Obi-Wan's Unseen Struggles: Discovering Anakin’s Turbulent Past

In the sequels and the subsequent storytelling of the Star Wars universe, many plot threads remain either underdeveloped or left unexplored. One particularly intriguing scenario involves the discovery by Obi-Wan Kenobi of Anakin Skywalker's involvement with the Tusken Raiders. While not explicitly detailed in the official canon, exploring how Obi-Wan might have reacted to this revelation provides valuable insights into the emotional depth and complex character arcs of these pivotal figures.

Background and Context

Through several novels and background materials, fans gain glimpses into the history and motivations of the Tusken Raiders and Obi-Wan Kenobi. In the novel Kenobi, it is revealed that Obi-Wan helped settle a dispute between local farmers and A’Yark, a Tusken leader. During this encounter, A’Yark shared a somber and shocking revelation: the Tusken community had suffered a massacre over three cycles earlier, resulting in the loss of many mighty warriors and civilians. Obi-Wan initially assumed that a beast was responsible but was struck by A’Yark's claim that the monster walked on two legs, indicating human involvement.

Continuing this journey, in the novel The Life and Legend of Obi-Wan Kenobi, Obi-Wan revisits the site of this massacre. Upon closer inspection, he discovers rib bones splattered with blood and rawhide strips used to secure a human captive's arms. This evidence led to an inescapable realization: Anakin's mother had met her tragic end at the hands of Tauntaun hunters, which could have been the same beings that killed the Tuskens.

Obi-Wan's Reaction to Anakin's Brutality

Given the inhumane nature of the events revealed, one might assume that such knowledge would severely undermine Obi-Wan's opinion of Anakin. However, the prequel trilogy's narrative structure and the lack of emotional depth in their portrayal of the characters make this scenario somewhat complex.

While the prequel trilogy offers ample evidence of Anakin's descent, such as his actions at the Siege of Siri and the killing of younglings, his involvement with the Tusken Raiders is not directly addressed. Obi-Wan, who has already witnessed Anakin's darker side, would likely struggle with conflicting emotions. The idea of his protégé being capable of such inhuman acts could serve to further alienate him and exacerbate the already fragile relationship between the two.

Lack of Depth and Character Development

The prequel trilogy's omission of detailed character development and the graphical portrayal of Anakin's fall from grace creates a sense of superficiality. For instance, the scene where Anakin is denied master rank and turns to Palpatine appears rushed and incomplete. This is partly due to the necessity of keeping the truth hidden from much of the galaxy to maintain the narrative's overall coherence.

Even so, the emotional and psychological journey of Obi-Wan and Anakin should have been far more nuanced. If Obi-Wan had found out about the Tusken massacre, it could have provided an additional layer of complexity. For example, Obi-Wan's conflict between his expectations of Anakin and the harsh reality of his actions might have reached a boiling point, leading to a more significant character arc.

Potential Consequences and Character Dynamics

The discovery of Anakin's involvement could have led to a deeper exploration of Obi-Wan's trust in his former student. Obi-Wan's evaluation of Anakin at the end of Attack of the Clones, suggesting that he needs to control his emotions more, might have been influenced by this revelation. This would have provided a richer narrative, where the relationship between Obi-Wan and Anakin is not just mentor and student but also brothers in a shared struggle against the dark side.

Moreover, the inclusion of more backstory and interactions, such as Anakin's growing frustration and Palpatine's manipulation, could have added a more realistic and compelling arc. This could also have tied more directly into the events leading up to the attack on the Jedi Temple, painting a more complex picture of Anakin's descent and the forces that pushed him towards the dark side.

Conclusion

The prequel trilogy's focus on action sequences and heroic deeds often overshadows the underlying emotional and psychological struggles of its characters. By exploring what might have happened if Obi-Wan had known about Anakin's involvement in the Tusken massacre, we can gain a more profound understanding of the complex relationships and character development that defined the Star Wars universe. This hypothetical scenario not only enhances our appreciation of the characters but also enriches the overall narrative, making it more relatable and emotionally resonant.