There is little doubt that the relationship between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker played a huge role in helping the latter become a powerful Jedi. But is it possible that Obi-Wan was somehow responsible for Anakin turning into Darth Vader? The new Star Wars: Age of Republic comic book has hinted at how the Jedi Master made it possible.
In Age of Republic: Obi-Wan Kenobi, we get to see what happened to the young Jedi Master and his new Padawan after the events in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. The comic book confirms that Obi-Wan was reluctant to train Anakin because he still believes that Qui-Gon Jinn is the Master that the boy needed. The only reason why he agreed to take on Anakin was Obi-Wan's promise to his own Master that he would train the boy.
At one point, it is revealed that Obi-Wan somehow abandoned Anakin on Coruscant and only took on his new role after Yoda convinced him to train the boy. "Very dangerous, a poorly trained Jedi is, to others and to himself," Yoda says. "If train him you must, young Kenobi, train him well."
Interestingly, when Obi-Wan finally agrees to take Anakin with him on a mission, he tells the boy that Yoda "agreed that it was time" to begin the training. The statement makes it sound like Obi-Wan had confidence in Anakin and only needed the go-signal from the Jedi Council.
(Marvel Comics)
So how exactly did this turn out badly for Obi-Wan? His implication that he had full confidence in Anakin made the Padawan believe that he could trust his Master. In addition to that, it appeared to the boy that the Jedi Council was only trying to impede his progress from the start. Unfortunately, when the time came that Palpatine approached Anakin, the Emperor didn't need to do much to turn the Jedi against the Order.
Do you believe that Obi-Wan was responsible for turning Anakin into Darth Vader? Sound off in the comments below. Star Wars: Age of Republic - Obi-Wan Kenobi is currently available online.
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