Star Wars: How did Obi-Wan Kenobi die?

Need a refresher on what happened to one of the galaxy’s best Jedi, Obi-Wan Kenobi? Keep reading for all the details. 

The all-knowing mentor to Luke and Anakin, Obi-Wan Kenobi will always be one of the most intriguing and epic Jedi that ever existed in the Star Wars universe. From the young padawan in the prequel trilogy to the wise and knowledgable master in the original three movies, there is no doubt he is one of the best characters in the galaxy.

How did Obi-Wan die?

After we got a look at the young Obi-Wan training the future Darth Vader, my love of the character grew after seeing Ewan McGregor’s version of him. The epic battle scene with Anakin at the end of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith will go down in Star Wars history as one of the most epic lightsaber duels.

Well, master and apprentice met yet again in Episode IV: A New Hope, aboard the Death Star when Luke, Han, Chewbacca, and Obi-Wan went to retrieve Leia from being executed. After successfully rescuing the princess, and when the heroes are desperately trying to escape, Kenobi sees that the others will not make it to the Millennium Falcon on time and that they will need a distraction to make it there successfully.

In comes Darth Vader and unfortunately, this battle won’t end like the last one with Obi-Wan — the clear winner after chopping off Anakin’s remaining limbs. After a long fight between former Jedi friends, Kenobi sacrifices himself and allows himself to be killed by his former padawan via the infamous red lightsaber. Luke watches as his mentor immediately disappears and becomes one with the Force — though Obi-Wan will continue to be a guiding presence for the Light Side in the future.

Other than just my opinion of Obi-Wan Kenobi being one of the greatest Star Wars characters, it is clear others think so too, with the upcoming Kenobi series that is going to be featured on Disney+. It’s exciting since the last live-action appearance for the character was in 2005 with the end of the prequels. Overall, Obi-Wan will always be one of the strongest and most compelling Jedi to ever have blessed our screens.

For more, follow the Star Wars Characters category on Dork Side of the Force.