What if Qui-Gon Jinn Survived and Trained Anakin?
Introduction
What if the star of Star Wars had a different fate? This is a speculative exploration of the Star Wars universe, imagining a scenario where Qui-Gon Jinn survived and trained Anakin Skywalker. This alternative universe could have drastically altered the course of the Clone Wars, the rise of Darth Sidious, and the fate of the Jedi Order.
The Potential Impact on Anakin's Path
One of the greatest concerns with Anakin’s journey into the dark side is his belief influenced by Darth Sidious. If Qui-Gon had been present, his guidance and teachings could have instilled a deeper understanding of the Living Force, potentially preventing Anakin from sliding towards the dark side. His dreams of Padme's death, which were heavily manipulated by Sidious, could have been less impactful if he had a mentor who was firmly rooted in the light side of the Force.
Training and Prophecy Fulfillment
As George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, notes, Qui-Gon would have properly trained Anakin, instilling in him the principles of the Living Force. This would not only have grounded Anakin in the light side but also protected him from Palpatine's manipulations. Qui-Gon Jinn would have kept Anakin away from Palpatine and busy with Jedi missions, ensuring he stayed focused on his duties and became more adept in the Force.
Option One: The Jedi Were Always Doomed
In the first scenario, the Jedi Order was destined to fail despite Qui-Gon’s presence. He takes Anakin to be trained as a Wayseeker while the Jedi continue their war. Anakin returns from his training, kills Darth Tyranus, and then takes out Darth Sidious. Eventually, he rebuilds the Order from the ruins of the old one.
Option Two: The Jedi Were Salvageable
The second option suggests that the Jedi were still salvageable. Anakin and Qui-Gon uncover the Kamino plot, track it back to Count Dooku, and dismantle the Confederacy of Independent Systems (CIS). They return to the Core Worlds and expose the Jedi's missteps, guiding them back to the light. Together, they face and defeat Darth Sidious, freeing the galaxy from his tyranny.
Option Three: The Celestial Father and a New Era
In the third scenario, Qui-Gon and Anakin finally encounter the Celestial Father. This divine being recognizes Anakin's potential and anoints him as the most powerful Force user in the cosmos. Anakin returns to Coruscant, unbound by past grievances, and confronts Sidious with the same ease one would a toddler. This new era marks the beginning of a Jedi renaissance, where the old Order is left in the dust, and a new, more enlightened one rises.
Conclusion
While we can only speculate, the scenarios presented here offer a fascinating glimpse into the potential ramifications of Qui-Gon’s survival. Each path paints a different picture, but ultimately, the survival and training of Anakin under Qui-Gon’s mentorship could have created a vastly different Star Wars saga.