The Profound Bond Between a Jedi Master and Apprentice in the Star Wars Universe

The Force Connection: Master and Apprentice

The bond between a Jedi master and their apprentice is a profound and powerful Force connection in the Star Wars canon. It involves the dedicated transference of skills and knowledge to the next generation, making it a valuable and special relationship. When the skills being taught are tied to a cosmic energy field, the bond becomes even more significant. This article delves into what transpired for Obi-Wan Kenobi when his bond with Anakin Skywalker was severed, and the impact it had on him.

Jedi Master Yoda and Dooku As A Jedi

Following the death of Obi-Wan's master Qui-Gon Jinn, Kenobi promised to train young Anakin Skywalker, the prophesied Chosen One. Their bond grew as Anakin became a knight during the Clone Wars, fighting alongside Obi-Wan. However, the breaking of this powerful bond when Anakin fell to the dark side was undoubtedly brutal for Obi-Wan. It raises questions about the extent of the Force connection and how it affected him.

Anakin and Obi-Wan training in a flashback in Obi-Wan Kenobi.

The Strong Cosmic Connection

In the Star Wars canon, masters and their apprentices can often sense when the other is in danger or crisis. Ahsoka Tano sensed Anakin's turmoil while he was being corrupted by Palpatine, even from a distance. This ability to sense each other's well-being is a testament to the depth of their bond. Additionally, there are instances where even those who've fallen to the dark side can still sense their masters' presence. The connection between Obi-Wan and Darth Vader, despite their broken bond, is another example of the enduring cosmic connection between master and apprentice.

Obi-Wan and Anakin dueling on Mustafar with lava erupting in the background.

The severing of the bond between a master and apprentice, whether through death or corruption to the dark side, is deeply traumatizing. This is evident in the High Republic Era, where the death of Bell Zettifar's master was deeply traumatic for him. The trauma sourced in the Force could be a key reason why the Jedi Order cautions against attachments. Similarly, the loss of his master had a profound impact on Obi-Wan, raising questions about the lasting effects of such a severed bond.

Obi-Wan sits in his cave in Obi-Wan Kenobi

The Lasting Trauma and Exile

It's intriguing that Obi-Wan didn't sense Anakin's fall immediately in Revenge of the Sith. This could indicate the strength of his bond with Anakin, to the point of becoming an attachment. His emotions and love for his apprentice may have initially blinded him to the dark truth, leading to lasting trauma during his exile on Tatooine. The resulting trauma in the Force is evident in his struggles to use the Force and his communion with Qui-Gon's Force ghost. This raises questions about the profound impact of Anakin's fall on Obi-Wan and the enduring effects of their severed bond.

Anakin fights for the dark side and duels Obi-Wan on the volcanic planet Mustafar.