Why Did Obi-Wan Send Ezra Away on Tatooine?

Introduction

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Star Wars prequels and sequels is the complex web of characters and their interactions. A common question among fans revolves around why Obi-Wan Kenobi sent Ezra Bridger away from the Tusken Raider village on Tatooine, instead of training him as a Jedi like he did with Luke Skywalker. In this article, we explore both the out-of-universe and in-universe reasons behind this decision, focusing on the strategic and practical implications of Obi-Wan's actions.

Out-of-Universe Reason: Respect for Established Canon

Respecting the Established Canon: In the world of movies and media, certain unbreakable rules and established canons exist. One such rule is the famous line, "Han shot first" directed at George Lucas. Outside of this, any deviations from the official stories risk fan backlash and undermine the carefully crafted narratives of the Star Wars universe.

In-Universe Reason: Strategies for Focused Training

Uncertainty about Luke's Commitment: Obi-Wan had grave doubts about Luke's true interest in becoming a Jedi. He observed that Luke had another significant responsibility, which was to manage the farm on Tatooine. Obi-Wan was never confident that Luke would commit fully to his Jedi training. Therefore, he prioritized caution in his approach to training Luke, opting to wait for the right moment when Luke's resolve was solidified.

Practical Considerations for Training

Padawan Limitations: Jedi tradition mandates that a Jedi Master can only have one Padawan at a time. This unwritten rule is designed to ensure that the apprentice receives the entirety of the Master's attention and training. Obi-Wan was aware of this rule and adhered to it. Snatching another Padawan, like Ezra, would have been a potential violation of this principle.

The Role of Ezra Bridger

Strategic Placement of Ezra: Ezra, having a Master, a family, and a known connection to Darth Maul, posed several challenges. Training Ezra would have drawn attention to him and potentially put him and his loved ones in danger. Obi-Wan considered Ezra's safety paramount and opted to place him in a position where he could be better secured and supported, away from the dangers of conflict and the Jedi Order.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Obi-Wan's decision to send Ezra away from Tatooine was a combination of respecting the established canon and making strategic choices that safeguarded the future of the Jedi. While it may seem puzzling, his actions were driven by a desire to ensure the survival and success of the Jedi Order. By focusing on Luke initially and strategically placing Ezra, Obi-Wan displayed a keen understanding of the complexities involved in preserving the Jedi heritage.