Obi-Wan Kenobi is one of the most beloved characters in the Star Wars universe. Played by Ewan McGregor and Alec Guinness in the films, Obi-Wan serves as a mentor to Anakin Skywalker and later Luke Skywalker. He is known for his wisdom, skills with a lightsaber, and commitment to the Jedi Order. However, when it comes to romance, Obi-Wan’s story is not as clear. Throughout the films and other Star Wars media, there are hints and implications about Obi-Wan’s love life, or lack thereof. In examining his relationships and the Jedi code, we can analyze the question: does Obi-Wan have a canonical love interest?
The Jedi Code and Attachment
To understand Obi-Wan’s perspective on romantic attachments, it is important to consider the Jedi code. When Anakin Skywalker was first introduced to the Jedi Council as a boy, Yoda expressed his concerns about Anakin being too old for training, as the Jedi discourage taking on students who have formed strong attachments earlier in life.
The Jedi strive for emotional detachment, which includes abstaining from romantic relationships. As Yoda says, “Attachment leads to jealousy. The shadow of greed, that is.” The Jedi view attachment, including romantic love, as dangerous because it can lead to strong emotions like fear, anger, and possession – paths towards the dark side.
As a dedicated member of the Jedi Council, Obi-Wan worked hard to abide by the code and resist temptations of attachment. In Episode II, Anakin confesses his secret marriage to Padme to Obi-Wan, who reminds him “You swore an oath to the Jedi order, Anakin.” Obi-Wan often lectured Anakin about letting go of his strong attachments to those he loved, so it is unlikely Obi-Wan would be a hypocrite by forming his own attachments.
Satine Kryze
One of the only potential love interests for Obi-Wan that is explored in Star Wars canon is Duchess Satine Kryze of Mandalore. In the animated Clone Wars series, it is revealed that Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon Jinn had a mission protecting Satine as young adults. During this year-long mission, Obi-Wan and Satine forged a close bond and it is implied they had romantic feelings for each other.
When they meet again in the Clone Wars, their old feelings resurface. In the episode “Voyage of Temptation” Satine says, “Had you said the word, I would have left Mandalore behind.” And Obi-Wan admits to loving her, but puts his Jedi duties above all else.
So while Satine and Obi-Wan clearly cared for each other, Obi-Wan never officially took her as a love interest due to his commitment to the Jedi code. Their relationship shows Obi-Wan’s resolve in following the code despite romantic temptation.
Duchess Satine’s Death
In the later Clone Wars episode “The Lawless”, Satine is murdered in front of Obi-Wan by Darth Maul. Her last words to Obi-Wan are “I’ve always loved you” and Obi-Wan is seen shedding a tear, showing the grief of losing someone he also loved. However, he internalizes his pain and does not outwardly react or seek vengeance, sticking to the Jedi tenants of restraint and acceptance.
While Satine’s death is tragic, Obi-Wan stays true to the Jedi path rather than giving in to anger or revenge. He does not compromise his code, but her death still marks the loss of the one person we see Obi-Wan share romantic feelings for.
Obi-Wan’s Life of Solitude
After Satine’s death and the fall of Anakin to the dark side, Obi-Wan experienced immense personal loss. He chose a life of solitude on Tatooine watching over young Luke Skywalker. Obi-Wan’s self-imposed isolation could indicate he had no interest in finding love again after losing Satine. His sole devotion became protecting Luke to one day bring back the Jedi.
Even when meeting Luke years later, Obi-Wan never mentions having any other romances, children, or close companions. His sole focus is readying Luke for his Jedi path. So in his later years, Obi-Wan seems to lead an ascetic lifestyle in line with Jedi principles, devoid of attachments like romantic love.
The Jedi Path
In the end, while Obi-Wan faced temptation, his commitment to the Jedi code overpowered any desires for romance. The Jedi forbid attachment and possession, and Obi-Wan proved himself a devoted follower of these guidelines in the Order. He turned away from romantic love and instead focused on selfless service to the Force and his duties as a Jedi Master.
Obi-Wan valued his Jedi vows above all else, so while he may have had feelings for Satine, he did not ultimately choose to take her, or any other lover, while serving as a Jedi. His path required constant emotional detachment for the sake of a greater purpose. So in obeying the Jedi code, Obi-Wan sacrificed romantic attachments – a choice defining his character and legacy.
Conclusion
In examining Obi-Wan Kenobi’s relationships and commitments over the course of the Star Wars saga, the evidence points to him not taking an actual love interest, despite temptations like Duchess Satine. His devotion to the Jedi Order and its code against attachment prevented him from pursuing romance, even in the face of personal tragedies later in life. Obi-Wan stayed true to the Jedi path of detachment, service, and duty above all else. His solitary life and lack of any mentioned love interests or companions make it highly unlikely that there is a canonical romantic partner for Obi-Wan in the Star Wars universe. His life serves as an embodiment of the Jedi ideals of forgoing emotional entanglements like romantic love.