In the expansive lore of Star Wars, Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi stand out as pivotal figures. However, a significant portion of their journey remains unexplored, particularly in the timeline spanning Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace and Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones. The prequel trilogy is vital as it encapsulates the collapse of the Republic, the near annihilation of the Jedi Order, and the ominous rise of the Galactic Empire, all of which significantly influence the franchise’s narrative across movies and television.
Despite its importance, the time between these two episodes is not fully detailed. While series such as Star Wars: The Clone Wars illuminate other periods during this era, the development of Anakin and Obi-Wan during this specific timeline often goes unnoticed. This era was crucial for both characters, showcasing their evolving mentorship and the deep connection they formed—a relationship that is pivotal in both Attack of the Clones and Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith. There are noteworthy events acknowledged within the canon for this period, although many details remain vague.
Anakin and Obi-Wan Infiltrated a Crime Syndicate
A Crucial Mission Just Three Years After The Phantom Menace
About three years following the events of The Phantom Menace, the story unfolds in an audiobook titled Padawan’s Pride, where Anakin and Obi-Wan engage in a risky operation to infiltrate a nefarious crime syndicate. Ironically, Anakin takes on the persona of a racer, weaving a thread from his past experiences in the earlier episode. However, this assignment was not a gesture of trust from the Jedi Council; rather, it was a corrective response to Anakin’s reckless tendencies.
In Padawan’s Pride, we witness Anakin beginning to assert himself as a Jedi; yet, the core narrative revolves around the evolving dynamics of his relationship with Obi-Wan. The broad themes of their challenges are particularly prominent, highlighting Anakin’s struggles as he transitions into Jedi life and Obi-Wan’s difficulties stepping into the role of mentor. Their journey during this time holds significant foreshadowing for the enigmas they would face ahead.
Find out more about Star Wars: Padawan’s Pride on Amazon
Anakin Skywalker Trained to Battle a Sith
A Unique Training Request: Darth Maul’s Fighting Style
Delving into the comic series Obi-Wan and Anakin 1, we discover Anakin’s request for training with a droid programmed to emulate Darth Maul’s combat techniques. His fascination with the duel between Maul, Obi-Wan, and Qui-Gon Jinn is evident—a fact corroborated by Hayden Christensen in various interviews. This particular desire raises intriguing questions; despite being the prophesied Chosen One, Anakin’s intent to prepare for a confrontation with the Sith is surprising.
Furthermore, it is noteworthy that Obi-Wan permits this type of training, considering the Jedi’s general aversion to focusing on Sith interests. This willingness suggests deeper layers to their mentorship and Anakin’s obsessive tendencies regarding power and conflict.
Anakin Exhibited Aggression Towards Fellow Padawans
Early Signs of Turmoil and Anger Emerge
Within the narrative of Obi-Wan and Anakin 1, Anakin displays alarming tendencies that foreshadow his future descent into darkness. During a training exercise, he is described by other Padawans as “a slave to his emotions.”This role hits a nerve with Anakin, influencing him to flip their lightsabers against them, inquiring about their emotions in this hostile moment. This scene starkly illustrates the brewing inner conflicts within him, marking a violent divergence from the expected behavior of a Jedi.
Thus, the early indications of Anakin’s aggressive outbursts starkly contrast with his portrayal in The Phantom Menace, where no such signs were evident. Such behavior foreshadows the more pronounced violence and arrogance he exhibits in Attack of the Clones, particularly after his infamous actions against the Tusken Raiders.
Anakin Contemplated Leaving the Jedi Order
Anakin’s Dissonance Emerges Early in His Journey
One of the most startling revelations occurs in Obi-Wan and Anakin 4, where Anakin confesses to Obi-Wan his thoughts of abandoning the Jedi Order. This sentiment, previously hinted at in both Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, is presented here with much greater significance. It raises profound implications about his belonging—or lack thereof—within the Jedi, illuminating a consistent thread of doubt in his psyche.
His admission to Obi-Wan underscores Anakin’s internal conflict, revealing that his discontent was not exclusively situational, but deeply rooted even at this early stage. Palpatine, ever manipulatively attentive to Anakin’s turmoil, quickly harnesses these vulnerabilities to manipulate him. Obi-Wan’s cautionary remarks about the gravity of such a decision showcase a significant turning point, especially as Anakin links this potential departure to his painful separation from his mother.
Anakin’s Doubts About the Jedi on Carnelion IV
Frustrations Parallel to Qui-Gon Jinn’s Views
As Anakin’s internal struggle evolves, his frustrations with Jedi practices take center stage. During their mission to the war-torn planet of Carnelion IV, he questions the Jedi’s inaction amidst the chaos, expressing dissatisfaction over Obi-Wan’s assertion that the Jedi should not act as an army. This moment reeks of irony—a foreshadowing of the very role the Jedi would adopt in Attack of the Clones.
Moreover, these sentiments resonate deeply with those expressed by Qui-Gon Jinn, underscoring the challenges Obi-Wan faces in maintaining faith in Jedi teachings while dealing with Anakin’s frustrations. Anakin’s sentiments stem from a genuine desire to alleviate suffering, but they also set the stage for his eventual fall, demonstrating how the noble intentions of a Padawan can lead to dire consequences.
Obi-Wan Kenobi Fell into a Nest of Gundarks
The Mysterious Gundark Incident Referenced in Attack of the Clones
A tantalizing glimpse into their past occurs at the start of Attack of the Clones, where Anakin and Obi-Wan reference an intriguing incident involving a nest of gundarks. As Obi-Wan comments on Anakin’s tension, he mentions, “I haven’t felt you this tense since we fell into that nest of gundarks.”Anakin retorts that it was Obi-Wan who fell into the nest, while he executed the rescue. While details surrounding this specific event remain scarce within the Star Wars canon, its inclusion illustrates the shared history and camaraderie between the two Jedi.
This narrative gap between The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones holds the potential for rich storytelling, with numerous possibilities to explore Anakin and Obi-Wan’s character development during this turbulent period. Despite the limited information available, it is evident that pivotal transformations occurred that shaped their futures in dramatic ways.
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