I’ve always been curious about Obi-Wan’s “high ground” line – it’s one of those moments that feels a bit off.
If he managed to beat Maul from below, why is he so certain the high ground ends things here?
There must be something deeper going on, and it’s worth a closer look. Let’s get into what’s really happening in that scene.
Table of Contents
1. Obi-Wan Knows Exactly What Anakin’s Thinking
Alright, let’s get into this. By the time Obi-Wan and Anakin face off on Mustafar, they know each other’s fighting styles inside and out.
Think about it: Obi-Wan’s been Anakin’s master for years, teaching him all the moves and tricks he’s got.
So when Anakin crouches, ready to jump, Obi-Wan probably has a solid idea of what’s coming next.
And after everything they’ve been through, you know he can predict Anakin’s tendency to go for big, risky moves.
The line “Don’t try it” isn’t just about Obi-Wan’s position on the slope; it’s a direct warning because he knows Anakin’s plan.
He’s seen Anakin’s pride, his need to prove himself, and it’s like Obi-Wan’s saying, “Look, I know you, I taught you this stuff. Don’t even go there.”
In the end, that knowledge of Anakin’s personality, plus all their training together, lets Obi-Wan see the move coming a mile away.
2. Obi-Wan Knows the Dangers of Overconfidence Thanks to Maul
When Obi-Wan faced Darth Maul, Maul had the high ground but didn’t respect the danger Obi-Wan still posed.
Instead of finishing the fight, Maul wasted time taunting, convinced his victory was assured.
That moment of cockiness gave Obi-Wan the opening he needed to counterattack and win. This experience stuck with him.
By the time he faces Anakin on Mustafar, Obi-Wan knows exactly how deadly overconfidence can be and has learned to stay focused and patient.
Anakin, like Maul, lets his pride and rage cloud his judgment. Obi-Wan’s calm, defensive approach allows him to turn that overconfidence against his opponents.
So when he gains the high ground on Anakin, it’s not just about height – it’s about having learned, through painful experience, that the high ground only works if you keep your focus and don’t let ego take over.
This isn’t Obi-Wan’s first time dealing with an overconfident Sith, and he knows exactly how to handle it.
3. Obi-Wan’s Defensive Mastery
One of the most underrated things about Obi-Wan is his mastery of Soresu, a form focused on defense.
It’s all about conserving energy, being patient, and waiting for the opponent to mess up. He’s not trying to win with flashy moves or aggressive attacks; he’s just waiting for the right opening.
This style is a huge part of why Obi-Wan outlasts both Maul and Anakin.
When Obi-Wan fights Maul, he’s a younger Jedi who’s still learning, but even then, he’s got that defensive patience drilled into him.
By the time he faces Anakin, Obi-Wan’s got Soresu down to an art. He doesn’t need to do anything drastic; he just has to let Anakin’s anger drive him to make a mistake.
So Obi-Wan’s calm, patient approach with Soresu plays a big role here.
It lets him turn the “high ground” into a real advantage, not because it’s a surefire winning move, but because he knows how to make it work in his favor.
4. Obi-Wan Didn’t Want to Kill Anakin
“It’s over, Anakin!” isn’t just Obi-Wan calling the fight – it’s him trying to stop it. Unlike with Maul, where the fight was about defeating a Sith who just killed his master, this fight’s personal.
Obi-Wan’s seen Anakin grow from a boy to a powerful Jedi, and he loves him like family. He doesn’t want to kill Anakin, he just wants him to back down.
By telling Anakin “Don’t try it,” he’s practically begging him to give up.
Obi-Wan doesn’t want to deal a fatal blow. Throughout the fight, he’s trying to reason with Anakin, hoping there’s still a way to get through to him.
So when he warns Anakin, he’s giving him one last chance. Unfortunately, Anakin’s too far gone, too convinced he’s got the power to win.
Obi-Wan’s line is heartbreaking when you think about it, because he knows how it’s going to end, and he knows it doesn’t have to be that way.
Final Thoughts
The high ground in these two duels shows that Obi-Wan’s strength isn’t just about where he’s standing but about who he is as a Jedi.
He’s experienced enough to know that sometimes, the biggest advantage isn’t strength or speed, but patience and understanding.
Against Maul, he learned that overconfidence can be fatal, and against Anakin, he knew that fighting with a clear mind could make all the difference.
Obi-Wan’s “high ground” is more than just a physical position; it’s symbolic of his restraint, his wisdom, and his moral clarity. He doesn’t rely on anger or power like Maul and Anakin do.
Instead, he waits for the right moment, knowing that sometimes the best move is the one you don’t make.