Podcasts TV Hyperspace Theories Obi-Wan Kenobi: Jedi Master's Trials

Obi-Wan Kenobi: Jedi Master's Trials

Published: June 28, 2022, 6:26 p.m.

In our newest episode, Hyperspace Theories continues our analysis of\xa0Obi-Wan Kenobi\xa0with a discussion of Parts III, IV, and V of the Disney+ limited series. Tricia Barr and B.J. Priester examine how,\xa0after Parts I and II launched Obi-Wan on his mythic adventure, the next three episodes propel him through an extended progression of trials and tribulations that return the broken man into the Jedi General he used to be and push him toward the serene Jedi Master he ultimately becomes. Elements of both Joseph Campbell\u2019s monomyth and Christopher Vogler\u2019s cinematic hero\u2019s journey illustrate the mythic structure of Obi-Wan\u2019s personal challenges.

Importantly,\xa0Obi-Wan Kenobi\xa0advances its protagonist\u2019s character arc through the influence of three significant female characters: Leia, Tala, and Reva. Each plays a different role in shaping Obi-Wan\u2019s rediscovery of himself and reconnection with the Force through the events on Daiyu, Mapuzo, Nur, and Jabiim. In a twist on Campbell, it is Roken and Vader, not a woman, who present the biggest temptations that might divert Obi-Wan from his path. By the conclusion of Part V, Obi-Wan has moved through his trials and overcome their obstacles. In our next episode, we\u2019ll discuss how\xa0Obi-Wan Kenobi\xa0resolves its character arc for the Jedi Master in Part VI, as well as how that arc plays forward into the ultimate culmination of his Hero\u2019s Journey in\xa0A New Hope\xa0and the Original Trilogy.

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