Exploring Obi-Wan Kenobi's Force Abilities: Canon vs Legends

Obi-Wan Kenobi has displayed a range of Force powers in all his appearances in the Star Wars series. With each new version of the character, he seems to become even more powerful, building upon the abilities he had before. Following his latest appearance in Disney's Obi-Wan Kenobi series, there are numerous possibilities for his future in terms of both power and story.

However, not all of Obi-Wan's Force powers are considered part of the official Star Wars canon. When Disney took over the Star Wars franchise in 2012, many Force abilities were designated as part of the Star Wars Legends category and no longer considered canon. Nevertheless, Obi-Wan remains one of the most formidable Jedi in the history of the series, even without some of these extraordinary Force abilities.

Telekinesis Was A Powerful Tool Of The Force

Obi-Wan Kenobi

Obi-Wan Kenobi versus Darth Vader - Telekinesis Was A Powerful Tool Of The Force

Telekinesis is a well-known ability that Jedi use, which involves using the Force to move objects or even crush and freeze them. Obi-Wan Kenobi showcases his strong telekinetic powers during his epic battle with Darth Vader, where he demonstrates his mastery of the Force on a level comparable to the Dark Lord.

Obi-Wan Was Capable Of Absorbing Energy In Legends

Star Wars: Clone Wars "Chapter 9"

Obi-Wan Kenobi vs Durge - Star Wars: Clone Wars "Chapter 9" - Obi-Wan Was Capable Of Absorbing Energy In Legends

In the Clone Wars TV show by Genndy Tartakovsky that aired on Cartoon Network in 2003, Obi-Wan Kenobi showcased impressive Force powers. In "Chapter 9", he faced off against bounty hunter Durge and a group of Droidekas. During the battle, Obi-Wan displayed a unique energy absorption skill called Tutaminis, where he redirected the blaster bolts of the Droidekas. It's important to note that this ability is not considered part of the official Star Wars canon.

Even As A Padawan, Obi-Wan Could Tame Beasts

Master & Apprentice

Obi Wan and Qui Gon Jin on the cover of Master and Apprentice. - Master & Apprentice - Even As A Padawan, Obi-Wan Could Tame Beasts

In the Star Wars universe, various Jedi have displayed the skill of using the Force to communicate with and calm wild creatures. Obi-Wan Kenobi is one such Jedi who showcased this ability during his time as a Padawan. In the book Master & Apprentice by Claudia Gray, it is mentioned that Obi-Wan connected with a massive feathered reptile known as a varactyl from the planet Utapau. Not only Obi-Wan, but characters like Ahsoka and Grogu have also demonstrated this talent in taming dangerous beasts.

Obi-Wan Could Use The Force To Hide His Presence

Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game

Obi-Wan Kenobi living on Tatooine - Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game - Obi-Wan Could Use The Force To Hide His Presence

Force Stealth was a power that Jedi used to hide their location by tapping into the Force. In Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game, it was mentioned that Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda used this ability to conceal their Force abilities while in exile. Even though this power is no longer considered part of the official Star Wars canon, it provides a fascinating explanation for how some Jedi managed to stay hidden after Order 66.

Obi-Wan Understood How To Use The Dark Side

The Movie Trilogy Sourcebook

David Prowse (with James Earl Jones) as Darth Vader about to use Force Choke in Star Wars - The Movie Trilogy Sourcebook - Obi-Wan Understood How To Use The Dark Side

The Movie Trilogy Sourcebook from 1993 mentioned that Obi-Wan Kenobi had knowledge of using the dark side of the Force to harm or even kill others. Although the details of how this ability is utilized remain vague, the sourcebook clarifies that Obi-Wan never actually employed these dark side powers or turned to the dark side. While this information is no longer considered part of the official Star Wars canon, it does spark interesting thoughts on what it would mean for a Jedi to possess such knowledge about the dark side.

Force Sense Allowed Obi-Wan To Feel The Death Of Alderaan

Star Wars (1977)

Obi-Wan senses the destruction of Alderaan in A New Hope - Star Wars (1977) - Force Sense Allowed Obi-Wan To Feel The Death Of Alderaan

In Star Wars, a memorable scene shows the heartbreaking moment when Alderaan is destroyed and Obi-Wan feels a strong connection to it. Through the Force, Obi-Wan senses the fear and cries of millions of people being silenced as Alderaan is wiped out. This power is known as Force Sense, a skill that many Jedi possess to connect with others through the Force, the living energy that binds all things together.

When He Died, Obi-Wan Became A Force Ghost

The Empire Strikes Back

Obi Wan talks to Luke in Dagobah - The Empire Strikes Back - When He Died, Obi-Wan Became A Force Ghost

Obi-Wan was the first Force Ghost in the franchise, paving the way for others. This ability allowed him to stay after death and help train Luke Skywalker. Following Obi-Wan's example in The Empire Strikes Back, Jedi like Yoda, Anakin Skywalker, and Luke have also appeared as Force Ghosts.

Obi-Wan Eventually Mastered The Art Of Battle Meditation

The Movie Trilogy Sourcebook

Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Maul's final duel on Tatooine in Star Wars Rebels - The Movie Trilogy Sourcebook - Obi-Wan Eventually Mastered The Art Of Battle Meditation

Battle Meditation, famously used by Bastila Shan in Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, was a power commonly seen in the Star Wars Legends universe. This Force ability allowed a Jedi to boost the fighting skills of others and enhance the teamwork of a group. In the Movie Trilogy Sourcebook, it was mentioned that Obi-Wan Kenobi had mastered this power during his time on Tatooine, although it was no longer considered canon in the Star Wars universe.

Obi-Wan Could Use The Force To Heal Himself And Others

The Life and Legend of Obi-Wan Kenobi

Kylo Ren uses Force Heal in The Rise of Skywalker - The Life and Legend of Obi-Wan Kenobi - Obi-Wan Could Use The Force To Heal Himself And Others

Obi-Wan Kenobi, like Rey and Ben Solo in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, had the ability to use the Force for healing himself and others. In the Jedi Quest: Path to Truth novel, Obi-Wan tried to heal his paralyzed arm using this power. His mastery over Force healing was so advanced that he could even slow down his aging in The Life and Legend of Obi-Wan Kenobi, although this ability is no longer considered canon.

Jedi Mind Tricks Are One Of Obi-Wan's Most Famous Powers

Star Wars (1977)

Ben Kenobi uses the Jedi mind trick in Star Wars - Star Wars (1977) - Jedi Mind Tricks Are One Of Obi-Wan's Most Famous Powers

The Jedi Mind Trick is not only Obi-Wan's most famous ability but also one of the most well-known Force abilities in the Star Wars universe. With this power, a Jedi can influence suggestible individuals to comply with their wishes. One iconic example is when Obi-Wan Kenobi convinces a group of Stormtroopers to let them through by stating that C-3PO and R2-D2 are not the droids they are seeking. This moment has become a memorable part of the franchise's history.

Editor's P/S:

The article serves as a comprehensive exploration of Obi-Wan Kenobi's Force powers, providing an overview of his abilities in both the official Star Wars canon and the Legends universe. It highlights the wide range of powers he wields, including telekinesis, energy absorption, animal communication, and the ability to become a Force Ghost.

While some Force abilities are no longer considered canon, the article still sheds light on Obi-Wan's overall strength and versatility as a Jedi. It is fascinating to learn about the evolution of his powers and the different ways he has used the Force to confront challenges and protect those he cares about. The article's exploration of both canon and non-canon abilities enriches our understanding of Obi-Wan's character and the depth of his connection to the Force.