Anakin’s Potential Under Qui-Gon Jinn: A Reimagination of the Force

Imagine a different path for Anakin Skywalker. How would his training have been different had he been trained by Qui-Gon Jinn instead of Obi-Wan and later by Count Dooku? In this hypothetical scenario, we explore the potential outcomes and the transformation Anakin might have undergone.

Emotional and Intuitive Training

Under the tutelage of Qui-Gon Jinn, Anakin’s training would have emphasized a more intuitive and unorthodox approach to the Force. This mentor would have valued Anakin’s instincts and emotions more than the rigid Jedi code. Qui-Gon’s teaching philosophy might have instilled in Anakin a sense of independence and a lesser conflict with the Jedi Order.

The Ideal Mentor

Some argue that Anakin needed a more balanced approach to his training. Obi-Wan and Count Dooku, while excellent mentors in their own right, brought different challenges. Obi-Wan was a great teacher but might have found it challenging to provide the fatherly guidance Anakin needed. Count Dooku, a Sith, posed a significant risk of pulling Anakin to the dark side.

Attitude Towards the Jedi Order

The Jedi Order, after millennia of cultivating themselves under the authority of the Republic, began to distance their views and connection to the Force. They structured themselves to appease the Republic even when it was corrupt and immoral. Anakin, with the awareness of their compromises and the growing corruption around him, began to lose faith in the Jedi Order.

Strengths in Unbalanced Training

Although Qui-Gon never took sides and focused on the ‘living Force,’ he championed a philosophy that often led to rebelling against the very institution that pretended to be the mouthpiece of the Force. This approach might have given Anakin a more grounded and balanced perspective, preventing him from being swayed too heavily by either the Jedi Order or the Sith.

The Need for a Father Figure

Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon provided a sibling-like bond for Anakin, fostering mutual love and respect. However, what Anakin truly needed was a father figure – someone to guide, mentor, and keep him disciplined in both behavior and the Force. Someone to direct him in the appropriate use of his unprecedented power and anger, rather than merely suppressing them.

Unfortunately, Anakin found his father figure in Palpatine, a character that led him to a dark path. Had Qui-Gon been Anakin’s primary mentor, he could have played this crucial role. Instead, he would have helped Anakin become the greatest he could be while avoiding the dogmatic views of the Jedi Order.

The Conclusion

Ultimately, Qui-Gon Jinn could have provided the perfect balance for an Anakin Skywalker who needed both emotional intelligence and disciplined guidance. By fostering a deeper connection to the Force through intuitive training, and by instilling a sense of independence and purpose, Qui-Gon might have altered Anakin’s path in ways that led to a better, more complex character development.