Could Qui-Gon Jinn Save Anakin From The Darkside?

As I only recently dove into Star Wars this year after nudging from my close friends (Mav, Pong Soul, 3Bit, and a couple of others), many things have crossed my mind. I watched the first two trilogies in a day and a half. Now I knew of Star Wars and some of the lore before I dove in, but multiple questions always stuck with me after watching. One of those questions was what if Qui-Gon Jinn had survived the Phantom Menace, could he have saved Anakin Skywalker from the Darkside? So let’s get into this what if!

Qui-Gon’s Philosophy and Connection to the Living Force

In my experience with Star Wars, Qui-Gon Jinn seemed to have a unique view of the Force compared to the other Jedi. He seemed deeply connected to the Living Force, which emphasized intuition, compassion, and the present moment rather than strict adherence to rules and prophecy. This approach might have resonated more with Anakin, who struggled under the rigid structure of Obi-Wan Kenobi and the Jedi Council.

Qui-Gon Jinn was a mentor who believed in nurturing potential rather than suppressing emotion as the council would have wanted. He truly understood Anakin’s emotional attachments to things. In turn, he might have been able to help guide him to manage those feelings more healthily rather than forcing him to suppress them, as the Jedi Order did. And we see how that eventually turned out.

Defiance of the Jedi Council

Qui-Gon Jinn was known for being independent and willing to challenge the Jedi Council’s Decision. When I think about this, it reminds me of how I always enjoyed playing my Commander Shepard in Mass Effect, regarding the council in that game. You can see he had already defied them when he brought in Anakin, insisting he was the chosen one, and should receive training. If he had lived, Qui-Gon Jinn might have been able to shield Anakin from the harsh expectations of the Council.

This could have provided a more balanced and understanding mentorship which would have been beneficial. I feel a big mistake the Jedi Council made was their rigid stance and distrust of Anakin. This allowed seeds of doubt and resentment to be placed within him. Qui-Gon’s Jinn’s willingness to break with tradition could have created a safer environment for Anakin to grow, thus reducing Palpatine’s influence.

Opposition to Palpatine’s Influence

Qui-Gon Jinn’s character was wise and intuitive. There is a chance that he might have been able to see through Palpatine’s manipulation sooner than the others. It seemed that Qui-Gon Jinn had a deeper understanding of the darker aspects of the Force. Some could say this was evidenced by his discovery of the “Force ghosts.” This could have made Qui-Gonn more vigilant against the Sith’s deception.

It seemed that Anakins’s attachment to Palpatine grew partly because, after Qui-Gon Jinn’s death, he lacked a strong, understanding father figure. This could have been subverted if Qui-Gon had survived. He had Obi-Wan Kenobi, who was a very loyal friend. However, the bond between them seemed more like Obi-Wan was an older brother to me. Qui-Gon’s paternal guidance could have counteracted Palpatine’s influence.

Anakin’s Need for a Different Kind of Guidance

To me, it was clear that Anakin Skywalker needed a mentor who understood his unique circumstances. Anakin was a former slave who had deep fears of loss and abandonment. He suffered multiple losses that I felt helped change and push him in the “wrong” direction. Qui-Gon Jinn’s compassionate approach might have been exactly what Anakin needed to confront these fears rather than succumb to them.

Qui-Gon would have been able to help Anakin with his emotions. He would likely have acknowledged Anakin’s attachments rather than demand he sever them completely. Which, the council wanted the latter. This could have prevented Anakin’s secretive and destructive relationship with Padme from spiraling out of control. Who knows, maybe Padme would have survived as well in the end.

The Likely Outcome

While there’s no guarantee, it’s highly probable that if Qui-Gon had lived:

• Anakin’s fall to the dark side would have been far less likely.
• The Jedi Order might have evolved, influenced by someone like Qui-Gon Jinn and his alternative teachings.
• Palpatine’s plans could have been exposed earlier, or at least disrupted.

I believe that if Qui-Gon had survived, Anakin would likely have been saved from the “Darkside,” and the council would have survived in the end.

Final Thoughts: The Mentor Anakin Needed

The way I see it is that in many ways, Qui-Gon Jinn was the ideal mentor for Anakin Skywalker. Qui-Gon had many qualities I believe would have helped Anakin. He had the wisdom, compassion, and willingness to challenge orthodoxy that could have provided a counterbalance to Anakin’s fears and insecurities. To me, the Jedi Council’s rigid dogma and Obi-Wan’s inexperience as a teacher left Anakin very vulnerable.

I truly believe Qui-Gon Jinn’s presence might have been the key to keeping the Chosen One on the path of light. The tragic irony of The Phantom Menace is that Qui-Gon’s death set in motion the very events he foresaw and feared. Let me know what you think. What if Qui-Gon Jinn survived could he have saved Anakin?