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Who is Obi-Wan Kenobi’s crush?


Obi-Wan Kenobi is one of the most beloved characters in the Star Wars universe. As a Jedi Master, he follows a strict code that prevents personal attachments. However, even the most disciplined Jedi may harbor secret feelings for someone. Fans have long speculated about whether Obi-Wan ever had romantic feelings for another character in the saga. While nothing is definitively confirmed in Star Wars canon, there are some clues that suggest Obi-Wan may have harbored an unrequited crush on someone during his life.

Obi-Wan’s Commitment to the Jedi Code

As a Jedi, Obi-Wan was expected to avoid romantic attachments. The Jedi Code states that Jedi must not form relationships or become emotionally attached to others. This is because strong emotions like romantic love can lead to jealousy and obsession, which are paths to the dark side.

Obi-Wan took this code very seriously. Throughout his life, he remained committed to the Jedi way. He trained Anakin Skywalker and tried to instill these values in him as well. Obi-Wan sacrificed his own personal desires for the good of the Jedi Order.

However, even the most disciplined Jedi may have brief moments of attraction or affection for another person. They would be expected to release these feelings to the Force. But that doesn’t mean the feelings never surfaced at all.

Obi-Wan and Duchess Satine Kryze

One of the major clues about Obi-Wan’s love life comes from Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series. In these episodes, we learn that Obi-Wan had a close relationship with Duchess Satine Kryze of Mandalore when he was younger.

When Obi-Wan was a Padawan learner, he and his master Qui-Gon Jinn spent a year protecting Satine on Mandalore. During this time, Obi-Wan and Satine grew close. Their closeness suggested the two may have had romantic feelings for each other.

In The Clone Wars, Satine and Obi-Wan reunite as adults. Their old chemistry is still visible, even though both remain committed to their duties. Satine leads the neutral planet Mandalore while Obi-Wan continues to serve the Jedi Order.

Their history and intimate familiarity imply Obi-Wan and Satine may have had strong affection for one another, at least in their youth. However, they never pursued a relationship due to their conflicting obligations. Still, Obi-Wan may have harbored an unrequited crush on the duchess in his early days.

Evidence of Obi-Wan’s Feelings for Satine

There are a few examples that suggest Obi-Wan felt romantic affection for Duchess Satine Kryze when he was younger:

  • In The Clone Wars, Satine says Obi-Wan spoke of her often after their year together on Mandalore.
  • Their reunion is filled with longing looks and a clear intimacy between them.
  • When Satine is killed in The Clone Wars, Obi-Wan is visibly distressed.
  • In Star Wars Rebels, Obi-Wan’s vision in the Jedi Temple features a striking image of Satine.

While Obi-Wan never broke the Jedi Code, he clearly had a strong connection with Satine that may have involved romantic feelings, at least in his youth. Their relationship stands out as one of the only times we see Obi-Wan experience personal attachment.

Obi-Wan and Siri Tachi

Another possibility for Obi-Wan’s crush comes from the Legends novels. In Jude Watson’s Jedi Apprentice series, Obi-Wan trains alongside a fellow Padawan named Siri Tachi. The two apprentices are described as being close friends. However, there are hints of a budding romance as well.

In Secrets of the Jedi, 15-year-old Obi-Wan and Siri share a moment where they almost kiss. But they apparently never develop a full romantic relationship. Still, this detail from Legends suggests Obi-Wan may have had youthful feelings for Siri Tachi when they trained together.

Evidence of Obi-Wan’s Feelings for Siri Tachi

Here are some examples that Obi-Wan may have had a crush on Siri Tachi as a teenager:

  • In Secrets of the Jedi, Obi-Wan and Siri have an intimate moment by a fountain where they nearly kiss.
  • In The Mark of the Crown, they dance together at a ball disguised as a prince and princess.
  • Throughout the Jedi Apprentice series, their bond is described as special and deep.
  • Obi-Wan struggles when Siri apparently dies in Jedi Quest: The False Peace.

Though no overt romance develops, these interactions hint that Obi-Wan may have had strong affection for Siri as a young man. However, he did not pursue his feelings due to his Jedi vows.

Obi-Wan’s Focus on Duty

Though he may have had crushes in his youth, Obi-Wan Kenobi never loses focus from his commitment to the Jedi Order. Any attractions he felt for Satine Kryze or Siri Tachi are ultimately released in favor of duty.

