In the world of Star Wars, there are lots of different characters from all corners of the galaxy. From Emperor Palpatine to Kit Fisto, there are so many different people and figures with their own backstories and lots of different things to find out. Of course, we all have our favorites and one of the most popular people is Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Also known as Ben Kenobi in the original trilogy, this Jedi Master has lots of secrets and aspects to his life that people are always so desperate to find out.
Starting from The Phantom Menace, we’ve watched this young man develop into a wise and powerful Jedi that earned the respect of many different planets.
But, how old was Master Kenobi in the earliest iteration of the character? Follow the rest of our guide to find out.
How Old Is Obi-Wan Kenobi In Episode 1?
According to various sources on the web, Obi-Wan is 25-years-old in The Phantom Menace and is a lot younger than his Master, Qui-Gon. However, Ewan McGregor himself was around 27 or 28-years-old when he filmed the first film, which isn’t too far apart from the age of his character.
| Movie | Ben’s Age |
|---|---|
| Star Wars: The Phantom Menace | 25 |
| Star Wars: Attack Of the Clones | 35 |
| Star Wars: A New Hope | 59 |
As we know, there is quite a big jump from The Phantom Menace to Attack Of The Clones, which is the next film in the franchise. This is often noticed because of the development of Anakin Skywalker.
The Chosen One was seen as a child in the first film, turning into a young man in the second movie. This is why Padme Amidala doesn’t recognize the Jedi at first glance.
Who Is Obi-Wan Kenobi?
As we briefly mentioned, Obi-Wan Kenobi is one of the most respected Jedi Masters in the Jedi Council and is seen as one of the main protagonists throughout the Star Wars franchise.
Often seen with his signature blue lightsaber, this Jedi Knight dedicated his life to bringing peace and prosperity to the galaxy.
Throughout the prequel trilogy, we see this young man change from a padawan of Qui-Gon Jinn to a Master himself, taking on the role following the death of his mentor at the hands of Darth Maul. From here, we see Obi-Wan take responsibility for guiding the path of young Anakin Skywalker.
However, we all know how the story ends, and it ends in heartbreak for Obi-Wan as he watched his brother-in-arms and best friend turn to the Dark Side of the Force, turning on his former Master before their confrontation on the surfaces of Mustafar.
Kenobi journeys to Tatooine to watch over Anakin’s son, Luke. You know the rest!
How Old Do You Have To Be To Be A Jedi Knight?
As we’ve seen with characters like Anakin, there are lots of different ages involved at the Jedi Temple, with younglings seen often throughout the franchise. However, these are Jedi in training, rather fully-established Jedi Knights.
It’s thought that some of the youngest Jedi Knights were around 15 years of age when they first passed their trials and became what they aimed to be.
However, many Jedi Knights didn’t pass a specific trial to become a Jedi. trying times lay ahead and the Jedi need numbers, with many attaining Jedi rank through experience in the field.
In order to become a Jedi Master, you must then show a deep connection with the Force and with your feelings, along with presenting skills during combat.
Of course, the Jedi are peacekeepers and pride themselves in retaining their feelings with the Light Side of the Force, however, they need to be able to defend themselves when called upon, protecting others along the way.
When Did Obi-Wan Become A Jedi Master?
When we pick up again after Episode 1, Kenobi isn’t yet a Jedi Master, only a Knight, along with his padawan Anakin Skywalker.
We leave these two with a duel to the death with experienced Force veteran, Count Dooku. Also known as Darth Tyranus, the Sith Lord is all but ready to finish off the pair, until they are saved by Master Yoda.
In the second film of the franchise, Obi-Wan is around 10 years older than when we saw him in the initial entry to the prequels. He is around 35 years of age in Attack Of The Clones, slightly younger than when we see him in Revenge Of The Sith.
There is less of a jump between Episodes 2 and 3 than between Episodes 1 and 2. In Revenge Of The Sith, Obi-Wan is thought to be 38-years-old and is now a Jedi Master, with Anakin wanting to be held in the same regard.
When he gets taken under the wing of Chancellor Palpatine, the young Jedi is inducted into the Jedi Council, but not granted the rank of Master. Anakin states that he is the first Jedi in history for this to happen to.
How Old Is Kenobi In Episode 4?
The latest that we see Obi-Wan alive is in A New Hope, the fourth installment in the franchise. Although this film was released first, the prequels make this the fourth entry into the saga.
Played by Alec Guinness, Obi-Wan now goes by the name Ben Kenobi and roams the plains of Tatooine, protecting Darth Vader’s son, Luke.
There are many theories as to why he looks so old, but Kenobi is thought to be 59-years old in A New Hope, with various different factors in him looking so frail. Because of this, Vader has much more trouble finding his former Master and therefore, his son.
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Conclusion
There’s your answer! Obi-Wan Kenobi was around 25-years-old in The Phantom Menace, however, throughout the movie, he shows wisdom and skills beyond his years.
From what we’ve seen in various iterations of the character, not many 25-year-old padawans would be able to take down Darth Maul in combat.
Throughout the movies, we see Obi-Wan grow as a man and as a mentor for Anakin, displaying great teachings and wisdom to show his best friend the way forward.
Brad Burnie is the founder of Starships.com. He loves all video game genres. In his spare time, he loves reading, watching movies, and gaming