Why Obi-Wan Was WAY More Powerful Than Other Jedi DESPITE Low Midichlorians

We know Obi-Wan Kenobi as a brave and wise Jedi.

He was the one who guided Anakin and Luke Skywalker and sacrificed himself to Darth Vader to become one with the Force.

Yet, we may not think of Obi-Wan as the most powerful Jedi.

Despite a low midi-chlorian rate, Obi-Wan was way more powerful than other Jedi. Read on to find out why. 

Obi-Wan’s Strengths

Credit: Reddit

Obi-Wan is one of the most recognizable Jedi in Star Wars and perhaps best known for his training and guidance of Luke Skywalker in A New Hope.

Or, we may first think of him as the mentor of Anakin Skywalker in the prequel movies.

In these roles, Obi-Wan showed himself as a gifted Jedi and “Negotiator” who helped lead the light side of the Force.

Obi-Wan’s strengths included his intelligence, compassion, courage, and resiliency.

He was known as a thinker and planner who would risk everything for others, the sake of the Jedi, and the galaxy.

While he had his faults, such as not seeing Anakin’s fall to the dark side in time, Obi-Wan managed to survive Order 66, guide Luke, and sacrifice himself for the good of the Force.

Given this record, we may be surprised to learn that he is even more powerful than this baseline description. 

Why Was Obi-Wan Way More Powerful Than We Realize?

Obi-Wan had a relatively low midi-chlorian count, but that did not stop him from becoming possibly the most powerful Jedi. As this video explains, Obi-Wan achieved a deep connection to the Force through “determination and perseverance.”

Unlike Anakin, Obi-Wan did not rely on natural ability but instead used hard work to become a “warrior” and “negotiator” and gain an intense understanding of the Force.

The above video stresses Obi-Wan’s relationship to the Force as the defining element of his power.

It draws on the novel Revenge of the Sith to express how Obi-Wan “exists within the Force” in a way that all Jedi aspire to but few achieve.

Obi-Wan is described as “luminous” and “a transparent being” as a way to capture his penultimate stature as a Jedi who seeks “inner tranquility” and uses the light side of the Force to guide the galaxy. 

Many fans tend to agree with this description and assessment. Despite starting with low sensitivity to the Force, Obi-Wan “mastered it to his fullest potential,” as one post describes, and became one with the Force during his battles.

He saved himself on many occasions and came out on top when it mattered most.

That approach and connection to the Force sets Obi-Wan apart.

So does his ability to take on Darth Maul and cut him in half, using his Force powers and agility to take over for the fallen Qui-Gon Jinn. Obi-Wan also defeated Anakin on Mustafar.

His strategy and fighting ability thus bolster Obi-Wan’s power based on the Force. 

Obi-Wan ultimately combines Force knowledge and connection with fighting skills to largely define his Jedi status.

In addition, he has demonstrated a breadth of powers like telekinesis, Force Stealth, and becoming a Force Ghost.

The breadth and depth of his Force abilities make him way more powerful than we realize. 

Why Do We Not See Obi-Wan as the Most Powerful Jedi?

Despite all these positive attributes that could make Obi-Wan the most powerful Jedi, many of us still do not view him that way. How come?

Part of the reason has to do with his defeats in lightsaber battles. Obi-Wan’s losses to General Grievous (before he does defeat him), Count Dooku, and Darth Vader tend to obscure our vision and make Obi-Wan appear less powerful than he is.

Because Anakin even comes to his rescue, we might think of Obi-Wan as lacking in power.

Another reason why we may not think Obi-Wan is powerful is that he is a humble Jedi who does not wish to draw attention to himself, unlike Anakin.

So, he does not come as readily to mind when we think of the most powerful Jedi. 

This recent ranking, for example, places Anakin as the top Jedi, followed by Yoda and Luke.

Obi-Wan does come in fourth here, but for his “selflessness” and “level-headedness,” attributes that speak to his humility.

Although Yoda has this quiet, humble characteristic too, Yoda’s use of the Force is more readily known. 

As some fans have pointed out, perhaps the problem is stressing power to rank the Jedi.

That is, assessing who the best Jedi is may be better reflected first and foremost by their knowledge and wisdom.

If that is the case, it brings us full circle to see Obi-Wan as way more powerful in that respect than we may give him credit for.

Obi-Wan’s Power

Obi-Wan is more powerful than other Jedi because of his deep connection to the Force.

Possibly on par with Yoda, Obi-Wan developed his Force abilities through years of training, mediation, and determination.

That grit and spirit forged one of the deepest convergences with the Force that we have yet to see. 

Todd Wahlstrom

Todd Wahlstrom is a creative and analytical freelance writer and life-long Star Wars fan. He has covered such topics as Darth Vader, the Jedi, Boba Fett, and AT-AT Walkers. Todd has published a non-fiction book, holds a Ph.D. in history, and enjoys hiking, running, and reading about science.