Qui-Gon Jinn |
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Qui-Gon Jinn (92 BBY - 32 BBY) was a Jedi Master and Master of Obi-Wan Kenobi in the fictional Star Wars universe. Qui-Gon is played by Liam Neeson in The Phantom Menace.
He is a major character in The Phantom Menace, where he and his apprentice Obi-Wan are sent to Naboo to broker a resolution in a dispute between that planet and the Trade Federation. After rescuing Queen Amidala and escaping to Tatooine, they meet Anakin Skywalker, at the time a young slave boy with an extraordinary talent for pod racing that Qui-Gon discovers is due to his alignment with the Force.
Qui-Gon is known as a rebel amongst the Jedi order (at the end of the Phantom Menace Yoda tells Obi-Wan Kenobi "Qui-Gon's defiance I sense in you") probably due to influence from his former master, Count Dooku. It is suggested in the Phantom Menace by Obi-Wan that Qui-Gon could be a member of the Jedi Council if he was to heed the advice of the Council.
George Lucas uses Qui-Gon's revered wisdom to introduce many important concepts to the Star Wars Universe in the Phantom Menace including Midi-chlorians, the Prophecy and the Living Force.
The Living Force
One powerful force power is the ability to sense the future. Darth Sidious seems to be the most accurate with this ability, but Yoda is also able to use it. Qui-Gon encourages Obi-Wan to concentrate on the moment (the Living Force) rather than contemplating the future (the Unifying Force). In the Star Wars storyline, there is an everpresent conflict between present and future (the Republic Senate has been bogged down in procedure, so that they are incapable of reacting once they realize that they are being manipulated into raising Palpatine to the position of Chancellor).
Furthermore Qui-Gon's emphasis on the Living Force apparently also enables him to preserve his identity when he becomes one with the Force, an ability that the Jedi once had, but apparently lost.
Glimpse of Defiance
Qui-Gon's character illustrates that within the Jedi order there is defiance, impatience and rebellion. This will help lead the audience to Anakin's betrayal of the light in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.
After Skywalker uses his talents to win a pod race, and thus his freedom and the parts necessary to continue to Coruscant, after political maneuverings there the party returns to Naboo to battle the Trade Federation and the mysterious Darth Maul. Qui-Gon is fatally injured in a duel with Darth Maul, and as he dies he makes Obi-Wan promise to train Anakin in the ways of the Jedi.
Influence
Although by the time of the Clone Wars he has been dead for over a decade, Qui-Gon is not forgotten, particularly by those who were close to him. In particular, Count Dooku uses Obi-Wan's memories of Qui-Gon in an attempt to gain the young Jedi's assistance to "destroy the Sith" and his spirit - now one with the Force - tries unsuccessfully to communicate with Anakin when the latter goes on an anger-fueled rampage intent on killing the Tusken Raiders responsible for his mother's death. Later at the end of Revenge of the Sith, both Yoda and Obi-Wan apprentice themselves during their exile to Qui-Gon's spirit in order to learn the secret of preserving their identities after becoming one with the Force.
Abilities
The philosophical warrior Qui-Gon Jinn possessed knowledge of the architecture and engineering of various space transports and large capital vessels. He was also a master of disguises, having worn a moisture farmer's poncho to blend with the Mos Espa locals. Venerable Qui-Gon brandished his lightsaber with consummate grace (apparent in his Form IV mastery: see seven forms of lightsaber combat), often having sparred with Master Windu.
In Episode III, his voice attends to Master Yoda saying that there is a way to retain one's identity after death using the force. Yoda then declares himself Qui-Gon's apprentice.
Personality and Appearance
The headstrong sixty-year old Qui-Gon possessed a penetrating gaze and craggy features. A noble Jedi Master, he also had a compassionate nature as well as great understanding.
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