When Star Wars first graced our screens over 40 years ago, there were several iconic characters that caught the eye of fans all over the world. One of those characters was the Jedi Master- Obi-Wan Kenobi. This wise hermit from dune city first appeared when he came to rescue Luke Skywalker and C3PO from a band of Tusken Raiders.
Soon enough, what started out as a teacher-student relationship took us on a fascinating journey through the Jedi lineage. But how much do you really know about this Jedi Master and his lightsaber? Keep reading to find out.
Obi-Wan’s Early Years
Obi-Wan Kenobi was born on the planet Stewjon in 57 BBY. At a very young age, he was discovered to be Force-sensitive, so he had to leave his home world for the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. Because he left his home world so young, Obi-Wan had no memory of his life before he became a Jedi.
While on Coruscant, Obi-Wan started his training as a youngling under Master Yoda. When he was 13 years old, he became Qui-Gon Jinn’s chosen apprentice, but by the time he turned 17, their relationship became quite rocky because of their opposing personalities. His relationship with Qui-Gon Jinn does, however, get better after their mission to Pijal.
Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn continued to learn from each other for years until their last mission together on Naboo set in motion events that would forever change the galaxy. Obi-Wan took the rank of Jedi Knight at the age of 25, with Anakin Skywalker as his Padawan.
Obi-Wan Kenobi’s Lightsabers
During his time as a Jedi, Obi-Wan Kenobi used three different lightsabers, all 3 of which can be bought from online retailers as a replica, and if you opt for a neopixel lightsaber you can even use it to duel and cosplay. Each lightsaber has its own backstory and they were all used during major events throughout the franchise.
First Lightsaber
Obi-Wan constructed his first lightsaber as a young Jedi Padawan. In terms of design, he based the lightsaber on his mentor Qui-Gon Jinn’s lightsaber. The blue-bladed lightsaber featured a power cell surrounded by a hilt with a notched hand grip. Kenobi used this lightsaber as a Jedi Padawan till he lost it during a duel with Darth Maul on Naboo.
Second Lightsaber
Following the loss of his first lightsaber, Obi-Wan Kenobi constructed a second lightsaber (by this time, he was a Jedi Knight) that was almost exactly the same as the first one. He used this blue-bladed lightsaber on a number of important missions and duels, such as the mission on Dallenor and Carnelion. He also wielded this lightsaber in his confrontation with Zam Wesell during the events of the Separatist Crisis. The lightsaber was eventually confiscated by Geonosians after he followed Jango Fett to Geonosis and was taken by Count Dooku.
Third Lightsaber
Following the first battle of Geonosis and his promotion to a Jedi Master, Obi-Wan crafted his third lightsaber. Although it featured a blue blade, the design of this third lightsaber was very much different from the first two. This third lightsaber was used during the events of The Clone Wars in duels with General Grievous, Count Dooku, Asajj Ventress, and Darth Maul.
Obi-Wan does lose his third lightsaber on Utapau, during his final duel with General Grievous, but the saber is returned back to him by Commander Cody. After a duel with his former student, Anakin, he eventually takes the lightsaber with him on exile to Tatooine.
While in exile, he buries the lightsaber along with Anakin’s saber to avoid using it while he focuses on deep meditation. He does, however, retrieve it to help rescue Leia Organa from Daiyu. Once Leia was back safe with the Organas, Obi-Wan returned to Tatooine to continue his exile, but didn’t bury the saber this time. He instead uses it on several occasions like his final duel with Darth Maul.
Final Duel With Vader
Upon leaving Tatooine with Luke Skywalker aboard the Millennium Falcon, Obi-Wan encounters his former student, Anakin (now Darth Vader), at the Galactic Empire’s new space station. They engage in a lightsaber duel where, for Luke’s sake, Obi-Wan allows himself to be defeated by Vader and becomes one with the force.
Luke would later base his own lightsaber design off of Obi-Wan Kenobi’s.
Conclusion
When it comes to the Star Wars franchise, Obi-Wan Kenobi will forever be a fan favourite, and the storied history behind his lightsabers only makes him more beloved.