Obi-Wan values the Jedi Code prohibiting attachments above his personal desires. He does not follow the path of his apprentice Anakin Skywalker, who enters a forbidden marriage.

Interestingly, Anakin accuses Obi-Wan of hypocrisy in Revenge of the Sith for advising him against attachment. “You ask me to do something that you yourself have not managed,” Anakin says bitterly. This suggests Anakin may have deduced Obi-Wan’s past feelings for Satine at some point. However, Obi-Wan stays firmly committed to the Jedi, despite any fleeting crushes.

The Psychology of Crushes

From a psychological perspective, it is perfectly normal for even disciplined Jedi to develop passing crushes. Experiencing some level of attraction is simply part of human nature.

The Science Behind Crushes

Chemical Role
Dopamine Released during attraction; activates reward and pleasure centers
Norepinephrine Released when interacting with crush; increases heart rate and excitability
Serotonin Released after interacting with crush; mood boosting neurotransmitter

The main chemicals released when experiencing a crush are dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. Even the most rational person will be flooded with these chemicals around an object of attraction. A Jedi would need to consciously overcome these natural biochemical responses.

Coping With Crushes as a Jedi

Though crushes are natural, Jedi could employ strategies to keep them in check:

  • Recognize it as a fleeting biological process rather than a life-altering event
  • Avoid escalating behaviors like flirting or confessing feelings
  • Refocus on duties and keep busy with tasks
  • Meditate to release emotions into the Force
  • Limit interactions to prevent strengthening attachment

With discipline and emotional control, Jedi could experience normal crushes while still adhering to their code. Limited feelings do not have to lead to attachment.

The Impact of the Jedi Code

The Jedi Code served an important purpose in preventing disturbances from uncontrolled emotions like anger and fear. However, some argue it also suppressed members’ natural humanity.

Arguments Against Jedi rules on Attachment

  • Unhealthy to fully deny human emotional needs
  • May have contributed to Anakin’s later volatility and downfall
  • Attachment does not have to be possessive or unhealthy
  • Personal bonds can be sources of strength

The strict restrictions on attachment deprived Jedi of opportunities to develop in normal, healthy ways. Their repression of emotions may have backfired later in life.

Arguments Supporting Jedi Rules on Attachment

  • Avoids corruption of power that comes with passion
  • Helps Jedi retain their selfless focus on service
  • Romantic bonds could make Jedi vulnerable to the dark side
  • Jedi needed to be able to let go of people for the greater good

However, the Jedi Code existed for centuries because it did help Jedi avoid volatile emotions and remain impartial. Complete repression of attachment served meaningful purposes for the Order.

Obi-Wan’s Legacy and Lessons

Though Obi-Wan himself never formed a romantic relationship, his compassion provides an example of healthy human connection:

  • He had a level of love and commitment to friends that enriched his life, like Anakin, Satine and Siri.
  • Though heartbroken, he could accept loss with grace when relationships ended through death.
  • The care he showed Luke and Leia demonstrated the power of attachment to family.

Obi-Wan found meaning through his bonds despite being limited by the Jedi Code. His legacy is a testament to balancing healthy connections with duty.

Overall, Obi-Wan Kenobi’s experiences provide an insightful character study. They reveal that even disciplined Jedi are not immune to natural human feelings like attraction and affection. Obi-Wan may have formed some strong connections in his youth that even edged into crush territory. But he channeled any feelings into fuel for his commitment to the Jedi path. Though the Order’s rules were strict, Obi-Wan found peace in prioritizing service over personal attachment. His life shows that overcoming emotions is a lifelong challenge, even for great Jedi Masters. With compassion and commitment, the struggle can lead to growth. Obi-Wan teaches us that following our own path, though difficult, is the only way to find inner peace and purpose.

Conclusion

In conclusion, though Obi-Wan Kenobi was committed to the Jedi Order, he may have experienced normal youthful crushes like his bonds with Duchess Satine Kryze and Siri Tachi. However, Obi-Wan always chose duty over individual attachments. He did not let fleeting emotions cloud his devotion to the Jedi Code. Obi-Wan’s life provides valuable lessons on managing relationships and emotions in a healthy way, even within the constraints of the rigid old Jedi Order. With the right balance of human connection and discipline, even Jedi can find fulfillment despite restrictions. Obi-Wan’s legacy is an inspirational model of staying true to one’s highest purpose in life.