In the expansive universe of Star Wars, one particularly intriguing relationship is that between the sinister Darth Sidious and the venerable Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi.
While they seldom faced each other directly, Sidious’ opinion of Obi-Wan and his strategies involving the Jedi provides deep insights into the dark lord’s machinations.
In this article, we will delve into what Darth Sidious might truly have thought about Obi-Wan Kenobi, exploring three key perspectives.
Table of Contents
Sidious’ Initial Underestimation of Obi-Wan
Darth Sidious, a master manipulator, initially saw Obi-Wan Kenobi as a minor obstacle compared to other Jedi.
This perception was likely reinforced when Obi-Wan was effortlessly defeated by Count Dooku—a Sith Lord and Sidious’ apprentice—during their encounters.
Dooku’s apparent ease in handling Obi-Wan painted a picture of Kenobi as less of a threat, which Sidious took at face value.
However, the duel on Mustafar between Obi-Wan and Anakin, who had recently become Darth Vader, provided a shocking outcome for Sidious.
Sidious was taken aback to discover that Obi-Wan had not only survived but had also defeated Anakin.
He had never anticipated that Obi-Wan could overcome the young Sith apprentice, whose power he had greatly augmented.
This event marked a significant shift in Sidious’ view, forcing him to acknowledge Obi-Wan’s true capabilities and resilience, which he had sorely underestimated.
The Strategic Role of Obi-Wan in Sidious’ Plans
While Sidious underestimated Obi-Wan’s prowess in battle, he might have also considered Obi-Wan’s influence on Anakin crucial for his own dark plans.
Sidious was aware that Obi-Wan’s strict adherence to the Jedi Code and his methods of teaching could inadvertently push Anakin towards emotional instability and rebellion against the Jedi Order’s constraints.
This speculative analysis suggests that if Qui-Gon Jinn had survived and trained Anakin, the outcome might have been different.
Qui-Gon’s flexible approach to the Jedi Code could have provided Anakin with the understanding and guidance he needed to balance his immense power and emotional depth.
Instead, under Obi-Wan’s tutelage, Anakin often felt restricted and misunderstood, which Sidious exploited to lure him to the Dark Side.
Thus, Obi-Wan’s unintentional role in Anakin’s downfall was a calculated element of Sidious’ grand scheme.
Obi-Wan Was Actually a Threat to Sidious
The question of whether Obi-Wan could have directly challenged and possibly defeated Sidious is one of intriguing speculation.
Had Obi-Wan decided to confront Sidious, instead of Anakin, the outcomes of their legendary conflicts might have been vastly different.
Additionally, during the pivotal moment when Mace Windu attempted to arrest Sidious, Obi-Wan’s presence might have tipped the scales in favor of the Jedi.
Obi-Wan’s mastery of Soresu, the defensive form of lightsaber combat, along with his strategic acumen, might have made him a formidable opponent against Sidious in a direct confrontation.
Sidious didn’t see this threat coming until much later, which we can tell from how he reacted after the duel on Mustafar between Obi-wan and Anakin.
This was a rare mistake in his usually careful plans.
This mistake shows that even with all his foresight and power, Sidious could still underestimate the true character and abilities of his enemies, especially Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Furthermore, Obi-Wan played a crucial role in the ultimate downfall of the Empire.
By training Luke Skywalker and directing him to seek further guidance from Yoda on Dagobah, Obi-Wan set the stage for the rebellion against the Empire.
Luke’s training and eventual confrontation with Darth Vader and Sidious were pivotal moments that led to the collapse of the Sith’s control.
In this way, Obi-Wan’s actions and influence extended far beyond his own lifetime, directly contributing to the fall of Sidious and the redemption of Anakin Skywalker.