Obi-Wan Kenobi may be one of the most popular Star Wars characters of all time, but he is far from the most powerful. First brought to life by Sir Alec Guinness and later made iconic by Ewan McGregor, Obi-Wan is a force to be reckoned with, ascending to the rank of Jedi Master by the end of the Clone Wars. Still, many of his peers easily outclass him in power.
Thankfully for Obi-Wan, raw power is not the only factor that goes into making a great Jedi, allowing him to rise to legendary status during his years in the Order. Even so, he encountered many Jedi during his lifetime who were far more powerful than he, from aged masters to the very pupil he trained.
Qui-Gon Jinn Had Access to Force Abilities No One Knew About
Qui-Gon Jinn was the Jedi Master who trained Obi-Wan Kenobi from the time he was a youngling. Because he studied under Qui-Gon for so many years, Obi-Wan learned much of what the older Jedi knew. Unfortunately, Qui-Gon was slain in a battle with Darth Maul during the Battle of Naboo, cutting Obi-Wan’s training short.
While Obi-Wan had just about completed his training by the time Qui-Gon died, there was still more that the older Jedi could have taught him. Included in this list is the ability to channel one’s consciousness through the Force, becoming a “Force Ghost.” Qui-Gon was the first Jedi master in centuries to discover this power, but was unable to pass it to his apprentice during his lifetime. Thankfully, Obi-Wan later learned how to become a Force Ghost during his exile on Tatooine.
Luke Skywalker Accomplished More Than His Master Ever Did
Luke Skywalker may not have had access to the full breadth of the Jedi Order’s knowledge, but he still grew to become one of the most powerful Force users of all time. Obi-Wan Kenobi served as his first master, introducing him to the ways of the Force and lightsaber combat during the events of the original Star Wars movie.
Just as Qui-Gon died before he could complete his apprentice’s training, Obi-Wan also perished before he could teach Luke all there was to know about being a Jedi. Thankfully for the galaxy, Luke went on to learn from one of the most powerful Jedi to ever live, Yoda. Just a few years after first learning of his Force-sensitivity, Luke bested the powerful Darth Vader in combat and helped bring about the downfall of the Galactic Empire.
In the years that followed, Luke Skywalker grew to become one of the most powerful Jedi in the galaxy’s history. He eventually became so strong in the Force that he learned how to project his consciousness across the galaxy while simultaneously creating an illusory image of himself. This, of course, was his final feat of strength, but far greater than any power that Obi-Wan Kenobi ever displayed in the Star Wars franchise.
Mace Windu Was a Master Duelist Without Equal
Mace Windu may not get many action scenes in the Star Wars franchise, but what few feats he has are all incredibly impressive. The prominent Jedi Master served as a leading figure on the High Council in the final years of the Order before the Great Purge. He also fought as a general during the Clone Wars, most notably in the Battle of Ryloth.
Mace Windu was one of the strongest Jedi of the Prequel Era. Not only was he incredibly strong with the Force, but he was also revered as one of the greatest lightsaber users of his generation. He defeated incredibly powerful opponents in combat, including Darth Sidious, who had killed three Jedi Masters just moments earlier. While Windu had much respect for Obi-Wan Kenobi, he and everyone else knew that he was the more powerful of the two.
Yoda Was Revered as One of the Most Powerful Force Users Ever
Master Yoda was one of the most prominent Jedi in the centuries leading up to the Great Purge. He lived to be over nine hundred years old, honing his abilities in the Force over the centuries. Sporting one of the highest midichlorian counts in Jedi history, Yoda was long considered one of the most powerful masters of all time.
Not only was Yoda incredibly skilled with the Force, but he also knew how to wield a lightsaber. Some theories claim that he used the Force to supplement his lightsaber fighting abilities, making him even more dangerous in a duel. His whirling motions and small stature made him almost impossible to hit, adding to his prowess in combat.
Moreover, Yoda trained Count Dooku, who in turn trained Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan Kenobi’s master. If Yoda outclassed Dooku (as he did in Attack of the Clones), it stands to reason that he is also more powerful than the two Jedi of later generations. Although Yoda is clearly the more powerful of the two, he still considered Obi-Wan a close friend and confidant.
Anakin Skywalker Was the Most Powerful Jedi of All Time
When it comes to naming the most powerful Jedi who ever lived, there can be no debate: it is Anakin Skywalker. Brought to the Jedi Temple at the age of nine, Anakin was immediately noteworthy for his incredibly high midichlorian count, which surpassed even that of Master Yoda. It soon became clear to the High Council that Anakin was indeed the fabled figure known as “The Chosen One,” who was said to bring balance to the Force.
Obi-Wan Kenobi personally trained Anakin Skywalker, teaching him all that he could about the Force. While he had many faults, Obi-Wan was a good teacher, honing Anakin’s raw talent and turning it into skill. By the time Anakin was ready to be made a Jedi Knight, he had truly grown into his potential as a powerful Force user and master lightsaber duelist, thanks in no small part to Obi-Wan’s teachings.
Unfortunately, Anakin’s potential was cut short when he allowed himself to be seduced by the Dark Side of the Force. Though Anakin was the far more powerful of the two, Obi-Wan managed to best him in combat by exploiting his fallen apprentice’s rage. After losing all four of his limbs, Anakin was confined to a heavy suit to survive, which greatly limited his potential as a Force user.
Even after this loss, however, Anakin was still one of the most powerful beings in the galaxy. As Darth Vader, he became feared by all, and slayed countless enemies of the Empire. He even eventually got the better of Obi-Wan, finally slaying his old master aboard the Death Star. Of course, Obi-Wan still left with the upper hand when he allowed Vader to strike him down so that he could become one with the Force.
Although Obi-Wan Kenobi is far from the most powerful Jedi in the Star Wars galaxy, he proves himself in other ways. He may not have the most raw power, but he demonstrates an unconquerable strength of will that allowed him to endure through many devastating losses without ever turning to the Dark Side. This is what makes Obi-Wan a beloved character, even if he ranks lower on the power scale than other prominent Jedi.
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- Comic
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Star Wars: Revelations
- Cast
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Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford, Hayden Christensen, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Ian McDiarmid, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Rosario Dawson, Pedro Pascal
- Created by
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George Lucas