Plot" - Obi-Wan Used The Dark Side To Fight Pre Vizsla & Death Watch

Obi-Wan Tapped Into The Dark Side To Play Rako Hardeen

In "The Mandalore Plot," Death Watch attacks Obi-Wan's lover, Duchess Satine Kryze, in an attempt to overthrow the pacifist and restore the warrior ways to Mandalore. As Pre Vizsla steps out with the Darksaber, he tells Obi-Wan that it was stolen from the Jedi Temple, had been used to kill many Jedi, and would now be used to kill him and Satine. Enraged, Obi-Wan battles Pre Vizsla. The expression on his face as he fights for Satine's life shows clear anger and disgust for his opponent. He is giving into his anger and tumultuous emotions as he duels.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Season 4, Episodes 15-18

Obi-Wan Kenobi Disguised as Rako Hardeen - Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Season 4, Episodes 15-18 - Obi-Wan Tapped Into The Dark Side To Play Rako Hardeen

When Chancellor Palpatine's life is threatened, Obi-Wan disguises himself as the merciless mercenary, Rako Hardeen, in order to uncover and prevent the assassination plot. In order to convincingly portray the role, Obi-Wan delves into the dark side. An example of this is when he responds to verbal abuse in prison by stabbing the offender's hand with a fork and nonchalantly threatening to consume him. This incident highlights the extent to which Obi-Wan Kenobi fully embraced the character of Rako Hardeen.

ALL STAR WARS MOVIES AND TV SHOWS ARE AVAILABLE TO STREAM ON DISNEY+

Editor's P/S:

The article provides compelling insights into the complexities of Obi-Wan Kenobi's character. While he is often perceived as a paragon of Jedi virtue, the article reveals that he has also grappled with the allure of the dark side. The seven instances presented in the article demonstrate Obi-Wan's vulnerability to the dark side's temptations, particularly in moments of intense emotion and desperation.

This nuanced portrayal adds depth to Obi-Wan's character, making him more relatable and human. It underscores the idea that even the most steadfast individuals can be tested by the dark side, and that the struggle between light and dark is an ongoing battle within all Force-users. The article also highlights the importance of maintaining balance and resisting the allure of the dark side, even in the face of adversity.